mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Debt Ceiling (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2023-5-2

it is about time. Ninety days after his last meeting with McCarthy and after weeks of pointblank refusal to engage in discussion, President finally agreed to meet with the about debt ceiling legislation. prgtoken I will say it again. It is about time. If the administration's estimate is correct, the United States is mere weeks away from reaching the limit of its borrowing capacity--which means, of course, that the President has to reach an agreement with the -led House of Representatives on a debt ceiling bill, but the President has been completely AWOL on this issue. prgtoken While I am very pleased that the President's Treasury Secretary has apparently managed to convey the urgency of the situation to the President and that the President is actually going to sit down with McCarthy , it remains to be seen how seriously the President will take negotiations. prgtoken He certainly hasn't been taking this issue seriously so far. prgtoken House s, on the other hand, have been taking this issue seriously. They have offered legislation to raise the debt ceiling, paired with spending reforms to slow the rate at which we are accumulating debt. But up until 18 hours ago, the President was refusing to engage on the issue at all. prgtoken The day s passed their debt ceiling legislation last week, the President was asked if he would sit down with McCarthy to negotiate on the debt limit. His reply: I am happy to meet with the but not on the debt limit. The debt limit isn't negotiable. prgtoken In other words, it is my way or the highway. You either accept my position on the debt limit--a debt ceiling increase with no spending reforms--or I will let our Nation default. prgtoken If that is not an unserious position, I don't know what is. prgtoken The fact is, in recent history, increases in the debt limit have almost always been the result of negotiations, and 7 of the last 10--7 of the last 10--debt limit increases have included some mix of policy or budgetary changes rather than simply a straight increase. No matter how much President would like his word on the debt ceiling to be law, the fact of the matter is that in our system of government the President does not have absolute power. And when the American people have sent divided government to Washington, as they did in the last election, then if you can't persuade the other side to see things your way, you have to negotiate. You have to compromise. prgtoken President understood this at one time. Back in 2011, here is what then-Vice President had to say about lawmakers who didn't want to negotiate on a debt ceiling increase: How can you explain the fact that grown men and women are unwilling to budge up till now, and still some of them are still unwilling to budge, by taking an absolute position: ``My way or no way.'' That's not governing. That's no way to govern. You ca
HONORING THE LIFE OF JAMES ``J.P.'' POWELL
Scott Franklin (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-5-2

I rise today to honor the life of James ``J.P.'' Powell, a former Winter Haven City Commissioner and dedicated public servant. Commissioner Powell passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on April 24, 2023. prgtoken J.P. was born in Akron, Ohio on October 31, 1957. He attended both Malone College in Canton, Ohio, and the University of Akron. Since 1983, J.P. was an employee of Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home and Glen Abbey Memorial Gardens. At one point, he and his wife Kim even lived above Glen Abbey. prgtoken During his extensive career in public service, J.P. served in various roles in the City of Winter Haven, Florida. He was first elected to Seat 1 of the Winter Haven City Commission in September 2007. He served in that position until January 2016 and was re-elected to Seat 5 in November 2017. He also served as Mayor of Winter Haven from 2011 through 2013 and Mayor Pro Tempore in 2009 and 2010. prgtoken J.P. was also privileged to serve as city liaison to the Polk Transit Authority and the Transportation Disadvantaged Local Coordinating Board, as an alternate to the Polk Transportation Planning Organization and Ridge League of Cities, and a member of the city's Community Redevelopment Board. prgtoken City employees recalled J.P. as a down-to-earth individual who took the time to get to know city staff on a personal level. Many knew him by his signature laughter that would echo throughout the commission chambers and say he always focused on making the best decisions for the betterment of the entire community. prgtoken J.P. had a lifelong passion for aviation and served as the Winter Haven City Commission's Airport Advisory Board Liaison for over a decade. His desire to grow the Winter Haven Airport led to the city spending nearly $1 million to upgrade the airport's security systems. prgtoken J.P.'s commitment to public service was unmatched. His family and friends say his real passion came from building relationships and connecting with people. He even continued to serve the city throughout his illness and treatment. His last meeting on the city commission was a discussion establishing quiet zones to limit train noise in residential areas--an issue about which he cared deeply. prgtoken On behalf of Florida's 18th Congressional District, I extend our deepest condolences to J.P.'s wife Kim, his son Travis and daughter-in- law Megan. He will be deeply missed by our community, but his contributions will be remembered by his friends, family and neighbors for years to come.
National Security (Executive Calendar)
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2023-5-2

