mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Remembering Alice Sanger and Flag Day (Executive Session)
Todd Young (Republican, IN) \u2014 2023-6-14

I often speak of Hoosiers whose service, patriotism, and sacrifice capture the spirit we celebrate on civic holidays. For Flag Day, however, I rise to share the story of a Hoosier who didn't merely embody the occasion. She helped establish it, and she made history too. prgtoken Alice Sanger played such an important part in Benjamin on's Presidential campaign in 1888 as a stenographer that he made her an important part of his Presidential staff. So Alice left her home in Indianapolis for Washington, DC, to become the first woman ever to serve on a President's staff. prgtoken This historic distinction doesn't quite capture the breadth of Alice's service to the President and to our Nation. Neither did her title of ``clerk'' or contemporary reporters' descriptions of her, which often dwelled on her looks and her clothes. prgtoken So let me share with you what this clerk did in the White House. It is quite remarkable. prgtoken A renaissance woman who was skilled with a paintbrush and had an ear for music, Alice could take dictation at 200 words a minute without a single misspelling. prgtoken She had a discretion seldom seen in Washington--now or then--and she was known as a ``jewel of secrecy'' in the White House. prgtoken Not only did she type President on's annual address to Congress, she was given sole responsibility of safekeeping it until it was sent here to the Capitol. prgtoken She personally read through all of the President's and First Lady Caroline on's correspondence, and she answered much of it in her own hand. During the late 19th century, no woman's signature was better known in America than Alice's. prgtoken In 1893, after losing his bid for reelection, on left the White House but Alice remained. You see, she was so essential to the executive branch's function that the new President, Grover Cleveland, from a different political party, asked her to stay on. prgtoken In 1894, she moved to the Post Office Department, which was then a significant Cabinet-level Agency. She was no less indispensable in that capacity. For decades, she managed budgets and advertising. She kept track of regulations and postal laws, and she assembled the 700-page directive that guided the operations of every post office in America. prgtoken She was a masterful organizer. She planned war bond drives, donations to the Red Cross, and holiday celebrations, including the one we mark today. prgtoken Now, the idea of commemorating the day in 1777 when the Continental Congress created our national banner was not her own. Celebrations of the American flag were staged periodically around the country, dating back to the 1860s. But in 1908, Alice, as part of her responsibilities at the post office, planned and staged a grand celebration for Flag Day. prgtoken The sound of bands and distinguished speakers lifted out of the Old Post Office building's courtyard, where a giant American flag hung. In the years th
Broadband (Executive Calendar)
Roger Marshall (Republican, KS) \u2014 2023-6-14

for the past 6 years, my staff, my family, and I have traveled to every corner of the State. We have crisscrossed it multiple times. We have been in every county in Kansas multiple times--town halls and roundtables and listening sessions. In fact, just last week--the last week we were on break--we probably made a dozen stops. At every one of those stops, at every one of those roundtables, I can guarantee you the subject of high-speed internet came up. prgtoken Together, we built solutions to address the challenges our rural areas are facing. Together, we built hospitals, municipal water facilities, grocery stores, and critical infrastructure in our State's communities. But despite all of these achievements, many Kansans agree that one job is still not finished, and that is the crucial task of building out high-speed broadband connectivity to every part of the State. prgtoken Nothing highlighted the inadequate infrastructure for high-speed broadband across Kansas more than the COVID-19 lockdowns. Our schools and businesses across the State were shut down. Hundreds of thousands of Kansans were sent home to do their jobs and schoolwork. A lackluster internet connection impacted children's education across the State and many families' ability to keep up with remote work. prgtoken Rural broadband's impacts go far beyond the classroom for our Kansas communities. In today's quickly evolving cyber world, adequate internet connection is a necessity, not just a luxury. Doctors at my alma mater, KU Med Center in Wichita, are trying to offer clinical trials to rural Kansan participants through secure video checkups. Having a premier healthcare virtual consultation option in communities where there is a shortage of access to quality care can save the patient hours of driving and, in many cases, save their lives. prgtoken In addition to healthcare benefits, having high-speed internet brings our farming techniques into the 21st century. In rural areas, the capability of using the best technology available in farming practices depends on a reliable internet connection. Precision agriculture internet apps allow farmers to monitor conditions--hour by hour, second by second--more effectively in the field, and they can track crop yields and feed the world, producing more food with less--more food with less water, more food with less fertilizers. prgtoken By utilizing this latest farm equipment, our State's farmers and ranchers are able to leave the land cleaner, healthier, and safer than when we found it. prgtoken , the call for a strong internet connection across Kansas has only grown. That is why I rise prgtoken today to highlight the importance of broadband expansion. prgtoken There is still so much work to be done to get rural America up to speed, and I realize this work will never be done, just like our roads and bridges that were amplified so much in the 1950s and 1960s. We still have to go ba
RECOGNIZING KURT NELSON
Michael K. Simpson (Republican, ID) \u2014 2023-6-14

