mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CHOICE IN AUTOMOBILE RETAIL SALES ACT OF 2023
Kathy Castor (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2023-12-6

. Madam , I had to come down to the floor to speak out strongly against the 's pro-China bill. prgtoken The Party wants to take us backwards. They want to raise costs on American families, and, in doing so, a lot of people ask why? Why would you attack American auto companies and American workers? Why would you work against the best interests of the American people, putting money back into their pockets? prgtoken It has become clear to me, serving here, especially this Congress this year, that my good friends on the GOP side are shills for polluters. It is to the detriment of the people that we represent back home. prgtoken American workers and automakers have made huge innovations in the cars and trucks that we drive. Now, electric vehicles being built in America, rather than China and other parts of the world, are more energy efficient, they are fun to drive, and that is why American demand for EVs has jumped 350 percent over the past 2 years alone. prgtoken U.S. electric vehicles have now zipped past a major milestone. There have been 1 million battery electric vehicles sold in a single year. This year's sales suggest that a rising number of consumers are making that jump. Why? prgtoken Because you don't have the maintenance costs and you don't have to stop at the gas station. We have a lot of work to do on electric vehicle charging. prgtoken It has been the Clean Air Act that has helped American innovators and automakers and workers make our cars more fuel efficient over time. Now, with the historic Inflation Reduction Act passed by a ic- led Congress, signed by President , we are bringing those manufacturers and the batteries and the assembly here in America. prgtoken It has been announced there is $150 billion in investments across nearly 400 new facilities in U.S. electric vehicle and battery manufacturing in Ohio, in South Carolina, mostly in these red districts. This is a Made in America moment, and we have to reject these kind of take-us-backward attempts offered by the grand oil party, the GOP. Why did they do this? prgtoken Because they are so tied to fossil fuels and gas and oil that they cannot see what lies ahead of us. That means investing in America for a change. That means having these vehicles manufactured here in America and not being worried about China eating our lunch. prgtoken They are the ones that are trying to flood the EU market. Do you think our European allies want to buy Chinese-made vehicles? prgtoken No, they want to buy American-made vehicles because they are our allies. Please vote against this pro-China GOP bill. Vote for America and vote ``no.''
STRONGLY CONDEMNING AND DENOUNCING THE DRASTIC RISE OF ANTISEMITISM IN THE UNITED STATES AND AROUND THE WORLD
Val T. Hoyle (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2023-12-6

I will vote Present on H. Res. 894, a resolution that aims to condemn antisemitism throughout the world. Several of my Jewish colleagues voted Present as well. prgtoken I strongly agree that Congress must condemn all forms of antisemitism. The House of Representatives has voted in favor of several resolutions condemning antisemitism since Hamas's horrific October 7th attacks on Israel, multiple of which I've supported and cosponsored. However, this latest resolution, H. Res. 894, contains overly broad language that weaponizes the real scourge of antisemitism and uses Jewish people as pawns to play partisan political games. For this reason, I could not support the resolution. prgtoken For example, H. Res. 894 suggests that ``anti-Zionism is antisemitism.'' While some forms of anti-Zionism are antisemitic, there are many members of the Jewish community that identify as anti-Zionist. Lumping together factions of the Jewish community as ``antisemitic'' is clearly problematic. prgtoken Some language in H. Res. 894 also appears to be a veiled attempt to police the free speech of Americans who have demonstrated in favor of human rights for Palestinians. Again, while some demonstrators have disturbingly engaged in antisemitic actions that should rightfully be condemned, H. Res. 894 is too broad. prgtoken H. Res. 894 also fails to condemn antisemitic acts from those on the far right, including white nationalists who have increasingly promoted antisemitic conspiracy theories and have threatened the lives and livelihoods of Jewish Americans. prgtoken Let me be clear: I unequivocally condemn all forms of antisemitism, and I am appalled by the significant rise in antisemitism we've seen in recent years and especially after Hamas's October 7th terrorist attacks on Israel. If the House majority were serious about tackling antisemitism, they would support President 's National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, would quit trying to defund the Office of Civil Rights for Title VI enforcement which protects Jewish students and would increase funding for the High-Risk Nonprofit Grant Program to secure Jewish institutions as a start. prgtoken That's why I've cosponsored H. Res. 907, introduced by Representatives Nadler, Raskin, and Goldman. H. Res. 907 thoughtfully and powerfully condemns the rise of antisemitism in the United States-- including on college campuses--and calls on Congress to support the above substantive actions to tackle antisemitism, which congressional s have so far refused to do. Had H. Res. 894 been written as carefully as H. Res. 907, I would vote in support.
RAISING A QUESTION OF THE PRIVILEGES OF THE HOUSE
Haley M. Stevens (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-12-6

