mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATIONS
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2024-5-20

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.
Nomination of Seth Robert Aframe (Executive Session)
Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2024-5-20

I come to the floor today in support of Seth Aframe's nomination to the First Circuit Court of Appeals. Without a doubt, the depth of Mr. Aframe's legal expertise and his extensive experience at the U.S. Attorney's Office make him eminently qualified to serve on the First Circuit. The American Bar Association agrees. They gave Mr. Aframe a unanimous rating of ``well qualified.'' prgtoken But I think what might be most impressive about Mr. Aframe is his overwhelming dedication to serving his community. In fact, one of Mr. Aframe's earliest formative experiences as an aspiring public servant was when he served as a Senate page on this very floor. As we hope all pages will do when their time in the Senate comes to an end, Mr. Aframe carried a passion for public service with him, and it informed his professional trajectory. prgtoken After graduating from college, Mr. Aframe decided to pursue a law career, going on to attend Georgetown University Law Center. From Georgetown, he spent 3 years in private practice, developing his skills in complex civil litigation before moving to New Hampshire, where he clerked for Judge Jeffrey Howard on the First Circuit. From there, he went on to join the U.S. Attorney's Office in Concord. He has served as Chief of both the Criminal Division and the Appellate Section of the U.S. Attorney's Office. During his tenure, Mr. Aframe has tried 20 cases in Federal district court and has argued more than 100 appeals before the First Circuit, giving Mr. Aframe more appellate experience than almost any attorney in New Hampshire. prgtoken Still, in his limited free time, Mr. Aframe has made it a priority to give back to the next generation of legal minds. prgtoken Outside of the courtroom, he is an adjunct professor at the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law, where he teaches First Amendment law. He is also a frequent and popular volunteer at Civics 603!, which is a nonprofit that provides civics education to New Hampshire students, ranging from elementary to high school. prgtoken Beyond the classroom, Mr. Aframe has continued to take on numerous leadership positions, including as the U.S. Attorney's Office representative to New Hampshire's LASER Program, which allows low- and mid-level drug defendants to participate in a yearlong recovery program that centers on rehabilitation and productive reintegration into society. prgtoken Mr. Aframe's commitment to his community and to sharing the wealth of his legal experience to better the lives of others is truly commendable. I am confident that Mr. Aframe will carry his sentiment with him to the First Circuit and will continue to make the Granite State proud. prgtoken Before I close, though, I want to address some of the misinformation that has been circulated in an attempt to portray Mr. Aframe--a 17-year Federal prosecutor--as soft on crime. There have been distortions of Mr. Aframe's record in two specific
VERMONT SHOOTING
Peter Welch (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2024-5-20

on November 25, 2023, three Palestinian American students--Hisham Awartani, Kinnan Abdalhamid, and Tahseen Ali Ahmad--were shot by a local resident while they were walking along a quiet street in Burlington, VT. The three friends had gone to Burlington to celebrate Thanksgiving with Hisham's uncle and grandmother, who lives there. Instead, shots rang out, and they fell to the ground bleeding, for no apparent reason other than that they were speaking a mix of Arabic and English and wearing Palestinian kaffiyehs. Hisham was paralyzed from the chest down and now uses a wheelchair. prgtoken This despicable crime shocked and outraged Vermont. This despicable act of violence is a tragic reminder that even relatively tranquil and tolerant communities like Burlington cannot escape the curse of Islamophobia, racism, and other forms of hate, such as anti-Semitism and homophobia. We all have a responsibility to speak out against hatred, extremism, intolerance, and stereotypes that divide our communities and can lead to violence. prgtoken The alleged perpetrator of this senseless attack was quickly arrested and is in jail awaiting trial. We can be reasonably confident that justice will be done. But the lives of Hisham, Kinnan and Tahseen have been changed forever. prgtoken One of the things that is especially insidious about this crime is that if these three young Palestinians had been shot and wounded or killed back home in the West Bank, the chances that anyone would be arrested or appropriately punished is next to zero, nor would they have access to anything remotely resembling the quality of medical care Hisham is receiving in this country. prgtoken Hisham wrote about his experience and what daily life is like for Palestinians in the West Bank in a moving guest essay published in the New York Times on May 16, 2024. I ask unanimous consent that the article be printed in the Record. I encourage all Senators read it.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Edward J. Markey (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2024-5-21

