mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CONSUMER SAFETY TECHNOLOGY ACT
Darren Soto (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2024-5-14

I rise in strong support of my bill, the Consumer Safety Technology Act, H.R. 4814. prgtoken It directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to launch a pilot program to explore the use of artificial intelligence to track injury trends, identify hazards, monitor recalls, and identify products not meeting importation requirements. prgtoken It also requires the Department of Commerce and other agencies to study blockchain technology in the context of consumer products and safety. It also directs the Department of Commerce and the Federal Trade Commission to report on their efforts to address unfair and deceptive trade practices related to digital tokens and to promote innovation. prgtoken We heard in committee, , that the crooks are already using AI on the internet and that we need the cops on the beat to have artificial intelligence as well to keep our consumers safe. prgtoken Let's think about it. The internet is nearly infinite, and so are the ways to push unsafe products and put consumers in harm's way. That is why the Federal Trade Commission testified before our committee that the use of artificial intelligence would help them protect consumers by tracking trends of injuries involving a myriad of consumer products. Thousands of injuries happen each day. It helps with identifying consumer product hazards, categorizing them, and monitoring the sale of recalled consumer products. Think of how much commerce happens every day in America. It helps to identify consumer products that do not meet the importation requirements. prgtoken It also requires a report to Congress on how and to what extent artificial intelligence improved the agency's ability to advance its mission. prgtoken The FTC also testified it would help them save money in that it would be a really economic and efficient way to deploy other members of the FTC to go after other areas. I do agree with the ranking member that that is no substitute for making sure they have the full funding that they need. prgtoken In addition, the blockchain technology study directs the Department of Commerce to study the applications of blockchain and to address fraud and unfair and deceptive trade practices. Blockchain can be used in so many different ways, whether it is through cryptocurrency, through storing data, through cybersecurity, or through communications. Of course, this should be done in consultation with the Federal Trade Commission, the FTC. prgtoken Finally, we have commissioned the Federal Trade Commission to report to Congress on unfair and deceptive trade practices relating to tokens. We have also seen a need to protect consumers and promote innovation. We eventually need rules of the road, and this is helping get us there with blockchain. We need more certainty so we can have growth in both blockchain and cryptocurrency firms in the United States, giving them an understanding and certainty of the laws and their obligations, and also to protect c
CHINA
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-5-14

today, President announced he is taking new steps to protect U.S. workers and put the Chinese Communist Party on notice with a new round of tariffs on goods vital for America's economic future. prgtoken I commend President for standing up for American workers and making it clear to the CCP that they will face the consequences for their trade abuses. Fighting the CCP's unfair trade practices is something I have cared about for a very long time. It was one of the very first issues I focused on when I first visited Upstate New York as a Senator and saw for myself jobs leaving the shores. The CCP has shown that they will stop at nothing to steal our intellectual property and undermine our economy. prgtoken When I met with President Xi during my codel last fall, I pointedly confronted him about the Chinese Government's history of trade abuses and said we need to create a more even-leveled playing field. prgtoken Today's tariffs are thus a good step towards reversing America's trade imbalance and protect U.S. production of everything from batteries to solar cells to semiconductors to steel and aluminum. prgtoken I am particularly pleased that President 's tariffs will boost American EVs and clean energy manufacturing. With all the investments we made in the Inflation Reduction Act to boost EV manufacturing--something I care a lot about and worked hard for--it would be terrible for America's roads to become saturated with EVs made in China, and these tariffs will help prevent that. We have taken major steps to reverse the ossification of U.S. manufacturing with the infrastructure law, the IRA, and Chips and Science, but the President's tariffs are also a critical part of the solution.
REMEMBERING ALETA LEE SPICER
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2024-5-14

I rise today to pay tribute to Aleta Lee Spicer, who sadly passed away on February 21, 2024. She was a pillar of her community after more than 50 years in public and social service and a dedicated community leader who proudly served the people of southwest Virginia. prgtoken Aleta was the executive director of the Southwest Virginia Workforce Development Board, an organization that provides businesses with a well-prepared workforce. Its focus is to help individuals obtain employment and further their careers with access to programs and initiatives that were established through Federal legislation to address workforce development. These programs and initiatives focus on helping disadvantaged groups in the southwest Virginia region find and maintain successful careers. For example, one of the programs Aleta helped run includes the Reengagement and Opportunities and Pathways to Employment Success--ROPES--program. This program helps job seekers recovering from substance use disorder or those who have criminal backgrounds with job training, mental health referrals, and supportive services. Other programs, such prgtoken as Living Expenses While Training Stipend--LETS Train--and Cars to Work, help individuals who are unemployed or underemployed with living stipends or transportation to and from work. prgtoken Programs like these and the work that Aleta contributed to in southwest Virginia help build our workforce and grow our economic success in the region and throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Aleta's goal was to improve the lives of people in southwest Virginia by assisting individuals in obtaining employment and furthering their career skills. More importantly, Aleta helped give individuals pathways toward a well-paid, satisfying career to help maintain their quality of life. We are truly grateful for her dedication and support. prgtoken Aleta rose to the challenge every day to help southwest Virginians find success in the workforce. Her dedication and sense of love for her community were unmatched. I am grateful for her service to the constituency of southwest Virginia. She will be dearly missed, and I wish the best to her family. -
OPPOSITION TO H.R. 7109, THE EQUAL REPRESENTATION ACT
Val T. Hoyle (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2024-5-14

