mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
KOSA-COPPA (Executive Calendar)
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2024-7-23

this week the Senate is taking a historic step in the fight to protect children online by bringing the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act to the floor. prgtoken Last Congress, Senator Blumenthal and I introduced KOSA following disturbing reports that Meta leadership knew its platform Instagram is toxic to teenage girls, causing rising rates of eating disorders and mental health issues, but Meta downplayed these harms in public. prgtoken During a series of five subcommittee hearings, we heard testimony from social media companies, advocates, and parents on the repeated failures of tech giants to protect kids, to protect them from pro- suicide content, from drug dealers, from sexual predators, from eating disorder content, from human traffickers, and so much more. prgtoken For years, the Big Tech giants refused to meaningfully address these problems, but that changes with KOSA, which will finally hold them accountable. prgtoken Congress has not passed a major law to protect children online since 1998, and a lot has changed in the last 25 years. But this moment would have been impossible without the hundreds of parents, including many who have tragically lost their children to social media harms. They have traveled to Washington over the past several years to share their heartbreaking stories and to demand action to protect our children. Senator Blumenthal and I could not have accomplished this without their voices, and I want to thank prgtoken all of our friends and our allies for their work in getting this bill to the floor. One thing is certain: Moms on a Mission have always proven to be an unstoppable force, and, indeed, they are. prgtoken I also want to thank Leader Schumer, Commerce Committee Chair Cantwell, Ranking Member Cruz, and our 68 Senate cosponsors for helping us get here. prgtoken Once the Senate formally passes KOSA, our work is not done. We must ensure that the House quickly passes this bill and sends it to the President's desk.
RECOGNIZING NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-7-23

I rise today to recognize North Central Texas College (NCTC) as it celebrates the 100th anniversary of its founding. I'm pleased to congratulate NCTC on reaching such a significant milestone in the school's history. NCTC has served the communities and citizens of Denton, Cooke, Young, and Montague counties throughout its history. It is an honor to applaud the excellent educational opportunities they have afforded the thousands of North Texas students they have taught throughout their 100 years of existence. prgtoken NCTC was founded in 1924 by Randolph Lee Clark and over the last century has undergone an eventful transformation. Established as Gainesville Junior College, the school began as an extension of the local public school system operating in 3 rooms of the Newsome Dougherty Memorial High School building in Gainesville. The school continued as Gainesville Junior College until 1954, then operated as Gainesville College from 1954 to 1961, as Cooke County Junior College from 1961 to 1974, and Cooke County College from 1974 to 1994. Beginning in 1994, the school became North Central Texas College and proudly carries that name into the present day and forward as a bastion of higher education in North Texas. prgtoken NCTC currently serves North Texas students across six campuses in Corinth, Denton, Flower Mound, Bowie, and Graham as well as the original campus in Gainesville. Its most recent location at Champions Circle in south Denton County opened in 2022, offering specialized industry training. NCTC is the oldest, continuously operating two-year college in Texas. I stand here today to celebrate the first 100 years of excellent service in education provided by North Central Texas College and look ahead to the school's continued positive impact in its next 100 years.
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Jefferson Van Drew (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2024-7-23

. Mr. Chair, I respect my colleague, Mr. Fleischmann, tremendously. It is one of those few times we will have to agree to disagree, but I think it is so important that we make a statement here. prgtoken There are some good things that office does, but they do so many things that we don't agree with. This is the conundrum that we always find ourselves in in Congress. In order to get a modicum of good things done, we have to vote for the whole package and the whole thing moves forward, and so many of those initiatives are not good, and that is the problem here. prgtoken Let's do this right. I believe in nuclear. I believe solar can have a role. I don't believe wind can do well, especially out in the ocean, but the point is, let the marketplace of ideas be the ones that dictate what we should do here. This office does so much that it shouldn't do, yet we are told we have to vote for this because they do a few things we agree with. I respectfully disagree. prgtoken Mr. Chair, .
HONORING GRAND MASTER BYUNG LEE
Gregory F. Murphy (Republican, NC) \u2014 2024-7-23

