mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 ORIGIN ACT OF 2023
James A. Himes (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2023-3-10

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , I rise in support of S. 619, the COVID-19 Origins Act of 2023. Along with my colleague, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Turner), I plan to support this legislation, and I urge the House to pass it. Let me stop now to compliment Chairman Turner on the efforts he has made narrowly to bring this bill to the floor, but more generally, to make sure that the Intelligence Committee operates in the thoughtful, constructive, and bipartisan manner which it must operate in if we are to protect this Nation's national security. prgtoken The COVID-19 pandemic has taken the lives of more than 1.1 million Americans, and millions more have died worldwide. The American people want to know as much as we can determine about where this pandemic started and critically how we can be ready for the next deadly disease, which will come. prgtoken Determining the precise origins of a pandemic disease with high confidence is challenging under the best of circumstances. In this case, our already difficult task is that much harder because COVID originated in China. prgtoken At every juncture, the PRC Government has obfuscated and obstructed legitimate inquiries and investigations into the origins of the disease. China's approach has been deeply irresponsible and dangerous to global public health. prgtoken It is against that backdrop that in 2021 President ordered a 90-day sprint by the intelligence community to analyze the origins of the virus. In prgtoken August of 2021, the IC completed its initial work, and a few months later, a declassified version of its findings was made public. prgtoken In short, the intelligence community agencies could not come to an agreement on whether the virus originated from a lab accident or from natural exposure. Some individual agencies did reach a judgment--a narrow judgment--about which path was more likely, but they could not do so with high confidence simply because we don't have enough reliable information to draw those conclusions. There is a version of the IC's classified assessment that is available to all Members through the House Security Office. prgtoken Around 18 months after the completion of the IC assessment, not much has changed. The intelligence community remains focused on this question, and I hope that we will have a breakthrough that will allow us to answer these questions once and for all, but today we are not there yet. prgtoken I believe that the IC should make as much public as they can, consistent with the overriding need to protect sources and methods. Transparency is a critical element of our democracy. The factual grounding of the IC's analysis can be an antidote to the speculation, the rumor, and the theories that grow in the absence of good information. prgtoken It is important to note that the bill provides the authority to make redactions to protect sources and methods for a good reason, and neither the cha
RECOGNIZING ROSEANNE BUTLER-SMITH
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-3-10

I rise today to recognize and congratulate Roseanne Butler-Smith on her retirement from many years of dedication and service to Western New York's Public Libraries. prgtoken Roseanne began her career in 1987, working part-time at the Lancaster Public Library and was appointed a full-time librarian in January 1988. She continued her career moving throughout our vital public libraries, serving as Library Director for the Cities of Tonawanda, Clarence and Amherst. She also served as a member of the New York State Library Association, American Library Association, and Public Library Association. Throughout her time, she always put the needs of the library patrons first, ensuring that these public resources could continue to provide meaningful service to the members of their communities. prgtoken During her time as Library Director for the Town of Amherst, budget cuts eliminated funding for the Williamsville Public Library. Roseanne was responsible for helping to keep its doors open through various creative fundraising efforts. These included hosting the Winter Gala. This annual fundraiser started in 2012 and has grown tremendously over the years, successfully raising thousands of dollars for the Williamsville branch. Other fundraising efforts included hot dog sales at the Glen Park Arts Festivals and raffle events. Roseanne even delayed her retirement to ensure she could oversee the completion of the Audubon expansion--an anecdote that perfectly encapsulates the commitment she showed to our library system. prgtoken Today, I ask that you join me in celebrating Roseanne Butler-Smith on her retirement and unwavering dedication to Western New York. She has made extraordinary contributions over her career, ensuring that these libraries stay open and operating for all members of the community to enjoy. I'm confident that Roseanne's retirement will be marked by spending time with her husband Gordie and their children, traveling, and as always, settling down with a good book.
FENTANYL PREVENTION CAUCUS
Madeleine Dean (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2023-3-10

. Madam , too often, the speeches we make on the floor of this Chamber emphasize our differences and divisions, but this morning I want to highlight and praise an act of bipartisanship, the creation of the Fentanyl Prevention Caucus. prgtoken Some of you know my family's story and how lucky we are that our son was not a victim to fentanyl overdose or drug poisoning, but many families have not been so lucky. Too many. prgtoken From 2021 to 2022, more than 107,000 people died of overdoses or fentanyl poisoning. Sixty-seven percent involved synthetic opioids like fentanyl. prgtoken Whether we focus on the flow of chemicals from China, the trafficking of drugs over our border or through airports or ports of entry, we must come together to stop this poisoning that is killing our loved ones. prgtoken This Congress needs to educate and legislate our way out of this tragedy. I believe this bipartisan caucus can do just that. prgtoken I thank my fellow co-chairs, Representatives Neguse, Issa, and Calvert, for their leadership. Bipartisan work will save lives.
HELPING SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS WITH CAPITAL
Shri Thanedar (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-3-10