I am honored today, along with my esteemed colleagues, Senator Mike Crapo and Senator Jim Risch, to recognize the retirement of Kurt Nelson from the U.S. Forest Service. After 45 years of service as a United States Forest Service employee, Kurt retired on June 3, 2023. prgtoken Kurt started his career on June 4, 1978, in the Carson National Forest as a Wildlife Biologist. He was quickly reassigned to the Chugach National Forest as a Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist. In 1985, he was promoted to District Ranger in the Cordova Ranger District until August of 1988, when he accepted the Forest Staff Officer position in the Payette National Forest. In 1994, he joined the Interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management Project as Terrestrial Science Team Co- leader. The ``Columbia Basin'' Project was a monumental project that still impacts how forests and irrigation projects are managed today. prgtoken In 1995, Kurt accepted the Ketchum Ranger District position in the Sawtooth National Forest and since then he has served the community, elected officials, partners, and agencies across the Wood River Valley. Kurt has served as Agency administrator on fires all over the region and has spent countless hours sharing his wealth of knowledge with new employees on fire assignments. prgtoken His knowledge and leadership during fire season was invaluable, most notably for the Castle Rock Fire 2007 (48,000 acres), Beaver Creek Fire 2013 (113,000 acres), and Sharps Fire 2018 (65,000 acres). Each of these three fires were Type 1 long duration fires during peak August visitor seasons, which required up to 2,000 fire personnel and resulted in no serious injuries and only one home lost. There was, however, a severe impact to the local economy and the evacuation of several thousand people. Because of Kurt's excellent leadership, the agency received strong community support throughout the fires' durations and the following debris flows that damaged trails, bridges, and roads. prgtoken Kurt's leadership has also led to outstanding partnerships with the local community, a few of which include the 5BRC Coalition, Wood River Trails Coalition, National Forest Foundation, and Blaine County. Combining public and private support has allowed the Ketchum Ranger District to successfully rebuild over 100 miles of trails, rebuild several miles of road, and relocate roads out of riparian zones prone to washout and flooding. Kurt's assistance in developing these partnerships was instrumental in restoring iconic structures, developing recreational trails, and providing resources to local tribes. prgtoken There are several significant projects in the Wood River Valley area which can be attributed directly to Kurt's leadership and community relationships: the Bald Mountain Stewardship Project, the restoration of the iconic Pioneer Cabin, development of the world renowned Osberg Ridge Trail, and the Adams Gulch adaptive sports trail and trailhead whic
OPPOSING GAS STOVE BANS
Nicholas A. Langworthy (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-6-14

. Madam , when Winter Storm Elliott hit my district in western New York over Christmas, causing blackouts and tragically taking the lives of over 40 people, many of my constituents had to rely on their gas stoves for heating sources. prgtoken Soon, if left unchecked, access to this safe and reliable natural gas energy will be cut off by the administration so that they can make their dreams of implementing the Green New Deal a reality. prgtoken This isn't just an empty threat. Governor Kathy Hochul and New York already passed a statewide ban on natural gas hookups in new residential and commercial buildings. prgtoken Heating bills in New York rose by 30 percent this past winter, and they will continue to climb if we allow the administration to further regulate Americans out of affordable energy. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues in the House and Senate to tell the unelected bureaucrats in the administration that we won't stand idly and silently by while they take away our gas stoves.
STOP ATF'S PISTOL BRACE RULE
Roger Williams (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-6-14

. Madam , I rise today because we are witnessing yet another attack on the Constitution by President . prgtoken As of June 1, due to the reclassification of firearms attached with stabilizing braces, millions of law-abiding Americans are at risk of prosecution by the Federal Government at a time in which trust in the justice system is at an all-time low. prgtoken There is no evidence that this rule would make Americans safer. In fact, it makes it more difficult to obtain a safety attachment, putting more lives at risk. prgtoken Historically, stabilizing braces were designed for disabled veterans, allowing them to safely participate in recreational shooting. prgtoken This is not just a threat to our rights but a direct attack on our veterans, who have selflessly put their lives on the line to protect this great country. prgtoken We have seen time and time again that, first, they come for your guns, and then, they come for everything else. prgtoken I am proud to have cosponsored this legislation to defend our God- given rights. prgtoken Under President , Federal agencies such as the ATF have acted as lawmakers through the introduction of new rules and regulations. prgtoken Madam , it is time to rein in the President and bring lawmaking back to the people's House. I urge all of my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation. The future of America depends on you. prgtoken In God we trust.
HONORING THE LIFE OF PAUL NELSON
Mike Kelly (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-6-14

