mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
STANDING IN SOLIDARITY WITH UAW WORKERS
Maxwell Frost (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2023-9-20

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate the climate movement for a huge win today. President has announced the creation of the American Climate Corps, which will train tens of thousands of young people to build the climate-friendly infrastructure we deserve and that we need. This is youth workforce development and will help us in many different issues, from gun violence to the economy. prgtoken This transformational thinking is the policy and work that we deserve to save our planet and save humanity. I thank the youth-led movements, like the Sunrise Movement, that made moments like this possible. I thank everyone who has championed this. This is a great step in the greater fight to protect humanity, to fight against the climate crisis, and to have a world that we deserve. prgtoken The climate crisis is here, and the cost of not doing anything is far greater than the cost of taking bold action. Yes, in terms of dollars and cents, which is usually the way we think about things here in Congress, but I also think about the cost of human life and the cost of humanity. Let's continue this fight together.
RECOGNIZING THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF WASHINGTON GAS
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2023-9-20

I rise today to recognize the 175th anniversary of Washington Gas, a leading provider of energy services in the national capital region. prgtoken In 1848, Congress passed, and President James Polk signed, an Act that chartered the Washington Gas Light Company, making Washington Gas the first congressionally chartered gas company in the country. Washington Gas was originally responsible for installing gas lights in the United States Capitol, the White House, and along Pennsylvania Avenue in the District of Columbia. Washington Gas expanded its service into Maryland and Virginia around the turn of the 20th century, and today provides energy to more than 1.2 million residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the national capital region. prgtoken Over the years, Washington Gas and its employees have supported various nonprofit, community, civic, and charitable organizations. This support has enhanced the quality of life for countless individuals and families in D.C Maryland, and Virginia, providing millions of dollars for vocational training, job placements, and other paths to long-term employment, including more than $500,000 in scholarships for underrepresented students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. prgtoken Since 2018 alone, Washington Gas' philanthropic programs and initiatives have contributed more than $7 million in local support. This funding has advanced programs that support healthy and safe communities. prgtoken Washington Gas employees have provided more than 140,000 hours of volunteer service since 2005 to organizations in D.C Maryland, and Virginia, including the Capital Area Food Bank, Special Olympics DC, Healthy Babies Project, The Latino Student Fund, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, INROADS, Junior Achievement, The March of Dimes, YMCA of Greater Washington, A Wider Circle, and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. prgtoken This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF). Since 1983, WAFF has provided over $33 million to help more than 308,000 local families heat their homes during challenging times, no matter their heating source. Washington Gas pays all administrative fees to ensure that every WAFF dollar goes to a family in need. prgtoken , I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Washington Gas on its 175th anniversary and thanking Washington Gas for its service to its customers and community.
Government Funding (Executive Session)
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2023-9-20

I thank the majority leader. prgtoken Let's be clear. The three bills in that package are not partisan bills. This was not some secretive process. We drafted these bills through an open, bipartisan process. We held hearings. We held markups for the first time in years. We kept our doors open to any Member with thoughts or concerns. So it is very frustrating to see that this bipartisan effort got derailed today despite all of that work and despite the overwhelming consensus last week that we wanted to all get started on this package. prgtoken All of our colleagues and their staffs who spent long hours working on these bills in good faith deserve better. More importantly, all of our constituents who sent us here to advocate for them, to work together, and to solve problems deserve better. prgtoken I will keep fighting to make sure we do right by our constituents and keep our regular appropriations process moving here in the Senate. As my colleagues know, I don't give up easily, and I am not going to give up here either. I am going to keep pushing with everything I have got to pass the spending bills that so many of us have spent so much time working on to get our communities the resources they need. prgtoken Yet I do have to say today that I am deeply disappointed. I am not new to politics. I am not new to tough votes or setbacks. I know that this work is never easy, but it is really unfortunate that this overwhelming bipartisan process and this package of bills that passed unanimously has been stymied by the objections of just a few Senators. That is upsetting, and it is pretty hard to square with a lot of the talk that we hear all the time about wanting to work together, wanting to break the pattern of partisanship, wanting to help people, wanting to solve problems, to say nothing of how some of our loudest complainers who have been talking big about their commitment for us to return to regular order and who have been railing against these omnibus bills at the end of the year have led the effort to halt our best shot in years of actually getting closer to regular order and, instead, possibly setting us on a collision course for another massive omnibus. prgtoken While this full package may not be moving forward right now through this process, I will not stop working to return this process back to regular order and keep things moving. I will keep talking to colleagues about how we get all 12 of our bipartisan spending bills across the finish line here in the Senate. I will keep working to see if we can get that consent agreement that will allow us to move forward on this package. prgtoken As we get closer to September 30, I am working hard to make sure we chart a bipartisan course for a CR and supplemental funding package so that we can avoid a damaging and completely unnecessary shutdown and reject the devastating cuts from the House s that would gut everything from heating assistance
Agricultural Disaster Relief (Executive Session)
Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2023-9-20

