mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
EPA DELIVERED A DEVASTATING BLOW TO AMERICAN ENERGY GENERATORS
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2024-4-29

earlier this month, California announced that it had seized 1.1 million fentanyl pills as well as 523 pounds of methamphetamine in just 7 days. prgtoken The active components of fentanyl are shipped from China with the consent of the Chinese Communist Party, manufactured by cartels in Mexico, and then shipped into the United States. This process has fueled the opioid crisis that continues to make each and every State a border State. prgtoken We have seen the devastating consequences that these drugs have on our area. Right now, more than 40 percent of Americans know someone who has been killed by an overdose. Furthermore, I feel that each and every Member of Congress knows multiple individuals who have died from fentanyl poisoning. prgtoken Sadly, these deaths are preventable, and it is time for President to take the necessary steps to secure our southern border. A border crisis that allows millions of fentanyl pills to enter our Nation endangers the lives of each and every American. prgtoken By ending the remain in Mexico policy and by reinstating catch and release, President has sent a clear message to the Mexican cartels that they can continue to break American laws. It is time to secure our border. It is time to put an end to this crisis.
MOMENT OF SILENCE IN REMEMBRANCE OF CONGRESSMAN DONALD PAYNE, JR.
Christopher H. Smith (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2024-4-29

I rise, along with my colleagues, to convey our deepest sorrow on the passing of our good friend, six-term, New Jersey Congressman, Donald Payne, Jr. of the 10th Congressional District. prgtoken We are grateful for his public service, and offer our prayers and condolences to his wife, Beatrice, and their children, Donald III, Jack, and Yvonne. prgtoken Like his father before him--Congressman Donald Payne, Sr who I served with and who was also a great man--Donald Jr. was a dedicated public servant who tirelessly and tenaciously worked to improve the lives of New Jersey families, especially the poor. prgtoken He was a kind and compassionate lawmaker who cared deeply for the people of his district, our State, the country, those in need, and especially the sick. prgtoken As a diabetic, he fought to lower the cost of insulin. He wrote the House-passed Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act and the Amputation Reduction and Compassion Act to provide full coverage for PAD to help reduce amputations. prgtoken His TEST for Lead Act was designed to protect children from lead- contaminated drinking water in schools, and he wrote the DHS Interoperable Communications Act that became law in July 2015. prgtoken As chairman and then ranking member of the House Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee, Donald helped lead the charge to improve America's transportation infrastructure, played a key role in securing the Gateway project, and was a powerful ally of Amtrak. Donald Payne served two terms on the Newark City Council, including as president, and beginning in 2005, three terms as an Essex County freeholder, which we now call county commissioner. Donald Payne, Jr. will be deeply missed. prgtoken , from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) for any comments he may have.
VETERANS EDUCATION TRANSPARENCY AND TRAINING ACT
Brad R. Wenstrup (Republican, OH) \u2014 2024-4-29

I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 3738, the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration Act, or VEOTA Act. prgtoken As a retired member of the U.S. Army Reserve and Iraq war veteran, I know how important it is to help our warfighters succeed in their transition to civilian life. prgtoken Far too often, people think unjustly that veterans return from war defeated and with skills that aren't applicable to the civilian world. This could be no further from the truth and anything else I have ever heard. Our veterans are strong, dependable leaders and team players. Our commitment to programs that promote opportunity and success brings forth their abilities and potential. prgtoken I believe our servicemembers should have a plan from the day that they enter the military to the day they transition out and beyond. prgtoken We should care about their military and post-military careers. Our veterans are soldiers for life, as we say in the Army, and we need to put as much emphasis and attention on their success after service as we do during it. prgtoken Currently, the Veterans Benefits Administration is responsible for all Department of Veterans Affairs benefits provided to veterans outside of healthcare and cemetery services. prgtoken While there are many different benefits that the VBA provides, the bulk of staffing and resources have been, understandably, directed toward the administration of disability compensation and pension claims. This has resulted in a lack of attention on the administration of other VBA benefits, such as the Forever GI Bill, vocational rehabilitation, home loan benefits, and VA's portion of the Transition Assistance Program. prgtoken We can't let these benefits fall by the wayside, especially those that empower veterans and help set them on the path to success in civilian life. prgtoken By aligning transition, education, and employment programs in a fourth administration within the VA, this act will modernize the Department and ensure that these opportunity-focused programs get the high priority they deserve and the oversight they need to better serve our veterans. prgtoken I thank Representative Levin for leading this legislation with me now for the third time. We have many Senators supporting us, as well. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING INNOVATION REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2023
Jay Obernolte (Republican, CA) \u2014 2024-4-29