. Madam , I rise today to honor Mr. Paul Nelson, a longtime Erie, Pennsylvania, businessman who passed away on Sunday, May 21. prgtoken Mr. Nelson was 89 years old, but I don't think you could ever say that Mr. Nelson was old. Oftentimes, people compared him to a cross between Willy Wonka and Peter Pan. Why was that? Well, Mr. Nelson ran Waldameer Park & Water World. prgtoken Mr. Nelson started working there when he was 11 years old. He married the love of his life, Lane, and together, they ran Waldameer. prgtoken You can say many things about Mr. Nelson, but what you can't say is that he ever had a bad day because he never had a bad day. prgtoken I think when we talk about people at their passing, oftentimes, we are very sad, and we say it is horrible that we have lost him. I am different. I am just happy that we had him. prgtoken What if Paul Nelson had never been born? What if Paul Nelson had never been in Erie, Pennsylvania? What if Paul Nelson had never married Lane? What if Paul Nelson had never taken Waldameer and made it an iconic place for people to take their children? prgtoken When he was 83 years old, Madam , I was visiting with Mr. Nelson up at Waldameer, and he goes: Mike, how much time do you have? prgtoken I said: Mr. Nelson, as much time as you need. prgtoken He says: Come with me. prgtoken We went to his office. He looked around to see who else was there and pulled out a set of plans. He unfolded them. prgtoken I said: What are you going to show me? prgtoken He said: This is my 10-year plan for Waldameer Park. prgtoken I said: Mr. Nelson, I don't think you could define optimist other than an 83-year-old man with a 10-year plan. prgtoken His passing, yes, we grieve. We don't want to lose him, but what if we never had him? Where would the tragedy have been? The tragedy would not have been that he was here and died. The tragedy would have been if Mr. Nelson had never lived. prgtoken I think when we go through moments like this and have a chance to reflect on the people who we represent, we understand that we represent more than a person. We represent an attitude. We represent a legacy. We represent people who rely on us to come here and represent them. prgtoken Look, you can't say enough about Mr. Nelson. I told you, he is a cross between Willy Wonka and Peter Pan. I always found him to be so charming. We awarded him as a Community Champion of the district when I was able to see him. prgtoken I think people need to take time every once in a while to look not just at the birth date and passing date but look at the time in between. What did they do with that time? Was it time well spent? At the end of that time, can we look back and smile and say how blessed was I to have had something that made saying good-bye so hard to do? prgtoken This guy was incredible. prgtoken Madam , I will never yield this man's memory and what he did for Erie, Pennsylvania, and for childhood devotees who just couldn't wait to go to Waldam
REGULATIONS FROM THE EXECUTIVE IN NEED OF SCRUTINY ACT OF 2023
Andy Biggs (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2023-6-14

. Mr. Chair, the balance of my time. prgtoken When we start looking at the regulatory environment and you start talking about a trillion dollars' worth of regulation being piled up by the administration, a trillion dollars, you wonder why there is a persistence in inflation. That is one of the reasons. prgtoken I want to talk about something that my colleague said just a moment ago. He said: If you constrain the bureaucracy from making rules, somehow you are thwarting the purpose of government. prgtoken Mr. Chair, let me remind everyone what the purpose of government is. The purpose of government is to protect the rights and liberty of the American citizen. It is when you delegate from this body--who are elected by the people we represent--to executive agencies and you give them carte blanche, which is basically what we do, we rarely even do a CRA, you are undermining that liberty, that freedom. That is one of the most insidious problems of this runaway regulatory bureaucracy that we have today. prgtoken My amendment simply says: If you are going to impact the United States of America's economy by more than $50 million, we, the people's Representatives, should be okaying that regulation that ostensibly is going to be made and produced by people who are experts. prgtoken Well, let the people's Representatives adjudicate through a vote whether we agree with the so-called experts, and then we will be the ones who are held accountable, and we are the ones who should be held accountable. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge everyone to vote for my amendment. .
Congressional Review Act (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2023-6-14