I come to the floor today to discuss the urgent need for Congress to provide relief for recent agricultural disasters. prgtoken I appreciate that circumstances around the appropriations process have changed somewhat since we prepared these remarks, but what I really want to do this afternoon is to highlight the devastating experiences of New Hampshire growers this year and explain why it is so urgent for them that Congress provide disaster relief. prgtoken In New Hampshire, our growers have faced an unprecedented difficult year. A late frost on the evening of May 18 caused enormous damage to fruit crops across New Hampshire but especially to our apple orchards. prgtoken These photos really depict what happened to most of the apple crops in New Hampshire. You can see that these almost look like chestnuts as they are so small and stunted and brown. In this, you can barely make out that it is an apple, and you can see the size of them based on the impact from the frost. prgtoken This event followed an extreme freeze in February that wiped out virtually 100 percent of our peach crops and other stone fruits. prgtoken My office has been hearing from apple growers who lost 80 to 100 percent of their crops this year as well as from New Hampshire growers who lost up to 100 percent of other crops, such as peaches, pears, plums, blueberries, strawberries, grapes, and cherries. prgtoken For people who think ``Well, you don't have that many orchards in New Hampshire,'' we have the largest apple orchard of New England in New Hampshire. prgtoken This is a big concern for our farmers in the State, and they make up a considerable percentage of our small businesses. What we have seen is total crop losses for some growers and near-total losses for others. prgtoken The business impact of such catastrophic damage goes way beyond the direct cost of damage to the crops because, in New Hampshire, we have a strong tradition, as I know they do in other States, of families who visit their local orchards every year to ``pick your own'' apples and other fruit. For local farms, these visits aren't just about that actual apple picking; it is an opportunity to showcase everything their farms have to offer, to display other products for families to purchase--vegetables that have grown during the season, baked goods, apple cider, applesauce. Everything that can be made from apples is available at those farm stands. prgtoken Apple picking marks the start of autumn in New Hampshire. We are currently well into September and what should be apple-picking season. This past weekend should have seen busy crowds at farms across New Hampshire, with families apple picking, eating cider doughnuts, and sipping apple cider, but, sadly, this was not the case. prgtoken I heard from growers like Trevor Hardy from Brookdale Fruit Farm in Hollis, who called his counterparts at Meadow Ledge Farm in Loudon, at Poverty Lane Orchards in Lebanon, and other
CELEBRATING 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF POLLACK INVESTMENTS
Andy Biggs (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2023-9-21

. Madam , today, I recognize the legacy of service and leadership of Michael Pollack, a resident of Arizona's Fifth Congressional District. I join him in celebrating his 50th year as president and founder of Pollack Investments, which specializes in commercial restoration and renovation projects, specifically long-term investments in shopping centers and other multi-tenant locations. prgtoken In his industry, many developers will look at a property that has fallen into disrepair and see only a building ripe for destruction. In his own words, Michael sees ``each real estate project as an opportunity to enhance the fabric of Arizona's cities one development at a time.'' prgtoken Whether refusing to take advantage of those affected by the housing crash or working with tenants to make it through the COVID era without closing their doors, Michael has always remained focused on protecting the overall economic and social health of our cities and their residents. prgtoken Michael's enduring legacy is one of inspiration, renewal, and compassion. He set new standards in his industry and community. He has made an immeasurable impact on the lives of countless Arizonans. prgtoken On behalf of Arizona's Fifth Congressional District, I thank Michael for inspiring others with his unwavering commitment to making our communities better than he found them, one development at a time. I pay homage to Michael Pollack and congratulate him.
RECOGNIZING NATIONAL TEACH AG DAY
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-9-21