I rise today to honor a true pillar of my community, Grand Master Byung Lee of King Tiger Taekwondo in Greenville, North Carolina. Grand Master Lee recently received his ninth-degree black belt, the highest achievement in his field of martial arts. Only 1,000 worldwide and 100 individuals in the U.S. have received this rank, which qualifies him as an exceptional, unparalleled expert in his craft. I remember fondly when my sons and I studied Tae Kwon Do under him. I was always impressed by his dedication, talent, and professionalism. prgtoken The word Taekwondo can be translated as tae (``strike with foot''), kwon (``strike with hand''), and do (``the art or way''). In addition to its five tenets of courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit--all of which Grand Master Lee exhibits. The sport requires three physical skills: poomsae, kyorugi, and gyeokpa. prgtoken Grand Master Lee came to the United States from Jeonlabukdo Province, Korea in 1988 to educate about the wonderful teachings of taekwondo. In his decades of service, he has had a lasting impact on the Greenville community and his faith community. He has instilled the great virtues of mental fortitude and discipline in many lives. I am honored to extend this chamber's recognition of this esteemed individual to celebrate not only his remarkable achievements in martial arts, but his enduring legacy of inspiration and empowerment for all.
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Scott Perry (Republican, PA) \u2014 2024-7-23

. Madam Chair, I must disagree. The so-called Inflation Reduction Act, I don't know if anyone's keeping score, but when I go to the grocery store since the Inflation Reduction Act, prices are higher. When I go to the gas station, prices are higher. It hasn't really reduced inflation, but that is another story. prgtoken Since the Inflation Reduction Act provides approximately $11.7 billion for the loan program office to issue new loans, we are going to keep going. We are going to burden the taxpayer with the potential for these loans to go bad, and they have gone bad. prgtoken This additional funding raises significant concerns that the program will, once again, be used as a piggy bank for any administration and the Secretary to reward politically-favored industries. prgtoken Madam Chair, my bosses, my constituents, can't afford this continued grifting. We have to stop the gravy train for these failed green energy companies on the backs of taxpayers. If private industry wants to invest, God bless them, but the taxpayers shouldn't be forced to. prgtoken Madam Chair, .
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Michael K. Simpson (Republican, ID) \u2014 2024-7-23

. Madam Chair, such time as I may consume. prgtoken I just have to respond a little bit. Cutting spending is never easy, and I did not hear from any of the people who spoke on the other side of the aisle that we have a $35 trillion deficit. That is what is endangering this country. prgtoken If we could just spend more money, I would love to address some of the problems that they say exist. They do exist. You have to make choices, and that is what we have done here. We have made choices to make sure that we fully fund PILT payments, to make sure that we fully fund our treaty responsibilities with our Native Americans, and that we take care of the wildfire pay issue that had to be done. Those are boosts in this bill. That means cuts had to come someplace else. prgtoken If you want to go find me another $20 billion to spend, we can do a lot of things. One thing we can't do by spending $20 billion more is address the $35 trillion debt that exists in this country today. prgtoken Madam Chair, .
250TH ANNIVERSARY OF EDGECOMB, MAINE
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2024-7-23

in 1774, just 2 years before America declared its independence, a small village on the Maine coast incorporated and took the name of Lord George Edgcumbe, a British naval hero and political leader who was known as a devoted friend of the Colonies. Today, it is a pleasure to join the people of Edgecomb, ME, in celebrating the 250th anniversary of a community that is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise families. prgtoken Edgecomb has a rich history. For thousands of years, the land where the Sheepscot and Damariscotta Rivers meet the sea was the hunting and fishing grounds of the Abenaki. Originally called Freetown due to the pro bono success of a Boston lawyer in defeating baseless deed challenges by land speculators, the early settlers farmed the fertile soil and put those rivers to work powering mills for grain and lumber. That early prosperity was invested in schools and churches to make a true community. prgtoken As the town grew, so did the range of industries to include brick- making, canning, tanneries, and shipyards. In addition to valuable granite, mica, and quartz, the land was found to contain rich deposits of the highest quality feldspar, used in the manufacture of fine china. Today, Edgecomb and the neighboring communities are home to ceramic artists whose work is prized by collectors around the world. prgtoken Edgecomb is home to many outstanding examples of New England architecture with several listings on the National Register of Historic Places, including the revered Edgecomb Community Church. One of the most fascinating buildings is the so-called Marie Antoinette House. In 1793, according to legend, a local sea captain named Stephen Clough planned to rescue the doomed queen and take her the stately house on the Sheepscot River that he had outfitted with the finest French decor. Tragically, she was arrested before Captain Clough could put his daring plan into action. prgtoken Perhaps the building with the greatest historical significance is Fort Edgecomb, an octagonal blockhouse built in 1808 and 1809 to protect shipyards during a time of ongoing tension with Great Britain. Crucial to the defense of New England during the War of 1812 and the Civil War, the fort is now a popular state park. prgtoken Edgecomb's historic connection to America's freedom continues today. Last year, the town, along with neighboring communities, launched a new tradition by decorating streets and roadways with more than 250 banners paying tribute to the region's veterans. prgtoken Maine is known as Vacationland, and Edgecomb perfectly fits that picture. With beautiful rivers for kayaking and canoeing, several nature preserves for hiking and wildlife-watching, along with great food and shopping, there is always something to do. The energy and planning going into the town's yearlong 250th anniversary celebration demonstrates the pride the townspeople have in their town. prgtoken Edgecomb's 250th ann
RECOGNIZING TRISTATE CURLS
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2024-7-23

