mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Social Security (Executive Session)
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2023-6-12

Social Security is a sacred trust between the American people and the American government. For the worker who is prgtoken about to retire with no savings other than Social Security, the woman who relies on Social Security to pay for medications, they need to know that the government is not going to break this sacred trust. prgtoken That is why I have been leading a bipartisan group of over a dozen Senators to develop a solution. And we have what we call the Big Idea. But before describing the Big Idea, I have to tell you, right now, it does not matter what big ideas--or any idea--are being discussed. President made it clear in his State of the Union speech that he was going to run for reelection attacking s on the issue of Social Security. prgtoken Now, by the way, he has not introduced legislation on Social Security himself. He spoke about one in his previous campaign, but it was not serious. And the money he said he would use for his unserious plan he has already spent on other priorities, or at least proposed to spend. President was not even willing to acknowledge the problem that Social Security faces. prgtoken But, in a bipartisan sense, let's be fair; he is not alone. Former President refuses to acknowledge the issue. He never introduced or sought to work with Congress when he was President, and now he criticizes anyone who suggests that Social Security might be going insolvent. But, unfortunately for us all, Social Security is going insolvent. prgtoken It is not me who says this; it is the actuaries, those who are told to come before the American people and tell what is the current state of Social Security. They tell us that in 9 years, it is insolvent. At that point, beneficiaries will see a 24-percent cut in the amount they are receiving. There is no grandfathering in. You might be already receiving, but when that deadline hits--2033, 2032--boom, 24-percent cut for those who are currently receiving. Poverty among the elderly doubles. prgtoken And even though it is against the law to borrow money to pay the difference between what is coming in and what is going out, let's imagine that we did. If we do decide to break the law and borrow that money, it would end up causing a $562 trillion debt to pay these benefits over the next 75 years. That would give us a debt-to-GDP ratio similar to that of Greece and Venezuela, and that is independent of the money that would be required for Medicare benefits and other such benefits. prgtoken So what does our Big Idea do? Our Big Idea avoids this problem by setting up an investment fund separate from Social Security--no Social Security money whatsoever--an investment fund in which we place money and allow it to grow over 75 years; and, in so doing, we address 75 percent of the issue. prgtoken We don't raise the retirement age to 70, as people suggest. We don't touch the way Social Security benefits are distributed. We make
SPECIAL ENVOY FOR THE ABRAHAM ACCORDS ACT
Ritchie Torres (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-6-12

I thank Ranking Member Meeks for his friendship and mentoring, and I thank Chairman McCaul and Ranking Member Meeks for setting the gold standard of bipartisanship here in Congress. prgtoken , I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Lawler) for his legislative partnership and leadership. prgtoken If there is one cause that should transcend partnership, it is the cause of peace in the Middle East. prgtoken Building a bridge between Israel and the Arab world is neither a ic value nor a value. It is an American value. prgtoken The Abraham Accords is both an affirmation of Arab-Israeli peace and a rejection of BDS as a relic of the past. prgtoken Indeed, the three noes of the Khartoum Resolution have been replaced by the three yeses of the Abraham Accords: yes to recognition of Israel, yes to negotiations with Israel, and yes to peace with Israel. prgtoken The Abraham Accords is an achievement so monumental that it demands and deserves its own special envoy whose sole and singular mission is to build on the inexorable progress of peace in the Middle East. prgtoken Today, we in the United States Congress are bending the long arc of the Middle East exactly where it belongs, toward peace and prosperity for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. The children of Abraham are finally standing together as one, divided no longer.
CHANGING AGE-DETERMINED ELIGIBILITY TO STUDENT INCENTIVE PAYMENTS ACT
Andy Kim (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-6-12

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , I join my colleague, Mr. Bergman, and rise in support of the CADETS Act. prgtoken This bipartisan bill raises the age requirement for MARAD's Student Incentive Payment Program, which provides financial support to cadets who attend one of six State maritime academies and commit to a post- graduation service obligation. prgtoken Current age requirements for the Student Incentive Payment Program limit participation to people between 17 and 25 years of age. This proposal would expand eligibility to people up to age 42. This bill would widen the pool of potential candidates and aligns the age requirements with that of the Navy Reserve. prgtoken Many military veterans attend these State academies, but many applicants are too old to qualify for aid or the program. prgtoken Graduates from the State maritime academies become licensed officers in the U.S. Merchant Marine and are part of the Navy's Strategic Sealift Officer Force. Currently, our merchant mariner force is around 1,800 officers short of wartime needs. Because the average age of a merchant mariner is 47, we need to increase the number of eligible individuals for this program. prgtoken This bill would open up additional opportunities to our best and brightest and bolster our national security. prgtoken State maritime academies provide our veterans unique opportunities to transition to well-paying jobs and continue to serve in support of our Nation. prgtoken For those reasons, Madam , I urge Members to support this bill, and .
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-6-12

