mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING ANDY FLICK
Derek Kilmer (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2023-12-7

I rise today in recognition of the distinguished career of Andy Flick, who spent 14 years in service to the United States House of Representatives, before departing recently to serve as Legislative Director to the Vice President at the White House. prgtoken Andy's career in the House pre-dates my own. He started in 2009 in former Congressman Ike Skelton's office before serving in senior roles with Representatives Costa, Moulton, and Trone. As the Vice Chair for Policy of the New Coalition (New Dems), I feel especially fortunate that Andy led the New Dems during the 117th Congress and through much of the 118th Congress. Throughout my time working with him, I have observed that Andy is an incredibly dedicated, thoughtful, and creative staffer and leader. prgtoken Under Andy's leadership, the New Dems fully leveraged ic majorities in the House and Senate, and control of the White House to pass historic legislation, including the Inflation Reduction Act to lower health care and energy costs and the Chips and Science Act to bolster American competitiveness in a globalized world. I am particularly indebted to Andy for the role that he and the New Dems played in helping me realize the RECOMPETE Act, which passed as a provision of the Chips and Science Act. The RECOMPETE Pilot Program aims to create renewed economic opportunity in communities that have faced persistent economic distress. I grew up in one of these communities, and it inspired me to run for Congress. I can leave Congress more easily after my current term ends, knowing the RECOMPETE Act was brought to life, in large part because of Andy and the New Dems' tireless work and skill. prgtoken During the 118th Congress, where have been in the minority, Andy embraced the Coalition's unique ability to bridge the partisan divide and make progress on the most pressing challenges facing our country. This includes the role New Dems played in helping avert a fiscal crisis by securing the votes needed to raise the debt ceiling and orienting policy task forces around critical legislation. Countless New Dems have Andy to thank for seeing their policy priorities move forward despite tough odds. prgtoken Throughout his time in working in the legislative branch, Andy left his fingerprints on policies that have improved the lives of the American people. Even more importantly, he has recruited, mentored, and helped develop countless staffers who want to be like him--with serious legislative acumen and a steadfast commitment to public service. Andy's sharp wit, humor, and unique ability to think of and then pass sound policy ideas are already sorely missed. On behalf of my office and the New Dems, I thank Andy for the legacy he has left on the Hill and for all the remarkable public service he has delivered and will continue to deliver at the White House. prgtoken We are so proud of him and will be rooting for him, always.
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Executive Session)
Mazie K. Hirono (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2023-12-7

we now have one week left until the Senate is scheduled to recess for the end of the year. While this year is quickly coming to an end, our work in this body is far from over, especially as it relates to our national security. prgtoken Yesterday, the Armed Services Committee, on which I sit, released a text of fiscal year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act conference report. This year's NDAA contains critical investments in our servicemembers, our military infrastructure, and our national security at large. Importantly, this year's NDAA contains a 5.2-percent pay raise for our troops--the most significant raise in more than 20 years--and prgtoken prevents large cuts to servicemembers' overseas cost-of-living adjustment accounts. prgtoken The bill also includes several provisions I fought to secure to improve servicemembers' quality of life, including a pilot program to give military secretaries greater authority to replace substandard barracks. prgtoken As we work to defend our allies and prevent conflict in the Pacific, this year's NDAA contains a number of provisions to strengthen our posture throughout the Indo-Pacific, including establishing a strategy for missile defense of Hawaii and the Indo-Pacific region, providing greater flexibility to bolster military infrastructure in the region and authorizing funding for multilateral training campaigns with our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific. prgtoken As home to Indo-Pacific Command and the tip of the spear of any conflict in the Pacific, Hawaii plays an especially important role in our common defense, a role that is even more meaningful today on the 82nd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. prgtoken But as is the case across our country, much of the Defense Department's post-World War II infrastructure in Hawaii is in desperate need of repair or replacement. That is why I secured language in the bill directing INDOPACOM to provide a report to Congress on the state of all DOD infrastructure in Hawaii so that we can get serious about modernization. prgtoken At a time of global instability, it is essential that we pass this conference report as we have every year for the last 62 years to protect our Nation and reaffirm our global leadership. prgtoken The United States plays a key role and a vital role in supporting our allies across the globe. That is why the Senate is also working on a supplemental funding package to provide much needed assistance to our international partners, including two nations defending their rights to exist. prgtoken For nearly 2 years, Ukrainians have bravely fought off Putin's unjust and brutal invasion with the support of the United States, support President Zelenskyy himself has said is essential to his country's success. But now, at a critical moment in this war, s are holding up essential aid for Ukraine in exchange for unrelated permanent immigration policy changes. The administratio
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024--CONFERENCE REPORT--MOTION TO PROCEED
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-12-7

