mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
SOUTH PACIFIC TUNA TREATY ACT OF 2023
Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (Republican, AS) \u2014 2024-4-9

I rise today in support of H.R. 1792, the South Pacific Tuna Treaty Act, which I introduced along with my original cosponsor, Ed Case of Hawaii. prgtoken As Representatives of the beautiful islands of American Samoa in the South Pacific, a marine economy which depends on a fishing economy like Hawaii, I applaud our Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee Chair Cliff Bentz of Oregon and Ranking Member Jared Huffman of California for their bipartisan support implementing this treaty with my friends and neighbors in the South Pacific. prgtoken This bill implements into statute the most recent changes to the South Pacific Tuna Treaty that was negotiated between NOAA and other signatory countries to the treaty. prgtoken These changes are important to support the American fishing fleet in the South Pacific where many boats call the port in American Samoa home. prgtoken These changes improve the operation, condition, and flexibility for the fleet, which is America's last true distant water fishing fleet. prgtoken The 1987 treaty enables American tuna purse seine vessels to fish in the exclusive economic zones of 16 Pacific Island nations and is key to the ongoing operations of America's South Pacific tuna fleet, including the 11 purse seiners based in American Samoa. prgtoken In 2016, the treaty signatories agreed to several amendments to the treaty; however, those changes have not yet been reflected in U.S. law, leaving South Pacific tuna fishermen in a state of uncertainty for years. prgtoken H.R. 1792 will fix these issues. prgtoken , I also thank U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Fisheries Kelly Kryc and American Tunaboat Association Executive Director William Gibbons-Fly who testified in support of the bill at last July's hearing. prgtoken Finally, I thank Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Grijalva who guided the Natural Resources Committee to unanimously approving H.R. 1792 at last October's markup. ``Live long and prosper.'' ``Soifua ma ia manuia.''
Nomination of Susan M. Bazis (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-4-9

today, the Senate will vote to confirm U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan Bazis to the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska. prgtoken Judge Bazis's deep ties to Nebraska and experience in the courtroom as a litigator and on the bench have prepared her to serve as a U.S. District Judge. A graduate of the University of Nebraska and Creighton University School of Law, Judge Bazis worked as a Douglas County public defender and later in private practice, including as a solo practitioner. Over the course of her legal career, she tried approximately 675 cases to verdict in front of administrative hearing officers and approximately 150 cases to verdict in courts of record. prgtoken In 2007, Judge Bazis was appointed to serve as a Douglas County Court judge, presiding over criminal, civil, probate, and protection order matters. Since 2017, she has served as a U.S. magistrate judge for the District of Nebraska. In over 15 years on the bench, she has presided over 550 cases that have gone to verdict or judgment. prgtoken Judge Bazis has the strong support from her home State Senators, Mrs. Fischer and Mr. Ricketts. In addition, she was unanimously rated ``well qualified'' by the American Bar Association. Judge Bazis's significant courtroom experience as a litigator and as a jurist will ensure that she will continue to be an asset on the federal bench. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support Judge Bazis's nomination.
Abortion (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-4-9

yesterday, former President reminded the entire country that, if there is anyone to blame for the annihilation of Roe v. Wade and the grotesque reversal of women's personal freedoms, it is and the Party. prgtoken On Truth Social, yesterday, the former President said he was ``proudly the person responsible'' for putting radical jurists on the Supreme Court for the explicit purpose of overturning Roe. prgtoken Let me repeat that so all of America knows the real truth. prgtoken Former President said, yesterday, he was ``proudly the person responsible'' for putting radical jurists on the Supreme Court for the explicit purpose of overturning Roe. prgtoken Does anyone think that, should become President again, he won't try again to add even more extreme jurists to the bench so he can continue his assault on women's reproductive freedoms? prgtoken To this day, continues to boast of his extreme views on the right to choose, and we all remember his support for a national abortion ban. No matter how much he might want people to forget, people won't. prgtoken The president of the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, a major anti- abortion rights group, reminded everyone, yesterday, that they will still support because, when push comes to shove, they know, should former President return to office, he will continue supporting a Federal abortion ban and continue to erode women's rights. After all, this is the who, when he was President in the past, said women who seek reproductive care deserve to be punished. That is what he said: They deserve to be punished. prgtoken And that is the bottom line. If s get into power, they will not hesitate to push for a national abortion ban. Many s in both Chambers have been on record supporting a national abortion ban for years. A national abortion ban, for instance, was included in the Study Committee budget released just 2 weeks prgtoken ago--an organization that counts the majority of House s, including their leadership, as members. So s cannot hide from this. prgtoken s know that their views are dangerously out of step with the public. Here in Congress, s have claimed to support access to IVF and paid lip service to supporting women's access to reproductive services. But Americans know actions speak louder than words. Not 1 month ago, Senate s blocked legislation to preserve IVF, and Johnson has publicly opposed Federal action protecting it. prgtoken So s and can try to hide their anti-abortion records all they want, but the American people will see right through it today, tomorrow, and in November.
CELEBRATING THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR'S 35TH ANNIVERSARY
Linda T. Sánchez (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-4-9

