mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-2-7

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate recess until 8:20 p.m. today and proceed as a body to the Hall of the House of Representatives for the joint session of Congress provided under the provisions of H. Con. Res. 11; that upon dissolution of the joint session, the Senate adjourn until 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 9; that following the prayer and prgtoken pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, and the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day and morning business be closed; that upon the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session and resume consideration of the Benjamin nomination; that at 11 a.m all remaining postcloture time on the nomination be considered expired; that following disposition of the Benjamin nomination, the Senate resume consideration of the Chung nomination; that the cloture motions filed during today's session ripen at 1:45 p.m. on Thursday; finally, that if any nominations are confirmed during Thursday'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.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2023-2-7

I stand today on behalf of Delaware's congressional delegation to recognize the 100th anniversary of the broiler chicken industry and its contributions to the region's economy, our Nation's food supply, and its innovations in farming practices over the last century. Raising broiler chickens is a way of life for the more than 1,300 farm families on Delmarva whose hard work provides food for hundreds of thousands of people in our country and around the world. prgtoken The industry all started with an accidental delivery. In 1923, Ocean View, DE, resident Cecile Steele ordered 50 chickens, but instead she received 500. This led Cecile and her husband, Wilmer, to start the first broiler chicken farm on Delmarva. Within 3 years, their new business grew exponentially, and the Steele family built enough coops to house 10,000 chickens. This new kind of farm--one dedicated to raising chickens for meat instead of laying eggs--paved the way for the modern U.S. broiler chicken industry we know today. prgtoken The industry may have started with an accidental delivery, but we can look back on it now as an amazing economic opportunity for Delmarva and the thousands of families it supports. Farms in our region now produce 567 million chickens a year; 200 million of those chickens are raised in Delaware. The poultry industry has $13.6 billion in economic impact and supports more than 51,900 jobs. It also purchases $1.3 billion worth of crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat annually, making this industry a major purchaser for hundreds of other farmers. prgtoken I have long known that many farmers are among our best environmental stewards since my days as Governor of Delaware when my administration worked with farmers to create common-sense, effective environmental strategies like the farmer-led Nutrient Management Commission. Today, the adverse impacts of chicken farming on our environment has greatly decreased. Compared to 1960, it now takes 75 percent fewer resources to produce the same amount of chicken than it did back then, and more than 95 percent of poultry litter is recycled and reused as organic, locally produced fertilizer for crops like corn, soybeans, wheat, and mushrooms. prgtoken It is with great pleasure that I rise on behalf of U.S. Senator Chris Coons and U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester to honor the 100th anniversary of the Delmarva chicken industry. Along with the hard work of the many farmers, suppliers, employees, not to mention the Delmarva Chicken Association that is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, the Delmarva chicken industry keeps Delaware's economy thriving.
STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-2-7

. Tonight, President will come before a joint session of Congress and deliver his State of the Union to the American people. It is a chance for all of us to hear directly from the Commander in Chief about the tremendous progress we have made as a nation, the challenges we have overcome in recent years, and how are keeping our promises to make the lives of the American people better. prgtoken I expect the President will make the case clearly and convincingly that today the United States is far better off than it was a year ago. Inflation is coming down; wages are going up; gas prices have eased at last; unemployment is near record lows; and the pandemic, after causing so much suffering, so much destruction, no longer dominates our lives. Our work is not finished, but today we can confidently say America is headed in the right direction thanks to President 's leadership and thanks to the work of a strong, unified ic Party in Congress. prgtoken As Americans listen to President , I am confident they will see the glaring contrast between ic unity on the one hand and chaos on the other. remain laser-focused on delivering our people-first agenda. Every bill passed last Congress was written with average Americans in mind, from the American Rescue Plan to the infrastructure bill, to the Inflation Reduction Act, to gun safety, marriage equality, and so, so much more. prgtoken Let's just take one example out of many. It is an important example but just one. Senate worked very hard to deliver a $35 insulin cap for every American on Medicare, but, of course, we want to go further. We tried to get it for everybody before reconciliation, but the reconciliation bill only allowed us to pass, in the IRA, an insulin cap for some Americans. When prgtoken an amendment was offered to add everybody in, unfortunately we did not get enough s to vote for it. But this idea deserves new life and bipartisan cooperation in this Congress, and I look forward to hearing more from the President tonight. prgtoken Very soon, Americans are going to feel the benefits of our agenda in their daily lives. Implementation is going to be a top priority for Senate in the months to come. Not everyone has the time to follow what happens in Congress day by day, but when we actually start doing things, implementing the bills, oh, it gets out. prgtoken Just look at my home State of New York. After we passed infrastructure, many people didn't hear about it. To others, it was a line in the newspaper--oh, they have a bipartisan infrastructure bill. But last week, when the President came to New York to celebrate Gateway, you could feel the exaltation and excitement in the city. That is going to start happening again and again everywhere, in every State, in every community, as these large bills that helped American families are implemented and people see the actua
OPPOSITION OF H.J. RES. 24--DISAPPROVING THE ACTION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COUNCIL IN APPROVING THE LOCAL RESIDENT VOTING RIGHTS AMENDMENT ACT OF 2022
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-2-7