I rise today to speak in opposition to the Congressional Review Act resolution, which would overturn the Department of Energy's furnace efficiency standard. A vote for this resolution is a vote for higher costs for American families, a vote for higher temperatures for future generations, and a vote for scaremongering over science. prgtoken What you have just said on the Senate floor, Senator Welch, is a complete reflection of my own views about this issue. prgtoken Families face high energy bills. They are afraid of climate chaos. But instead of tackling those problems head-on, we are instead burying our heads in the sand. By attacking a commonsense upgrade to energy efficiency standards, this resolution seems to have come straight from the American Gas Association's playbook: Use more natural gas. That is their plan: Send greenhouse gases up into the atmosphere to dangerously warm our planet. That is the plan of the American Gas Association. prgtoken I am the House author of the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act, which was passed in 1987 and authorized the Department of Energy to set binding standards for appliance energy efficiency. And so that set the minimum standard of energy efficiency for 13 types of appliances: air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, gas furnaces. prgtoken And that law has been updated many times over the years and now covers about 60 products. And it is estimated that my appliance efficiency act, which became law over 3\1/2\ decades ago, has done more to save energy than any other Federal policy in buildings in our country's history. prgtoken And what is the central premise? It is just working smarter, not harder; using less electricity, using less energy--working smarter, not harder. prgtoken My mother always said to me: Eddie, you have to learn how to work that way--that was before she would say that she was going to donate my brain to Harvard Medical School as a completely unused human organ-- because if you don't work smarter, you are going to work harder. prgtoken That is what the American Gas Association wants. It wants to ``drill, baby, drill.'' But it is drilling into the pockets of consumers. It is the result in greenhouse gases going up into the atmosphere, which, ultimately, are going to cause incredible storms, incredible climate consequences, when we could just reduce the amount of energy which we are consuming. How hard is that? prgtoken During the era, the Department of Energy missed its 28 deadlines to update the appliance standards, as they are supposed to do by law every single 6-year period, and they left the backlog to President . And the administration has been making up for lost time, already completing 24 rules with about a dozen left in front of them this year, which, when finalized, will save consumers nearly $1 trillion and 2.5 billion metric tons of carbon emissions over 30 years. prgtoken That is worki
ROLLING STOCK PROTECTION ACT
Dina Titus (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2024-5-21

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I, too, rise in support of this legislation which would prohibit all U.S. transit agencies from using Federal dollars on rail rolling stock from State-owned enterprises, or SOEs. prgtoken As of today, the U.S. doesn't have any domestic transit railcar manufacturers. Federal transit policies have been designed over the years to reflect that reality while still encouraging domestic manufacturing wherever possible. prgtoken While the U.S. remains, at least for now, dependent on global transit car manufacturers, we need to ensure fair competition among all manufacturers, including SOEs. prgtoken When one entity receives government support for artificially low bids, if that is left unchecked over time, other manufacturers will be driven out of business. This would make transit cars more expensive in the long run and leave systems across the country reliant upon just one manufacturer. prgtoken Congress recognized this concern after four U.S. transit agencies awarded rolling stock contracts to an SOE that submitted artificially low bids. prgtoken The 2020 National Defense Authorization Act first prohibited most U.S. transit agencies from using Federal transit funds to purchase rolling stock from SOEs. Transit car manufacturers that do not receive government subsidies, including manufacturers in South Korea, Japan, Spain, and other places, were not affected by this ban. Congress exempted the four transit agencies with the initial SOE contracts from the ban so as not to disrupt ongoing procurement. prgtoken The legislation that we are considering here today doesn't affect those initial contracts or any current options on those contracts, but it does prevent future contracts from being executed using Federal funds. The bill ensures that all U.S. transit agencies will operate under the same rules. prgtoken I would also note that nothing in this legislation impacts what transit agencies do with their local funding. It only affects funding from the Federal Government for transit railcars. prgtoken As transit agencies continue to receive the record funding provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, it is critical we ensure the market for rolling stock is fair and competitive. prgtoken Ultimately, that will yield the best outcome for transit agencies and will help them provide more reliable and effective service for their riders. prgtoken , I support this legislation, and .
ENDING HUNGER IN CUBA
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2024-5-21