I rise today to talk about my colleague, Mr. Jamaal Bowman, who I have the privilege of serving on two committees within this very Congress: the Education and Labor Committee and the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. prgtoken I have seen Mr. Bowman fight for disability rights, childcare, affordable prescription drugs, and affordable housing. He has stood up to racism. He has stood up to the attacks on public education, attacks on teachers, and cuts to school nutrition. There is a unique and vital perspective Mr. Bowman brings to education issues in this Congress. prgtoken In his freshman term, he served as a subcommittee chair for Energy. He was a Conference committee member on the Chips and Science Act, advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion, so that the jobs and profits could go to everyday Americans. prgtoken This man does not deserve to be reprimanded. We should heed the leadership that he brings to education issues. He looks at AI and he asks: How can we solve the problems of tomorrow? If we could all do such a thing.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2023-12-6

in reserving the right to object, I am pleased to be able to join my colleagues again on the floor of the Senate to support a supplemental funding request that recognizes the breadth of our national security interests in this country. That is a supplemental funding request that must include Ukraine, Israel, humanitarian needs, and the emerging challenges in the Indo-Pacific. prgtoken The horrific events of October 7--2 months ago tomorrow--was the worst terrorist attack that Israel has faced. We know that over 1,000 innocent Israelis were killed. It was barbaric. Now, both Ukraine and Israel face a similar threat against adversaries that seek to destroy them. A holistic national security supplemental bill is critical to protecting our interests--America's interests. We must pass an appropriations bill that supports our allies in Israel and Ukraine and that fully funds the other critical efforts that provide for our national security. prgtoken My colleagues have been very eloquent tonight, but I want to add to their explanations about why continued support for Ukraine is critical. prgtoken We should be proud that with strong bipartisan support, our country has stood with Ukraine since before the beginning of Russia's unprovoked invasion almost 2 years ago. We have done so with our NATO allies and our international partners, including South Korea and Japan, that recognize what is at stake even though they are a half a world away. Our allies and partners have contributed a total of $94.1 billion to support Ukraine's war and recovery effort. That is more than the United States has contributed. prgtoken We had a chance earlier this afternoon in the Foreign Relations Committee to meet with the new Foreign Secretary, the former Prime Minister of Great Britain, David Cameron. prgtoken I asked him: How will Europe--how will our allies in Europe--view a decision by the U.S. Senate not to provide funding to help Ukraine wage this courageous war? prgtoken He said that it would have a dramatic impact in Europe, where we are seeing NATO stronger than he said he could remember in his lifetime because of coming together to support Ukraine and to oppose Putin. He said it would send a message about future support for Ukraine that would have a huge impact as we think about the international order and our ability to keep dictators like Vladimir Putin and President Xi of China, like the Ayatollah in Iran, like North Korea--those dictatorships--from thinking they can invade any country they want to if they happen to be stronger. prgtoken Alongside our international partners, we recognize that the Ukrainian people are not only defending their land and freedom, they are fighting for the preservation of liberal democracies around the world. prgtoken What Senator Marshall is proposing strips out the essential funding that we need to address the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party in the Indo-Pacific. It neglects the
CHOICE IN AUTOMOBILE RETAIL SALES ACT OF 2023
Frank Pallone, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-12-6

this amendment would revise the look-back portion of the bill that requires EPA to revise all previous regulations to conform with the bill's vague metrics on limiting availability of vehicles. prgtoken This amendment would shorten this period to only apply to rules finalized under the administration, so please understand what they are doing here is saying that the only thing we are going to revoke, essentially, are the rules that were finalized under President . I mean, nothing could be clearer that this amendment is based on politics and not policy by limiting the revocation to the administration. prgtoken This amendment does not improve the legislation in any way. It fails to address the fundamental problems with the underlying bill. The amendment is essentially trying to go back in time to the failed policies of the EPA. We would literally be moving backwards in our efforts to address the climate crisis and decarbonize the transportation sector and trying to eliminate pollution that affects Americans. prgtoken The amendment doesn't address any of the concerns that my colleagues claim to have about electric vehicles. This amendment simply doubles down on s' attacks on EPA's authority, public health, and regulatory certainty. prgtoken It does absolutely nothing to support our domestic vehicle manufacturing industry, like boost American competitiveness, counter China, or strengthen our economy. prgtoken This is just blatantly political, and I urge my colleagues to oppose the amendment as well as the underlying bill. prgtoken , .
Vote on Rayes Nomination (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-12-6

