mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2023-1-30

I rise today to introduce two bills aimed at continuing the important progress we are making to prevent and effectively treat Alzheimer's disease. I know how devastating this disease is to our families. My father, grandfather, and two uncles all died from Alzheimer's. I am committed to this effort both as a person whose beloved family members have suffered from this terrible disease, as well as a Senator concerned about the impact on our families and our healthcare system. prgtoken When I founded the Congressional Alzheimer's Task Force in the Senate in 1999, there was virtually no focus on Alzheimer's in Washington. Twelve years ago, I coauthored the bipartisan National Alzheimer's Project Act with my colleague Senator Evan Bayh. Before we passed that legislation, there was no coordinated, strategic, national plan to focus our efforts to defeat Alzheimer's. NAPA fixed this by convening a panel of experts to create a coordinated strategic national plan to prevent and effectively treat Alzheimer's disease by 2025. The expert council updates the plan annually. prgtoken While the 2025 goal has been elusive, we have made some progress in our efforts to find a treatment and a means of prevention. Nevertheless, Alzheimer's remains the fifth leading cause of death in the United States for people over 65. In addition to the human costs, caring for people living with Alzheimer's and other dementias is one of the costliest conditions to society, costing our Nation an astonishing $321 billion per year, including $206 billion in Medicare and Medicaid spending. If we continue along this trajectory, Alzheimer's is projected to claim the minds of 12.7 million seniors and nearly surpass $1 trillion in annual costs by 2050. prgtoken It takes a tremendous toll on families too. In 2021, family caregivers provided 16 billion hours of unpaid care for loved ones with dementia, a contribution to society valued at more than $271 billion. That job is often 24/7 and often harms the health of the caregiver. prgtoken The first bill I am introducing today with my colleagues Senators Warner, Capito, Markey, Moran, Menendez, Murkowski, and Stabenow is the NAPA Reauthorization Act. This bill would reauthorize the National Alzheimer's Project Act through 2035 and modernize the legislation to reflect strides we have made in understanding the disease, such as including a new focus on promoting healthy aging and reducing risk factors. The National Alzheimer's Project Act is set to expire in 2025. We need to reauthorize this critical legislation this Congress in order to ensure that our research investments remain coordinated and there are no disruptions as we maximize the impact of our investments. prgtoken The second bill I am introducing with my colleagues Senators Markey, Capito, Warner, Moran, Menendez, Murkowski, and Stabenow is the Alzheimer's Accountability and Investment Act. This bill would continue through 2035 a req
CREDIT UNION BOARD MODERNIZATION ACT
Bill Huizenga (Republican, MI) \u2014 2023-1-30

I thank Chairman McHenry for yielding me time this afternoon. prgtoken I rise today in support of the Credit Union Board Modernization Act and ask for its immediate passage. prgtoken Credit unions can play an important role in many of our local communities, often working with families and small business owners to gain access to credit. prgtoken H.R. 582 will go a long way to providing reasonable regulatory relief for credit unions, especially in Michigan's Fourth Congressional District and across the Nation. prgtoken , if signed into law, these commonsense, reasonable reforms will allow federally chartered credit unions in good standing in Michigan and across the country the same reasonable governance practices afforded to those at the State level. prgtoken Currently, all federally chartered credit union boards must meet at least once month. This one-size-fits-all requirement often negatively impacts smaller rural credit unions, which ultimately impacts, frankly, which members are willing to even serve on those boards and therefore the services that they can and will be able to provide to their local community. prgtoken The Credit Union Board Modernization Act rightly modernizes how often federally chartered credit union boards must meet, which the National Credit Union Administration currently mandates to be monthly. Nothing in this legislation prevents a credit union from meeting more than six times a year. It just gives them the flexibility and they are able to then decide. That is the idea of a credit union; member-driven, they will decide. prgtoken , I thank the sponsor of this bill, the gentleman from California (Mr. Vargas) for working with s, and specifically me, this last Congress to implement these reasonable safeguards. prgtoken I do want to note, specifically, this legislation does not apply to new credit unions or those credit unions with low exam ratings, as the chair had indicated. Highly rated credit unions with high management ratings must hold at least six meetings annually, with at least one meeting held during each fiscal quarter. prgtoken Alternatively, these lower-rated credit unions must continue to meet once a month, and there will be direction on that, as the chair has outlined. prgtoken I want to be clear. This bill does not give credit unions an advantage over their community bank counterparts but brings parity to an outdated process. prgtoken Again, I thank Congressman Vargas for his commitment to make this a bipartisan effort. I look forward to seeing these reforms, which will strengthen local economies across the Nation, enacted into law.
ANOTHER IOWAN HEADS THE WORLD FOOD PRIZE FOUNDATION
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-1-30