last week, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the Office of the Special Rapporteur on Economic, Social, Cultural, and Environmental Rights expressed concern over the worsening of food insecurity in Cuba. prgtoken They noted how this situation disproportionately affects the most vulnerable, including older people, pregnant women, children, and those with chronic illnesses. This is not a problem just in Havana. Most of Cuba's provinces are experiencing high levels of food insecurity. prgtoken In March, the BBC reported that, for the first time, the Cuban Government has asked the World Food Programme for help amid food shortages. The WFP prgtoken said it had received Cuba's request for help to provide powdered milk to children under age 7. prgtoken According to the Inter-American Commission, the Cuban Government approached WFP for help to continue the monthly delivery of milk for children throughout the country and to help with the delivery of flour for subsidized bread in the basic food basket. prgtoken The Commission went on to describe how hunger is increasing on the island due to a combination of low economic growth, high inflation, reduced food production and distribution, and infrastructure problems, especially interruptions in electricity. prgtoken It also cited recent economic measures adopted by the Cuban Government, including higher prices for fuel and electricity, the elimination of subsidies for the basic food basket, and the devaluation of the country's currency. prgtoken The Inter-American Commission and the Special Rapporteur then underscored that U.S. policies and sanctions are intensifying and worsening the social and economic condition throughout Cuba and especially affecting the Cuban people's access to food, medicines, and basic necessities. prgtoken In brief, , the United States is increasing hunger and poverty in Cuba. This is being done deliberately and knowingly. It is a human rights violation. It also appears it is being done with a degree of indifference and callousness that I find shocking. It makes me ashamed. prgtoken During all my time as a Member of Congress, I have fought to end hunger and food insecurity here at home and around the world. I do not believe that food and medicine should ever be used as weapons against innocent civilians, not in Sudan, not in Ukraine, not in Gaza, not anywhere. prgtoken I have coordinated hearings that highlight how governments and armed actors use food as a weapon against civilian populations they view as adversaries. prgtoken To see our own government deliberately imposing and maintaining sanctions that we know make hunger worse in Cuba is unconscionable to me. prgtoken It is also unconscionable, , that some Members of Congress, who cling to Cold War policies, appear eager to support actions that punish and increase the suffering of ordinary people on the island. They actually raise money off the Cuban people's suffering. They say th
GASTON 75TH ANNIVERSARY
Donald G. Davis (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2024-5-21

I rise in honor of the town of Gaston, North Carolina, celebrating its 75th anniversary. prgtoken As the song ``Celebration'' played in the background, I joined Mayor Deborah Lee James, members of the town council, and residents from across the town to celebrate this amazing milestone. prgtoken There was a parade, maypole wrapping, a drum line, and many fun activities. Town officials also cut the ribbon on the Dwight Hall Ballpark, demonstrating their commitment to its future. prgtoken Celebrating Gaston's rich history and seeing the beauty of eastern North Carolina was wonderful. prgtoken I am looking forward to celebrating many, many, many more years of this great town. prgtoken Happy 75th anniversary, Gaston, G-75.
VOTE EXPLANATION
Jon Tester (Democrat, MT) \u2014 2024-5-21

I was absent due to a personal matter when the Senate voted on vote No. 172 on confirmation of Seth Robert Aframe, of New Hampshire, to be United States Circuit Judge for the First Circuit. Last week, I voted to invoke cloture on Mr. Aframe. On vote No. 172, had I been present, I would have voted yea. prgtoken , I was absent due to a personal matter when the Senate voted on vote No. 173 on the motion to invoke cloture on Krissa M. Lanham to be United States District Judge for the District of Arizona. On vote No. 173, had I been present, I would have voted yea. prgtoken , I was absent due to a personal matter when the Senate voted on vote No. 174 on confirmation of Krissa M. Lanham to be United States District Judge for the District of Arizona. On vote No. 174, had I been present, I would have voted yea. prgtoken , I was absent due to a personal matter when the Senate voted on vote No. 175 on the motion to invoke cloture on Angela M. Martinez to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Arizona. On vote No. 175, had I been present, I would have voted yea. prgtoken , I was absent due to a personal matter when the Senate voted on vote No. 176 on passage of S.J. Res. 58, providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to ``Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Furnaces''. On vote No. 176, had I been present, I would have voted yea.
Betty McCollum (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2024-5-21

