mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ARMENIAN PROTECTION ACT OF 2023
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-11-15

shortly, I will ask unanimous consent for passage of the Armenian Protection Act of 2023. prgtoken Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act of 1992 was straightforward. It kept Azerbaijan from receiving military assistance from the United States. In the wake of 9/11, we granted the President the authority to waive the statute and in order to protect American interests, and as a result, we began sending military aid to Azerbaijan. prgtoken But we attached a very important condition: The Azerbaijani Government could not engage in offensive attacks or undermine the peace process with Armenia. Their recent actions in Nagorno-Karabakh have clearly failed in meeting this very straightforward standard. Not only did they blockade the Lachin corridor for 10 months, creating significant hardships, they also violently attacked innocent Armenians and forced the dissolution of the Government of Nagorno-Karabakh on September 28. prgtoken The Armenian Protection Act of 2023 is simple: It would hold Azerbaijan accountable for these actions. As a result of Azerbaijan's failure to meet the prgtoken terms of our agreement with them, it would prevent the United States from sending military aid for a period of 2 years. After that time, the President could once again decide what best serves the American interests in that region. The administration already has the authority to cut off the support, but as this conflict has unfolded, they have not taken public action. prgtoken We must send a strong message to show our partners around the world that America will enforce the conditions that we attach to military aid. If we do not take action when countries willfully ignore the terms of our agreements with them, our agreements will become effectively meaningless and toothless. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to join me in holding Azerbaijan accountable for their actions, enforce our agreements with them, and stand with the Armenian people in the face of unprovoked aggression. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support the Armenian Protection Act of 2023. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Foreign Relations be discharged from further consideration of S. 3000 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.
TRIBUTE TO MATT MYERS
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-11-15

serving as a U.S. Senator is a singular opportunity to improve the lives of the American people and make a difference. When you think about the areas where we have made real, tangible progress in preventing suffering, disease, and death, the area of tobacco prevention and control stands out for its dramatic success in saving lives. prgtoken This has required a comprehensive campaign to shift public thinking, promote public health practices, empower the medical and scientific communities, shed light on the despicable tactics of Big Tobacco, and change the laws at the Federal, State, and local levels. That is a daunting task. prgtoken But not for Matt Myers--it has been his life's calling, and for more than four decades, he has made it his mission to save lives and hold the tobacco industry accountable. Matt recently stepped down as the president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, which he helped to found in 1996. He has had an outsized impact by playing an indispensable role in just about every tobacco-related policy debate, and he is leaving a lasting legacy of success measured in lives spared. prgtoken As a leader, advocate, and lawyer, Matt helped transform our country's perception of the tobacco industry: by placing children, one of the main targets of the tobacco industry's predatory tactics, front and center. And he has produced remarkable results. While Matt has worked on this issue, the percentage of high school students who smoke cigarettes has declined from 28 percent in 2000 to 2 percent today. prgtoken He began at the Federal Trade Commission in 1980, where he worked on regulatory and litigation efforts related to tobacco tax increases, warning labels on cigarette packs, banning advertisements on television and radio, and many other topics. He worked extensively on the historic master settlement agreement to hold the tobacco industry responsible for its lies, deceit, and marketing over the years, which took millions of lives far too soon, including my own father's. prgtoken Matt worked alongside me as we pushed to finally empower and authorize the Food and Drug Administration to regulate the manufacturing, marketing, and sale of tobacco products. Since then, we have collaborated to further raise the prices of tobacco products out of the reach of children, increase the age to purchase tobacco products, and close loopholes that e-cigarette manufacturers have exploited. Matt also has recognized that we can make a difference through other avenues as well. We worked together to kick chewing tobacco out of Major League Baseball and out of Hollywood movies. prgtoken On virtually any issue that Matt has engaged on, he has prevailed--no matter how long it took--and our children, our public spaces, and the Nation's health are better for it. But that is not to say it has been easy--far from it. One can characterize Matt's approach as a dogged, comprehensive pursuit of what is right, no matte
TRIBUTE TO LAURA LYTLE
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-11-15

