mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HALT ALL LETHAL TRAFFICKING OF FENTANYL ACT
Ann M. Kuster (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2023-5-24

. Madam Chair, I rise today to speak in opposition to H.R. 467, the HALT Fentanyl Act. prgtoken The fentanyl crisis has touched every community across our State and country. We need to take serious, bipartisan action to address this epidemic and save lives. prgtoken Unfortunately, the legislation on the floor tonight misses the mark. prgtoken The HALT Fentanyl Act does not address how these dangerous drugs enter our country, nor does it include any measures to address the underlying demand driving the substance use crisis. prgtoken This bill simply preserves the status quo by continuing to schedule fentanyl-related substances as schedule I, which has been the case since 2018, and under current law, will be the case until December of 2024. prgtoken Scheduling alone will not change the overdose crisis. We need to broaden our scope. prgtoken Madam Chair, I urge this body to instead consider a public health approach to address this crisis. I am leading with Lisa Blunt Rochester and Don Bacon, a bipartisan, alternative bill that would address both the supply of and demand for illicit fentanyl in this country. prgtoken Our bill, the STOP Fentanyl Overdoses Act, will enhance fentanyl surveillance through investments in technology, dedicate resources to strengthen law enforcement response, and improve data collection of seized drugs. prgtoken The bill will also help reduce the demand for illicit drugs by expanding access to recovery resources, protecting people who administer opioid reversal drugs, and supporting education on the harm of drug misuse. prgtoken The STOP Fentanyl Overdoses Act is an alternative to the scheduling- only approach on the floor. An issue this complex requires an equally comprehensive solution. prgtoken Fentanyl doesn't care about our politics and neither should our approach to addressing the overdose crisis. prgtoken Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to consider my alternative, bipartisan solution.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RELATING TO ``WAIVERS AND MODIFICATIONS OF FEDERAL STUDENT LOANS''
Maxwell Frost (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2023-5-24

I rise in opposition to this resolution. prgtoken I want to say something. My s colleagues are pushing a narrative that student debt relief is unfair. To my colleagues, I agree with them. I agree that what is going on is unfair. prgtoken Folks who paid off their debt, the fact that they had to have it in the first place is unfair. The fact that students still have to take out crushing student debt just to get a college education, that is unfair. prgtoken If we legislated using the logic that you bring to this issue here today, women and Black folks wouldn't have the right to vote because it would be unfair to those who never got to vote before then. prgtoken See, if we legislated using your logic, that because there was an injustice we can't fix it because it is unfair to those who never had it fixed, means we would never progress on any issue in this country. prgtoken Why do you bring that * logic to this issue as it relates to students but not any other issue?
MARKING UVALDE AND BUFFALO ANNIVERSARY
Katherine M. Clark (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-5-24

1 year ago today, the American people were reeling from a white supremacist terror attack in Buffalo, New York. prgtoken Families were grieving 10 Black Americans who had been targeted by an ethno-nationalist and murdered for the color of their skin. prgtoken Loved ones were still organizing funerals for the victims of America's latest mass shooting, and then we saw the breaking news from Uvalde, Texas--another active mass murder; another crowd of desperate, panicked parents surrounding a school under siege; another statistic, 21 shot and killed.
REMEMBERING THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE UVALDE MASS SHOOTING
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-5-24

I rise today with the heaviest of hearts to offer my sympathy and recognition to my fellow Texans and fellow Americans. prgtoken On this day, the unspeakable happened in Uvalde, Texas. It happened on the 24th. That weekend, I immediately went to Uvalde, simply wanting to embrace and to be able to understand what the parents could not speak. prgtoken We worshipped in a church. We walked amongst the flowers. We hugged children. We saw 9-year-olds crying in utter pain because they lost their playmates. prgtoken I remember the viciousness of the scene. The loved ones of these children and teachers have never gotten justice. There have been no answers. They have gone day after day asking what happened. prgtoken They watched as children scrambled out of windows, looking to see if their child would come. No one helped in the midst of that crisis. prgtoken I want us to look at those faces today. Let us mourn and seek justice for these families. I mourn them. I will take my moment of silence in honor of these beautiful children and teachers who died viciously on May 24.
MANUFACTURED CRISIS
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-5-24

on Memorial Day, we honor veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country. prgtoken Many veterans return home with lasting effects on their health and well-being. This Congress should honor their service by making sure they have access to quality healthcare, food, and housing. prgtoken The default on America act undermines this commitment. To preserve tax cuts for billionaires, their plan would cut veterans' benefits and programs by 22 percent. prgtoken We are told that if they don't get everything they want, they will force a default, sending our economy into a spiral. prgtoken Under President , the debt ceiling was raised three times. Now, by holding veterans' and other American priorities hostage, they are putting politics over people. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to honor our commitment to those who have served and end this manufactured crisis.
HONORING FRED HARTMAN
Andy Kim (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-5-24