. Madam , I rise in opposition to s using Police Week to push divisive legislation in the House that takes away local control from communities, weakens gun safety laws, and dehumanizes immigrants. prgtoken Our constituents did not elect us to get involved in the local politics of our Nation's capital city. Yet, House s think it's appropriate to waste Congress's time to limit Washington, D.C.'s ability to police itself. Congress does not have the authority to pass such a resolution for Minnesota or any other state--and we would not have that power over D.C. and its 700,000 residents if the District was granted statehood as the majority of its residents' support. prgtoken Children at schools, daycares, and playgrounds deserve to be safe from guns and gun violence. House s instead pushed legislation eroding the ability for communities across America to protect these areas from guns. Overriding a community's ability to establish zones that are gun-free fails to make our children safer, it exposes them to the danger of firearms. Three million children are already threatened by gun violence each year in America. More than 20,000 are killed or wounded. The solution to the gun violence crisis in this country is not more guns, and it clearly isn't overruling the will of a community that is taking its own action to make vulnerable children safer. prgtoken Finally, House s continue to dehumanize immigrants, as they have week after week in this Congress. They have presented their harmful proposals under the guise of protecting and supporting our law enforcement. Madam , I support law enforcement. I always have. These bills do nothing to support or protect the people who serve our communities. House s continue to insist on prgtoken undermining Constitutional civil liberties by removing the hurdle of proving guilt before deportation. As I've said before: Where will they stop? Are American citizens next? prgtoken It is shameful that House s are using our law enforcement as pawns for the Majority's extreme MAGA immigration rhetoric. House s must stop their politics of division and distraction from addressing the real challenges facing Americans. They need to join at the table to find solutions.
HONORING DR. DOROTHY SIMPSON-TAYLOR
André Carson (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2024-5-21

today I rise to present Dr. Dorothy ``Doty'' Simpson-Taylor, founder of the Sister Soldier Network, with the Sheila Corcoran Hoosier Hero Award for her service to country and community. Inspired by its namesake, this award was created to highlight exemplary Hoosier women veterans whose service to their community and nation is unparalleled. prgtoken Well-known throughout the Indianapolis and surrounding communities, Doty's service began in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War and has continued over the span of five decades as a former American Legion Indiana District 11 Women Veterans Representative and Commander of AMVETS Post 99 in Indianapolis. A retired psychologist and former faculty member and administrator at multiple universities, Doty uses her unique blend of skills to give back to the community. prgtoken Doty is guided by her belief that ``everybody ought to provide some service to the community of humanity.'' With this in mind, she has always been an outspoken trailblazer for the Black community. In 2010, Doty founded the Sister Soldier Network, a veteran organization that helps women transition from the military back into society. Combining her passion to uplift others with tangible actions, the Sister Soldier Network sheds a well-deserved light on women veterans, while also serving as a resource to help guide her peers in topics such as homelessness, discrimination, and community involvement. prgtoken In 2019, Doty was presented the Jefferson Award in recognition of her community service. In 2022, she was inducted into the Indiana Military Hall of Fame. She also received the Congressional Black Caucus Award for leadership in veteran issues with the Congressional Black Caucus Brain Trust and is a member of the Cedar Valley Coalition of Black Veterans. prgtoken Doty's commitment to service has led her to be an impactful leader, mentor, and wise counsel. She has created a legacy of compassion, care, and healing for her fellow veterans and has served as a voice of her peers in the military and veteran communities. prgtoken Doty continues to uplift the incredible women veterans around her, and it brings me great joy to commemorate and uplift her in the same manner. As we celebrate National Military Appreciation Month, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Dorothy ``Doty'' Simpson-Taylor. We celebrate her legacy of outstanding accomplishments and advocacy.