I rise today to recognize Iowa's former Governor and Ambassador to China, Terry Branstad for being appointed as the President of the World Food Prize Foundation. prgtoken Founded by Iowa's Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, the World Food Prize Foundation aims to improve food security around the world. Each year, leaders in the agriculture industry travel to Des Moines to discuss the latest global agriculture issues and recognize individuals who have made distinguished accomplishments in the industry. prgtoken Governor Branstad played an integral role in creating the Iowa Hunger Summit during his time as Iowa's and the Nation's longest serving Governor. The Iowa Hunger Summit has been instrumental in combating food insecurity in Iowa and around the world in large part because of Governor Branstad's efforts. prgtoken I am excited to see how Governor Branstad will help the World Food Prize Foundation evolve, and I am confident that his experience and background will help the foundation further its mission to eliminate world hunger. I can think of no better fit for the job. prgtoken Congratulations, Governor Branstad. prgtoken I also wish a happy birthday to Caroline Bender. Happy birthday, Caroline.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2023-1-30

today I rise to honor the life of Qubilah Jones who passed away on December 31, 2022, after a long battle with lymphedema. prgtoken Raised in Marianna, AR, Qubilah was called to serve others. She lived in Jonesboro, AR, but her heart touched people far beyond the city limits. Qubilah dedicated herself to her family and her community. She was an active member of Mount Zion Baptist, a published poet, and a passionate community service advocate. prgtoken Qubilah launched her broadcasting career as a radio host at the nonprofit radio station KLEK in 2016, where she became known as the Voice of Jonesboro. In this role, she worked to inform the community by conducting hundreds of interviews with nonprofit, faith-based, and government leaders in the region. prgtoken Even through her battle with lymphedema, those who knew Qubilah best said she never let the disease stop her from making a positive difference. She led by example. In 2017, Qubilah was named Volunteer of the Year for the more than 2,000 hours of community service she provided, as well as encouraging others to get involved. prgtoken She was an inspiration to many with an official proclamation of Qubilah Jones Day in Jonesboro and her alma mater, Arkansas State University, having lit its library tower pink in her honor serving as evidence of her impact. Her advocacy for awareness and treatment of lymphedema, helped lead to passage of the Lymphedema Treatment Act days before her passing. This law will help support the needs of others living with this condition. prgtoken I join Qubilah's family, friends, and countless others in mourning her passing. She has left a tremendous legacy that will last for years to come.
TRIBUTE TO PEARSON RIDDLE, JR.
Thom Tillis (Republican, NC) \u2014 2023-1-30

I rise today to honor a great North Carolinian, courageous veteran, and the last living survivor of the Battle of Wake Island: Pearson Riddle, Jr. prgtoken Born in Pensacola, NC, on October 15, 1921, Pearson joined the Civilian Conservation Corps at 18 years old upon completing high school. After spending time in Oregon and California learning to operate heavy machinery, he was sent to Hawaii to work for the U.S. Navy and later joined the Wake Island workforce in August 1941 as a general laborer, providing essential support services to U.S. Armed Forces. prgtoken On December 8, 1941, Japanese forces commenced a successful siege of Wake Island despite the valiant efforts of marines, sailors, soldiers, and civilians. Pearson was among the hundreds of civilian contractors captured by Japanese forces on December 23, 1941. Forty-four months of grueling captivity and infamous brutality followed. prgtoken Pearson was kept on Wake Island until early 1942, when the Japanese forced POWs to board the Nitta Maru, which was destined for a prison camp in Woosun, China. After spending 19 months there in forced labor, the Japanese shipped Pearson and hundreds of other POWs to Kobe, Japan, and again to Tokyo where he was imprisoned until a May 1945 Allied bombing destroyed the prison camp. Sent north to Sendai 7-B Hanaoka after the successful Allied bombing, Pearson and the remaining POWs were liberated in September 1945. prgtoken Malnourished, ill, and abused, it took Pearson 2 years to make a full recovery, and despite lifelong medical complications from his imprisonment, Pearson never stopped serving. After his service, Pearson went on to build bases around the world, including in north Africa and Iceland. prgtoken In 1987, the Navy administratively awarded Pearson the rank of E-4 and evaluated him as a 100 percent wartime service-connected disabled veteran. Seventy-seven years after his liberation, Pearson received the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and American Campaign Medal for his heroic devotion to duty. prgtoken Today, we honor Pearson Riddle, Jr.'s valor, service, and commitment to the values and principles of the United States of America. I ask my fellow Senators to join me in saluting Pearson Riddle for his service.
RECOGNIZING THE ALL SAINTS CATHOLIC SCHOOL OF DALLAS, TEXAS
Pat Fallon (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-1-30