on another matter, today, with a heart full of gratitude, I join my colleagues in paying tribute to Laura Lytle, who is retiring today as the Daily Press Media Gallery Director. prgtoken Laura is precisely my kind of Senate staffer: It was through her good work that the press has been able for all these years to access the Senate and keep the American public informed about our work. prgtoken Laura joined the Sergeant at Arms in May of 1994 as an intern in the Press Gallery, taking on special projects to help the fine-tuned machinery of the Gallery to function properly. Over the years, she worked her way up the ladder and became the director of the Daily Press Media Gallery in June of 2013. prgtoken It was Laura who was responsible for credentialing reporters for daily newspapers, wire services, and online publications and has helped facilitate press interactions with Members. prgtoken Without Laura, that crucial bridge between this Chamber and the public that the press creates would not be possible. She has been the facilitator and gatekeeper, and we are all so thankful for her service. prgtoken Laura, we wish you the very best on the next step in our journey. We will miss you, and please know you always have a home here in the Senate.
HONORING CHIEF DONALD "DOC" SLYTER
Val T. Hoyle (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2023-11-15

I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the memory of Chief Donald ``Doc'' Slyter, a revered leader of the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians. prgtoken Chief Slyter's life was a testimony to his unwavering commitment to his people and the cherished land he called home. prgtoken For 39 years following the Tribe's recognition, Chief Slyter stood as a guardian of their resurgence, nurturing hope for generations to come. prgtoken , may his spirit and memory leave a legacy of resilience and hope, leaving an indelible mark on the community that he cherished. prgtoken During his tenure with the Tribal Council and as chief, he tirelessly advocated for the restoration of lands, water, fish, and wildlife. prgtoken Chief Slyter's passing is a profound loss, not only to his family but to all members of the CTCLUSI Tribe, the Oregon community, and beyond. prgtoken As we mourn his passing, let us remember his spirit, his commitment to community, his kinship, and his enduring legacy of hope and resilience. My thoughts are with Chief Slyter's family and all those touched by his remarkable life. prgtoken , may his memory be a blessing.
FURTHER CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS AND OTHER EXTENSIONS ACT, 2024
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2023-11-15

there is a lot we need to get done. As soon as we prevent a shutdown by passing this continuing resolution, we need to come together in a bipartisan way to keep working on things like the comprehensive supplemental funding package for Ukraine and Israel, for humanitarian assistance, and more. And, of course, we have to pass our full-year spending bills that live up to the agreement this Congress passed in a bipartisan way and meet the needs of our communities. These are real issues that we need to take seriously and move on quickly. prgtoken And then there is this amendment, which--let's all be honest--is just not serious but would be absolutely devastating. This amendment would slash huge swaths of discretionary spending by a whopping and totally arbitrary 15 percent, not to mention the cut to the IRS of $30 billion. We are talking across the board cuts with no rhyme or reason that would devastate our families, our economy, our competitive edge, and our national security. prgtoken That is not a solution. It is not serious. It is a gift to our adversaries, who want us to fall behind. And it is a slap in the face to families across the country who are counting on the critical investments Congress makes in their communities. prgtoken I urge all of my colleagues to join me in voting against it. prgtoken .
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DARLENE KEHAULANI BUTTS
Jill N. Tokuda (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2023-11-15

today, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Darlene Kehaulani Butts, known by many as Auntie Kehau. prgtoken Born and raised in Wahiawa, Oahu, and a proud graduate of Leilehua High School, Auntie Kehau dedicated her life to serving her community, advocating for Native Hawaiians, and perpetuating the traditions and values of Hawaii in the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia area. prgtoken In 1998, Auntie Kehau started a catering company in Stafford, Virginia, to share iconic Hawaiian foods with local residents and Hawaii expats, myself included. In 2004, she helped found and became the inaugural president of Ke Alii Makaainana Hawaiian Civic Club. prgtoken For decades, she also served as chair of the annual King Kamehameha Day Lei Draping Ceremony, working closely with the Hawaiian congressional delegation, local leaders, Native Hawaiian organizations, and other stakeholders to honor Hawaii's greatest king and Saint Damien with lei, Hawaiian music, and hula here in the United States Capitol. prgtoken In all that she did, Auntie Kehau was never short of aloha. She helped former Hawaiian residents find homes in the DMV area and welcomed so many others to take part in preserving Hawaiian culture. prgtoken Auntie Kehau's tireless efforts will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come. prgtoken Mahalo.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE HOBBS HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER TEAM
Teresa Leger Fernandez (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2023-11-15

I rise to congratulate the Hobbs High School Boys Soccer team. prgtoken On Saturday November 11, the Hobbs High School Eagles won the New Mexico AAAAA State Soccer championship. The championship was their first in 26 years. This capped off an amazing unbeaten season with 23 wins and a national ranking. The state final against Atrisco Heritage Academy was a thrilling game. It couldn't have been closer. The game was tied after both regular gameplay and overtime--but our Eagles prevailed 3-2 in penalty kicks. Congratulations to first-year coach Reyes Marquez and the entire Eagles team for a stellar season. prgtoken I include in the Record the names of every member of the Hobbs High School Boys Soccer team: Fabian Astorga, Jordan Barron, Juan Caamano, Juan Camacho, Diego Castanon, Zander Castillo, Joshua Chavez, Josue Davila, Azael De La Cruz, Franklin Ferrufino Lagos, Eliud Hernandez, Humberto Hernandez, Jorge Martinez, Andrik Morales, Raul Morales, Omari Patton, Brandon Rodriguez, Domnique Salas, Adrian Sanchez, Alexis Sanchez, and Nathan Villalobos. prgtoken Let's also not forget the incredible work of Coach Reyes Marquez, Assistant Coach Esteban Sotelo, Assistant Coach Chris Middleton, Assistant Coach Melvon Anders, Assistant Coach Louie Vega, Manager Haskel Nguyen, and Athletic Programs Director Brenda Wilson for their mentorship and the program they have created. prgtoken The Eagles should be proud of their accomplishments. This is the first state championship for any school in Southern New Mexico in the AAAAA classification since 2013. Their hard work and perseverance should be commended and applauded. prgtoken I often say, small places can do big things. And the Eagles have proven how much our beloved rural communities can achieve once again. prgtoken Go Eagles.
BIPARTISAN ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN THE HOUSE
Jeff Jackson (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2023-11-15

I have been a Member of Congress for about 11 months, and I want to give my constituents a quick update on some of the bipartisan work that we have done. prgtoken Our office has been able to bring about $90 million back into the district. A big portion of that has gone to the Charlotte airport, which is one of the main economic drivers not just for the district but for the whole State. prgtoken A portion of that has gone to law enforcement to help them get more body cameras and also to help them process the backlog of rape test kits that we have in North Carolina. Another portion has gone to help fight the fentanyl epidemic, which is claiming lives every single day in our State. prgtoken I have also worked on legislation to close the weather radar gap that we have in Charlotte that has been a problem for several decades. We had an amendment pass last week about that. prgtoken We had another amendment pass today about quantum technology and the security concerns that that is going to pose for all of us. prgtoken I am also working on a bipartisan bill to cut down on the junk fees that attach to all the things that we buy as consumers. prgtoken Last week, I worked very hard to make sure we finally ban Members of Congress from trading stocks. It is wrong. It has been obvious for a long time that this should be against the law, and I am working on a bipartisan effort.
COMMEMORATING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF BETTER FAMILY LIFE
Cori Bush (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2023-11-15

