mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECRUIT AND RETAIN ACT
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2024-5-21

. Madam , I rise to speak in support of S. 546, the ``Recruit and Retain Act''. prgtoken As a member of the Law Enforcement Caucus and the Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Surveillance, I am pleased to support this bill. prgtoken This legislation will help law enforcement agencies in tangible ways by providing them with tools to help address the high rates of attrition that have plagued these agencies for years. prgtoken Our Nation's law enforcement agencies are facing an unprecedented staffing crisis. prgtoken Hiring efforts have been unable to keep pace with the high rates of attrition that we are seeing in police departments from coast to coast, and everywhere in between. prgtoken According to a report last year by the Bureau of Justice Assistance and the Office of Community Oriented Policing, factors such as community frustration with the policing profession, and concerns about officer safety and well-being, have contributed to this staffing crisis. prgtoken It is unsurprising, then, that a 2023 survey of police departments showed resignations continuing to increase every year since 2019, with responding agencies reporting nearly 50 percent more resignations in 2022 than in 2019. prgtoken In my district in Houston, Texas, the problem goes back even further. prgtoken We recently learned that staffing shortages resulted in over 264,000 cases--including 4,000 sexual assault cases--were never submitted for investigation, due to staffing shortages. prgtoken We cannot allow this to continue. prgtoken Our communities deserve more. prgtoken Victims deserve more. prgtoken The Recruit and Retain Act will attempt to remedy this problem by authorizing law enforcement agencies to use COPS grants to reduce the numerous fees that law enforcement applicants must pay. prgtoken We will not get qualified men and women in uniform if they cannot afford to even apply to a police department. prgtoken The Recruit and Retain Act also will encourage voluntary partnerships between agencies and local elementary schools, secondary schools, and institutions of higher learning, including historically black colleges and universities, for students interested in careers in law enforcement. prgtoken Partnership activities will include dedicated programming for students; work-based learning opportunities; mentoring; community liaisons; career and jobs fairs; job shadowing; and internships. prgtoken These activities will help law enforcement agencies recruit talented applicants who reflect and respect the communities they serve. prgtoken This, in turn, will help earn back the trust of those communities-- making all of us safer. prgtoken I would prefer for this bill to include the minimum qualification and training standards that the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act would require. prgtoken I also think we must do more to address the mental health challenges that officers inevitably face, due to the harrowing nature of their w
DIGITAL ASSETS MARKET
Wiley Nickel (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2024-5-21

I rise in support of the Financial Innovation prgtoken and Technology for the 21st Century Act, or FIT21. prgtoken I am proud to have played a critical role in crafting this bipartisan legislation. As a member of the House Financial Services Committee, I worked with my fellow North Carolinian and Chairman Patrick McHenry and Digital Assets Subcommittee Chairman French Hill, to ensure this bill brings regulatory clarity to the digital assets market while protecting consumers, promoting innovation, and advancing U.S. national security. prgtoken The FIT for the 21st Century Act represents a bipartisan effort to regulate centralized intermediaries in the digital assets markets, prevent the next FTX, safeguard consumers, cement the U.S. as a global leader in finance and technology and promote a secure, innovative, and inclusive financial future. prgtoken This commonsense legislation is designed to stop another FTX from happening by giving regulators increased power over bad actors, filling regulatory gaps between the SEC Commission and CFTC, creating accountability through registration and disclosures, requiring companies to mitigate conflicts of interest, and requiring firms to segregate customer funds from their own. prgtoken This legislation provides the CFTC with the resources they requested to undertake the new rulemaking required by FIT21 and authorizes the CFTC to charge fees to intermediaries seeking to register. prgtoken This would be a big deal for the United States. Congress has never voted on a regulatory structure for crypto. In fact, we are operating under a 100-year-old securities law. We are the global leader in financial services and technology today. If we want to be the global leader in 50 years, then we need to pass the FIT for the 21st Century Act. prgtoken The legislation will allow the digital asset ecosystem to thrive in the United States, cementing American leadership of the global financial system and the next generation of the internet. Without this, the SEC's regulation by enforcement will push the industry overseas where Americans are not protected. prgtoken Additionally, I am proud to have secured an amendment to this legislation during the markup, supported by leaders in both parties on the Financial Services Committee, expressing the sense of Congress that the U.S. should seek to foster advances in this exciting new era of the internet to improve our financial system and create more fair and equitable access to Financial Services for everyday Americans. prgtoken Much like the dawn of the internet, this new blockchain technology sometimes feels like uncharted territory with immense possibilities. We are responsible for ushering in this new era in a way that harnesses innovation and ensures consumers are at the forefront. prgtoken Digital assets and blockchain technology have the potential to revolutionize our society. They can grow the economy, foster collaboration, enhance transparency
COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2024
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2024-5-21