the question before us is simple: Will Senators rise to defend Western democracy, protect our fundamental values, and support our friends abroad fighting for their lives? Are we willing to stand up to autocratic brutes and respond to our adversaries with strength, not weakness? Will we help the people of Ukraine fight against Vladimir Putin like we promised? prgtoken This is a moment in history. This is a moment history will record. The answer to all these questions should be an emphatic yes. At stake is America's safety, the survival of democracy, and the future of the war in Ukraine. As we have always done in our history, the Senate should rush to the defense of democracy and stand up to autocratic brutes. prgtoken You can be sure Vladimir Putin is watching closely to see if the Senate will approve more aid to Ukraine. Whether or not we approve an aid package will likely sway the outcome of the war. We must act. prgtoken To show our colleagues that we care about this issue deeply and are serious about moving forward in a bipartisan way, we are willing to give them an amendment here on the floor on any border proposal of their choice at 60 votes. We will not interfere with whatever policy they want to present. It is vital we move forward and to show that we are willing to work with our colleagues to be reasonable. prgtoken This, again, is a moment of truth for the Senate, for the country, for the fight for democracy and Western values. Again, history will record this moment. We must rise to the occasion. We must stand with Ukraine. We should all vote yes. prgtoken .
HONORING BRITT ORTIZ' CAREER
Tony Cárdenas (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-12-6

today I rise to honor my friend Britt A. Ortiz and congratulate Britt on his retirement from a long, impressive career in higher education. prgtoken The son of Carmen and Arturo Ortiz, Britt grew up in Old Town Goleta, California. His mother, Carmen, was an assembly line worker for a manufacturing plant and later became a floor manager. His father, Arturo, is an electrician. prgtoken Britt attended public schools and graduated from Dos Pueblos High School in 1979. He went on to attend the University of California at Santa Barbara as a first-generation college student. prgtoken I know his journey well. Though I grew up many miles south of him in the San Fernando Valley, I, too, attended public schools, defying low expectations from my teachers, counselors, and others. Just like other Latino students like myself and Britt, we went on to be first- generation students at UC, Santa Barbara. prgtoken With dedication, grit, and hard work, Britt earned his bachelor's degree in 1985 with a double major in sociology and psychology. Britt went on to receive his master's degree in educational leadership and policy studies at the University of California, Northridge. prgtoken His first full-time job after college was as an outreach counselor for a UCSB partnership program that provided tutoring at junior high and high schools in Goleta and Santa Barbara. This kicked off a long career dedicated to helping students achieve their educational goals. prgtoken Seeing a need for dedicated and qualified educators and counselors in the San Fernando Valley, Britt used his acquired skills to motivate generations of Latino and Latina engineers and computer science students. His leadership set the gold standard for opening doors to traditionally underserved students. prgtoken He planned hundreds of bilingual financial aid workshops and organized college resource fairs. He partnered with groups such as the United Way to make these things happen. prgtoken During 2 years of work with CSUN's minority education program, Mr. Ortiz and the MEP team brought in the largest freshman class of minority engineering and computer science majors in the history of the College of Engineering and Computer Science at California State University, Northridge. prgtoken After mastering his skills in the San Fernando Valley, he returned to UC, Santa Barbara and led the UC system's largest and oldest precollege academic preparation program. His work helped prepare first-generation, low-income, and underserved students and their families for higher education. prgtoken Over the course of his career, he also worked to get $4.5 million in grants and funding for various agencies, institutions, and early academic outreach programs that helped students across the State of California succeed and achieve their dreams. prgtoken He has done all of this work and more so that students who were often discouraged and overlooked had the support, encouragement, and opportunity the
CLOTURE MOTION
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2023-12-6

the clock is ticking. Aid for our allies in Ukraine has run dry, and the whole world is now watching to see if the United States is still capable of standing by all of its allies in times of need. prgtoken There is a lot at stake here. Now is the time for choosing whether the United States will continue being a leader in the world and a champion for democracy. So I hope Senate s think carefully about whether they truly want to abandon our allies in Ukraine over draconian, far-right immigration policies that will never become law or if they will work with us to stop conditioning this aid on partisan nonstarters and get this vital funding over the line. prgtoken If they can put forward a commonsense bipartisan proposal regarding the border, we will consider that. They had a real opportunity today to do just that and debate those policies here on the Senate floor. prgtoken But let's be clear: We do not have time to give up and call it a day. We have too much at stake to settle for half steps that tell the world the United States no longer knows how to stand with its allies or stand up to dictators. prgtoken Votes matter. Blocking consideration of today's supplemental sends a real and dangerous signal to the entire world--to our allies and our adversaries alike. But it is not too late for us to come together and send a different message, a message that says ``America is united'' when it comes to leading on the world stage and keeping our country and our friends safe. prgtoken Let's talk to one another. Let's understand that compromise has to happen. And let's act quickly and completely to deliver the national security resources that are so badly needed. I am ready to get to work with my colleagues and do just that.
CHOICE IN AUTOMOBILE RETAIL SALES ACT OF 2023
Paul Tonko (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-12-6