first let me thank Chairman Reed of the Armed Services Committee for his great leadership, Ranking Member Wicker, and all the members of the committee and the conferees for their good work in the past few weeks. prgtoken So, in a few moments, I will lay down the NDAA conference report. There was a lot of hard work on both sides, and we have reached agreement for this year's Defense authorization bill. It is never easy--harder now than ever before. prgtoken I will file cloture on the NDAA later today. Members can expect to take votes on this early next week. prgtoken At a time of huge trouble for global security, doing the Defense authorization bill is more important than ever. The annual Defense bill is a prime example of both sides cooperating on a strong bipartisan package to strengthen America's national security, to take care of our servicemembers, and to keep the United States the leader in innovation. prgtoken When we began the December session, I said the Senate faces three important tasks: ending the hold on military nominees, which we did earlier this week; getting NDAA done, which we are doing today and early next week; and, then, the biggest and hardest of all is passing the supplemental. prgtoken We want to get that done as well. It is critical. We are going to keep working. Vote on Motion to Proceed prgtoken I move to proceed to the conference report to accompany H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act. prgtoken And now .
RECOGNIZING CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT CHLOE RAINEY-FLUELLEN
Rick Larsen (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2023-12-7

I rise in recognition of Chief Master Sergeant Chloe Rainey-Fluellen, United States Air Force, and her work as the Department of Defense (DoD) legislative fellow detailed to my office for 2023. prgtoken In 2022, Chief Master Sergeant Rainey-Fluellen was selected to represent the Air Force as a DoD legislative fellow. prgtoken The DoD legislative fellowship program provides superior servicemembers with valuable legislative experience and an understanding of how congressional actions affect DoD's budget, roles and missions, force structure, military projects, and quality of life. prgtoken Over the past year, Chief Master Sergeant Rainey-Fluellen has been essential to my office and the defense portfolio. She has crafted and coordinated National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) amendments in line with my priorities and the needs of Northwest Washington communities.
AWARDING MARSHALL "MAJOR" TAYLOR WITH A CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL
Jonathan L. Jackson (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-12-7

today, I rise to introduce the bipartisan Marshall ``Major'' Taylor Congressional Gold Medal Act, the highest honor this body can bestow upon an American. prgtoken Major Taylor was the greatest athlete of his era, America's first sports superstar, and a world champion, but he has been left out of our history books. We need to bring him out of the shadows and recognize his greatness both on and off the track. prgtoken Not only did Taylor set world records and dominate his sport, but he did so while facing down racists and bigots in the Jim Crow era. prgtoken Race organizers would try to exclude him from events. Other cyclists would viciously insult him and even did physical harm. prgtoken Despite it all, the son of a Union soldier rose above it, setting record after record and becoming a world champion. prgtoken Even when compared to today's athletes, Major Taylor is among the greatest cyclists of all time. It is time that Congress recognizes his greatness and award him a Congressional Gold Medal.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RELATING TO "IMPROVING INCOME DRIVEN REPAYMENT FOR THE WILLIAM D. FORD FEDERAL DIRECT LOAN PROGRAM...
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-12-7

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I remind my colleagues that in my colleague from Virginia's district, there are over 11,000 borrowers already enrolled in the SAVE Plan, which significantly lowered their monthly payments. prgtoken I will quote from a letter that we received from the AFT, the American Federation of Teachers, which says, in part: ``For decades, students have been told that a college education is one of the most important vehicles to get ahead, but years of disinvestment and the actions of predatory loan servicers drastically tightened the shackles of debt, destroying students' budgets. And COVID-19 made that predicament far worse. Fortunately, the administration stepped up with a plan to help student loan borrowers.'' prgtoken , I include in the Record this letter from AFT and another letter from the National Education Association.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR
Kirsten E. Gillibrand (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-12-7

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate consider the following nomination: Executive Calendar No. 443 and all nominations placed on the Secretary's Desk in the Coast Guard; that the nominations be confirmed en bloc; that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate; that no further motions be in order to any of the nominations; that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action; and that the Senate resume legislative session.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024--CONFERENCE REPORT--MOTION TO PROCEED
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2023-12-7