I rise today to recognize the 35th anniversary of the City of Diamond Bar. prgtoken Founded in 1989, Diamond Bar is celebrating 35 years of cityhood this April. prgtoken Like many Southern California communities, Diamond Bar's recorded history started with a Mexican land grant for ranching, this one covering Brea Canyon and the eastern Walnut Valley. prgtoken The Diamond Bar Ranch area eventually developed into a planned residential community. More than 50,000 of my constituents now call Diamond Bar home. prgtoken This San Gabriel Valley city set against a mountain backdrop offers a lot to its resident families and visitors, including beautiful parks like Summitridge, a wonderful public library, top-rated school districts, and public safety services. prgtoken I am very proud to represent Diamond Bar as part of California's 38th Congressional District. prgtoken Happy Birthday to the City of Diamond Bar.
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2024-4-9

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
A STRONGER WORKFORCE FOR AMERICA ACT
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2024-4-9

the balance of my time to close. prgtoken , the last Congress, we tried to get together on a reauthorization of WIOA, but we couldn't come to an agreement. We passed the bill. It didn't pass the Senate. prgtoken I am pleased that this Congress, Chairwoman Foxx and I and the committee's staff were able to get together and work together on a bipartisan draft of the Stronger Workforce for America Act. prgtoken I am grateful that the committee staff, particularly Scott Estrada and Marek Laco, spent countless hours drafting this legislation. prgtoken This bill is an example of the great work that can get done when we work together, so I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, which will meaningfully strengthen our workforce. prgtoken , .
COMMEMORATING THE 325TH ANNIVERSARY OF VAISAKHI AND THE LEGACY OF GURU GOBIND SINGH JI
Thomas R. Suozzi (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-4-9

I rise today to commemorate the 325th anniversary of Vaisakhi on April 13, 2024, and the legacy of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who espoused the values that we as Americans cherish, including liberty, equality, and religious freedom. prgtoken Guru Gobind Singh Ji founded the Khalsa community in 1699, and its sole purpose has been upholding the dignity and human rights of everyone, regardless of their nationality, race, religion, or social status. Sikhism teaches that all human beings are inter-connected as one human family, with one Creator who lives through everyone. Sikhism also teaches that every person has innate dignity and deserves to be treated with respect and kindness. Guru Gobind Singh Ji taught that the highest form of worship is to love and care for humanity. For this reason, the Khalsa community cares for God's creation without any distinction. prgtoken Guru Gobind Singh Ji preached his belief in pluralism and freedom of conscience during a time of religious intolerance. He lived by a maxim that captures one of Voltaire's philosophies. ``I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.'' His father, Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, adhered to the same principles and was even executed because he protested the government's forced removal of the Janeu, the sacred thread. Even though as a Sikh, Guru Teg Bahadur Ji himself did not believe in wearing the Janeu, he protested for the right of Hindus to wear it. He was executed because he refused to give up this principle when given an ultimatum by the intolerant monarchy of his time. prgtoken Guru Gobind Singh Ji followed in the footsteps of his father and promoted interfaith dialogue. Not only would Guru Gobind Singh Ji build Sikh Gurudwaras, but he also built Muslim Mosques and Hindu Mandirs. When asked which religion he felt is the most excellent, Guru Gobind Singh Ji would respond ''Just as my faith is the most excellent for me, yours is the most excellent for you.'' He taught that religious labels do not matter in God's eyes. prgtoken Guru Gobind Singh Ji was also a major proponent of education and women's rights. He was an intellectual who authored many influential works and poetry that is still read today. Much of his poetry is included in the Sikh prayers. He encouraged people of all identities and backgrounds to study, which was very rare at the time. Women were given the equal rights to become soldiers in the Khalsa army, which was an army comprised completely of volunteers. According to Sikh writer Bhai Vir Singh Ji, Guru Gobind Singh Ji taught that ``it is a sin to be cruel, but it is a bigger sin to tolerate cruelty.'' This was during a time where being religious meant that you left society to primarily focus on meditation. Guru Gobind Singh Ji taught abandoning a suffering world in the name of religion is selfishness disguised as prayer. He preached that religiosity meant fighting against cruelty and uplifting the down
CRISIS IN HAITI
Jonathan L. Jackson (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-4-9