I rise today to honor Fred Hartman, a U.S. Army veteran who bravely served during World War II, as he celebrates his 99th birthday this Memorial Day. prgtoken One of Medford VFW Post's last surviving members of the ``Greatest Generation,'' Fred proudly answered the call to serve our country in 1943. Originally born in Philadelphia and starting work as an apprentice tool maker, Fred put everything on hold to serve during World War II. Through his work and service, he exemplified integrity and resilience even as his regiment landed on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day and suffered grave losses. In treacherous circumstances they persevered, and Fred continued to serve in various other capacities like Operation COBRA. Even after being wounded by grenade fragments, Fred rejoined his unit in time for the breakthrough of Seigfried Line. Toward the end of his service, Fred was an integral part of helping Allied Forces during the Battle of the Bulge, and later joined the offensive effort during Operation PLUNDER. prgtoken Upon his return home as a Sergeant, Fred became a deservedly decorated veteran. He was awarded the Purple Heart, the European Service Medal, and received five stars. At home, he continued his career as a tool maker, and began involvement with local organizations. Most notably, he joined the Medford VFW Post, and served in numerous leadership positions. Eventually, he became the Post Quartermaster, and dedicated his time to managing the financial affairs of the organization. Much like his service to our country, Fred went above and beyond as a leader, and achieved the distinction of All State Quartermaster. prgtoken It is clear that no matter the field, Fred has made an indelible impact on our lives. We are proud to have Fred call New Jersey's 3rd District home, and to have been fortunate enough to benefit from his contributions. We thank him for all the ways he has served our community and country as a whole. As Fred continues to enjoy serving others and time with his family, we wish him many more years of good health and continued happiness.
HALT ALL LETHAL TRAFFICKING OF FENTANYL ACT
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-5-24

. Madam Chair, I thank the gentleman from New Jersey for yielding to me. prgtoken Madam Chair, I will follow up with the last two colleagues of mine, the gentlewoman from California and the previous speaker. prgtoken We cannot have what happened in the 1980s and 1990s of the scapegoating of communities with the heinous drug epidemic. prgtoken It is interesting that now that fentanyl is impacting certain communities, it is now a health issue. In the 1980s and 1990s when there was a crack epidemic in urban communities, Nancy Reagan told us: ``Just say no.'' But here we are now, in this day and age, and now it is a major issue. Why? prgtoken Because it is impacting other communities that people tend to care more about--their communities. What we are seeing now in minority communities was going on 20 years ago and we were screaming: Please, help. Please, let's stop this scourge. prgtoken What we did was say: No, those people that are abusing those drugs are criminals. Let's lock them up--mass incarceration. prgtoken Now, in this day and age with fentanyl, it is a health issue when the same thing was happening then is happening now. I don't know how one is a criminal act and now we need to have compassion. We do because this country is suffering. Our young people are dying. It is just unreal the scourge that this drug is. prgtoken We have to remember that fentanyl is such a powerful opioid. It is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Two milligrams, or the size of five grains of salt, can cause a possible overdose. We need to do something. Our young people are screaming out. They are crying. They are dying. prgtoken We cannot blame it all on the southern border. Time and time again, we have data that shows that 90 percent of the fentanyl is coming through ports of entry by American citizens. We need to address that. We need to talk about it.
CONGRATULATING TEACHER OF THE YEAR ALEX FRANGOULIS
Madeleine Dean (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2023-5-24