years ago, we realized the government's failure to keep up with the amount of classified information is outdated; it is insufficient; and it is costly. prgtoken It is important to improve our broken classification system to reduce costs, eliminate years of backlog, and create a more efficient system. But I now recognize there is another reason to do this beyond just the efficiency of good government. We now know, also, it is making our country more vulnerable. prgtoken The disclosure of classified information threatens our country's security, diminishes the safety of our military, and damages our relationships with our allies. prgtoken We are so overwhelmed protecting outdated documents that we have failed to meet the basic purpose of our classification system: protect classified information from bad actors. prgtoken In the past year, our Nation experienced a number of harmful incidents relating to how classified information has been handled. Last year, we learned that classified information was improperly in the possession of the President, the former President, and the former Vice President. prgtoken Last month, our Nation became aware of a number of documents allegedly leaked by a 21-year-old Air National Guardsman trying to impress his video game buddies. prgtoken Regarding the latest leaks and the constant reporting streaming from them, I am mystified that such a person could have such broad access to some of our Nation's most sensitive information. prgtoken The alleged leaker had a known history of threatening violence and a record that did not permit him to obtain a gun. How could he be trusted with a top security clearance? prgtoken To protect the security of the United States, it is necessary for Congress to understand how these episodes happened, ascertain the damage that has been inflicted, and work to reduce the likelihood of them ever happening again. prgtoken We must also overhaul how records are handled and who has access to them. I want to highlight the enormous amount of classified information that is already in the government's possession. In this digital era, the Federal Government is classifying more information than our current analog declassification efforts can meet. prgtoken We are increasingly finding that information which should no longer be classified, including historical records subject to mandatory declassification, remain classified because the system is just simply overwhelmed. prgtoken This comes at a cost of good governance: American taxpayers spend $18 billion a year--$18 billion a year--on this broken system, and it prevents transparency, costly and not good government, citizens without information. prgtoken When there are no compelling national security reasons to justify records remaining classified, public trust in government is undermined. prgtoken Senator Wyden, the Senator from Oregon, and I have attempted to address this growing problem by introducing the Declas
RECOGNIZING THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE YUMA PROVING GROUND
Paul A. Gosar (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2023-5-2

I rise today to recognize the 80th anniversary of the United States Army Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. Although the proving ground is only celebrating its 80th birthday, the land's rich history extends beyond a century. In 1850, Fort Yuma was constructed overlooking the Colorado River crossing, and 15 years later, a second facility was constructed in 1865 to act as a supply base for Army posts across the Western United States. prgtoken Fast forward 78 years later in 1943, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers opened the Yuma Test Branch, while General Patton selected Yuma as the site for Camp Laguna. Although this site was deactivated in 1944, it was successfully prepared ground troops for desert combat. prgtoken In 1963, the site reopened as Yuma Proving Ground with a new, affirmed mission: to provide innovative testing for new technology and provide adaptable training to the entire defense industry. Due to its overwhelming success, the site was designated as a Major Range and Test Facility Base only three years later. prgtoken The proving ground constructed the ``Cibola Range'' in 1971 for the purposes of testing helicopters, umnanned aircraft, and navigations systems. With approximately 2,000 miles of restricted airspace, Yuma Proving Ground has become a prime site for all varieties of aircraft testing. Both the Apache helicopter and the Global Position System, more commonly known as GPS, completed all their developmental testing at Yuma Proving Ground. prgtoken In addition to aircraft testing, Yuma Proving Ground offers over 200 miles of vehicle courses with a variety of road and terrain conditions. Such testing space has been utilized by the M-1 Abrams tank and the M60 Main Battle tank. All U.S. ground weapon systems deployed to Saudi Arabia during the Persian War were tested at Yuma Proving Ground. prgtoken For the past 80 years, Yuma Proving Ground has succeeded in ensuring the safe function and efficiency of military equipment for the United States defense industry. It currently employs more than 2000 Yuma residents, enabling our community to positively impact the country's national security. prgtoken It is my distinct pleasure to recognize the 80th anniversary of such an essential site in the history and success of our great state of Arizona and beyond. Congratulations to Yuma Proving Ground. I look forward to the next 80 years of triumph.
RECOGNIZING ANDREA KRITCHER ON BEING ONE OF TIME'S 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE OF 2023
Jack Bergman (Republican, MI) \u2014 2023-5-2