I thank the Honorable Stacey Plaskett for her leadership, and , the Honorable Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, for yielding. prgtoken Much of the world today has their attention focused on Gaza, and it seems as if Haiti has been ignored when you consider the long and difficult journey of the Haitian people from bondage to freedom and all that has been done to destabilize and punish Haitian independence, I say to you that Haiti cannot be ignored. prgtoken It would be easy to blame the Haitian people for the overwhelming violence being committed on the streets of Port-au-Prince, in Jacmel, and in the countryside, but such thinking would be the result of a tragic reductionism more so intended to manipulate the facts than to teach them. What is happening in Haiti today is the result of what happens when empires and colonial powers conspire to make it economically impossible for liberated countries to flourish and survive. prgtoken To think that Haiti had to pay France the equivalent of what would be today $21 billion in 1804 after Dessalines had declared independence-- King Charles X of France, a slaver and a colonial power, had the American Government, after its independence, enforce a payment to American, French, and German bankers and put a tax on the Haitian people for 150 years. Haitians did not stop paying French bankers until 1947. prgtoken Yes, a 150-year tax was put on the first freed African group of people to resist slavery and colonialism. prgtoken How is it even possible for the world to stand by and allow France to put a tax on the people of Haiti because they dared to do what Americans had done just 20 years prior to the Haitian Revolution? prgtoken , can you imagine the outcry in this country if Great Britain had required America to pay a freedom tax after the Revolutionary War to make up for lost wages and profits? prgtoken Americans would still be angry. Americans would be resentful. More importantly, Americans would still be recovering from having to dedicate most of its GDP to paying an unconscionable tax for the subsequent loans and interest needed to resolve it. prgtoken How did it happen that for 150 years the nation of Haiti was trapped in a vicious cycle of economic extortion and exploitation while the rest of the so-called civilized world acted as if making the victim pay the brutalizer was not a crime against humanity and the complete inversion of common sense? prgtoken This is what has happened to Haiti. This is the root cause and the base behind the bottomless music of chaos and violence happening in Haiti right now. prgtoken The Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr said that violence is the language of the unheard, a point to which I shall add that criminality is the syntax and verbiage of the poor. People who have neither the means nor the opportunity to participate and benefit from the wealth of their own country will, in the end, act against the national interest bec
HONORING THE 2024 GOOD SCOUT AWARD RECIPIENT JEFF STRACK
Frank J. Mrvan (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2024-4-9

it is with great respect that I take this time to recognize the 2024 Good Scout Award recipient, presented annually by the LaSalle Council Boy Scouts of America. To commemorate this special occasion, the organization is hosting a celebratory event on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at the Porter County Expo Center and Fairgrounds in Valparaiso, Indiana. prgtoken Each year, the LaSalle Council Boy Scouts of America presents the Good Scout Award to individuals whose efforts have had significant positive impacts on their communities in Northwest Indiana and across the state. This year, the LaSalle Council Boy Scouts of America will be honoring Jeff Strack, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Indiana Grocery Group/Strack & Van Til. prgtoken Jeff's impressive career with Strack & Van Til spans over thirty years. He has held numerous positions with the organization including Vice President of Operations and Chief Marketing/Strategy Officer, among others. Currently, Jeff is the company's President and CEO, a position he has held since 2016. During that time, Mr. Strack has created a culture of success by developing an executive team that is focused on customer satisfaction, employee appreciation, exceptional service, quality products, and community involvement. Under his outstanding leadership, Strack & prgtoken Van Til has grown to include more than twenty locations, and the organization continues to evolve to meet the needs of the communities it serves. prgtoken Jeff Strack generously serves his community by giving his time and efforts to numerous charitable endeavors. He also serves on several local, national, and advisory boards. In addition, Strack & Van Til has a long history of supporting organizations that focus on hunger relief, first responders, military, educational foundations, local sports teams, and more. For his outstanding commitment to so many earnest causes, Jeff Strack is to be commended. prgtoken , I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring the LaSalle Council Boy Scouts of America and its 2024 Good Scout Award recipient, Jeff Strack. For his lifetime of leadership and tireless dedication to the community of Northwest indiana and beyond, Jeff Strack is worthy of the highest praise.
RECOGNIZING THE SALINE FIDDLERS' 30TH ANNIVERSARY
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-4-9