it is always an honor to lift local heroes while on the House floor and to celebrate the dedication and service of our educators. Today, I get to do both. prgtoken Mr. Alex Frangoulis of the Goddard School in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, in my district was honored with the Goddard School's Teacher of the Year Award. With more than 3,200 applications, Mr. Frangoulis--or Mr. Alex as he is known to his students--shone as their national winner. prgtoken Education is one of the most powerful gifts that we can give to our younger generations, helping them to forge their own paths with the knowledge, skills, and empathy they learn throughout their schooling. prgtoken We as lawmakers have an obligation to ensure that all young students have access to the kind of high-quality early education that Mr. Frangoulis exemplifies. We have an obligation to fight for equitable funding of our schools, all of our schools, and we have an obligation to fight for universal pre-K. We know the difference that makes in a child's life and trajectory. prgtoken We have an obligation to support our teachers in every single school district. prgtoken Think of the difference a teacher in your life once made. Probably that teacher helped get you here. prgtoken We must all do everything we can to ensure every child can receive a quality education from the very beginning regardless of household income, an education that inspires them, and a foundation that helps them grow, just as Mr. Frangoulis achieves in his classroom every day. prgtoken Congratulations to Goddard School, and congratulations to Mr. Alex. He is a shining star example in my district.
RECOGNIZING ANN BERRY
Jimmy Panetta (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-5-24

I recognize Ann Berry, who, for the past 44 years, affected the lives of students, teachers, and families in the Carmel Unified School District. prgtoken This month, Ms. Berry is retiring as Carmel High School's attendance secretary, where she ensured that students not only attended school but enjoyed school. prgtoken She started in 1979 as a parent who showed up to ensure that her daughter wasn't skipping class. She did such a good job in that role that Carmel High School hired her to keep other students in school. prgtoken It was a vocation for Ms. Berry that affected thousands of other Padres, including my two older brothers, myself, and now my two daughters, who attend Carmel High School. prgtoken Through her work, our community relied on Ms. Berry as a cop for keeping kids in class, as a comedian for keeping kids happy, as a counselor well aware of teen mental health concerns, as a coach for common sense, and as a supporter of Padre athletic and academic success. prgtoken For four decades, Ms. Berry was that dependable school administrator. She was that voice of reason for parents, and she is that trusted adult for teenagers. prgtoken As one of her students and now as her Congressman, I thank and congratulate Ms. Ann Berry for her service, for her support, and for being that solid cornerstone of the Carmel High community.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RELATING TO ``WAIVERS AND MODIFICATIONS OF FEDERAL STUDENT LOANS''
James E. Clyburn (Democrat, SC) \u2014 2023-5-24

I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. prgtoken , I rise today because my colleagues across the aisle are once again seeking to put politics over people and inflict undue economic harm, this time by denying much-needed student loan debt relief. prgtoken President 's targeted student loan debt relief plan is designed to help low- and middle-income borrowers, with 90 percent of the relief going to those earning less than $75,000 per year. prgtoken In my home State of South Carolina, over 680,000 borrowers are eligible, of which over 67 percent are Pell grant recipients. Over 48,000 borrowers in my district alone have been fully approved for relief. prgtoken If enacted, H.J. Res. 45 will rescind life-changing relief for hardworking borrowers, renege on the payment pause by forcing them to pay several months of installments with interest, and claw back earned credit from public servants toward the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. For many, this will mean thousands of dollars in payments with little to no notice. Cruelty seems to be the point. prgtoken , President 's student loan debt relief plan will help alleviate the yoke of student loan debt for millions of Americans. Challenges to the program, both in court and posed by those in Congress, are meritless. prgtoken Higher education shouldn't be a luxury for a privileged few. Borrowers deserve our help, and I urge my colleagues to vote down this resolution.
HALT ALL LETHAL TRAFFICKING OF FENTANYL ACT
Lisa Blunt Rochester (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2023-5-24

. Madam Chair, I thank Ranking Member Pallone for yielding me time. prgtoken Madam Chair, today, I rise to talk about a public health emergency impacting every corner of our Nation: fentanyl. prgtoken As Congress debates the best approach to combating synthetic opioids, what we can all agree on is that every single one of us is impacted. I urge my colleagues to keep our focus on comprehensive and sustainable solutions. prgtoken In 2021, in my small State of Delaware, we lost over 500 family members, friends, coworkers, and neighbors to overdoses. Of the more than 500 Delawareans lost to overdose, 80 percent involved fentanyl. Those numbers, unfortunately, are poised to get worse. prgtoken As the former deputy secretary of health and social services in Delaware, my career has made me look at these challenges through a lens of public health. That is why I was proud to join my colleagues Representative Annie Kuster and Don Bacon in introducing the STOP Fentanyl Overdoses Act. prgtoken Our bipartisan bill takes a comprehensive public health approach to reducing fentanyl overdoses by expanding testing, improving data collection and analysis, and expanding treatment for opioid use disorder. prgtoken Our approach is supported by a broad and diverse coalition, including the Drug Policy Alliance, American Psychological Association Services, and Partnership to End Addiction. prgtoken As we continue to work to combat the fentanyl crisis, an issue that I know we all care deeply about, I hope we will keep a comprehensive public health approach top of mind.
INVESTING IN OUR VETERANS
Donald G. Davis (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2023-5-24

