mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Unanimous Consent Requests--Executive Calendar (Executive Calendar)
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2023-5-16

I rise today to address the Senator from Alabama's decision to hold hundreds of nominations--literally hundreds of nominations--that have been submitted to this body, and I want to join my colleagues who have taken the initiative and stand alongside with them and our men and women in uniform who protect our right to speak in these Halls every day and our other fundamental liberties in this country. prgtoken We ask our men and women in uniform to do more now than ever before, particularly as we are engaged in countering Vladimir Putin's murderous assault in Ukraine. I have visited them in Germany, where they are training Ukrainians. I have spoken to them at the border in Poland, where they are providing essential military weapons to the Ukrainians. I have seen them at work all around the globe, as have my colleagues. prgtoken Even though we are at peace formally right now, it is only because they are a deterrent to our adversaries and enemies around the globe. The threats are rapidly evolving and rising, and the U.S. military is the only force that can stem the tide of autocracy, which is the reason why I am so, so outraged that the Senator from Alabama is choosing to cripple our military by placing on hold a series of critical nominations. prgtoken Earlier this year, Secretary Austin issued a memo, a policy memo, guaranteeing that servicemembers would have easier access to reproductive healthcare. They can now take nonchargeable leave and receive per diem while traveling to receive care, finally establishing a parity with every other medical procedure, every other healthcare procedure available to DOD personnel. prgtoken The Secretary's decision rectified a DOD policy that marginalized the women who serve in our Nation and provide that essential guarantee of peace and freedom. It damaged readiness. It truly does put people first that we have corrected that egregious error. prgtoken Instead of celebrating that servicemembers now have access to healthcare and policy programs that they have consistently sought, Senator Tuberville called the policy--and I am quoting--``a waste of time and resources.'' He believes that protecting the well-being and privacy of those who serve--and again, I am using his words--is ``immoral'' and ``illegal.'' I disagree. I couldn't disagree more. Servicemembers shouldn't have to wonder whether they are going to receive healthcare. prgtoken Providing access to reproductive care certainly isn't a distraction; it increases readiness and preparedness and the strength of our force. He is doing the very thing he accuses the new policy of doing, which is to damage readiness and jeopardize our Nation's security. He is doing it by holding up the President's nominees. prgtoken Let me just talk about those individuals whose nominations he has blocked. prgtoken Rear Admiral George Wikoff is the President's nominee to be the next commander of the Navy's 5th Fleet. He is an accomplishe
TRIBUTE TO LAWRENCE ECKSTEIN
Tammy Baldwin (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2023-5-16

I rise today to recognize the exceptional life of Lawrence Eckstein, on the occasion of his 99th birthday. prgtoken Mr. Eckstein was born on June 30, 1924, in Wisconsin. He attended Winneconne High School before heading into the workforce at age 14. At age 20, Mr. Eckstein entered the U.S. Army and served as a private in both the 85th Infantry Division and 10th Mt. Division from 1944 through 1947. During his time in the U.S Army, he was stationed throughout Italy and Austria. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal and received a Quilt of Valor in 2022. prgtoken In 1952, Mr. Eckstein married his wife Darlene. Together, they raised six children and celebrated 61 years of marriage before her passing in 2013. After the military, Mr. Eckstein worked within the Kimberly-Clark Corporation for 26 years. Retirement didn't stop Mr. Eckstein from keeping busy. He drove semi-trucks up until the age of 86 and often could be seen riding his bike on the Wiouwash trail in Winneconne up until the age of 95. prgtoken Mr. Eckstein is also incredibly active with the Winneconne Legion, marching in local parades up until the age of 91. He also had the opportunity to go on the Old Glory Honor Flight back in 2012. prgtoken I am privileged to acknowledge the life and work of Lawrence Eckstein, and on the occasion of his 99th birthday, I wish him a happy birthday and thank him for his lifetime of service to our country.
AMERICA SHOULD PAY ITS BILLS
Donald G. Davis (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2023-5-16

America should always pay its bills, and we must do everything under the Sun to avoid a default. Failure to do so would trigger massive job loss, a recession, and rising costs. prgtoken , our national debt is over $31 trillion, and we must look at ways while working together, and s, to get this under control. prgtoken I encourage the President and congressional leaders to put the American people first. We must depoliticize debt ceiling negotiations. prgtoken , eastern North Carolinians elected me to fight for higher-paying jobs, policies that will boost our economy, and to end high prices. A default goes against all of this, and it would only make life harder for my constituents.
Bill Pascrell, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-5-16