. Madam , I stand today to speak about the importance of uplifting small businesses in our country. prgtoken About 50 percent of U.S. GDP is generated by small businesses. Despite this, big corporations seem to always rake in big profits during economic hardship, while small businesses struggle to get by. prgtoken As a result, small business owners barely have enough leftover funds after payroll to reinvest into their businesses. prgtoken As a former small business owner, I know firsthand the difficulties these hardworking men and women face. Today, entrepreneurs, especially women and minorities, find it hard to get access to capital. I am calling for targeted programs to provide access to capital for Black and Brown communities for businesses led by veterans, the disabled, and women across this country.
RURAL HOSPITALS HAVE HIT A CRISIS POINT
Jim Costa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-3-10

. Madam , we have reached a crisis in our healthcare system across our country. Over 180 hospitals, many of them rural hospitals, have closed nationwide since 2005. prgtoken Last month, the only hospital serving adults in Madera County was closed. Hospitals like Kaweah Health in Visalia, California, are sounding the alarm about higher costs and low Medicare reimbursement rates. prgtoken What are we talking about here? prgtoken We are talking about access to critical healthcare, emergency room services, critical care beds, elective surgery options, and women being able to have a place to give birth safely. We are talking about having access to healthcare in rural areas and throughout the country. prgtoken Congress must act now before more hospitals close. We must improve reimbursement rates and address staffing prgtoken shortages, nursing shortages, physician shortages. prgtoken Hospitals have hit a crisis point. If we do not act now, a nationwide healthcare crisis will be upon us. prgtoken My mother once said: ``Jim, if you don't have good health, you don't have anything.'' Every American deserves access to healthcare.
REINTRODUCTION OF THE EMERGING BUSINESS ENCOURAGEMENT ACT OF 2023
André Carson (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2023-3-10

today I am reintroducing the Emerging Business Encouragement Act which will give new small businesses a more equal playing field to secure federal contracts. prgtoken Emerging businesses face obstacles that are distinctly different from more well-established small businesses. Under the Emerging Business Act, the Small Business Administration would create a new designation for an Emerging Business Enterprises based on the company's age, size and total compensation. This will encourage meaningful opportunities among like-sized enterprises compared to competition against larger, fully-established enterprises. prgtoken Emerging businesses often have trouble securing federal contracts. The Emerging Business Encouragement Act will expand opportunities by requiring federal agencies to set contracting goals for emerging business enterprises equal to or not less than 3 percent of contracts and subcontracts. prgtoken Additionally, many emerging businesses have difficulty accessing the capital they need to develop products and hire workers. Under the Emerging Business Encouragement Act, the percentage of federal loan guaranty authority for Small Business Administration loans would increase from 50 percent for all small businesses to 65 percent for emerging business enterprise, providing a significant incentive for lenders to lend to these businesses. prgtoken We must support all job creators as our economy continues to recover, but there are significant differences between a startup with only a few employees and an established business with a few hundred employees and decades of experience. This legislation will help these emerging businesses overcome the unique challenges they face in their first few years of operation, and it will ensure these businesses are able to compete for federal contracts and gain access to critical small business loans. prgtoken To be certified as an emerging business enterprise, a company must be 10 percent or less the size of the current SBA designation for a small business, which is typically capped at 500 employees. prgtoken The company must be less than five years old at the time of certification with annual compensation of individuals in management positions not exceeding 200 percent of the annual mean wage for ``Management Occupations'' defined by the U.S. Department of Labor. These standards will ensure that those businesses benefiting from EBE programs are truly emerging. prgtoken With this bill, we can help entrepreneurs get through their first few years, when so many businesses fail, so they can grow and create jobs. And it provides incentives for lenders to provide capital to emerging businesses, one of the top concerns for entrepreneurs. prgtoken , I invite my colleagues to join me in supporting this important bill.
SUPPORTING CAREER PATHWAYS
Nikki Budzinski (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-3-10

I rise today to introduce my first bill as a Member of Congress, the LEAP Act. prgtoken This bipartisan piece of legislation aims to create new opportunities for American workers by supporting apprenticeships and pre- apprenticeship programs. These training programs are a proven way to address the job skills gap and to get folks ready for careers in growing industries. prgtoken By providing tax credits to small businesses, this bill will both address the need for more qualified workers and cut educational costs, a win-win for employers and working people. prgtoken I thank former Congressman Rodney Davis, who was the first to introduce this legislation back in 2013, and I thank Congressman Mike Carey for prgtoken partnering with me to build on this proposal by eliminating age limits and emphasizing pre-apprenticeship eligibility. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join us in supporting career pathways and a chance for everyone to succeed in our changing economy.
INVESTING IN EDUCATION
Donald G. Davis (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2023-3-10