when it comes to what is happening in Washington, DC, it is often the legislation Congress is considering that gets the lion's share of attention, but just as significant are the regulations being put out by the executive branch. Regulations may not seem as significant as legislation, but they can have just as far- reaching an effect as any law and can radically shift Federal policy. prgtoken A look at the Presidential administration's regulations can tell you a lot about that administration's approach to government. Over the past 2-plus years, the administration has built a record of regulation that reflects its big-government, big-spending priorities. prgtoken Take the President's student loan giveaway, which, if the ``forgiveness'' portion is not overturned by the Supreme Court, is set to cost taxpayers nearly $1 trillion over the next decade, or take his overreaching waters of the United States rule, which, if enforced, would give the Federal Government sweeping jurisdiction over most water features on private property, including things like irrigation ditches, ephemeral streams, and even prairie potholes. prgtoken The ability to create regulations gives a Presidential administration a lot of power--and the ability to do a lot of damage. Checks do exist on the regulatory power, however, and one check is provided by the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress to pass resolutions of disapproval that repeal the regulations in question. The President still has to sign the resolution for it to go into effect or else two- thirds majorities in both Houses of Congress have to override his veto. But the tool can be used to check excessive use of regulatory power. prgtoken Senate s have been making regular use of the Congressional Review Act this Congress to attempt to address some egregious administration regulations. We have passed nine now resolutions of disapproval of administration actions so far this year, every single one of which has been bipartisan, which goes to show just how extreme the actions in question are. prgtoken I mentioned Senator Capito's resolution to overturn the administration's waters of the United States rule. It is an -era relic resurrected by the Environmental Protection Agency. As I mentioned, if enforced, this rule would give the Federal Government jurisdiction over a vast number of water features on private property, including things like irrigation ditches and even prairie potholes-- something we are very familiar with in my region of the country. prgtoken Farmers, ranchers, and other private landowners could see parts of their land rendered useless for months while the Federal Government determines what restrictions to impose. Landowners could also be faced with huge compliance costs, and the value of their land could plummet. prgtoken Now, I say ``if enforced.'' While nine in the House and five in the Senate joined Re
REGULATIONS FROM THE EXECUTIVE IN NEED OF SCRUTINY ACT OF 2023
Harriet M. Hageman (Republican, WY) \u2014 2023-6-14

. Again, Madam Chair, I am going to say I think that this is clearly an effort to abdicate our responsibilities to legislate. prgtoken As far as protecting our air and water, I point out that the EPA is responsible for one of the worst environmental disasters in the history of the United States of America when it blew out the Gold King Mine and turned the Animus River yellow several years ago in southwestern Colorado. prgtoken So while they want to turn over the responsibility of governing in this country to unelected bureaucrats in agencies that cause those kinds of disasters, I am unwilling to do so. I believe that this body ought to be accountable to the people and in making the decisions that have an economic impact of $100 million on their lives. prgtoken Madam Chair, .
BIDEN WANTS TO REGULATE YOUR KITCHEN
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2023-6-14

. Madam , and liberal are trying to ban gas cooking appliances as part of their Green New Deal. prgtoken This subverts legitimate environmental concerns by giving up all your money by way of taxes and all of your freedom with the promise that there will be catastrophe avoided in 50 years, but actually it would be dependency on China. prgtoken This manufactured mandate would negatively affect 40 percent of American families. High electricity bills, and costly new appliances would force 187 million Americans to switch from gas to electricity as families would spend an extra 23 hours a year waiting for water to boil, lose $1,000 annually, and emit over 22 percent more carbon dioxide. prgtoken House s are promoting families by introducing Congresswoman Debbie Lesko's-led Save Our Gas Stoves Act and Congressman Kelly Armstrong's-led Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act. prgtoken Happy birthday, U.S. Army. Happy birthday, . prgtoken In conclusion, God bless our troops, who successfully protected America for 20 years as the global war on terrorism continues moving from the Afghanistan safe haven to America with open borders by President .
Nominations (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-6-14

the administration has been sending the Senate a dizzying list of radical and unqualified nominees to both the executive branch and the Federal bench. In several cases, the President's picks have been so far outside the mainstream that this Chamber's ic majority hasn't even been willing to confirm them. prgtoken Right now, our ic colleagues are struggling to convince one another to confirm a State employment commissioner who was responsible for tens of billions of dollars in fraudulent unemployment insurance payments, and this nominee has been recommended by the administration for Secretary of Labor. They have had a hard time agreeing to give a lifetime judgeship to a self-described ``wild-eyed leftist'' who likened hate for conservative Americans to ``righteous indignation'' and ``moral clarity.'' prgtoken All the while, the docket of downright radical nominees continues to fill. This week, the ic leader will file cloture on two new nominations to the Federal bench. First, Nusrat Choudhury is President 's latest pick to join the Eastern District of New York. This nominee has made statements ranging from reckless suggestions that crimes like theft do not threaten public safety to false and inflammatory assertions that police kill Black men ``every day'' in America. Unsurprisingly, these statements have drawn the ire and opposition of law enforcement groups across our country. prgtoken And second, Julie Rikelman is nominated to the First Circuit Court of Appeals. Ms. Rikelman has described efforts to limit abortion as a ``vicious assault'' by ``hostile politicians'' and has even objected to restrictions on reprehensible practices like sex-selection abortions. prgtoken So, , these are the nominees of a President who promised to unify our country. I would urge my colleagues to join me in rejecting each of them.