as the longtime co-chair of the Law Enforcement Caucus, I am a staunch advocate for our law enforcement community. prgtoken How the House is recognizing this Police Week is a disappointment. Before us are partisan messaging bills instead of measures that support our men and women in blue. prgtoken This rule makes in order a pathetic resolution that ignores the service of federal law enforcement officers, including our Capitol Police. prgtoken These brave men and women protected us when incited a mob of armed insurrectionists to attack our Capitol. prgtoken The attack resulted in the death of five Capitol Police and MPD officers, and the injury of 150 officers. prgtoken The resolution ignores the s currently seeking to defund federal law enforcement agencies, like the FBI, ATF, and Homeland Security. prgtoken And the resolution is silent on increasing funding for the Byrne JAG and the COPS Hiring programs. prgtoken I offered 5 specific amendments to add these crucial elements to this resolution. But the s did not make them in order. What are they afraid of? prgtoken Armed officers can enhance public safety. But an officer in good standing is not defined in the Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act. prgtoken We know an officer could be in good standing with their department but ineligible to carry a handgun. prgtoken I offered two amendments to align this bill with New Jersey's interpretation of current law. Again, neither were made in order. prgtoken Next Police Week let us take up actually make a difference for officers and their families. Not this partisan approach. prgtoken God bless our police and God bless America.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-5-16

it is graduation season in America--a time when many of us in this Senate head back home, gather with students and families to celebrate amazing accomplishments. prgtoken This past Saturday I had the honor of joining students at Loyola University of Chicago Stritch School of Medicine for their commencement ceremony. It was an inspiring and hopeful celebration. prgtoken These graduates--doctors--I met this last weekend are heroes in the making. As future practitioners and medical researchers, they will dedicate their lives to healing our communities and families. And we couldn't be prouder of their accomplishments. prgtoken Let me also note two things. First, Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine was the first school of medicine in the United States to allow students with DACA status to apply for admission. They didn't set any quotas. But they said to these young people who have received recognition by our government that they can stay legally in the United States. Though they were not born here, they have received recognition by our government and been held back from many of their ambitions. prgtoken So when Loyola University of Chicago opened their doors for applications from those DACA students, young people--remarkable young people--from all over the United States applied. So far, 32 graduated before last Saturday and another 6 this past Saturday. Think of that: 38 DACA students who finally got a chance to go to medical school proved themselves worthy, did great, and now headed for their residencies and beyond. prgtoken They will become an important part of America's future. And I am so proud of Loyola University of Chicago for its leadership in doing that. I encourage all other schools to offer the same opportunities for these extraordinary DACA students to have a chance to continue to be part of America. prgtoken The second person I want to mention is a hero that is of a special nature. She was tragically missing from Loyola's campus this past weekend. Her name is Areanah Preston. prgtoken On Sunday, Chicago Police Officer Preston was set to receive her Master of Jurisprudence from Loyola's School of Law. But just days before her graduation ceremony, she was shot and killed outside of her home, right as she was returning home from a late shift on patrol. prgtoken Officer Preston was one of the best of Chicago. At only 24 years of age, she had served with the Chicago Police Department for 3 years. And during her time on the force, she worked to build trust between law enforcement and the communities that she served. prgtoken Officer Preston was inspired to become a police officer after taking a trip to Europe as part of her undergraduate criminology studies. Her class visited former concentration camps in Germany and Poland, the sites of some of the worst atrocities in human history. prgtoken The stories of the Holocaust compelled Areanah Preston to the change she wanted to see in the world.
CANCER SCREENINGS SAVE LIVES
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-5-16

I rise today to discuss the Colorectal Cancer Payment Fairness Act. It is a bill that I reintroduced today to include more colorectal screenings. Everyone knows that cancer screenings save lives. prgtoken My bill provides Medicare beneficiaries with complete coverage for cancer treatments performed during routine screenings by the end of this year. prgtoken Right now screenings are covered but treatments are not, so patients can wake up after the procedure with a surprise medical bill upwards of $2,000. prgtoken Colorectal cancer is one of the deadliest cancers that we have, but it has one of the highest survival rates, if detected and treated early. prgtoken Too many Americans put off routine cancer screenings because they feel fine and worry about coverage. That can be a life-threatening decision. prgtoken This issue is very personal to me. I lost my father, the honorable and respected Congressman Donald Payne, Sr to colorectal cancer in 2012. I don't want other families to lose their fathers and loved ones because they did not get screened regularly.
HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF SONYA CAMPBELL AND MIKE LeMAY
Ann M. Kuster (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2023-5-16