. Madam , I rise today to recognize National Teach Ag Day. prgtoken National Teach Ag Day is for anyone who wants to celebrate school- based agricultural education, share the story of agriculture education's importance and effectiveness in the United States, and encourage students to consider careers as agricultural educators. prgtoken This year, we are celebrating 75 years of the National Association of Agricultural Educators. prgtoken Madam , our agricultural educators are responsible for cultivating and inspiring the next generation of agricultural leaders. This happens in the classroom with extension programs or groups like FFA and 4-H. By recognizing our agricultural educators, we can ensure our students have knowledge and exposure to all the opportunities the agricultural industry and sector have to offer. prgtoken Madam , I thank all the ag teachers and volunteers across the country who help support our Nation's farmers, ranchers, foresters, and producers.
Credit Suisse (Executive Calendar)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-9-21

earlier this year, Chairman Whitehouse and I began bipartisan work to investigate Credit Suisse's historical servicing of Nazi-linked accounts. Today, I would like to discuss this important bipartisan work and thank Senator Whitehouse and his staff for their assistance on this very important topic. prgtoken In March of 2020, Simon Wiesenthal Center notified Credit Suisse that it found previously undisclosed information relating to the bank's Nazi ties. The bank, to its credit, initially took steps in the right direction and agreed to investigate. It even retained a research firm to conduct a forensic review. It even retained former TARP Inspector General Neil Barofsky to oversee that review as an independent ombudsman, and they also had U.S. Envoy Ira Forman as an independent adviser. prgtoken But after Credit Suisse hired a new general counsel--so a new person stepped in--the bank paused its review, limited experts' access to records, and terminated Barofsky and Forman; very odd acts to take compared to the positive start of this investigation. prgtoken Anyway, the bank cited performance issues for the termination. Well, the then-general counsel's predecessor never expressed those concerns, and the bank's research firm described Barofsky as professional. And I happen to know some of Barofsky's work, and he is, in fact, a professional. prgtoken Barofsky drafted a report about what he observed at the bank and found, as he was contractually obligated to do. So Chairman Whitehouse and I issued the Budget Committee's first subpoena since 1991 to obtain that report. prgtoken Credit Suisse had prevented Barofsky from providing us a fully unredacted report. Ultimately, we not only obtained that report fully unredacted but also the bank's own report. prgtoken So then what did Chairman Whitehouse and I find? Credit Suisse did not review and investigate all relevant records. For example, Credit Suisse did not use a full dataset from its predecessor's bank. prgtoken It inconsistently collected and reviewed information such as account balances. Credit Suisse failed to review allegations that Nazi heirs had sought access to bank accounts. prgtoken When the review pointed to evidence of wrongdoing beyond Argentina, Credit Suisse stated the information was ``out of scope'' and then didn't do any investigation. prgtoken Now, even after those limitations, the reports revealed new information, including nearly 100--and let me emphasize ``100''-- previously undisclosed Nazi-linked accounts. Some accounts remained open as recently as the year 2020. prgtoken And when we finally got an unredacted version, it showed evidence that 64,000--let me emphasize ``64,000''--sets of potentially relevant records related to Nazi-linked accounts were not part of the investigation. prgtoken Credit Suisse claims that they are irrelevant without giving us a sufficient explanation. Credit Suisse also blocked its independent oversight that i
RECOGNIZING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE'S FINDLAY CAMPUS
Robert E. Latta (Republican, OH) \u2014 2023-9-21

I rise today to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Owens Community College's Findlay Campus in Findlay, Ohio. Throughout the years, Owens has been a comprehensive community college providing educational opportunities and training to the residents of our communities. The hard work and spirit shown by generations of students and faculty have made Owens an outstanding educational institution. prgtoken Originally, Owens Community College was founded in 1965 in Wood County. The college was name after Michael J. Owens, a Toledo-based inventor of automated glass bottle-making technology. In 1983 Owens opened their Findlay Campus which occupies more than 60 acres. With their new campus, Owens was able to expand its coverage and continue to provide education to students from all walks of life. Currently, Owens's service district includes Lucas, Wood, Hancock, and parts of Ottawa counties. prgtoken Owens Community College offers more than 160 programs and certificates to its students who are preparing for a career, retraining for a new career, seeking professional development, or obtaining credits to transfer to a 4-year college or university. Their dedicated faculty members bring industry knowledge, information, and ideas into the classroom to provide students with a better understanding, how studies will translate into careers. Outside the classroom, students can experience an enriching campus life through student activities, clubs and organizations, athletics, and volunteer activities. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to Owens Community College and its students, faculty, and administration on this remarkable occasion. By celebrating the 40th anniversary, community members and Ohio residents recognize Owens's contribution to its students and the surrounding communities. Congratulations to Owens Community College on this significant milestone.
RECOGNIZING THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL MARK PITLIANGAS FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Michael Waltz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-9-21