it is my honor to recognize Andrea Kritcher for being named one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People of 2023. Andrea is an exemplary nuclear engineer and physicist. She has been credited with making countless advancements in inertial confinement fusion and continues to have a lasting impact on the global understanding of nuclear sciences. As a native of the Traverse City area, Andrea deserves our praise and respect for being named into this illustrious group of individuals. prgtoken Upon her graduation from Traverse City Central High School, Andrea attended Northwestern Michigan College and the University of Michigan before studying at the University of California Berkeley to pursue nuclear engineering. Andrea then began her time at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and has become an invaluable asset to their team. prgtoken Andrea's commitment to her work is undeniable, and she has had a direct impact on countless lives across the globe. The communities of Traverse City, Michigan's First District, and the entirety of the scientific community owe Andrea our utmost appreciation for her continuous effort to expand science and human understanding beyond its current scope. prgtoken , again it is my honor to recognize Andrea Kritcher for being named one of science's most influential figures of 2023 and for her work in nuclear sciences. On behalf of Michigan's First District, I extend my gratitude to Andrea and her family and wish them the best in their future endeavors.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2023-5-2

I rise today to introduce the Educational Opportunity and Success Act, which would reauthorize and strengthen the Federal TRIO Programs. I want to thank Senators Tester, Capito, and Baldwin for being original cosponsors. Senator Tester and I are cochairs of the Congressional TRIO Caucus. prgtoken I have been a longtime champion of TRIO, which helps students get the supports they need to prepare for, succeed in, and graduate from college. Prior to my election to the Senate, I worked at Husson University in Bangor, many of whose students are the first in their families to go to college, and I saw firsthand the importance of programs like TRIO. prgtoken Maine's 30 TRIO Programs serve more than 7,500 students throughout the State and are focused on increasing educational opportunities for first-generation and low-income students, as well as students with disabilities. I have been inspired by the stories of TRIO students from all across Maine and have seen how TRIO opens doors to the opportunities that come with pursuing and completing postsecondary education. prgtoken For example, Myles Ouellette, who currently resides in Van Buren, ME, credits TRIO not only with helping him to complete postsecondary education but also with saving his life. Myles participated in Upward Bound and Educational Talent Search at Van Buren High School. He enlisted in the Army after high school and developed an addiction to painkillers following an injury. After being released from prison, he enrolled in the University of Maine at Augusta, where he participated in the TRIO Student Support Services Program. With help and support from this program, Myles earned a bachelor's degree in applied science. He then went on to complete an MBA in healthcare management from Husson University. According to Myles, Maine TRIO helped him find his life's purpose and empowered him to reach his full potential. prgtoken Congress created the TRIO Programs because it recognized that low- income, first-generation college students often face significant obstacles in accessing and completing higher education. Our bipartisan bill would reauthorize these programs, modestly increase grant sizes, and make it easier for administrators to reach students who would benefit from TRIO. It updates the way that programs are evaluated and streamlines the application process. In addition, the bill would increase stipends for students participating in TRIO Programs and create a new stipend for veterans participating in the Veterans Upward Bound Program. prgtoken The Educational Opportunity and Success Act would also institute a commonsense process for correcting TRIO applications with minor errors and prevent the Department of Education from rejecting applications simply on the basis of formatting criteria. In 2017, the Department initially rejected dozens of Upward Bound applications based on arbitrary, nonsubstantive formatting criteria, such as line-spaci
HONORING THE LIFE OF FIREFIGHTER JASON TUCKER
Gus M. Bilirakis (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-5-2