I rise to express my support for the fiscal year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act. I am glad that we have just brought the NDAA conference report to the floor. prgtoken First, I would like to acknowledge Senator Roger Wicker, Chairman Mike Rogers, and Representative Adam Smith, whose partnership has been critical for the success of this bill. prgtoken The hallmark of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees has long been bipartisanship, and I am glad we have continued that tradition for the 63rd consecutive year. prgtoken I would also like to thank my colleagues on the Senate and House Armed Services Committees who helped produce this bill, as well as Leader Schumer, Leader McConnell, Johnson, and Leader Jeffries, who facilitated a thorough debate and enabled all Members to engage in the process. We were able to negotiate hundreds of provisions between both Chambers over the past few months--the most in many years. prgtoken This is a strong, forward-looking bill that I think we can all be proud of. This NDAA is laser-focused on the threats we face. It addresses a broad range of pressing issues, from strategic competition with China and Russia to countering threats from Iran, North Korea, violent extremists, and climate change. The bill authorizes record level investments in key technologies, like hypersonics and artificial intelligence, and makes real progress toward modernizing our ships, aircraft, and combat vehicles. prgtoken Most importantly, this NDAA provides a historic level of support for our troops and their families, including the largest pay raise in decades. prgtoken I am confident it will provide the Department of Defense and our military men and women with the resources they need to meet and overcome the national security threats we face. prgtoken I would like to take this opportunity, also, to recognize the incredible staff who have made this bill possible. Senator Wicker will, I am sure, speak on behalf of the minority staff in just a moment, but I wanted to specifically recognize the director of the ic staff, Elizabeth King, and the director of the staff, John Keast. They did a remarkable job, and they have led their staffs with professionalism and skill. prgtoken I would also like to thank the members of the Armed Services Committee staff: Jody Bennett, Carolyn Chuhta, Jon Clark, Jenny Davis, Jonathan Epstein, Jorie Feldman, Kevin Gates, Creighton Greene, Gary Leeling, Kirk McConnell, Maggie McNamara Cooper, Bill Monahan, Meredith Werner, Mike Noblet, John Quirk, Andy Scott, Cole Stevens, Isabelle Picciotti, Alison Warner, Leah Brewer, Sean Jones, Joe Gallo, Brittany Amador, Griffin Cannon, Sofia Kamali, Chad Johnson, Julia Coulter, Vannary Kong, Noah Sisk, Zachary Volpe, and, once again, staff director Elizabeth King. prgtoken That was a long list, but it is a fraction of what they have put into this, in terms of time and effort, and we could no
RACISM IN AMERICA
Al Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-12-7

and still I rise, and still I rise. prgtoken I rise today, as always, when I address persons in this most sacred place in my heart. I rise as a proud American. I am proud to say that I am an American. I am proud to say that I am American because my foreparents made it what it is. Its greatness can be traced back to 240 years of free labor, free sacrifice, and I am proud. prgtoken I wear this tie indicating that I am proud. I salute the flag. I say the Pledge of Allegiance. I sing the national anthem. prgtoken I am proud to be an American, and why wouldn't I be proud, given that my foreparents made it great. The greatness of America resides today on the economic foundations laid by persons of African ancestry. They are the economic foundational mothers and fathers of this country. prgtoken Now, there are some who say to me, literally: How can you be proud, Al Green, when your foreparents were put into chains, when they were beaten, when women were raped, when they were born into slavery and lived their lives as slaves? How can you be proud? prgtoken I can be proud because I have the power to forgive, the power to forgive for all of these transgressions. God has given me this power. I would hope that others could acquire the power to forgive. The power to forgive is the power that will allow you to go on to do other things. prgtoken God did not give me, however, the power to forget. Forgive and forget is not a sensible statement of where the heart and mind should be, in my opinion. It is forgive and remember. Forgive all the transgressions, but remember that they occurred. This is why we can say ``never again'' as it relates to certain transgressions. prgtoken So, I forgive, and I love the country, but I don't forget. prgtoken Today, I want to talk about my foreparents. This is a depiction of when they may have arrived, on August 20, 1619. I want to talk about them, and I want to talk about the racism in America today. prgtoken As we discuss racism in America today, we have to first identify the reasons why Africans were enslaved, the reasons why America enslaved Africans, to be more specific. prgtoken Remember, I am the guy who is forgiving. I am the guy who loves the country, sings the national anthem, but he doesn't forget. prgtoken Why did America enslave Africans? Here is why: To be a permanent--I think 240 years of enslavement is a pretty good representation of the fact that there was an intentionality that it be permanent--to be a permanent, identifiable--``identifiable,'' easily recognized among the population; ``permanent,'' 240 years of enslavement; ``identifiable,'' the complexion of skin as a methodology by which one could be immediately identified and put in his proper place or her proper place, their proper place. prgtoken Permanent, identifiable, powerless. prgtoken There was never the desire to have persons of African ancestry become powerful in this country. It was not there. I am talking about at the g
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2023-12-7