I rise today to commemorate the All Saints Catholic School of Dallas, Texas, for receiving its third Blue Ribbon award. All Saints Catholic is only one of 5 private schools in the great state of Texas to receive this prestigious award. We continue to extend our earnest congratulations to the students, educators, and families of All Saints Catholic. prgtoken Since 1982, the Department of Education has annually bestowed the Blue Ribbon Award to select public and private schools who have displayed outstanding academic progress and achievement. All Saints Catholic was one of the highest-performing schools in Texas and nationwide. Of the nearly 10,000 Blue Ribbons awarded over the past 4 decades, only 170 schools have had the honor of receiving 3 Blue Ribbons, putting All Saints Catholic in the top 1 percent of Blue Ribbon recipients. prgtoken All Saints Catholic's historic performances showcases the enduring work of its students, teachers, and staff to create a safe and welcoming school environment that focuses on success. I'm proud to represent such talented minds and I wish them the best of luck in their school year. prgtoken I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize the hard-earned academic accomplishments of All Saints Catholic and their efforts to prepare our youth for success.
CONGRATULATING THE MISHAWAKA CAVEMEN
Rudy Yakym III (Republican, IN) \u2014 2023-1-30

I rise to recognize a special group of Hoosiers who recently made their hometown very proud. prgtoken Earlier this month, the Mishawaka Cavemen won the 3A State title in wrestling for the fourth time in school history. Their return as State champions was 13 years in the making for the Cavemen, and it wasn't easy. prgtoken To take home the title, the Cavemen first had to go through the defending State champs, Columbus East, which they did on their way to an exhilarating 43-31 win. prgtoken As Head Coach Steve Sandefer said: ``You have to wrestle for the guy next to you.'' I think that is the kind of team-first mindset that every wrestler embraced wholeheartedly. It is a big part of why they and the Mishawaka community are celebrating. I know it is an attitude that will serve these young men well in their future careers and family lives. prgtoken I know one more thing. That approach of rallying to pick up a teammate when they are down is something that our country could use a whole lot more of. prgtoken Congratulations to Coach Sandefer, his dedicated staff, and all the wrestlers on their big win. prgtoken God bless you. Go Cavemen.
COMMERCIAL REMOTE SENSING AMENDMENT ACT OF 2023
Frank D. Lucas (Republican, OK) \u2014 2023-1-30

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of H.R. 290, the Commercial Remote Sensing Amendment Act. prgtoken I introduced this bipartisan legislation last Congress and that measure passed the House by a voice vote. I reintroduced the same bill this year, along with my colleague, the ranking member, Ms. Lofgren. It updates the reporting requirements for NOAA's Office of Commercial Remote Sensing Regulatory Affairs so that Congress can monitor how regulations are impacting the growth and improvement of the commercial remote sensing industry. prgtoken Remote sensing uses data collected from satellites to produce images of the Earth. It has become a critical resource for fields like agriculture, finance, trade, and energy. prgtoken For instance, imagery and data from commercial remote sensing allows us to improve crop production by helping farmers more efficiently apply water and fertilizer. It informs future commodity prices by actively monitoring weather and crop health. prgtoken Commercial remote sensing also improves our ability to prepare for and respond to natural disasters by informing flood plain mapping, tornado tracking, and drought monitoring, topics that are very important to my constituents in Oklahoma. prgtoken It can also be helpful in humanitarian relief efforts and monitoring treaty compliance, among other applications. prgtoken As you can see, commercial remote sensing provides us with critical information for many important applications. This technology is constantly evolving, and the industry is seeing tremendous growth. prgtoken To effectively support and manage remote sensing activities, it is critical that Congress receives timely and comprehensive reports so we can evaluate the state of the industry and how regulations are affecting this growth. prgtoken The Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act of 2015 established a reporting requirement from the Department of Commerce on the status of commercial remote sensing licensing and regulation. This requirement expired in 2020. prgtoken H.R. 290 will reinstate that reporting requirement and keep Congress informed of agency actions, their impact on licensees, and the state of the commercial remote sensing industry. These reports to Congress will give us the information we need to ensure that the U.S. remains the global leader in this important field. prgtoken , H.R. 290 is a no-nonsense, bipartisan bill that will help ensure that the U.S. remains the global leader in the commercial remote sensing industry. prgtoken , I thank Ranking Member Lofgren for joining me in advancing this legislation. prgtoken , I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill, and .
TRIBUTE TO CODY WOOLSTON AND ERIC GOLDSCHMIDT
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-1-30