last week I voted against H.R. 7109. This is yet prgtoken another performative messaging bill brought by House s. It would add a citizenship question in the census and then require congressional districts to be drawn based on the number of self- identified citizens. prgtoken Previously in 2019, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected an attempt to add a citizenship question to the census. The fact is House s want to use this bill to redraw congressional districts to their advantage. prgtoken It's shameful that House s continue to waste time pushing this unconstitutional bill as part of their nonsense conspiracy theory that non-citizens are voting in federal elections. prgtoken Time and time again, post-election reviews have proven that our elections are secure and voter fraud is exceedingly rare. This bill is attempting to solve a problem that doesn't exist, all for political games. prgtoken Even more concerning is the fact that actions like this undermine the public's confidence in our elections. This is a grave and dangerous issue. Elections are the foundation of our democracy, and the U.S. House of Representatives should be protecting the voice and vote of every American.
Nomination of Courtney Diesel O'Donnell (Executive Session)
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2024-5-14

I come to the floor today in strong support of the nomination of Courtney O'Donnell to be the U.S. Representative to UNESCO, the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. prgtoken From threats to historic world heritage sites, to the dangers women and girls face across the globe, to the recent surge of anti-Semitism and intolerance around the world, it is critical prgtoken that the United States advance our interest at UNESCO and that we have a confirmed Ambassador. prgtoken I am going to underscore the point of the need for a U.S. Ambassador confirmed presence at UNESCO. Because of the current major escalation of anti-Semitism here in America and around the world, one of UNESCO's specific mandates is to combat anti-Semitism and promote Holocaust education, to ensure that other countries teach future generations about the Holocaust, and combat Holocaust denial. prgtoken Today, that mission is more important than ever before in recent times. That is why we need a confirmed U.S. Representative who has the experience to advance U.S. priorities, from championing Holocaust educational programs, to advancing girls' education in STEM, to developing responsible international standards on science and technology, including for AI. prgtoken Courtney O'Donnell is the right person for this job, and I am very proud to support her nomination, and I am very pleased that she is willing to serve in this capacity. She currently serves in the Office of the Vice President as a Senior Advisor and the Acting Chief of Staff for Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, where she focuses on countering anti-Semitism, among other issues. She has played an integral role in developing and implementing the administration's anti-Semitism policies. She understands the need for strong U.S. leadership. She understands the urgency of advancing efforts to combat anti-Semitism. She has a proven track record of working to counter anti-Semitism and Holocaust denialism through her work on the U.S. national strategy to combat anti-Semitism. prgtoken Don't just take my word for it; let me quote from the president of the World Jewish Congress, who says that Ms. O'Donnell's efforts to combat anti-Semitism ``demonstrate a profound commitment to eradicating hate and promoting Holocaust education'' and that her confirmation would be a ``necessary step'' to ensure that ``UNESCO continues to uphold its ongoing commitment to partner with Israel, preserve Jewish heritage, combat disinformation, and expand Holocaust education efforts.'' prgtoken The American Jewish Committee said that Ms. O'Donnell's confirmation will ``bring U.S. leadership to UNESCO on issues of global concern to the Jewish community and advance American values of pluralism and freedom of expression.'' prgtoken The National Council of Jewish Women and Better World Campaign have echoed these points, writing in strong support of her confirmation. prgtoken She committed to do th
HONORING MAJOR VICTORIA C. MAYNARD
C. A. Dutch Ruppersberger (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2024-5-14