St. Louis and I rise with great honor to recognize Better Family Life on the occasion of their 40th anniversary. Endurance, faith, and unwavering commitment to service have been the cornerstones of their remarkable journey, shaping the lives of countless individuals and families across the St. Louis region. prgtoken Better Family Life's workforce development programs have provided community members with vital job skills while fostering economic empowerment and stability. Their unwavering commitment to youth, family, and clinical services has created a nurturing environment for the growth and well-being of young people. prgtoken While Better Family Life's journey began in the basement of their founders' home, it has since grown into a formidable organization, marked by significant milestones and achievements. The Better Family Life Cultural Education Center enriches our understanding of the African Diaspora through Afrikan Dance, artistic traditions classes, and the largest area Kwanzaa expo. The Business Center and Melanated Marketplace stands as a testament to the organization's dedication and impact, serving as a hub for Black education, small business empowerment, and community engagement. prgtoken As Congresswoman for Missouri's First District, I am proud of the various ways my office has been able to support Better Family Life's mission, including by securing $3 million in congressionally directed federal funding for the Lifehouse Phase 1 initiative to help revitalize North City and support residents in securing homes. This funding is vital to sustaining the economic vibrancy of North City, and it was an honor to partner with Better Family Life to deliver meaningful federal resources for initiatives that will benefit residents across the district for years to come. prgtoken As Better Family Life celebrates this momentous milestone, I extend my deepest appreciation for their unwavering dedication and congratulate them on the tremendous impact they have had on our St. Louis community over the past four decades.
NATIONAL DIABETES MONTH
Lucy McBath (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2023-11-15

I rise during National Diabetes Month to recognize the monumental impact my plan to cap the cost of insulin at $35 per month for seniors has had on the lives of millions. prgtoken There is no time off when you live with diabetes. It is a constant, ever-present disease that influences every aspect of your life. prgtoken Those born with diabetes live their entire lives checking their blood sugar every other hour, and they must constantly be wary of what they eat, what they drink, and what they must monitor to survive. prgtoken Almost 40 million Americans live with diabetes. Over a million of them are in Georgia alone. prgtoken Black Americans are 60 percent more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes and twice as likely to die from it. prgtoken Many of those who live with this chronic disease must take insulin every day to survive, and even still, it remains the seventh leading cause of death in our country. prgtoken In 1920, before insulin was discovered, it would have been exceptional for diabetic patients to live longer than a year or two. prgtoken But for over 100 years, the discovery of insulin has saved lives, and has remained the most effective treatment for all those living with this chronic disease. prgtoken We have seen this life-saving medication get further and further out of reach for those families who need it. prgtoken Why is it that in the richest country in the history of the world, children must watch their grandmothers and grandfathers ration the very drug that helps to keep them alive, just to get by? prgtoken My bill, which took effect at the start of this year, caps this life- saving drug at just $35 a month for our seniors, a step that lowers their overall prescription drug costs and saves lives. prgtoken s for convening this Special Order Hour to bring awareness to the gravity of the legislation we have passed for the American people and the need to continue this vital work.
ARMENIAN PROTECTION ACT OF 2023
Jon Ossoff (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2023-11-15