I rise today in support of the brave and selfless members of our nation's Coast Guard. I also rise to urge my colleagues to join me in working to develop America's maritime and shipbuilding workforce to meet the growing demand of the offshore wind industry. prgtoken I am concerned that the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act, which is a critical piece of legislation, includes language that would be detrimental to the budding domestic offshore wind industry. If enacted without changes, this bill would significantly slow our transition to clean, renewable, and domestic energy. We have seen this worrisome provision before. Numerous stakeholders, then and now, have expressed concern that crewing requirements on globally rare vessels that are already in high demand would make it all but impossible for offshore wind projects to move forward in the near term. prgtoken While I certainly share the goal of expanding opportunities for American mariners in offshore wind farm construction, this jeopardizes jobs in offshore wind manufacturing as well as jobs that will last decades in offshore wind turbine operations and maintenance. While I plan to vote for this legislation due to the important work of our nation's Coast Guard, I urge my colleagues to work together and remove this shortsighted provision. prgtoken Last spring, in the interest of finding a path to empower American workers without threatening progress in the near term, I introduced the Offshore Wind American Manufacturing Act. This Act requires the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study to inform public and private investment in shipbuilding and workforce training to support the Administration's goal of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2030. The study would also identify ways that current policies could be strengthened to support prgtoken American workers, including new opportunities for American mariners interested in installing offshore wind on the outer continental shelf. prgtoken This study is a pragmatic approach that balances our responsibility to reduce emissions and support American workers and mariners. Thanks to momentum generated by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, offshore wind has the potential to catalyze major investments in American manufacturing and shipbuilding. By studying opportunities to maximize the role of American mariners and shipbuilders in meeting these goals, we ensure that we do not allow the perfect to become the enemy of the good.
Nomination of Krissa M. Lanham (Executive Calendar)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-5-21

today, the Senate will vote to confirm Krissa Lanham to the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona. prgtoken Born in Bangkok, Thailand, Ms. Lanham received her B.A summa cum laude, from Yale University and her J.D. from Yale Law School. She then served as a law clerk, first for Judge Robert N. Chatigny on the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut and then for Judge Barry G. Silverman on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in Phoenix. prgtoken In 2009, Ms. Lanham began working as an assistant U.S. attorney in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona. She has served as appellate division chief since 2020, after previously serving as deputy appellate chief, human trafficking coordinator, and medical marijuana coordinator. She also serves as the Ninth Circuit representative to the Department of Justice's Appellate Chiefs Working Group. prgtoken Ms. Lanham has represented the United States in more than 500 Federal prosecutions, and she has represented the United States and its Agencies in more than 50 civil cases. She has tried nine Federal criminal cases to verdict, including six jury trials. prgtoken The American Bar Association unanimously rated Ms. Lanham as ``well qualified'' to serve on the District of Arizona. She has deep ties to Arizona, and she enjoys the strong support of both of her home State Senators, Ms. Sinema and Mr. Kelly. prgtoken At Ms. Lanham's confirmation hearing, Senator Sinema highlighted Ms. Lanham's commitment to public service and noted how she looked forward to Ms. Lanham's continued service to the Nation as a district judge. I also look forward to Ms. Lanham's continued service, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting her nomination.
BUDGET SCOREKEEPING REPORT
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2024-5-21

I submit to the Senate a budget scorekeeping report. The report, which covers fiscal year 2024, was prepared and submitted as a letter by the Congressional Budget Office pursuant to section 308(b) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. This information assists the Senate Budget Committee in determining if budgetary points of order lie against pending legislation. prgtoken CBO's report shows the effect on spending and revenues of congressional action through April 15, 2024. Between CBO's last report on December 13, 2023, and April 15, 2024, Congress passed eight pieces of legislation with effects on direct spending or revenue. These include two appropriations bills passed in March, P.L. 118-42 and P.L. 118-47, that completed the fiscal year 2024 appropriations cycle in line with the bipartisan agreement enacted last summer. prgtoken CBO's report included three tables, tables 1, 2, and 3. Tables 1 and 2 show that current budgetary levels are within allowable amounts for budget authority and outlays. The allowable levels include an adjustment for the Senate-passed national security supplemental, P.L. 118-50, which had not yet prgtoken been enacted into law when the table was prepared. These tables also show that revenue is below the allowable amount, due to the rescissions of IRS mandatory funding in the last appropriation bill, P.L. 118-47, which reduces revenue and increases the deficit. prgtoken Table 3 shows the Senate's Pay-As-You-Go scorecard, which reflects $36.4 billion of net deficit increase, entirely due to IRS funding rescissions. prgtoken The ic staff of the Budget Committee prepared three addendum tables to supplement CBO's report, tables A, B, and C. prgtoken Table A compares the mandatory spending of each authorizing committee against the enforceable allocations under section 302 of the Congressional Budget Act. It shows that 11 of the 16 authorizing committees are compliant with their allocations, either because no legislation with significant budgetary costs was enacted, the legislation was deficit-neutral and qualified for an allocation adjustment that was subsequently filed, or the legislation reduced spending. prgtoken Table B updates CBO's table 1, the Senate current level report for spending and revenues, to reflect the enactment of P.L. 118-50, the national security supplemental, which was passed by the House and Senate and was signed into law by the President after CBO prepared its report. prgtoken Table C updates CBO's table 3, updating the Senate Pay-As-You-Go scorecard to reflect six bills that have passed by the House and Senate since the release of CBO's report, five of which have been signed into law by the President. prgtoken I ask unanimous consent that CBO's letter, accompanying tables, and the addendum be printed in the Record.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2024-5-21