I represent nearly 50,000 veterans across North Carolina's First Congressional District. North Carolina ranks 10th in the Nation for veteran-owned small businesses. prgtoken During Small Business Week, I introduced a bipartisan package of veterans' legislation to repay our veterans for their sacrifice and selfless service. prgtoken The first, the Veterans Jobs Opportunity Act, introduced with Congressman Zach Nunn of Iowa, provides veterans starting small businesses with a 15 percent tax credit on the first $50,000 of startup costs. prgtoken The second, the Coast Guard Combat-Injured Tax Fairness Act, introduced with Congressman Don Bacon of Nebraska, closes a loophole in an existing law that failed to provide Coast Guard servicemembers with the same tax benefits afforded to others. prgtoken Investing in our brave veterans while helping the communities that need it most should be our highest priority.
DEBT CEILING, BUDGET, AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2023-5-24

I rise today to warn of the risk of U.S. default. Its ripple effects will hurt countless people across our Nation and the Buckeye State. prgtoken Default will reverse the recovery and historic job growth, heading our Nation into deep recession. Default will make it almost impossible to pay down the bills America owes, as economic growth will be stalled out. prgtoken Extremists in Congress don't seem to care. Their dawdling and irresponsible threats to not pay America's bills risk throwing a wrench in the heart of the U.S. economy. Stock market crashes and the unemployment they trigger hurt everyone. prgtoken Extremists heedlessness will trigger a recession, tank our stock market, kill off businesses, lead to mass layoffs, and reduce earnings on everything from retirement funds to new investments. prgtoken Extremist recklessness will cause America's economy great harm. We cannot allow this to happen. Only a growing economy can generate the momentum to pay our bills. prgtoken Following the worst pandemic in modern history and the market collapse of 2008, our Nation has just begun to stabilize our institutions, create record economic and job growth, and build forward again to pay our bills. More economic turmoil drives America backward. prgtoken Let me remind folks, America's debt, which has to be paid, didn't begin to accumulate in the last 2 years. The last time our Nation balanced a budget was during the Clinton Presidency. That was largely possible because of budgetary defense savings made possible by the peace dividend following the fall of the Soviet Union. prgtoken Since then, our Nation has fought an extended war on terrorism at a cost of $8 trillion and 900,000 lost lives. Further, our communities are still digging out of the horrible Wall Street-induced housing crash of 2008. We have been turning the corner on recovery from the massive pandemic that killed over 1 million of our friends and family members, and our health system is still struggling to recover from that. prgtoken In this hand, I hold up the President's budget, a 132-page document given to us over 2 months ago. This document outlines a real plan to continue to grow our economy from the bottom up and middle out in order to pay our bills. prgtoken The chart I brought to the floor today shows the rising debt of our country as a percent of GDP, which is how you have to measure it, and from prgtoken the administration the first time that we begin to move that line down. prgtoken On the other hand, we have extremists backpedaling, which aims to take a flamethrower to the programs that help Americans nationwide by making 22 percent cuts to all nondefense spending. This would hurt working families, stifle job growth, and impact millions of Americans who need care in our hospitals and depend on secure retirement income. prgtoken Our Nation is now in the midst of historic job growth, with nearly 13 million jobs added under President in
RECOGNIZING FIRST KOREAN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY
Bradley Scott Schneider (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-5-24

I include in the Record my letter recognizing First Korean United Methodist Church's 100th Anniversary: Dear Members of First Korean United Methodist Church: I offer my sincere congratulations to everyone at First Korean United Methodist Church as the congregation marks its 100th anniversary of ministry to the community. For the past century, First Korean United Methodist Church has been an important part of the Korean American community, providing a welcoming home and vital services. The work you do in the community, from developing programs which help the next generation of Korean American leaders thrive to providing ministry for all people regardless of age and gender, has changed countless lives. Through commitment, dedication, and the strong faith of the leadership and the congregants, First Korean United Methodist Church has made so many feel at home, and I am proud to be your representative in Congress. I look forward to working with the community for many years to come. Sincerely, Bradley S. Schneider, Member of Congress.