I rise to pay tribute to Major Victoria Maynard for her exemplary dedication to duty and service as an Army Congressional Fellow. Major Maynard will soon transition from the Army Congressional Budget Liaison Office to serve as a Deputy Legislative Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. prgtoken A native of Kentucky, Major Maynard was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Signal Corps from the Morehead State University ROTC program. She earned a bachelor's degree in Geography from Morehead State University and a master's degree in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University. prgtoken Major Maynard has served in a broad range of assignments during her 14 years as an Army officer, including Platoon Leader and Battalion S6 in the 214th Fires Brigade at Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Company Commander and Battalion S6 in the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Knox, Kentucky; a joint planner for NATO in Brunssum, Netherlands; Communications OIC to the USFOR-A Commander; and a Battalion Operations Officer and Executive Officer in the 102nd Signal Battalion in Wiesbaden, Germany. prgtoken She has also served two combat tours in Afghanistan and one humanitarian tour in Haiti. prgtoken I had the privilege of working directly with Tori who served as a fellow in my Capitol Hill office in 2022 as well as an Army Liaison this past year. Her professionalism, performance, and commitment to the mission are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and made a lasting impression on both Members of the United States Congress and their staff. Throughout her career, Major Maynard has made a positive impact on soldiers, peers and superiors alike. prgtoken On a personal level, I had the honor of meeting Major Maynard's husband, who, as with all American military families, shares her selfless commitment to our country. I want to thank her husband, Brian, for the sacrifices he has made in supporting Tori's service to our country as well as his own as an Army Officer. prgtoken , it has been a genuine pleasure to have worked with Major Maynard during the second session of the 117th Congress. Our country has benefited from her extraordinary leadership, judgment and passion for the Army profession. It is with great appreciation that I recognize and commend Major Maynard for her service to our country and wish her all the best as she continues her service in the United States Army.
SECURING GROWTH AND ROBUST LEADERSHIP IN AMERICAN AVIATION ACT
Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2024-5-14

I rise in firm opposition to H.R. 3935. I am deeply concerned about the provisions that would aggravate dangerous conditions at National Airport. prgtoken Section 502 would add new flights at National, already dramatically over capacity. Last month, there was a near miss where two airplanes almost collided at DCA on the busiest runway in America. Today, over a fifth of all flights at DCA are delayed on average for over an hour. prgtoken We have heard from Secretary Buttigieg, the FAA, and the Airport Authority. They have serious concerns about safety and increased delays if more flights are added. prgtoken Importantly, the House has already spoken and rejected this. I am grateful for the leadership of Chairman Graves and Ranking Member Larsen, but we should not accept a backroom deal between Senators to reflect special interests. prgtoken The Senate refused to consider floor amendments that would have restored the House language because those who crafted this bill knew they would lose that vote. It is painful that this measure is still in the bill, despite widespread bipartisan opposition. prgtoken I cannot support a bill that hurts my constituents, disrespects all the elected leaders from Virginia, Maryland, and D.C and directly harms our airport and the passengers who use it.
National Police Week (Executive Session)
Jacky Rosen (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2024-5-14

. These brave officers--these brave officers--they made the ultimate sacrifice for our communities, and they deserve our eternal gratitude. prgtoken I promise that I will keep working with my colleagues across the aisle to support our police departments, support the officers who serve, to support our staff, and to support all of their families. prgtoken . prgtoken .
CELEBRATING NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2024-5-14

I rise to celebrate National Police Week. prgtoken This week comes at a time when s have spent the past year trying to cut local law enforcement budgets to the bone. Current Study Committee plans threaten to cut funding for nearly 30,000 law enforcement jobs nationwide. prgtoken Our police forces perform their duties with great honor and courage. However, efforts to defund our local police will only make their jobs harder. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support COPS funding and ask them to please cosponsor our bipartisan legislation that equips our law enforcement with the tools they need to adequately address the ongoing mental health crisis in the field, our jails, and our prisons. H.R. 3501, the Law Enforcement Training for Mental Health Crisis Response Act, will provide funding to law enforcement at all levels for responding to behavioral health crises. prgtoken Our Nation has a severe mental health crisis. Law enforcement officers are often the first to respond. It is vital for them to have all the right tools and training to manage sensitive incidents safely and effectively. prgtoken , I send a big salute to our dutiful law enforcement officers in northwest Ohio and across our Nation, who we value.
TRANSPARENCY IN CHARGES FOR KEY EVENTS TICKETING ACT
Janice D. Schakowsky (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-5-14