I rise today to recognize the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic, a premier youth fiddling show band from Saline, Michigan, on their 30th anniversary. Comprised of students from Saline High School the fiddlers present an energetic and polished show that features a diverse range of music from American folk, fiddle, bluegrass, jazz, western swing, and Celtic traditions. Their 30 years of unforgettable performances are remarkable, and their commitment and skill are worthy of commendation. prgtoken The Fiddlers began in 1994 with the simple idea of introducing an alternative style of musical education to public school students to maintain and expand their interest in musical performance. Since 1994, these remarkable students have set the standard for extracurricular music programs in the United States and have become a model for instruction and motivation that other schools across the nation have added to their own programs. prgtoken With over 1,500 performances in the majority of the states in our nation, the Fiddlers have a storied history that includes three performances at the White House, two performances on the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center, and a performance at the State of Michigan's Presidential Inaugural Ball. The Fiddlers have also traveled to Canada and Europe for performances and have made multiple trips to Saline's sister cities of Brecon, Wales and Lindenberg, Germany. Each year, the group performs 50-60 times, with around a third of their annual schedule being donated to community service events. I still fondly remember their performance at the Saline Celtic Festival this past summer. prgtoken Working alongside the artistic team, the Saline Fiddlers help plan each aspect of their shows by crafting arrangements and making diverse organizational decisions that helps teach the students collaborative ownership while giving students the opportunity to explore their creativity and showcase their enthusiasm throughout the show making process. These accomplished members of the Fiddlers are selected through competitive auditions that assess their musical talent and personal maturity. They balance academics, school organizations, jobs, and other extracurricular activities. Teaching students not just about music but about maintaining a balanced schedule and workload is a true testament to how the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic has helped 30 years of students prepare for their futures through music. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic on their 30th anniversary. Their commitment to music and community is an incredible accomplishment and has helped preserve music and tradition for future generations. I cannot wait to see all they accomplish in the years to come.
SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERSHIPS OF THE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE 118TH CONGRESS
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2024-4-9

I ask unanimous consent that the revised memberships on the twelve subcommittees of the Committee on Appropriations for the 118th Congress be printed in the Record. The new assignments reflect my selection as chair of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and Senator Kyrsten Sinema's selection as chair of the Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, both for the remainder of this Congress.
Francis Scott Key Bridge (Executive Session)
Amy Klobuchar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2024-4-9

I rise today to address the urgent need to support the people of Baltimore in the wake of the tragic Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. prgtoken This is near and dear to my heart because of the 35W bridge collapse, and I am well-aware of the response of Congress at that moment many years ago, and I think it is relevant to some of the discussions that have come out of the Baltimore bridge collapse. I thought I would share them with my colleagues today. prgtoken First, my heart is with the entire city of Baltimore, especially the families and loved ones of the six workers who died and the workers still trapped on the boat that struck the bridge. I know our colleagues Senator Cardin and Senator Van Hollen are working around the clock to support the victims' families. President was just at the bridge and has pledged his support to get this rebuilt and to open the port and to do everything necessary. And we must stand with them. prgtoken I thank the heroic first responders, the Coast Guard, the National Transportation Safety Board, and the Maryland officials, including, of course, Governor Moore, who acted swiftly and made sure that lives were saved. Yes, you think about the story of the immediate response to the mayday and the first responders in the middle of the night who made sure other cars didn't get on that bridge. You also think of the Governor there the next day making sure people knew what had happened and what their plans were. prgtoken I am thankful for the efforts of brave workers leading the cleanup process, which we know poses serious risks to their safety. The Key Bridge wasn't just a way to get from Hawkins Point to Sparrows Point. It was a unifying force for the people of Baltimore from all walks of life. As one longtime resident, a doctor and son of immigrants, put it: Every single Baltimorean felt that bridge fall down. That's our London Bridge. That's our Golden Gate Bridge. It was like a friend constantly saying hello to me in the morning . . . The bridge was a lifeline to schools and work . . . It was a bridge to the American Dream. prgtoken In addition to the devastating human tragedy of the collapse, the lack of a bridge that carried over 31,000 vehicles across the river every day will have economic repercussions, and we know it now. It is a major artery for the city and critical point of access for the Port of Baltimore, which handles more cars and trucks than any other port in our country, supporting more than 15,000 jobs and indirectly supporting 140,000 more. Every day that port is closed could cost our economy up to $15 million. That is why we have no time to waste. Baltimore's recovery and our entire economy depend on us stepping up and working together. prgtoken Here is our story in Minnesota and why it is relevant. On August 1, 2007, in the middle of the most beautiful day both here in Washington and in Minnesota, the eight-lane I-35