today I rise to honor the dedicated service of Sonya Campbell and Mike LeMay, longtime owners of the Hanover True Value Hardware Store. For over 50 years, Sonya and Mike faithfully served their community with a helping hand and an easy smile. Their store has been an institution of downtown Hanover, and over the decades they helped so many to improve their homes, yards, garages, and offices. Mike and Sonya are embarking on their well-earned retirement this year, and their presence in Hanover and the Upper Valley Region will be sorely missed. prgtoken Sonya began working at the True Value store in 1976 as a teenager, at the same time I was attending Dartmouth College in Hanover. In 1991, Sonya bought the store and became the owner. She remained the owner for more than three decades, maintaining the hardware store that locals came to love and rely on with her family by her side. The strong family ties are part of what makes the store so authentic to Hanover and the Upper Valley community--it is run by people who care about their neighbors and want to help in any way they can. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of visiting Sonya and Mike's store many times, and during each visit they reminded me of the values of hard work and kindness in the community. prgtoken Sonya and Mike's dedication to their community runs deep, and there are few in Hanover and the Upper Valley who have not felt their positive impact. From serving as a long-time resource for the town's older residents--fixing flashlights, replacing keys, and helping with household repairs--to working with the local newspaper, the Valley News, to provide free copies of the paper to Hanover High School graduates so they have a record of the news on the day they graduated, Mike and Sonya are always looking for ways to help their neighbors. prgtoken I wish them well in their retirement and know that their presence in downtown Hanover will be sorely missed.
AUTHORIZING TESTIMONY AND REPRESENTATION IN UNITED STATES V. NEELY
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-5-16

another criminal trial arising out of the events of January 6, 2021, is scheduled to begin on May 22, 2023, in Federal district court in the District of Columbia. The defendant in this case is charged with multiple counts, including unlawfully entering and remaining in a restricted area within the U.S. Capitol grounds. prgtoken The prosecution and defense are seeking trial testimony from Michael J. Mastrian, director of the Senate Radio and Television Gallery, which operates under the authority of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate, relating to the Gallery's regulation of access to the Capitol by bona fide members of the electronic news media. prgtoken Senate Sergeant at Arms Gibson would like to cooperate by providing relevant testimony in this proceeding from Mr. Mastrian. prgtoken In keeping with the rules and practices of the Senate, this resolution would authorize the production of relevant testimony from Mr. Mastrian, with representation by the Senate legal counsel.
Introductory Statement on S. 1625
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-5-16

I rise to speak in support of the Help Independent Tracks Succeed (HITS) prgtoken Act, which Senator Blackburn and I introduced today. Representatives Linda Sanchez and Ron Estes have introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. prgtoken The U.S. Tax Code allows film, television, and theater productions to fully deduct production expenses in the year they are incurred. prgtoken However, recording artists are not given the same treatment and instead must amortize their production expenses over a number of years. prgtoken Moreover, many live performance stages and venues across the country closed for months as a result of the pandemic. Independent musicians and music makers, including both technicians and creators, suffered more than most other professions during this period, and many continue to recover. prgtoken Our bill would provide a measure of relief to music creators by allowing independent musicians, technicians, and music producers to deduct the costs of producing new musical and other sound recordings in the year they are incurred, thereby putting them on a level playing field with film, television, and theater productions. prgtoken Specifically, the bill would allow qualified sound recording producers to deduct 100% of recording production expenses--up to $150,000--in the year they are incurred, rather than in later years. prgtoken Because this change would simply accelerate a tax deduction that already exists, the bill's cost would be modest. prgtoken In addition, because the deduction would be capped at $150,000 per production, our legislation would benefit smaller, independent musicians and music producers rather than large companies. prgtoken Music has inspired, comforted, and entertained each of us. Our bill would help create parity between musical creators and other creative producers and stimulate a sector of the economy that is a fundamental part of each of our lives. prgtoken I hope my colleagues will join me in support of this bill.
MOMENT OF SILENCE RECOGNIZING THE VICTIMS WHO LOST THEIR LIVES DURING THE FARMINGTON, NEW MEXICO, SHOOTING
Teresa Leger Fernandez (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2023-5-16

yesterday, an 18-year-old carrying an assault-type weapon shattered the peace in a quiet residential neighborhood in Farmington, New Mexico. prgtoken Three beautiful souls lost their lives. Many more were wounded and numerous others traumatized. prgtoken I praise the heroes who drove to danger to stop the violence. I am ever grateful for the coordination between local, State, county, and Federal law enforcement. prgtoken I pray for the quick recovery of the wounded and for the families of those we lost. prgtoken I imagine a world where mothers and fathers drop off their children at school without fear, a world where families can gather to worship or simply be at peace in their neighborhood. prgtoken Sadly, that peace is shattered by gun violence somewhere in America every single day. Every day, we are reminded that we don't yet live in a peaceful country, and yesterday was no exception. prgtoken Many of us standing and listening and praying today are committed to banning assault weapons, especially for an 18-year-old. We are committed to bringing peace to our communities. prgtoken Now, I invite all Members of the United States House of Representatives to join me in a moment of silence, a moment of gratitude to our law enforcement, and a moment of prayer to honor the lives of those we tragically lost yesterday.
IN SUPPORT OF SMALL BUSINESSES
Ilhan Omar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2023-5-16