. Madam , I rise in strong support of this legislation, H.R. 3950, the TICKET Act. prgtoken As my colleague and the chair of the subcommittee, Mr. Bilirakis, has said, we worked for months to finally get to this legislation being here today. I am so excited about it. prgtoken Madam , we have been hearing about this issue for a very long time, and I appreciate Congressman Pascrell pushing it for as long as he did. Here we finally are. Totally bipartisan, this bill passed unanimously out of the Energy and Commerce Committee, but it took some work for us to finally get here. I am very happy that we have. prgtoken The bill really has three separate parts. prgtoken One is that we make sure that the price consumers think they are going to pay when they first go online or see an advertisement is the price they will pay. Right now, many consumers have found they think they know the price when they go online, but when they finally finish and are at the end of the contract that they want to sign, they find that it could be 10, 20, 30, 40 percent more than they thought it was going to be. prgtoken That is a decision moment. Are they going to be able to go to that venue? Are they going to be able to go to that concert? Are they going to be able to go to that ballpark or to that game? Can they really afford it? Their children are begging to be able to go to that concert, yet it is far more than they thought it was going to be. prgtoken This legislation will finally put an end to those hidden prices. The price consumers see is the price that they will pay. prgtoken Number two, for refunds, how many times have people gotten tickets and then found out that the concert or the event has actually been canceled? Now, they will have to be compensated fully if that happens. prgtoken The third is the scammers. There are websites that are fake that are hooking in people to buy from them, and now under this legislation, the Federal Trade Commission will go strongly after them. prgtoken This is not necessarily one of these pieces of legislation that saves your life, as we have heard today from the Energy and Commerce Committee, but it is one of the great aggravations that lots of families face when they want to have that special day. prgtoken I am very happy not only for consumers but also for artists and also for the venues that are going to benefit from this legislation. prgtoken I certainly urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this important legislation, and once again, I applaud the bipartisan effort of all the players who were involved in getting this passed.
USAF CUTS MUST INCLUDE CONSIDERATION OF COMMUNITY IMPACT
Donald G. Davis (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2024-5-15

we aren't going to stand idly by as the proposed 520 job cut at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base threatens to damage eastern North Carolina's economy. prgtoken The Air Force's plan to eliminate an entire squadron at Seymour Johnson is absolutely unacceptable. Safeguarding our national security and preserving these jobs are not mutually exclusive, and the Air Force must acknowledge that. prgtoken Eliminating a fighter squadron in Wayne County would be devastating for this already economically distressed community. Unfortunately, this plan does not build the economy from the middle out and bottom up. prgtoken The Air Force must thoroughly examine the risk and consider the community impact. I encourage the Air Force to engage directly with the local community. prgtoken The Air Force must be more transparent and accountable to the people of Wayne County, eastern North Carolina, and the Congress.
ELIMINATE BARRIERS TO REPORTING SEXUAL ASSAULT AND HARASSMENT IN THE COAST GUARD
Joe Courtney (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2024-5-15

last night, the U.S. House of Representatives voted in an overwhelming majority, 376-16, to pass H.R. 7659, the Coast Guard Authorization Act. prgtoken This critical measure, which Congress approves every 2 years, authorizes Coast Guard procurement programs, such as Coast Guard shipbuilding, which is so necessary in terms of carrying out the Coast Guard's mission both at home and overseas, and also makes prudent adjustments to shoreside infrastructure, including the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, which is located in my district in New London, Connecticut. prgtoken , unfortunately, in 2023, the press discovered that there was an investigation that the Coast Guard internally conducted over a number of years, tracking and identifying an unacceptable and really outrageous amount of sexual harassment and even sexual abuse that was happening on the campus. The report, which the new Commandant, Admiral Fagan, did release publicly, describes a totally unacceptable situation, which this Coast Guard authorization bill does address. prgtoken Specifically, the bill includes H.R. 5249, the Coast Guard Academy Safe-to- prgtoken Report Parity Act, which I introduced with a bipartisan coalition, that requires the Coast Guard to prescribe a safe-to-report policy to protect personnel who report incidents of sexual assault or sexual harassment from being punished for minor offenses, which may hinder them reporting acts which they were victims of. prgtoken In February of this year, the Commandant, Admiral Fagan, directed the Coast Guard to establish this policy through administrative action. Our bill, which we passed last night, will actually codify the policy and make it part of the Federal U.S. Code and bring parity for the Coast Guard with the Department of Defense and its service academies, which have had this law in effect for the last 5 years. prgtoken , unfortunately, many victims of sexual assault hesitated to report because they feared repercussions for minor collateral misconduct. In fact, a recent Coast Guard workplace gender relations survey found that 25 percent of the female victims who chose not to report their sexual assaults were concerned that they might get in trouble for something else that they did. prgtoken This bill will firmly and finally eliminate a barrier to reporting sexual assault and harassment, taking fear of repercussions off the table. prgtoken Again, I thank Admiral Lisa Fagan for her outstanding leadership and for working diligently with me, my office, and other Members of Congress to craft this crucial policy. I also thank Chairs Graves and Webster and Ranking Members Larsen and Carbajal for their work in passing the Coast Guard authorization out of committee and bringing it to the floor last night for a successful vote. prgtoken Again, I urge my colleagues in the Senate to quickly craft their version of the bill and make sure that we codify these protections for outstanding young cadets who are go