I rise today to recognize officers Cody Woolston and Eric Goldschmidt for their heroic actions on Monday, October 31, 2022. prgtoken On that day, Officers Woolston and Goldschmidt responded to calls of a woman attempting to jump off an overpass on Breckinridge Lane, which runs over a local interstate. When the two officers arrived at the scene, they found a woman standing on top of the barrier and looking over the highway. Officers Woolston and Goldschmidt tried to talk with the woman, but she was wearing headphones and not responding. prgtoken When she started to lean more towards the drop, Officer Woolston bravely grabbed her from the barrier, saving her life. The officers then took her to a local hospital to receive help. Upon arrival, she was hesitant to go inside, but Officer Woolston calmly reassured her and took her hand as they walked in together. prgtoken As a result of his quick actions that saved a life, Officer Woolston was nominated for a 2023 Rise Award. Officers Woolston and Goldschmidt were also nominated for the Louisville Metro Police Department's lifesaving award. prgtoken Officers Woolston and Goldschmidt are brave servants to the city of Louisville and a true testament to the hard-working Louisville Metro Police Department. I am proud to salute both officers and have no doubt they will continue to be an incredible asset to the citizens of Louisville.
TAX RELIEF FOR FAMILIES
Michael Lawler (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-1-30

today, I rise to bring this body's attention to the urgent need to provide tax relief for families in districts like mine. prgtoken Folks in the Hudson Valley are facing an affordability crisis due to record inflation, skyrocketing energy costs, and the arbitrary cap on State and local taxes, otherwise known as SALT, placed on residents of States like New York in 2017. prgtoken It effectively leads to double taxation in a part of our country which already pays among the highest taxes in the Nation. In Rockland and Westchester Counties, for instance, we pay the highest property taxes in the country, averaging well over $10,000. prgtoken That is why I have introduced legislation, with bipartisan support of my colleagues Representatives D'Esposito and Sherrill, to begin to address this. The SALT Marriage Penalty Elimination Act would correct the flaw created by the original SALT cap that penalizes married couples filing jointly by lifting their deduction to $20,000 rather than $10,000. This small change would significantly help families in my district and across the country. prgtoken Ultimately, we need to repeal this arbitrary cap in full, but in the meantime, we can take concrete steps to provide hardworking taxpayers in New York and across the country real tax relief.
CLASSIFIED INFORMATION
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-1-30

on another matter, last Friday I was in Austin, my home, and had the opportunity to speak at a conference that included some of the leading experts in all things dealing with declassification and government transparency. prgtoken It was cohosted by a number of academic institutions in Texas and the Public Interest Declassification Board, or PIDB. prgtoken Most of us had never heard of this group before, but the PIDB leads incredible work to help advise the President and the executive branch on ways to modernize the classification and declassification processes which safeguard our national security but also protect public trust in our institutions. prgtoken I joined an onstage conversation with my friend Will Inboden, who leads the Clements Center for National Security at the University of Texas at Austin. prgtoken We talked about the circumstances under which classification is important. Controlling access to certain sensitive information enables the United States to remain at least one step ahead of our adversaries. It also protects sources and methods that allow us to collect clandestine intelligence and protect the lives of those intelligence professionals who are engaged in collecting that information, as well as the avenues into those sources that are important to collecting this intelligence. Obviously, we don't want to jeopardize either the individuals involved or dissuade anyone from wanting to work with us in the future or to allow some of our access to dry up because it then becomes a matter of public knowledge. prgtoken But we know classification is not always the right answer. There are many circumstances in which declassification safeguards our national security. prgtoken One example is the way in which the United States Government declassified and shared information with our allies in the run-up to Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine. prgtoken The decision to declassify some important intelligence gave Ukraine enough battlefield awareness to push back after the initial attack and save countless lives. It also unified Western response, leading to quick condemnation of Russia's attack and resources for Ukrainian forces. prgtoken Declassification is an important tool with which we share information with our friends and allies around the world, but it is also another way to show the American people what their government is doing. It builds trust and transparency. It inspires confidence in the incredible work that our intelligence professionals are doing, and it equips scholars with the information they need to conduct academic research that informs decision making. prgtoken Obviously, there is a very delicate balance between transparency, which drives democratic self-governance, and secrecy, which is sometimes necessary to protect sources and methods of information that are important to protect our national security. prgtoken Policymakers and scholars have long debated this balance, but i
REPUBLICAN PLANS TO ENACT A 30 PERCENT SALES TAX
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-1-30

I rise today to criticize the plan to enact a 30 percent sales tax. This move would cost American families millions of dollars with higher prices for food and household necessities, and it would provide millions to the already wealthiest 1 percent of Americans. prgtoken Remember when many of these House s were running for office? They claimed to make inflation and other economic factors their number one priority. Instead, their priority has been to make it easier to mislead the American people, stock committees with people who want to overthrow the country and increase prices on everything from gasoline to groceries to punish working-class Americans. prgtoken Thankfully, we have a ic Senate to shut down these abuses of power and protect the American people.