I rise today to salute Justice Gary E. Hicks for his many years of dedicated service in the New Hampshire judicial branch. Justice Hicks recently retired from his role as senior associate justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court, a culmination of a long legal career that also included 23 years as a commercial litigator and 5 years as a Superior Court judge. He leaves a legacy worthy of our praise and our gratitude. prgtoken Justice Hicks has firm roots in New Hampshire. He was born in West Stewartstown and raised in nearby Colebrook, two close-knit communities in northern New Hampshire near the U.S.-Canada border. His father ran the local hardware store on Main Street in Colebrook, Hicks Hardware. Justice Hicks started working in the store at age 12, and he often observes that the service-oriented and problem-solving aspects of that job proved useful in his later career as a judge. Even when his duties as a justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court kept him close to the State capital, Justice Hicks still found time to visit family and friends in his hometown and mentor students at his alma mater, Colebrook Academy. prgtoken He left Colebrook after high school to attend Bucknell University. At the encouragement of his wife Patricia, Justice Hicks then enrolled in law school and received his J.D. from Boston University School of Law in 1978. He worked as a commercial litigator for 23 years at a prestigious New Hampshire law firm. In a short time, Justice Hicks developed a reputation for his compassion, his kindness, his intellect, and his thorough understanding of the law. prgtoken As Governor of New Hampshire, I had the honor of nominating Gary Hicks to fill a vacancy on the New Hampshire Superior Court in 2001. He brought the same integrity and work ethic to the bench, and he later wrote that his experience as a Superior Court judge was both fascinating because of the breadth of issues he encountered and rewarding because of the many people who obtained justice through the legal system. When there was a vacancy on the New Hampshire Supreme Court in 2006, Governor John Lynch nominated Gary Hicks for a position on New Hampshire's highest court. An elated Justice Hicks referred to the appointment as his ``life's ambition.'' prgtoken Friends, colleagues and fellow jurists are quick to point to one character trait in particular when describing Justice Hicks. He is an incredibly thoughtful person who is generous with his time and takes great care to use his legal talents to get it right. His thoughtfulness emerges not only in the many cases to which he applied an even temperament and careful deliberation, but also in his treatment and mentorship of law clerks and new attorneys. Many of his former law clerks, including my daughter Stacey, remember his patience and guidance as they navigated complicated legal questions, and they continue to draw on their formative experience with Justice Hicks whe
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2023-12-7

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 available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
Senate Judiciary Committee (Executive Session)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-12-11

today, I want to address the ill-advised and really unacceptable conduct at the November 30 Judiciary Committee executive meeting. The majority there didn't allow a single amendment to the adoption of the subpoena authorization, and that was breaking with precedent. Contrary to what allege, when I was chairman, I followed the rules and let everyone speak who wanted to so speak. I even allowed them to offer resolutions during a confirmation process, which I could have ruled out of order. Simply put, this subpoena authorization isn't based on oversight; it is based on overreach. It is a political hit. prgtoken Over the past 6 months, the left's web of dark money interest groups has tried to impugn the character and reputation of certain conservative members of the Supreme Court. This ic investigation into the Supreme Court totally ignores ethical questions and dark money networks surrounding liberal Justices. This is all part of a whirlwind effort to cast doubt on our country's highest Court and call into question the legitimacy of its rulings. Conservative Justices have been specifically targeted, harassed, and even threatened. The left's influence-peddling scheme views these conservative Justices as the greatest obstacle to jamming their radical agenda through our courts because Congress won't do the same liberal bidding. prgtoken The left has outlined new rules for conservative Justices: Justices' spouses must give up their independent law practices; Justices shouldn't vacation with close personal friends; Justices shouldn't have wealthy friends; and Justices shouldn't make any new friends after donning the robe. prgtoken How unfair and how unrealistic. No such conflicts of interest ever were raised during the Court's liberal years. These rules were not invoked against the Court's liberal Justices. This persistent political battering of the Judiciary is coming at a tremendous cost. The conservative Justices have endured real threats to their safety and the safety of their loved ones. prgtoken As I have said before, judicial decision-making must be based on law and sound jurisprudence. It shouldn't be subject to the whims of public opinion or clamor. It cannot be the result of threats and intimidation of Supreme Court Justices. This political hit by the ic majority of the committee will do lasting damage not only to the Court but to the committee. Again, this effort isn't really oversight as I like to do, and we do a good job of it; instead, it is about political theater. prgtoken Let me give some examples of how an investigation should be conducted. prgtoken During my time as chairman of the Judiciary Committee, starting in 2017, the committee investigated, in a bipartisan fashion, alleged collusion between the campaign and the Russians. Bipartisan committee staff--I want to emphasize that--bipartisan committee staff interviewed five individuals who