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.
ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2023
Tina Smith (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2023-6-12

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 13; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be deemed expired, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; that following the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Allen nomination postcloture; further, that all time be considered expired at 11:30 a.m. and, following the cloture vote on the Vera nomination, the Senate recess until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly caucus meetings; that at 2:15 p.m notwithstanding rule XXII, the Senate vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Bernstein nomination; that the Senate recess from 3:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. for the all-Senators briefing; further, that if cloture has been invoked, at 5 p.m the Senate vote on confirmation of the Vera and Bernstein nominations in the order listed; finally, that the cloture vote on the Pitts nomination occur at a time to be determined by the majority leader, following consultation with the leader, during Wednesday's session; and that if any nominations are confirmed during Tuesday's session, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
SPECIAL ENVOY FOR THE ABRAHAM ACCORDS ACT
Gregory W. Meeks (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-6-12

I rise in strong support of this resolution, and such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I thank my friend and colleague, Representative Torres, for working with Representative Lawler to introduce this very important piece of legislation that would create a senior-level special envoy dedicated to enhancing and expanding the important Abraham Accords. prgtoken , I have spoken in the past about my support for the accords, which I believe have the potential to transform the security, diplomatic, and economic environment in the Middle East for peace and to advance United States' interests. prgtoken These agreements are already showing promise and deserve the attention of this Congress. I believe it is advantageous to the State Department to have an official in place focused on managing and implementing regional strategy for peace and encouraging cooperation between and among Israel, Arab states, and the Palestinians to enhance such prospects for a true peace and create tangible benefits for all. prgtoken As Mr. McCaul said, starting with the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco with the Abraham Accords, we need to grow and have more nations involved, saying this time that we know that Israel has the right to exist and will exist, and we are going to look and work together for peace in the Middle East. prgtoken That is why adding a special envoy dedicated to working on and having and stimulating conversation among the other nations in the Gulf region with Israel is tremendously important. This is something that I am proud to support, and I hope my colleagues in the House join me. prgtoken , I know that the administration has taken implementation and expansion of the Abraham Accords seriously. I know that the President has dedicated several government agencies to their success. I believe that this high-level special envoy will be another asset to the State Department and help them coordinate and streamline implementation of the accords. It is something that we should focus on because success means peace in the Middle East, and peace is good for all of us on this planet. prgtoken , .
Trump Investigation (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-6-12

last Friday, the Department of Justice announced had been indicted on 37 counts related to his mishandling of classified documents. One only has to listen to the statements from former National Security Advisor John Bolton and 's former Attorney General to know just how serious this indictment is. prgtoken As I have said before: No one is above the law--including . This case must be allowed to play out through the legal process without outside political or ideological interference. I encourage both supporters and critics of to maintain the peace and let the justice system do its work.
Ukraine (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-6-12