I rise today to recognize and celebrate the life of my constituent, Pasco County Firefighter Jason Tucker. Jason served our community for 19 years as a firefighter for Pasco County Fire Rescue. Being named employee of the year for 2022, an award he earned through his dedication to his job, our community, and his fellow firefighters. prgtoken He exemplified his strength and character throughout his long and courageous battle with cancer. Firefighter Tucker continued to be involved with the department, even after his medical retirement in July 2022, routinely visiting with new-hire classes to teach the next generation the importance of cancer prevention. Through this work he has paved the way for future firefighters throughout the industry and saving countless lives. Throughout treatment he appeared at public events to speak about his illness. Jason Tucker will be remembered for his life of service and the courage he exemplified. May his memory be eternal.
Energy (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2023-5-3

last week, I came to the floor to talk about how the President's economic policies are failing to serve the lower and middle-income Americans he claims are his priority. prgtoken The President talks about wanting to give American families ``a little more breathing room,'' but his Big Government, big spending policies are taking away Americans' breathing room, as cash-strapped families struggling with the effects of the President's historic inflation crisis can attest. prgtoken Today, I want to talk about another set of the President's policies that aren't serving Americans, and that is the President's energy policy. Since the day he took office, President has pursued an agenda that is hostile to conventional sources of energy; namely, oil and natural gas. He set the tone on his very first day in office when he canceled the Keystone XL Pipeline--an environmentally responsible pipeline project that was already underway, and was to be paired with $1.7 billion in private investment in renewable energy to fully offset--fully offset--its operating emissions. prgtoken He also almost immediately froze new oil and gas leases on Federal land, sending a clear signal to oil and gas producers that his administration would be reluctant to work with them to increase American energy production. And he has continued along the same lines ever since, from raising taxes on conventional energy to proposing a rule that would effectively mandate that automakers only make electric vehicles beginning in the near future. The President's policies have targeted conventional energy. prgtoken In March, the President announced that he would close off a substantial part of the Arctic to oil and gas development. In the same week, his Environmental Protection Agency finalized a rule--a so-called good neighbor rule that threatens to close a number of fossil fuel- powered power plants. prgtoken So why is all this a problem? After all, Members of both parties support alternative energy technologies. Why are the President's efforts to shut down conventional energy production a problem? prgtoken Well, the President's attacks on conventional energy are a problem because conventional energy still plays an essential role in providing a steady, reliable energy supply to American consumers. prgtoken No matter how much the White House might wish it weren't the case, the technology to fully transition the United States to clean energy simply doesn't exist yet, and all of the Green New Deal, anti- conventional energy policies in the world can't change that basic fact. prgtoken What the President's Green New Deal, anti-conventional energy policies can do, however, is jeopardize our Nation's energy supply and drive up prices for American consumers. Americans know the energy price hikes of the administration all too well. From restricting oil and gas production to imposing tax hikes on conventional energy, President 's energy polici
Debt Ceiling (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-5-3

months of inaction by President have left our Nation drifting toward economic disaster. His own administration says our Nation is only weeks away from a debt crisis, but there has been a total absence of Presidential prgtoken leadership. President has simply been MIA. prgtoken First, the President said he would not negotiate unless McCarthy and House s passed their own bill. So they did. Our colleagues in the House passed a responsible bill. It is the only legislation currently in existence that can pass even one Chamber of Congress, let alone both. prgtoken Let that sink in. prgtoken This is where we are. Senate and Leader Schumer can give all the angry speeches they want, but they have no bill. Leader Schumer has no plan that can earn 60 votes here in the Senate. He has no solution that can even pass his Chamber, let alone the House. McCarthy and House s are the only people in Washington who have actually passed legislation to avoid default. prgtoken The Senate majority offers plenty of angry noises but zero plan. The only solution is Presidential leadership. President has been sleepwalking toward this crisis. prgtoken It is time to wake up--time to wake up. prgtoken The President has two options. He can endorse the responsible bill the House s have already passed and instruct Senate s not to block it in this Chamber or he can finally sit down with McCarthy and reach an agreement. The of the House has been sitting at the grownup's table for months waiting for President to act like a leader. prgtoken Whatever President and McCarthy can both agree to will pass the Senate easily. Any bill that doesn't meet that description appears to have no chance. prgtoken So I am glad President has begun backing down and finally advised the to begin negotiating. I accept his invitation to join the meeting myself, but I will continue to lend my support to the .