I rise in strong opposition to H.J. Res. 24--Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022. prgtoken H.J. Res. 24 will overturn the Local Resident Voting Act of 2022, a measure passed by will of the people in the District of Columbia Council. prgtoken This overreaching resolution seeks to overturn the will of Washington DC people, who voted to support the rights of noncitizens who fulfill residency and other requirements to vote in district local elections under the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022. prgtoken Let the record be clear, , the United States Constitution does not forbid noncitizens from casting their vote In local, state, or federal elections. prgtoken At least 15 cities currently allow non-citizens to cast ballots in local elections. prgtoken While voting in federal elections was made illegal for noncitizens in 1996, the legal voting of noncitizens in American elections has a long history in this nation. prgtoken Noncitizens were occasionally permitted to cast ballots in local, state, and federal elections in 40 states from the time of the nation's inception until 1926. prgtoken During the early years, the District of Columbia Organic Act of 1801 granted Congress sole power over the district's boundaries, depriving its citizens of the voting privileges they had previously enjoyed as residents of Maryland and Virginia. prgtoken Due to its treatment as a U.S. territory rather than a state, the District of Columbia has no voting representation in Congress and is certainly not given its fair amount of federal funding--despite the fact that Washington DC residents pay more federal taxes per person than citizens of any other state, and more than residents of 22 states combined. prgtoken It is no secret that when politicians seek to suppress voting rights, the feared component of increased racial political power rears its ugly head in driving and motivating shifts in laws that will eliminate or stunt the political growth of minority populations in America. prgtoken As we stand here today, marking the first week of Black History Month, we must acknowledge that we are standing in a building built by the hands of slaves, and we are standing in a city that is not only one of the most diverse cities in the country, but is also home to one of the largest Black populations--yes, Washington, DC--our nation's capital. prgtoken The underrepresentation of Blacks and minorities in our nation's capital and in our national democratic systems is a shameful stain on our morals and values as Americans. prgtoken We must put an end to current and historical voter suppression and we must stop pushing oppressive and systemically racist policies if we are ever to truly be a nation united by our democratic pillars and principles. prgtoken The nearly 700,000 D.C. residents, a majority of whom are Black and Brown, are worthy and capable
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF KEENAN DARNELL ANDERSON
Sydney Kamlager-Dove (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-2-7

I rise to recognize the life of Keenan Darnell Anderson. Mr. Anderson was a father, a life partner to his fiancee, a teacher, and a proud Angeleno. Mr. Anderson was taken from us earlier this year by the brutality and violence of the LAPD. Today, we stand here to honor Mr. Anderson's life, legacy, and contributions to his family and his city. prgtoken Mr. Anderson grew up in Los Angeles and from a young age, demonstrated his commitment to his family across Southern California. He was known as the ``life of the party,'' always livening up family cookouts and picnics. Mr. Anderson was a linchpin of his close-knit family. From the time that he was young, Mr. Anderson knew he wanted to dedicate his life to helping others. In college, he focused this dedication on a career in law enforcement, double majoring in criminal justice and sociology. Later, he translated this desire to do good for the world into educating, earning a graduate degree in education. prgtoken Mr. Anderson's passion for teaching led him to dedicate his career to educating his community's youth. As a teacher, he taught English to juniors and seniors in high school and even chaired the English department. Mr. Anderson was also invested in the creativity of his students, teaching drama classes that served as an introduction to the arts to many Angeleno youth. He was also a charismatic member of his church where he led family game nights and injected his infectious energy and enthusiasm. prgtoken At the time of his untimely death, Mr. Anderson had just moved to Washington, D.C. to teach at Digital Pioneers Academy. Washington D.C. will forever miss out on the contributions, energy, and inspiration he could have brought to the young people here. prgtoken Washington, D.C. students are not the only ones who will forever miss Mr. Anderson. He is survived by his fiancee, Domonique, to whom he was deeply devoted, and his 5 year-old son, Syncere. Mr. Anderson doted on his son, proud to be a father and proud to have his son by his side. Mr. Anderson's wrongful murder robbed Syncere of years with his father. Today, February 7, 2023, Domonique will join me as my guest at the State of the Union, where we will continue to highlight the unjust and tragic death of this doting and dedicated father, partner, friend, educator, and member of my community. prgtoken Today, we should be celebrating Mr. Anderson's great achievements as a father and a teacher, and the strength and resilience he imbued in his communities. Instead, we must confront the tragedy of his murder at the hands of the LAPD. prgtoken , this commemoration of the life of Keenan Anderson, a life gone too soon, adds yet another name to America's tainted legacy of violence against the Black community at the hands of individuals charged with protecting and serving. I honor the memory of Mr. Anderson and further commit to working to eliminate the inhumane violence and brutality that took him from us t
HONORING JESSICA SHAPIRO FOR EXEMPLARY WORK FOR THE HOUSE OFFICE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL
Richard E. Neal (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-2-7