I rise in strong support of the reauthorization of the Weather Act. prgtoken This bill includes, in section 115, my legislation to also reauthorize the National Landslide Hazards Reduction Program. This is a critically important program for reducing landslide hazards in the United States that will, absent reauthorization, expire at the end of this year. prgtoken It is a little-known fact that landslides cause over a billion dollars in property damage every year in the United States, as well as costing countless lives. This is particularly true in my district in southern California. prgtoken My district has experienced substantial wildfire damage in the last several years, and last August, we experienced the first tropical storm in 83 years in California. This resulted in the liquefaction of the soil beneath the burn scars in the San Bernardino Mountains. The resulting landslides erased an entire community. Houses were uprooted and displaced, and many residents were trapped and had to be lifted by helicopter to safety. prgtoken , the National Landslide Hazards Reduction Program is a critical program for identifying hazards that exist with landslides and improving coordination with local emergency responders and agencies to make sure that those hazards are addressed. prgtoken , I thank Chairman Lucas and my colleagues on the Science, Space, and Technology and the Natural Resources Committees for including my legislation in the Weather Act Reauthorization Act, and I urge its adoption.
EXTENDING LIMITS OF U.S. CUSTOMS WATERS ACT
Jason Smith (Republican, MO) \u2014 2024-4-29

the balance of my time to close. prgtoken , this bill helps give Customs and Border Protection the certainty to know that they can enforce U.S. trade laws without fear of their authority being challenged in court. prgtoken Allowing our Customs agents the authority to go out 24 miles off the coast is consistent with what both and ic Presidents have supported. This bill helps CBP protect the livelihoods of American workers. When foreigners cheat our U.S. trade system and avoid paying the rightful duties they owe, it is American workers and small businesses that suffer. prgtoken Improved trade enforcement not only helps our economy, but it will also help save American lives. Too many families know the pain of losing a loved one from a drug like fentanyl that should have never come into our country. prgtoken Customs and Border Protection needs the certainty and operational flexibility to catch smugglers before their deadly drugs reach our shore. We need to end the current inconsistency by which Congress has fully authorized the Coast Guard to pursue and board suspicious vessels up to 24 miles off of our coast but has not done the same for CBP. prgtoken , I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this legislation, and .
WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING INNOVATION REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2023
James R. Baird (Republican, IN) \u2014 2024-4-29

I thank the chairman for yielding and for all the work that we did in the committee to include my bill, the Precipitation Forecasting for Agriculture Act in the Weather Act's reauthorization. prgtoken The Precipitation Forecasting for Agriculture Act is a simple piece of legislation. This bill simply directs the United States Weather Research Program to study seasonal precipitation forecasts for agriculture. prgtoken Hoosier farmers rely on accurate forecasts to determine whether or not their farms will have rain needed for their crops. This bill supports that basic need through a collaboration between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and our universities to create measurable objectives in forecasting improvement. prgtoken This study will address the scientific challenges to improving precipitation forecasting by enacting the National Weather Service's recommendations for subseasonal and seasonal forecasting innovation in the 21st century. prgtoken These recommendations will enable the Indiana State Climate Office at Purdue University to produce operational models for land surfaces, soil moisture, and flash drought processes. Our farmers need the most accurate data available to guarantee a successful harvest. That is why I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation.
AGENCY ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2024
Pete Stauber (Republican, MN) \u2014 2024-4-29

I rise to speak in favor of the Agency Accountability Act. I will start by thanking the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. McGarvey) for his support with this legislation. prgtoken I can think of no better way to start off National Small Business Week than by passing legislation to ensure the Federal contracting system has a fair playing field for even the smallest of our businesses. prgtoken Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They are the innovators, the job creators, and the driving force behind economic growth. In Minnesota, small businesses account for over 99 percent of all businesses and employ over half of the workforce. prgtoken The very least that we can do is to ensure that small businesses have every opportunity to contract with the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world, the Federal Government. prgtoken Right now, Federal agencies set goals for awarding contracts to small businesses, but meeting those goals is often treated like a suggestion and not a requirement. The result? Too many agencies fall short, leaving billions of dollars out of reach of American small business owners. prgtoken My bill, the Agency Accountability Act, changes the game. It shines a spotlight on agency performance by requiring public testimony for failures. Agency heads will answer directly to Congress for missing goals, explaining why they haven't prioritized small businesses and what they will do to fix it. prgtoken This isn't just about finger-pointing. It is about finding solutions. Public prgtoken scrutiny, paired with mandated reporting on scoreboard performance, will expose systemic roadblocks and identify best practices. prgtoken Our small businesses are more than just economic engines. They are the embodiment of the American spirit, equipped with creativity, resilience, and a fierce determination to succeed. This bill gives them a fighting chance, a seat at the table, and the opportunity to prove themselves on the national stage. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the Agency Accountability Act.
CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE DATA SHARING ACT
Rudy Yakym III (Republican, IN) \u2014 2024-4-29