I rise today to highlight the significance of investing in education. Education is widely seen as a key determinant of social mobility within a person's lifetime. prgtoken As the father of two school-age children, Justin and Kyler, my job is to love them, share with them about the importance of faith, provide for them, and ensure they receive a quality education. That is why education is so personal to me. prgtoken , there are 246 schools in the First Congressional District of North Carolina. Of those, 48 percent, nearly half, are fully funded by title I; and schools within 13 of the 19 counties I represent, 100 percent rely upon title I funding. prgtoken , we must invest in our public education system to set our kids up for a lifetime of success, while laying the groundwork for generations of prosperity across eastern North Carolina and America. prgtoken As part of my Live the Dream Down East tour, I will continue visiting schools in every county of my district.
OREGON FIGHTS FOR THE TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY
Andrea Salinas (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2023-3-10

I rise today to send an unequivocal, simple prgtoken message to the transgender community: We have your back. prgtoken The dangerous rhetoric we have seen across the country--including in this very body--in the last week is nothing short of reprehensible, and I for one will not allow this hateful and vitriolic rhetoric to go unanswered. prgtoken Transgender people don't need to be changed, criminalized, or eradicated. They need to be loved, they need to be supported, and they need to be able to look to their leaders in Washington and trust that we will protect their rights to live freely and safely, just as we would any other person in America. prgtoken Oregon has consistently led the way in the fight for transgender rights, and I am so proud to be from a State that prizes support over suspicion, compassion over culture wars, and humanity over hatred. prgtoken In Oregon we say gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, nonbinary, two spirits, queer, intersex, and asexual. prgtoken Oregon is proof that we can be better than this, and for the sake of the transgender community we must be.
CONGRATULATING MR. ERIC RAUN ON HIS RETIREMENT AFTER MORE THAN 40 YEARS OF FEDERAL SERVICE
Glenn Ivey (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2023-3-10

I rise today to recognize and congratulate a dedicated professional with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on the occasion of his retirement. Mr. Eric Raun is an exemplary public servant who has demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism serving our nation's veterans. He has served with VA's Office of General Counsel for more than 40 years. His career in public service is a testament to the importance of selfless service. prgtoken For the entirety of his legal career, Mr. Raun has provided guidance to the Secretary and senior officials of the Veterans Health Administration. He has been involved in a remarkable breadth of important matters including health care eligibility reform, the establishment of the medical benefits package, the creation and development of the State Veterans Home program, gifts to VA, mental health care, and countless other issues. prgtoken As Mr. Raun embarks on a new chapter in life, it is my hope that he will recall, with a deep sense of pride and accomplishment, the outstanding contributions he has made to VA, Congress, and veterans of the United States. May his life be filled with health and happiness.
RECOGNIZING THE 13TH ANNUAL CONGRESSIONAL HOCKEY CHALLENGE
William R. Keating (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-3-10

I rise today to recognize the 13th annual Congressional Hockey Challenge, a charity game played between our congressional Lawmakers hockey team and the Lobbyists, which has raised over $1.2 million for charity since 2009. This year's matchup saw the Lawmakers pull out a hard-fought 8-3 win over the Lobbyists, continuing what is now a five-year winning streak. prgtoken This year's charities include the Fort Dupont Ice Hockey Club, the nation's oldest minority youth hockey program, founded by iconic U.S. Hall of Fame coach Neal Henderson; four chapters of the Warriors Hockey program, which are teams comprised of disabled American military veterans; and the Professional Women's Hockey Players' Association, an organization committed to the establishment of a professional women's hockey league in North America. Through its partnership with the National Hockey League, Ted Leonsis and the Washington Capitals, Jeremy Jacobs and the Boston Bruins, the Canadian American Business Council, and other key supporters, the annual congressional hockey game aims to ensure that the sport of hockey is accessible to all who wish to play. prgtoken In past years, the congressional hockey game has been supported by appearances from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly, Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine, Kevin Weekes, Anson Carter, Peter Bondra, Alan May, and Rod Langway, with play by play at times called by sportscaster Joe Beninati. Legendary Hall of Famer and Congressional Gold Medal recipient Willie O'Ree, who shattered hockey's racial barrier with our Boston Bruins in 1958, has been honored in the past and remains a familiar face of the annual game as an unrivaled ambassador to diversity and inclusion. prgtoken This year, our Lawmakers team was once again skillfully helmed by former University of Alaska-Fairbanks captain and my colleague Tom Emmer, along with congressional staff, administration officials, and anchored by Olympic women's hockey standouts Haley Skarupa, Megan Keller, and Hayley Scamurra. prgtoken Haley Skarupa, a dynamic and prolific scorer with a name peppered throughout both the NCAA and team record books from her time at our shared alma mater of Boston College, earned a gold medal as a forward during the 2018 Olympic Games in PyeongChang. Another standout BC Eagle, Megan Keller, long regarded as one of the best defensive players in the world, sports a gold medal from the 2018 Olympic campaign and a silver from 2022. And Hayley Scamurra, an elite two-way threat out of Northeastern University with a litany of All-Star, MVP, and Player of the Year awards, brought back home silver from Beijing in 2022. The commanding presence of these three Olympians made this year's game one to remember. prgtoken Knowing that events such as these are never easy to organize, it's also important to acknowledge that this year's game was once again supported through the foundational efforts of Nick Lewis, Michel
HONORING DANIEL SANTA CRUZ
Mark Takano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-3-10