. Madam , when Americans get behind the wheel, when they want to drive their cars, they put it in ``R'' to go reverse and then they put it in ``D'' to go forward. Just as in the House here, the Rs want to take us backward, and the Ds want to drive us forward. prgtoken That is why I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 4468. This bill would block the EPA from finalizing its proposed medium- and light-duty vehicle rule to strengthen tailpipe standards for future model years. prgtoken As we know, the transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, and it is also a major emitter of other harmful air pollution. prgtoken It should not surprise anyone that the EPA is working to fulfill its obligation to protect Americans from harmful air pollution. prgtoken This bill prejudges the outcome of that process and will stifle technological innovation, despite the fact that the proposal will save lives, save consumers money, and bolster American manufacturing. prgtoken More and more Americans are choosing to go electric. They realize that EVs are not only good for the environment but also provide major consumer savings over the life of the vehicle. prgtoken Thanks in large part to the incentives included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, even more of these vehicles and their components will be made here in America. prgtoken The legislation before us will undermine the tens of billions of dollars of planned investments to develop and produce American-made clean vehicle technologies by injecting uncertainty into these standards. prgtoken For over 100 years, America has been the greatest auto manufacturing nation in the world. If we want to continue to retain that title, we need to embrace the changes that are occurring in the sector. That means supporting the regulatory policies and incentives that would drive us forward to a cleaner and healthier future. prgtoken Unfortunately, this bill will stifle America's next great industrial revolution before we even seriously get into the race with China and dozens of other foreign competitors. prgtoken For the sake of promoting American innovation and to address our pollution challenges and supporting our long-term national economic competitiveness, I urge Members to oppose this bill. prgtoken Put it in ``D'' to go forward.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Amy Klobuchar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2023-12-6

reserving the right to object, I rise today alongside my colleagues, Senators Murray, Reed, Shaheen, Schatz, and Heinrich to discuss the need to pass this supplemental funding package. prgtoken I spoke earlier today about the importance of humanitarian aid-- humanitarian aid for the innocent civilians, Palestinian civilians in Gaza; humanitarian aid for people throughout the world. It is one major way that America has led through World War II and after, through the Cold War. Yes, we have led with our military strength, but we have also led by making friends and making sure people have what they need so they don't starve. And so many of those countries have gone on to do great things, to be great countries, to be democracies, to work with us to be trading partners. prgtoken But, today, I am here to focus on Ukraine. We are at a pivotal point not just in American history but in the history of humanity. It is during moments like these that nations across the globe look to America for leadership. They expect our leadership. prgtoken Yes, our friends in Ukraine are counting on us, but so are so many other allies as they look to see what we will do. This has never been America alone helping Ukraine. It has been all-in for many countries. prgtoken Early in the conflict, I traveled to Poland with a number of Senators-- and s--and it was right when one of the first major loss of life had occurred in Ukraine at a military training facility. And we happened to be at the entry point where families were fleeing--people in wheelchairs, little kids with backpacks with nothing but their stuffed animal in it. That is what I remember. prgtoken I remember the Polish people who had been invaded over the years by the Hapsburgs, by the Nazis, by the Russians, opening their arms to these Ukrainians, which they are still doing today--millions of refugees. prgtoken We have played a very important role in this conflict. We have surprised the world, and I am certain we surprised Russia. And the Ukrainians have surprised them with their incredible courage when everyone had counted them out. This scrappy force who had been at the frontline for years already in Donbas and other regions in Ukraine who, once again, went to the frontline. prgtoken We trained them. It is our equipment that has been so superior, as well as those from our allies in this fight. And what has happened? Well, since Vladimir Putin's unprovoked and unlawful, unjustifiable invasion last February, our Ukrainian friends have reclaimed half of the territory that is rightfully theirs. Vladimir Putin tried to capture Kyiv, but he failed. prgtoken Senator Portman and I, in the middle of the war, went and saw that airfield where the Russians had come down in parachutes thinking that the Ukrainians would just fold. They didn't fold. They held their ground and they kept Kyiv. prgtoken Vladimir Putin tried to wipe Ukraine off the map, but he failed.