today I recognize Lieutenant Colonel Mark Pitliangas of the United States Air Force for his extraordinary dedication to duty and service to our Nation. Lieutenant Colonel Pitliangas recently transitioned from his assignment as a Deputy Director of Congressional Affairs for United prgtoken States Transportation Command to fly the KC-46 Pegasus at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey as Chief of Safety, 305th Air Mobility Wing. prgtoken Lt Col Pitliangas is the first member of his family to serve in our U.S. Air Force. Mark attended the United States Air Force Academy and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 2008 before attending pilot training. From there, he went on to fly the mighty C-130 Hercules, otherwise known as the ``Four Fans of Freedom'' and honorably served in Iraq and Afghanistan as a combat pilot over 3 deployments. Lt Col Pitliangas has held numerous leadership positions in a variety of units, highlighted by serving as the Director of Operations for the 386th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron in Kuwait. During that time, he enabled 29,000 airlift and air refueling missions directly supporting Operations INHERENT RESOLVE and FREEDOM'S SENTINEL flown from our busiest airfield in United States Central Command. prgtoken In the winter of 2020, Mark was selected to serve as Deputy Director of Congressional Affairs under the United States Transportation Command. As the primary liaison between Members of Congress, congressional staff, committees, and USTRANSCOM, he provided valuable insight and understanding of transportation policies, actions, operations, and requirements. His first-hand knowledge of the military, its culture, and traditions has been a tremendous benefit to our Congressional offices. His dogged determination and exceptional coordination enabled the USTRANSCOM Commander to accomplish over 40 office calls with Members and Staff in preparation for her annual posture testimony. prgtoken , it has been a pleasure to work with Lieutenant Colonel Pitliangas during his time representing the United States Transportation Command on Capitol Hill. On behalf of our grateful Nation, it is my honor to recognize the selfless service and sacrifice of Mark, his wife, Eleni, and their children, Stephanos, George, and Nicholas. I wish them the very best as they continue their journey in our United States Air Force. They have dedicated their lives to the service of our great Nation. prgtoken Aim High . . . Fly, Fight, and Win.
Unanimous Consent Request--S. 2791 (Executive Calendar)
Ted Cruz (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-9-21

since 1790, the Coast Guard, our Nation's oldest continuous seagoing service, has been the world's premier force in maritime safety, security, and stewardship. Guided by its core values of honor, respect, and devotion to duty, the Coast Guard is a symbol of resolve to our adversaries and of hope to those in peril at sea. prgtoken Our Nation relies on more than 50,000 members of the Coast Guard each day to keep our country safe, to project national power, and to champion the rule of law and governance on our waters and beyond. prgtoken In Texas, Coast Guard members are on patrol 365 days a year. From Station South Padre Island to Sector Houston-Galveston and beyond, Coast Guard members keep our citizens and our country safe. Just this week, a Coast Guard Air Station Houston helicopter crew completed a daring rescue, saving the life of a mariner 10 miles off the coast of Galveston, TX. When our Nation calls, the Coast Guard is always ready to answer. prgtoken As the ranking member of the Senate Commerce Committee, which has responsibility for policies affecting the Coast Guard and Coast Guard servicemembers and their families, I believe that in the event of a shutdown, the Coast Guard must be paid without question and without delay. prgtoken That is why, last week, I introduced the bipartisan Pay Our Coast Guard Act, which would treat coastguardsmen the same as all other servicemembers for purposes of pay and benefits if there is a lapse in appropriations. If a continuing resolution is not passed, the prudent thing to do--the right thing to do--is to agree now that we will pay the men and women of the Coast Guard. That is what this bill does. prgtoken If there is a shutdown, military personnel from all branches of the Armed Forces will keep working. In past shutdowns, Congress acted swiftly to pay our troops. But since the Coast Guard is housed in the Department of Homeland Security and not the Department of Defense, coastguardsmen were left out; they weren't compensated. prgtoken Our bipartisan legislation, which I introduced along with Senators Cantwell, Sullivan, and Baldwin, avoids that scenario by saying if there is a shutdown, all of our Armed Forces, including the Coast Guard, must be paid. This bipartisan bill makes clear, here and now, that we will not take the Coast Guard hostage to a shutdown fight. prgtoken While the American people can always count on the Coast Guard, the Coast Guard has not been always able to count on this Chamber to do the right thing. During the last government shutdown, which was precipitated by the majority in this Chamber in 2019, members of a single branch of our Armed Forces, the Coast Guard, worked without paychecks for 34 days, oftentimes alongside servicemembers of other branches who were still being paid. The Defense Department was funded, but the Homeland Security Department was not. So I joined with several Senate colleagues to advance a bill th