last week, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, GEN Mark Milley, spoke at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in France. In the audience were veterans--some were over 100 years old--who stormed those beaches 79 years ago on D-Day. D-Day was a critical moment in World War II. It was the beginning of the liberation of Europe, and it was the beginning of the end of Nazi tyranny. prgtoken Looking out over a sea of headstones of fallen American patriots, Secretary Austin said: It's easy to forget how desperate the battle was . . . but, on D-Day, courage won out over terror, daring over cruelty, and liberty won out over tyranny. prgtoken Today, that same eternal battle is being fought in another place, in Ukraine, which has begun a heroic counteroffensive to finally drive out Vladimir Putin and the Russian invaders and to preserve democracy in that nation. prgtoken Next month, Senator Shaheen of New Hampshire and I will travel to the NATO summit in Lithuania. The location--in a nation that was once under Soviet occupation--is both historic and poignant. Success in Ukraine's counteroffensive and the country's long-term security will once again be on top of the NATO agenda. We also will welcome the security alliance's newest member, Finland. I hope, by the time we convene in Lithuania, Hungary and Turkey will have ratified Sweden's succession without any further delay--another plus for the future of the NATO alliance. prgtoken Let me also state clearly that I believe Ukraine's future is in the European Union and the NATO alliance, and until the day that Ukraine can join NATO, the United States and other key allies must help Ukraine with security guarantees, as we do with other key non-NATO allies. It is clear that Ukraine can never trust Russia. It is in the interest of the United States and democracy itself that we ensure Ukraine can always defend itself, that any aggressor will think twice before ever again trying to threaten its people or its territory. prgtoken President knows what is at stake in this fight against tyranny. So do our NATO allies. And I want to particularly note Minority Leader McConnell. Echoing Ronald Reagan, Senator McConnell has spoken forcefully about the need for continued bipartisan support for Ukraine. That is the ultimate strength of the American role in the NATO alliance: that we speak with one voice. And, of course, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy understands that what is at stake in Ukraine is bigger than just his nation; it is literally a battle for freedom and democracy themselves. prgtoken In his remarks at Normandy last week, Secretary Austin said: Free soldiers will fight more bravely than the armies of tyrants. prgtoken He is correct, but the free people of Ukraine must not be left to fight this war alone. The United States and nations of the free world must provide the resources and eq
HONORING DON LOMBARDI
Brittany Pettersen (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2023-6-12

I rise today to recognize Don Lombardi of West Metro Fire Rescue for being awarded the International Association of Fire Chief's Metropolitan ``Metro'' Chiefs Division Russell E. Sanders Lifetime Achievement Award. prgtoken Fire Chief Don Lombardi has been with the West Metro Fire Protection District since 1991, one of the largest fire districts and EMS providers in the state of Colorado, serving a population of nearly 300,000 citizens, covering 108 square miles. A graduate of the University of Colorado, as well as the Executive Fire Officer Program with the National Fire Academy, Chief Lombardi leads the agency's efforts to protect Colorado from household fires and wildfires across the state. prgtoken In addition to his work on West Metro Fire, Mr. Lombardi has co- authored recent Colorado Firefighters Heart and Cancer Benefit legislation and has served as chair of the Colorado Firefighters Heart and Cancer Benefit Trust and the Colorado State Fire Chiefs' executive board. As wildfires driven by climate change continue to threaten the lives and communities of Coloradans, leaders like Don Lombardi ensure the safety and wellbeing of the Western Denver Metropolitan area. prgtoken , on behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, I congratulate Don Lombardi for receiving this award and thank him for his leadership and public service for the Colorado community.
HONORING MR. JAMES D. DAHLING ON HIS YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF THE KING'S DAUGHTERS IN NORFOLK, VIRGINIA
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-6-12

I rise today to honor and recognize Mr. James D. Dahling of Norfolk, VA. prgtoken After serving for twenty years as the President and Chief Operating Officer of Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters (CHKD), the only freestanding children's hospital in Virginia, Jim Dahling will retire on June 20, 2023. prgtoken Jim joined CHKD in 1994 as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. He previously served as Senior VP of Richmond Memorial Hospital and held senior management positions at Texas and Minnesota hospitals. Jim became CHKD's Chief Executive Officer in 2003. prgtoken As a result of Jim's visionary leadership, CHKD solidified its reputation as an internationally acclaimed pediatric hospital. During his tenure, CHKD built the first and only Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center in Hampton Roads, the region's only pediatric outpatient surgery center, the state's sole pediatric inpatient rehabilitation unit, and the region's first pediatric urgent care center. In response to the growing community concern about a lack of pediatric mental health services in Hampton Roads and across Virginia, Jim led the construction of an innovative 60-bed mental health hospital and outpatient center. The initiative marks a historic expansion of CHKD's mental health services for children, bringing nearly twenty child and adolescent psychiatrists and dozens of other mental health providers to Hampton Roads to address the region's youth mental health crisis. prgtoken The Hampton Roads region is home to one of the largest concentrations of active-duty military in the country. CHKD is one of the nation's leading providers of healthcare to military dependents, and Jim has led more than two decades of tireless and growing commitments to providing outstanding medical care to the children of our servicemembers. For that, we owe CHKD and Jim a debt of profound gratitude. prgtoken Amy Sampson, a trusted member of CHKD's leadership team and the Board's unanimous choice, will succeed Jim as President and CEO. Amy already has a long and distinguished career at CHKD. Serving for over 30 years in a variety of roles, including strategic planning, government relations, marketing and communications, philanthropy services, community outreach, experience services, the donor milk bank, the call center, and volunteer services. Of Amy's many accomplishments, she has been instrumental in developing CHKD's mental health initiatives, spearheading efforts to secure federal, state and local government approval and financial backing for CHKD's $224 million pediatric inpatient psychiatric facility. I am excited about the vision, energy and enthusiasm Amy brings to the CEO role, and I know she will continue Jim's and CHKD's outstanding record of service to our region's children. prgtoken , Jim Dahling embodies CHKD's mission--``Health, Healing, and Hope for All Children''--and his vision will live on in the spirit of those working tirelessly to provide
TRIBUTE TO LAURA SELKEN--CALIFORNIA'S 24TH CONGRESSIONAL WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Salud O. Carbajal (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-6-12