I rise today to recognize the Wright Museum of World War II in Wolfeboro, NH. This local landmark, educational institution, and national repository for WWII items and memorabilia will be holding events throughout the summer in celebration of its 30th anniversary. I join in saluting the hard-working Wright Museum staff, its enthusiastic volunteers, and its generous supporters who give so much of their time and effort to fulfilling the vision of founder David Wright: to be the preeminent history museum that preserves and promotes a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of the enduring contributions made by World War II-era Americans. prgtoken The Wright Museum of World War II is unmistakable to people who venture down Center Street near Wolfeboro's historic downtown. They turn the corner to find a genuine M3A1 Stuart tank positioned almost as if it just broke through the building's brick frontage. The tank is just one current piece of an extensive military vehicle collection that once belonged to museum founder David Wright, a U.S. marine during the Korean war and a proud son of a World War II veteran. David would offer pieces of his collection for parades and special events throughout the Northeast, but he knew his vehicles represented a small part of a vast war effort that mobilized millions of Americans in a variety of ways. He had an idea for a permanent building that would tell the full story of the people who made these enormous contributions. He envisioned a museum that contextualized this time period so Americans today could thoroughly grasp the forces on the battlefield and the home front that propelled our country to victory. prgtoken In 1992, David found an ideal site at the former location of a Diamond National sawmill in Wolfeboro. He uncovered a perfect natural setting adjacent to the Smith River and nearby Lake Winnipesaukee, and he identified a community filled with people who would eagerly donate their time and resources in support of the museum's mission. The Wright Museum of World War II opened its doors in 1994. Since then, museum staff and volunteers have guided nearly 300,000 visitors, including my family and me, on an interactive and thought-provoking journey that captures American life in the early 1940s and depicts the enduring impact of the Greatest Generation. prgtoken The Wright Museum hosts guest lectures and rotating exhibits in a flexible space, including its current offerings of ``D-day: A View from Above'' and ``Women in Uniform,'' alongside its popular permanent exhibits. One permanent display is a military gallery that showcases World War II-era uniforms and weaponry in addition to David Wright's collection of tanks, half-tracks, jeeps, and motorcycles. These vehicles are still drivable and operational thanks to the Wright Mechanics, a group of volunteers who educate themselves on the inner workings of 80-year-old equipment. The military gallery is com
GUN SAFETY
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-5-21