I am ready to close, and such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I ask to include in the Record letters in statement of support from various organizations and individuals as part of H.R. 7032. prgtoken These include from the Congressional Budget Office, several former directors of the Congressional Budget Office, including: Dan Crippen, Doug Elmendorf, and Doug Holtz-Eakin; Sandy Davis who served as the Congressional Budget Office's Associate Director for Legislative Affairs from 2003-2015, and the Economic Policy Innovation Center. prgtoken I will include in the Record the Bipartisan Policy Center, the Cato Institute, the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, and the National Taxpayers Union Foundation. Dan Crippen, Former CBO Director I applaud the House Budget Committee for its legislation allowing CBO more access to data from federal agencies. I urge the House to pass the bill in time for the Senate to act expeditiously as well. Having once served as Director, I can report first-hand that agencies collect data valuable to CBO analysis of legislation and important issues to the Congress. Unfortunately, many of those agencies are reluctant to share the data for any number of reasons, including: privacy; enabling statutes; and, the inherent power of ``owning'' the data (often unspoken). The bill the House plans to consider will help clarify the ability of agencies to overcome any legislative restrictions that might impose concern about the legality of transfers. Other concerns can be mitigated using an MOU. Privacy has often been the reason given for not sharing data. Various deidentification techniques can protect privacy. I was often told that I could identify Bill Gates tax return without any identifying information . . . of course, with more taxpayers at his level of income, it would be more difficult now. Nonetheless, it is possible to eliminate entirely a few cells that would be identifiable without severe masking of all data, destroying the statistical properties of the information. With the help of Chairman Moynihan, CBO gained access to IRS data, but under all the same laws and rules of the IRS itself . . . including go-to-jail provisions for leaking. Some analysts at CBO were initially chagrined at the new exposure, but subsequently understood the security measures we needed to take to successfully comply. This legislation would do the same for all agencies. The Census Bureau often claimed that its charter made any census data available only to the Census Bureau . . . to help improve its data collection. I once encouraged the House Appropriations Committee to include CBO access to Census Bureau data, which they did, only to have the Bureau launch a
PRIVACY ENHANCING TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH ACT
Frank D. Lucas (Republican, OK) \u2014 2024-4-29

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of H.R. 4755, the Privacy Enhancing Technology Research Act, offered by the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Stevens) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Kean). The bill supports research activities to advance innovative technologies to safeguard individuals' privacy. prgtoken As Americans have moved more and more of their lives online, it has resulted in a greater amount of digital consumer data and personal information being generated than ever before. This personal information has long been a target of cybercriminals, and the threat has only worsened over time. In 2023, the Federal Trade Commission received more than 1 million reports of identity theft. This problem is exacerbated by the failure of some companies to properly safeguard consumer data. prgtoken This data is a valuable asset. When safely utilized, it can do a great deal to spur our economy and support innovations like artificial intelligence and quantum computing. Our task is to ensure this resource doesn't fall into the hands of bad actors, putting Americans' private information at risk. prgtoken Privacy enhancing technologies, PETs, may be part of the solution. PETs utilize cryptography and statistics to minimize the amount of personally identifiable information while ensuring the datasets are still usable. However, more research is needed to understand PETs' applicability and to encourage further development and adoption. prgtoken This bill requires the National Science Foundation to support fundamental research into PETs, the mathematics that underlie them, and the additional technologies that promote data minimization standards. prgtoken The legislation also directs NIST to work with stakeholders to develop voluntary consensus standards for incorporating these technologies into Federal and commercial applications. Similar legislation passed the House last Congress, which is a testament to the value of this bill. prgtoken , again, I thank Representatives Stevens and Kean for their leadership on this issue. I encourage my colleagues to support the bill, and .
HONORING THE CARYVILLE CARES PROJECT
Charles J. "Chuck" Fleischmann (Republican, TN) \u2014 2024-4-29