each year, through the Women of the Year Award, my office extends special recognition to women on the Central Coast who have made a difference in our community. I would like to recognize one outstanding Women of the Year Award recipient, Laura Selken of Santa Maria, California. prgtoken A longtime resident of Santa Maria, Laura Selken, has dedicated her time, talents, and skills to several community organizations. Laura has taken leadership positions at all the organizations she is a volunteer for and is always one to take the initiative when a task needs to be completed. prgtoken Laura is passionate about advancing and promoting women's education and women's rights. She understands the power of social media and puts her ideas into action by creating eye-catching social media publicity and e-newsletters for all the groups she's involved in. In addition to planning and organizing thoughtful programs and events that help to educate the Santa Maria Valley community at large on the status and experiences of women locally, nationally, and globally. prgtoken You can always quietly see Laura involved in organizing events such as the hybrid, online and in-person, event on women in Iran for International Women's Day 2023 to Chairing the American Association of University Women (AAUW)--Santa Maria's 2023 Tech Trek program, to sponsor five rising eighth grade students who reside in North Santa Barbara County and identify as girls to spend a week taking STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) courses at University of California, Santa Barbara. prgtoken Laura Selken is dedicated to making it possible for historically excluded voices of the Santa Maria Valley, particularly the voices of young women of color, to be heard. In fact, whether online, in person, or both, Laura is often the one making sure that the audio and video technology are functioning optimally so that everyone at an event feels seen and heard. She is never one to shy away from learning or teaching others new technology, or anything new and innovative, and thus inspires those of us who work with her to do the same. prgtoken Laura Selken often does not receive the recognition she deserves for all of the time and energy she gives to ensuring the progress and success of women's organizations in the Santa Maria Valley. The commitment and passion she invests in the community is invaluable. prgtoken I am honored to recognize Laura Selken for her continued commitment to volunteerism education, social justice, and advocacy throughout the Santa Maria Valley. Her contributions have provided opportunities for young girls throughout the Santa Maria community. I ask all Members to join me today in honoring an exceptional woman of California's 24th Congressional District, Laura Selken, for her incredible service to her community.
HONORING MELINDA M. MENDELSON
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-6-12

I rise today to honor Melinda M. Mendelson for her dedication to serving the community of Napa County. prgtoken In 2006, Ms. Mendelson organized the Napa County community to address the lack of access to affordable health insurance and healthcare for children. Her enthusiasm for healthcare accessibility led to the establishment of the Community Health Initiative, formerly known as the Children's Health Initiative, which is a coordinated outreach and retention effort designated to improve families' participation in health coverage programs. Eighteen years and 28,000 Californians later. Community Health Initiative continues to navigate affordable health insurance and benefits in Napa, Solano, Santa Clara, and Los Angeles Counties. prgtoken Ms. Mendelson's advocacy goes beyond healthcare through her support for educational development. She worked for ten years as the Director of Development for private and public universities. Notably, the application of Ms. Mendelson's expertise led to a twenty percent increase in contributions for the University of California, Berkeley School of Law. Ms. Mendelson was also a member of the English Center for International Women at Mills College in Oakland, CA. In addition to these persistent advocacy involvements, Ms. Mendelson further participated in the Napa community through the Napa Valley Vintners Auction, Napa Valley Art Council, and Napa Valley Opera House. prgtoken In 2014, Ms. Mendelson formally retired. However, Ms. Mendelson continues to display her commitment to public service and the local community through advocacy and support. prgtoken , there is no doubt that Melinda M. Mendelson has contributed to the Napa Valley community and beyond.