. Madam , I rise today to thank a member of my staff on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs for his invaluable service to our Nation's veterans, this Congress, and our country. prgtoken Daniel Santa Cruz joined our committee in 2020 as our digital director. From the outset, he demonstrated an outstanding technical ability and tremendous creative vision. He proved instrumental in helping the committee meet the new digital demands of the COVID-19 pandemic; developed, produced, and directed thousands of hours of compelling video content; created graphical representations of our work for social media platforms; and captured powerful images of committee members hard at work for America's veterans across the world and in our Nation's Capital. prgtoken His charm, humor, and generosity have been infectious, and his commitment to the work of this committee has been incredibly impactful. prgtoken The work of my committee, this Congress, and our government to honor and support our veterans was made better by Daniel's service, and he will be deeply missed.
DEFENSE CONSOLIDATION
Christopher R. Deluzio (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2023-3-10

I rise to discuss how defense industry consolidation is hurting the American people and our national security. prgtoken A 2022 Defense Department report shows the intense constriction of the defense industrial base. In 1990, there were 51 prime defense contractors but since then, small and mid-sized contractors have been gobbled up. Now there are just five--a 90 percent reduction. prgtoken At the same time, suppliers have disappeared. Tactical missile suppliers dwindled down from 13 to 3. Satellite suppliers fell from eight to four. prgtoken This deprives the American people of competition for key elements of our defense, and military leaders have complained that current contractors often deliver behind schedule, poor quality products, at too high a cost. prgtoken This lack of competition is leaving us ill-prepared and risks our national security and readiness. prgtoken The way I see it, a weak or, frankly, nonexistent antitrust enforcement allowed this to happen. prgtoken We have got to step in to promote competition, to give smaller contractors a chance to grow, and to stave off further consolidation.
CONGRESS HAS THE SOLE AUTHORITY TO AUTHORIZE MILITARY INVOLVEMENTS
Val T. Hoyle (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2023-3-10

the American people are fed up with the United States being involved in endless military conflicts around the world. prgtoken For far too long, Presidents of both parties have overstepped their constitutional authority by engaging in dubious legal gymnastics to continue involving U.S. troops in endless wars and conflicts without congressional authorization. prgtoken Article I of the Constitution is clear. Congress has the sole authority to authorize military involvements in overseas conflict. Once authorized by Congress, Article II of the Constitution allows the President to direct the military as Commander in Chief. prgtoken Congress must reassert its sole authority and not allow the executive branch to sidestep us. prgtoken As the largest and most diverse group in the Federal Government responsible for representing the American people and their interests, Congress should engage in debate before the executive branch can involve U.S. troops in wars overseas. prgtoken Tens of thousands of U.S. troops have been put in harm's way and trillions of taxpayer dollars have been spent on overseas military ventures around the world without proper debate or oversight from Congress. prgtoken Enough is enough. That is why I support the Syria War Powers Resolution that the House voted on earlier this week.
TRIBUTE TO STUDENTS OF SOUTH GLENS FALLS
Paul Tonko (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-3-10

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to the students of South Glens Falls. prgtoken They recently marked their 46th annual marathon dance, a student- driven event to raise money for local families and organizations. This year, they raised more than $630,000, adding to a staggering total of more than $10.5 million raised since the event's inception. prgtoken The success of this marathon dance is proof of the remarkable things our students and young people can achieve. prgtoken I had the honor of joining them last weekend and seeing firsthand their enthusiasm and their heart. United by prgtoken music, dance, and a resounding spirit of giving, these students demonstrate the power that lies in a love of community and desire to do good. It fills me with inspiration and hope for both their future and ours. prgtoken They are movers and shakers in every sense. They are the leaders of today. prgtoken Congratulations to the students of Glens Falls on their incredible, remarkable achievement. prgtoken Go Bulldogs.