I rise today to honor the Caryville Cares Playground project in Caryville, TN, and recognize the community that has supported it. prgtoken In Campbell County, TN, roughly one in five people under the age of 65 years old have a disability according to the US Census, nearly double the national average, yet no playground in the community was considered inclusive for those with different needs and abilities. prgtoken The Caryville Cares Playground is an inclusive playground, where children of all different ability levels would have the opportunity to play together. Inclusive playgrounds like this are the start of healthy friendships that can last a lifetime and are places where children of all levels of ability are able to experience the joy of outdoor play. prgtoken The playground was designed with seven main principles in mind to be fair; be free; be included; be smart; be independent; be safe; be active; and be comfortable. The seven principles guided every step of the planning, construction, and implementation for this project. prgtoken The groups that initiated this project spearheaded fundraising, applied for grants, and solicited donations and support from the Caryville community. Their efforts included dinners, auctions, roadblocks, and even a local ``Dancing with the Stars''-styled event. They successfully raised more than a half million dollars in both cash and in-kind donations. prgtoken After two years of hard work by the team, the playground was fully funded. On April 26, 2024, the gates to the Caryville Cares Playground opened for the first time. Every child in the community will finally have a place to play, thanks to the dedication of the Caryville Cares organizing committee and the incredible generosity of the local community. prgtoken It is my pleasure to recognize the community team that took on this important and worthwhile undertaking. The group includes Mr. Brandon Johnson, who served as its president, along with fellow members Mrs. Cheyenne Allen, Mrs. Tayler Franke, Mr. Landyn Ford, Mr. Joe Goins, Mr. Blake Gray, Mrs. Tara Lee Gillespie, Mrs. Kristin Long, Mr. Joshua McDowell, Mrs. Autumn Longmire, Mrs. Ali Dower Miracle, Mrs. Ashley Whited, Mrs. Brandy Nelson, Mr. Micah Nelson, Mrs. Sara Padgett, Mr. Patrick Pebley, Mrs. Kaylee Queener, Mrs. Raewyn Snodderly, Mrs. Elizabeth Tamer, Mrs. Emily Tamer, Mrs. Katy Winter Vincent, Mrs. Ally Winter, Mr. Kevin Winter, and Mrs. Saarah Young.
PLAIN LANGUAGE IN CONTRACTING ACT
Nick LaLota (Republican, NY) \u2014 2024-4-29

America's small businesses from Long Island and throughout our great country should not need an attorney on staff or a compliance department to apply for and win a Federal contract. prgtoken That is why I have introduced the Plain Language in Contracting Act, which is aimed at simplifying the process for small businesses to secure government contracts. prgtoken I extend my gratitude to my colleague, Representative Thanedar of Michigan, for co-leading this crucial legislation across party lines, and to the skipper, Chairman Williams, and his diligent staff for seeing to it that this bill got to the floor today. prgtoken With over 33 million small businesses in America, only a very small fraction win Federal contracts. Many entrepreneurs cite the complexity of government procurement processes as a major deterrent. prgtoken The language used in contract solicitations is often ambiguous and unnecessarily complex, deterring small businesses from even attempting to bid on a contract. prgtoken A study by the Naval Postgraduate School revealed that less than 3 percent of Department of Defense contract solicitations are written in plain English. This complexity drives small businesses away from Federal contracting, eroding competition and harming our economy. prgtoken My bill mandates Federal agencies to use clear language in contract solicitations, fostering greater accessibility to contract bids for small businesses. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense legislation recognizing the pivotal role small businesses play in our Nation's economy. Together, let's pave the way for a more accessible Federal contracting process for all small businesses. Doing so benefits small businesses, the Federal Government, and all of our taxpayers.
ENTREPRENEURS WITH DISABILITIES REPORTING ACT OF 2024
Roger Williams (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-4-29

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in full support of H.R. 7985, the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Reporting Act of 2024, introduced by Representatives McGarvey and Molinaro. prgtoken This legislation will require the SBA to issue a report to Congress on the challenges individuals with disabilities face when starting a business. Further, it will require the SBA to look at resources across the Federal Government that assist individuals with disabilities. prgtoken The Government Accountability Office estimates that there are nearly 50 programs across nine Federal agencies that support employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. However, Federal agencies often fail to coordinate or collaborate on such programs to ensure that their efforts are not duplicated and are working as efficiently as possible. The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Reporting Act of 2024 will require the SBA to look at this fragmented system and do its part to consolidate and streamline those efforts. prgtoken , I thank Representatives McGarvey and Molinaro for their prgtoken leadership on this important issue and for introducing this bill. I urge a ``yes'' vote on the bill, and .
CLEAN ENERGY DEMONSTRATION TRANSPARENCY ACT OF 2023
Mike Carey (Republican, OH) \u2014 2024-4-29

I rise today in support of a bill that will lead America toward an all-of-the-above energy future, H.R. 1069, the Clean Energy Demonstration Transparency Act. prgtoken First, I thank Chairman Lucas, Ranking Member Lofgren, and Energy Subcommittee Chairman Williams for their work on bringing this bill to the floor. I also thank the Science, Space, and Technology Committee staff for their bipartisan efforts in moving this legislation forward. prgtoken Strengthening the energy category of domestic energy production, including renewables, oil, gas, coal, and nuclear, will safeguard our supply chains, defend our national security, and, in fact, boost our economy. prgtoken H.R. 1069 is a commonsense bill that will increase transparency and oversight of the investments in homegrown, clean energy, including the billions of taxpayer dollars entrusted to the newly established Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations. prgtoken Specifically, the bill requires the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations to submit semiannual reports to Congress regarding the budget, schedule, and participating entities of their demonstration projects. prgtoken , I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill, which will give Americans confidence that their taxpayer dollars are being used wisely in our pursuit of energy independence.