on guns, 2 years ago, serious-minded and serious-minded s came together to pass the most significant bipartisan gun safety bill in 30 years. We passed several new, commonsense rules in our gun safety bill, including rules closing dangerous loopholes on background checks. And I salute so many of my colleagues--led by Chris Murphy and Kyrsten Sinema--who helped make this happen. prgtoken Yesterday, those rules on background checks were supposed to go into effect, but, sadly, MAGA extremists had other plans. Instead, MAGA extremists exploited our justice system and put our background check reforms on ice. How did they do it? By taking their case to their favorite judge in the country, in the Northern District of Texas, to rubberstamp a nationwide injunction. prgtoken The decision out of Texas is terrible for America for two reasons: First, the decision out of Texas is another consequence of judge shopping, a deeply unfair practice which jaundices the whole fairness and support a judicial system has where radicals--rightwing MAGA radicals--all but guarantee a favorable outcome by going to a judge of their choice, often in jurisdictions where there is only one sitting judge in that local division, guaranteeing a favorable audience and guaranteeing a favorable outcome. prgtoken No one had any doubt when these rightwing anti-gun safety groups went to this one judge--the very same judge who knocked out mifepristone--no one had any doubt what decision they would receive. prgtoken Judge shopping jaundices our legal system like few other abuses do. I have introduced a bill to rein in judge shopping, and I hope both sides can work together on this legislation to restore fairness to the judicial system. prgtoken If not, we are going to see injustice after injustice, a slanted judicial system, leaning in favor of hard-right radicals imposing its will on the rest of the Nation. And the courts will have less and less respect because of it. prgtoken I urge the Judicial Conference--they agree judge shopping is bad, forum shopping is bad, but they are doing nothing to implement it. They should. prgtoken But second, maybe even worse, the decision out of Texas means MAGA radicals have temporarily succeeded in blocking commonsense gun safety measures and making our communities less safe. There were outrages in Uvalde, in Buffalo. prgtoken And, finally, the Congress, in a bipartisan way, enacted the strongest gun safety laws in decades, ever since probably I passed the Brady Law and assault weapons ban--those were my bills in the House--in 1994. prgtoken And now people are less safe--less safe--because people who shouldn't have guns, young people, are getting them. Closing loopholes on background checks help keep guns out of the hands of people who shouldn't have them. prgtoken Keeping dangerous weapons out of the hands of dangerous people should be something both sides can agree on. But, sadly, MAGA R
FEDERAL DISASTER TAX RELIEF ACT OF 2023
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-5-21

the balance of my time. prgtoken Again, I thank Mr. Steube, Mr. LaMalfa, Chairman Smith, and all of our colleagues on Ways and Means who worked so hard to bring this bill to fruition not once, not twice, but now three times. prgtoken I know how difficult it is for our friend from Hawaii, in her area. What a devastating fire that was, and I know how hard she is working for her constituents. I thank her for being on the floor today. prgtoken , Florida, Texas, South Carolina, Louisiana, Kentucky, Oregon, New York, California, and over a dozen other States have been devastated by disasters. There is not a single colleague in this House who should have to go through a disaster to know how bad it is. It devastates communities. It devastates people's lives. It disrupts communities. It disrupts people's lives. People are killed. Businesses are lost. Homes and heirlooms are lost and destroyed. prgtoken The least that we can do is to come to the aid of our constituents, our fellow Americans, in time of disaster and in time of great need. That is what we are doing today. prgtoken This is commendable work by the Ways and Means Committee, and every Member of this House should be proud to come to the floor and vote to support their friends, their neighbors, and their constituents in these very dark times. prgtoken , .
FEDERAL PRISON OVERSIGHT ACT
Lucy McBath (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2024-5-21

. Madam , it is an honor to be the lead sponsor of H.R. 3019, the Federal Prison Oversight Act. I am proud to rise in support of this bipartisan legislation today. prgtoken My son, Jordan Davis, was killed when he was 17 years old by a man who is now serving a life sentence in prison. Through my family's pain, I have found the strength, believe it or not, to actually forgive my son's killer. prgtoken I introduced this bill after I heard from families and advocates about alarming corruption, misconduct, and a lack of oversight in this country's prison systems that has led to tragedy and loss for far too many families across this Nation. prgtoken As legislators here in Congress, we have the power to lead policies that help to restore trust and transparency within these systems. I introduced the Federal Prison Oversight Act out of the belief that everyone deserves to be treated humanely and with respect. My bill will establish a Federal framework for comprehensive risk-based inspections of Federal prisons to identify areas of improvement. prgtoken High-risk work is not something to be taken lightly. For the brave men and women working within our prison system, this is their daily routine. They protect and care for others while risking their lives because they believe in the power of rehabilitation. prgtoken As their elected officials, we have the duty to make sure the roofs over their heads will not cave in on them. We have a duty to make sure that their systems are updated and that there are medical services and mental health resources necessary to protect themselves, incarcerated individuals, and everyone who may live near these facilities. prgtoken Our prison system should be one that rehabilitates Americans whenever possible, providing for long and healthy lives. The steps outlined in our bill will help to improve recidivism rates and make sure that our prisons are held accountable while implementing evidence-based programs. prgtoken I have had the opportunity to speak with the new Federal Director for the Bureau of Prisons. She has been in my office. I have had good, healthy conversations with her. prgtoken Passing this bill, I truly believe, is a first step in the right direction to protecting the rights of the administrators, the staff, and those who are actually serving their time. prgtoken I thank Representative Armstrong here in the House, as well as Senator Ossoff in the Senate. I thank Chair Comer and Ranking Member Raskin for moving this bill through committee, and I thank all the committee members who saw the importance and the value of this bill and the value of trying to rehabilitate individuals who can be rehabilitated and reintroduced again into society to be successful human beings. prgtoken Madam , I urge all of my colleagues to vote for this bill.