when Hamas gunmen stormed into towns and kibbutzim in southern Israel and massacred over 1,000 Israeli civilians--killing families, raping women, abducting babies, torturing and beheading Jews--in the very state that was established after the Holocaust to be their sanctuary, the overwhelming majority of Americans were and still are united in our grief, outrage, and solidarity with the Israeli people. For Jews, these events call to mind the Einsatzgruppen SS, the Nazi death squads who hunted and massacred our relatives across Eastern Europe 80 years ago. prgtoken The slaughter of Jews at such scale and with such cruelty reopened deep Jewish wounds suffered throughout our history. Salt in those wounds was the minimization and even celebration of this massacre by a few, including a few in the United States who attempted to excuse such atrocities as a righteous comeuppance for Israeli policies or the inevitable consequence of Israel's very existence. prgtoken That moment required moral clarity. No matter one's objections to Israeli policy or one's perspective on history, there is no justification and can be no apology for the deliberate massacre and torture and abduction of civilians. There is no excuse, there is no context, historical or political, that mitigates the crime. prgtoken It is clear that under such circumstances, Israel has an obligation to protect its citizens and a right to do so with force, and this, too, requires moral clarity. No government could be expected to tolerate such an attack and such a threat without taking decisive action to defend itself and to bring the perpetrators to justice. prgtoken , now 5 weeks since the October 7 massacre, Israel's military response, which is substantially armed by the United States, directly impacts the lives of millions of people, the future of the Middle East, and America's national security, and it is therefore a necessary subject of scrutiny by the U.S. Senate. So the Senate must acknowledge that conditions for civilians in Gaza are catastrophic and that this unfolding humanitarian catastrophe is both an immense tragedy and a threat to our national security. prgtoken Hamas imbeds its military capabilities within Gaza's civilian infrastructure. It hides behind and beneath Gaza's civilian population. But the depraved tactics of Hamas do not relieve Israeli leaders of their obligations to protect innocent life, nor should they harden our hearts against the innocent people who live under their rule. prgtoken In 5 weeks, relentless airstrikes and the continuous use of massive munitions in dense urban areas have killed thousands of civilians and seriously wounded many thousands more, including many children. prgtoken In a territory half the size of DeKalb County, GA, tens of thousands of homes have been destroyed or damaged beyond use, and more than 1\1/ 2\ million people have been displaced. Clean water, food, and medicine are scarce,
INTRODUCTION OF THE WY'EAST TRIBAL RESOURCES RESTORATION ACT
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2023-11-15

today I am pleased to introduce the Wy'East Tribal Resources Restoration Act, which establishes a first-in- the-nation tribal co-management structure on the Mount Hood National Forest. prgtoken This bill directs the Forest Service to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs to protect and enhance Treaty resources within ``Indian Treaty Resources Emphasis Zones,'' through a co-management structure. The establishment of such Zones will help meet the trust responsibilities of the United States in protecting the exercise of Tribal Treaty rights and integrate indigenous ecological knowledge as an important part of the best available scientific information used to manage land within the Zones. The co-management plan will be developed with public input, subject to all existing environmental laws and regulations, including the National Environmental Policy Act. The bill also requires implementation of the Cultural Foods Obligations, which were included in the Public Lands Management Act of 2009 but have never been implemented. prgtoken The federal government forced Native Americans off of their homelands and onto reservations, and we haven't honored our promises for their treaty resources. I believe this tribal co-stewardship is an incredibly important step forward. It represents 21st century public lands management and I'm proud to lead the effort. It also helps the federal government fulfill its treaty obligations to Native American communities--a moral obligation that the federal government has never truly fulfilled. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, which will return some land management authority to Native Americans who have lived on, and managed, this land since time immemorial.
REPUBLICANS BE THANKFUL
Sean Casten (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-11-15

next week Americans across the country are going to gather around their dinner tables and share what they are thankful for. prgtoken I hope my colleagues will use that moment to reflect on how lucky they are to work with House . prgtoken I hope they are thankful for that time last June when the s were on the verge of driving us into an economic default and stepped up, helped them out, and provided the votes needed to make sure we didn't default. prgtoken I hope they are thankful for the time, 45 days ago, when they were driving us to the edge of an economic shutdown and, once again, stepped up, helped them out, and made sure we kept the government open for the American people. prgtoken I hope they are thankful for that time this week when , once again, had to be the adults in the room. We didn't throw any punches, but made sure, even though the majority couldn't pass the new 's stop-gap measure, we did, and we kept the government open for a few more weeks. prgtoken This Thanksgiving, be thankful. Whatever you do, don't be that crazy uncle who won't stop yapping about Hunter .