I rise along with the Honorable Frank Pallone of New Jersey, to include in the Record a letter to recognize and express our sincere appreciation for Ms. Jessica Shapiro's nearly two decades of exemplary work for the House Office of the Legislative Counsel. February 7, 2023. Jessica Shapiro, Senior Counsel, House Office of the Legislative Counsel, Washington, DC. Dear Ms. Shapiro: Over the last two decades, you have played a vital role drafting the words of thousands of health policies--many of which have become transformative laws--and you have done so with integrity, professionalism, and meticulousness. When you began your career in the U.S. House of Representatives, America still had gaping holes in its health insurance system. The words you drafted as part of the Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148), Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (P.L. 114-10), and No Surprises Act (P.L. 116-260)--just to name have few--have become the cornerstone for a more equitable health system that has guaranteed access to health services and provided a more robust safety net for millions of Americans. Most recently, the work you did on Medicare drug pricing reform, originally part of the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, formed a key component or President 's Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (P.L. 117-169). Your equanimity, vast knowledge of the intricacies of the Social Security Act (P.L. 74-271), and methodical approach to drafting policy were vital to the success of that process, which required hundreds of hours of drafting, problem-solving, and redrafting. Nearly 70 million Americans will benefit from your unwavering commitment to this work. Few realize the number of hours of refinement, modification, and revision that go into making a law operational, particularly in the health space. And for every high-profile public law, there are also countless bills and amendments that do not succeed. All of this work requires sacrifices--time away from family and friends as a result of weekend and after-hour intrusions--that often go unacknowledged. The U.S. health system is in a better place today because of the sacrifices you made during your time at the House Office of the Legislative Counsel, and we thank you and your family for your dedication. Your commitment to public service will live on for decades in the words you have written in the U.S. Code. Sincerely, Hon. Richard E. Neal.
ACKNOWLEDGING THE CURRY FAMILY AS 2023 STATE OF THE UNION GUESTS
Terri A. Sewell (Democrat, AL) \u2014 2023-2-7

I rise today to recognize my distinguished guests for the 2023 State of the Union, the Curry family of Selma, Alabama. prgtoken Mr. Thomas Curry is a native of Selma who bravely served our Nation for over 30 years in the United States Air Force. Mrs. Annie Curry, his wife, spent over a decade working as a teacher and a counselor at Selma High School. prgtoken The Currys have been married for over 60 years and are currently in their nineties. Tragically, as a result of the tornadoes that tore through Alabama on January 12, the Currys lost their home of over 50 years, displacing them and destroying the place where they raised their five children. Luckily, the Currys escaped without injury. God is indeed good. prgtoken The people of Alabama's Seventh Congressional District are indeed resilient, and the Curry family represents the very best of us. Their story is yet another reminder of the need for increased Federal assistance for Alabama families impacted by the tornadoes. prgtoken I was honored to lead a delegation letter to President asking for 100 percent Federal share, given the dire straits of the historic city of Selma, Alabama, and that of Autauga County. prgtoken , I am asking my colleagues to welcome the Currys to our Nation's Capitol and keep them in your prayers. We are indeed Selma strong.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 185, TERMINATING CDC REQUIREMENT FOR PROOF OF COVID-19 VACCINATION FOR FOREIGN TRAVELERS; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.J. RES. 24, DISAPPROVING THE ACTION OF...
Mary Gay Scanlon (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2023-2-7