I rise today in support of small businesses and to celebrate my friend Abdirahman Kahin, the owner of Afro Deli in my district who was named Small Business Person of the Year by the administration. prgtoken My district was also chosen as one of the stops for SBA's national tour in honor of Small Business Week. prgtoken It was great to welcome Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and Small Business Administrator Isabel Guzman to discuss economic development for new Americans and underserved communities at Adama Restaurant and Awash Bakery in my district. prgtoken We also discussed the critical role community development financial institutions play in helping small businesses. Also in that week we were able to host BIPOC women small business owners at a roundtable at Wildflyer Coffee in Minneapolis. prgtoken The Fifth District is full of thriving small businesses, many owned by immigrants and people of color, and we will continue to support them to make sure they have the resources they need to thrive in the future.
CELEBRATING 45TH ANNIVERSARY OF CANTON'S DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROJECT
Emilia Strong Sykes (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2023-5-16

I rise today to congratulate Ohio's 13th District champions of the week: The founding mothers of the Canton Domestic Violence Project, Helen Syrios, Nancy Boylan, and the late Gertrude Kennedy. These three courageous women founded the Domestic Violence Project in 1978 when domestic violence was often met with silence, fear, and ignorance, yet they persevered. It was their pioneering acts of empathy, strength, and resilience that would change countless lives forever. prgtoken After 45 years, the Domestic Violence Project has provided shelter to thousands of battered women and children in Stark County, becoming one of the largest shelters in Ohio. prgtoken The Domestic Violence Project provides a lifeline to survivors, a place where they can feel empowered, find healing, and gain the tools necessary to break free from the cycle of abuse. prgtoken The courageous service of Helen, Nancy, and Gertrude regularly forced them to risk their own safety to help women of all backgrounds escape from abusive homes, and their unrelenting dedication deserves recognition. prgtoken The countless lives that have been saved and the increased safety can be traced back to the selflessness of Nancy, Helen, and Gertrude, who worked so tirelessly so that no one in Ohio's 13th District felt unsafe in their own home. prgtoken We honor their legacy, and together we will continue to build a future where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered.
NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
Abigail Davis Spanberger (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-5-16

I stand here today to thank the men and women who work every day to keep our communities safe and to honor those prgtoken who have given their lives in service to our communities. prgtoken As the daughter of a retired career law enforcement officer and as a former Federal agent, I know the responsibilities, the pressure, and the stress that can come with putting on the badge. prgtoken I stand here today during this National Police Week to honor Virginia's Seventh District and the officers who call it home. prgtoken Across our Commonwealth, we reflect on the service and the sacrifice of our community's law enforcement officers. As the Representative for Virginia's Seventh District, it is my great privilege to represent so many public servants: the men and women who have answered the call to serve their fellow Americans, their neighbors, and our communities. prgtoken This week and every day, we remember their colleagues and friends-- those who never returned home. In their absence, our communities, our Commonwealth, and our country have felt tremendous loss. prgtoken Today, on the floor of the United States House of Representatives, I am honored to read the names of fallen officers from Virginia's Seventh District. May they never be forgotten and may their service and their sacrifice inspire their fellow law enforcement officers to continue to serve and protect. prgtoken From the Prince William County Police Department: Police Officer Ashley Marie Guindon, Police Officer Chris Yung, Police Officer Philip Michael ``Mike'' Pennington, and Police Officer Paul Thomas ``Pete'' White, Jr. prgtoken From the Prince William County Sheriff's Office: Deputy Sheriff David William Myers, Jr. prgtoken From the Stafford County Sheriff's Office: prgtoken Deputy Sheriff Jason Edward Mooney and Deputy Sheriff Ford T. Humphrey. prgtoken From the Fredericksburg Police Department: prgtoken Police Officer Todd Allen Bahr, Officer William Franklin Mines, Sergeant Roy Glen Wright, and Officer Ellsworth Alexander Moore. prgtoken From the Culpeper County Sheriff's Office: Captain James Anthony Sisk and Deputy Sheriff George Robert Lillard, Jr. prgtoken From the King George County Sheriff's Office: Deputy Sheriff Craig Lamont Brooks. prgtoken From the Caroline County Sheriff's Office: Deputy Sheriff Strother W. ``Ted'' Lewis, Sr. prgtoken From the Greene County Sheriff's Office: Investigator Chadwick Alan Carr and Sergeant Rodney Lee Davis. prgtoken From the Orange County Sheriff's Office: Sheriff William B. ``Willie'' Young and Sheriff Willie C. Bond. prgtoken From the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office: Deputy Sheriff Bryan Marshall Berger, Deputy Sheriff Dean Ridings, and Detective Richard Lee Samuels. prgtoken This week, we remember these officers, these Virginians, and these heroes. They are someone's loved one, fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, children. Their names are not only remembered here in the U.S. Capitol and throughout the Halls of Con