the balance of my time for closing. prgtoken , these measures today do nothing to address the important issues facing American families. These resolutions are misguided and unserious at best and deeply undemocratic at their core. House s continue to waste precious time and taxpayer dollars on power struggles and political stunts. prgtoken leadership's acquiescence to the fringe forces in their party is a disservice to the American public. With all of the challenges this Congress should contend with, an extremist overreach to nullify democratically passed legislation and rolling back lifesaving COVID protections is a waste of precious time and resources. prgtoken My ic colleagues and I are here to work on behalf of the American people and are ready to do the serious work of delivering for them, fighting for better jobs and safer communities. We will oppose extremist attempts to stoke division, to undermine government institutions, and to threaten fundamental American freedoms. prgtoken I invite my colleagues to work across the aisle, to work together on the issues that matter to all of our constituents: lowering prices; addressing housing, healthcare, and education needs; making our communities safer; and protecting our environment. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to oppose the previous question and the rule, and .
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 185, TERMINATING CDC REQUIREMENT FOR PROOF OF COVID-19 VACCINATION FOR FOREIGN TRAVELERS; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.J. RES. 24, DISAPPROVING THE ACTION OF...
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2023-2-7

I thank my friend for yielding. prgtoken I strongly oppose this rule. This rule would allow the House to consider two resolutions that would nullify two bills recently enacted by the District of Columbia's local legislature, the D.C. Council. These are profoundly undemocratic, paternalistic resolutions. prgtoken The House, in which the nearly 700,000 D.C. residents have no voting representation, is attempting to nullify a bill enacted by the D.C. Council, whose members are elected by and accountable to D.C. residents. prgtoken What is democracy? The dictionary defines it as a ``government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections.'' prgtoken Perhaps President Lincoln described democracy best in the Gettysburg Address as ``government of the people, by the people, and for the people.'' prgtoken The D.C. Council has 13 members. The members are elected by D.C. residents. Eight members are elected by geographical area and five members are elected at-large. If D.C. residents do not like how the members vote, they can vote them out of office. prgtoken Congress has 535 Members. The Members are elected by residents of the several States. None are elected by D.C. residents. If D.C. residents do not like how Members vote, even on legislation that applies to the District of Columbia, such as the two disapproval resolutions, they can ask politely for residents of the several States to vote Members out of office. prgtoken The Revolutionary War was fought to give consent to the governed and to end taxation without representation. Yet, D.C. residents cannot consent to any action taken by Congress, whether on national or D.C. matters, and pay full Federal taxes. Indeed, D.C. residents pay more Federal taxes per capita than any State and more Federal taxes than 23 States. prgtoken Instead of abusing its power by nullifying legislation enacted by the D.C. Council, the House should adhere to democratic principles and pass my D.C. statehood bill, which would give D.C. residents voting representation in Congress and full control over its local affairs. prgtoken I will have more to say on these undemocratic, paternalistic resolutions during floor debate on them on Thursday; but I will say to all Members of the House now: Keep your hands off of the District of Columbia.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF EDWARD PANGELINAN
Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Democrat, MP) \u2014 2023-2-7

today I rise to honor the life and legacy of the Honorable Edward De Leon Guerrero Pangelinan, a founding father of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, who passed away on February 3. prgtoken Mr. Pangelinan was the very first Chamorro from the Northern Marianas to graduate from law school and, so, became the natural leader of our islands in seeking to end the post-World War II United Nations Trusteeship and to become part of the United States. As Chairman of the Marianas Political Status Commission, Mr. Pangelinan with his fellow Commissioners successfully negotiated the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States of America, which was approved by plebiscite in 1975 and codified in federal law the following year. prgtoken His work as reflected in the Covenant agreement then led to United States citizenship for the people of the Marianas during the Administration of President Ronald Reagan and, ultimately, to their representation here in the United States Congress. prgtoken Edward Pangelinan's work on behalf of the Marianas did not end with the Covenant. In 1978, he was elected to be our first Resident Representative to the United States, a position that advocated for and foreshadowed representation in Congress. In 1985, President Ronald Reagan appointed Mr. Pangelinan to the Northern Mariana Islands Commission on Federal Laws, where he helped identity areas of the law that should be amended in light of the inclusion of the Marianas into the United States. Later he served as legal counsel and special advisor to Resident Representative Juan N. Babauta and then as advisor to Resident Representative Pete A. Tenorio before retiring from public service in 2009. prgtoken Throughout his life, Edward Pangelinan worked tirelessly to bring respect and equity to the indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian communities of the Marianas. In addition to the successes he achieved for his people, Mr. Pangelinan will also be remembered for his unfalteringly optimistic approach to public service. No matter how long the days, or difficult the fights, Mr. Pangelinan by his example will always remind us that change--slow or even impossible though it may seem--can and will happen through perseverance. prgtoken Few people use their lives to make as enduring and beneficial an impact on the lives of others as did the Honorable Edward De Leon Guerrero Pangelinan. Please join me in recognizing Mr. Pangelinan's outstanding contributions to the people of the Northern Mariana Islands as we honor his memory.