as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Tristate Curls of Sibley, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. prgtoken Megan Gerken founded Tristate Curls in 2018 as a specialty salon to serve clients with curly and wavy hair. During her professional salon training, Megan worked in various hair salons in her home State of Minnesota, where she is a licensed cosmetologist. She graduated from the Stewart Cosmetology School in Sioux Falls and has gone to Los Angeles, New York City, and Dallas for short-term trainings to develop techniques to work on curly hair. After working in Minneapolis for 5 years, Megan and her husband moved to Sibley, IA, where she opened her own hair salon. prgtoken Tristate Curls started in a rented space in Sibley before Megan purchased prgtoken a shop on 9th Street in 2020. Currently, she is the salon's lone stylist, but that doesn't stop her from bringing her passion and dedication to work every day. She ensures every client that walks into Tristate Curls doesn't leave until they are happy with their new hair style. She also makes an effort to explain the products she uses so her customers can recreate the same style at home. Megan is committed to sharing her wealth of knowledge with the next generation of hair stylists and doesn't shy away from giving tips and advice. prgtoken In addition to running Tristate Curls, Megan works on the family farm with her husband and helps raise their cattle. Tristate Curls is an active member of the Sibley Chamber of Commerce and, in 2024, celebrated its sixth business anniversary. prgtoken Tristate Curls' commitment to providing quality, specialized care for curly and wavy hair in Sibley, IA, is commendable. I want to congratulate Megan Gerken, the Gerken family, and Tristate Curls for their continued dedication to providing beauty care to the Osceola County community. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.
REMEMBERING THEODORE HOWARD
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2024-7-23

with my colleagues Senator Jim Risch and Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher, we honor Theodore ``Ted'' Howard, who passed away on May 3, 2024, at the age of 76. Ted Howard, also known as ``His Good Road,'' was a strong, competent, and deeply revered leader for the Shoshone-Paiute prgtoken Tribes, a rich source of cultural history and a tremendous Tribal ambassador. prgtoken Ted was born in an extraordinary place, and to Idaho's great benefit, he, thankfully, returned in adulthood and advocated for the people of the Duck Valley Reservation. The Duck Valley Indian Reservation is nearly 289,819 acres that straddles the Idaho-Nevada State line in the beautiful and remote, high desert of Owyhee County, ID, and Elko County, NV. Approximately 1,700 of the 2,000 members of the Shoshone- Paiute Tribes of Duck Valley also live on the Duck Valley Reservation. Ted served his people admirably for decades through his roles as Tribal Chairman, from 2017 to 2021, and as the Director of Cultural Resources for 25 years for the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes. prgtoken Ted used his skills as a certified pilot to assist with medical emergencies and survey and protect remote Shoshone-Paiute cultural sites in the area. He has also helped overcome considerable natural resources challenges, including the Murphy Complex Fire in 2007. This enormous fire that burned an estimated more than 650,000 acres among other difficulties left the Duck Valley Indian Reservation without power for nearly 2 weeks. In a news story about the fire, he reflected, ``It was just one of those times when we had to make the best of the situation.'' This quote is emblematic of his approach. He faced difficulties with calm, resourcefulness, and strength. prgtoken From Owyhee County to Washington, DC, we valued working with Ted with his knowledge and capabilities. He was a central partner in helping the locally driven Owyhee Initiative become the law that reinforced the collaborative efforts to manage the magnificent landscape he cherished. Throughout, he worked hard to ensure the lands remain a sacred place for the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes. He was also instrumental in advocating the needs of the Tribes as we worked to advance the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Reservation Water Rights Settlement Act and, later, the legislative fix to allow the Tribes to collect interest owed from the Settlement Act. Ted led efforts of Tribes across the Great Basin working for the repatriation of their ancestors. prgtoken Ted was raised as a cowboy and was known for his skill on a horse and working with leather. He took those lessons of hard work and commitment to everything he did. He was renowned for his service to the people. He enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 16 and served two tours in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Ted's commitment to his heritage was evident through his service as a Sundancer, taking part in the annual summer solistic
HONORING THE CAREER OF JOHN HEMMINGS, III
Brad R. Wenstrup (Republican, OH) \u2014 2024-7-23

I rise today to honor the career of John Hemmings, III, who is retiring as Executive Director of the Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission, what we in Southern Ohio know as the OVRDC, after committing 33 years of life and work to the Commission. prgtoken Starting as a Regional Planner in 1991, John has held almost every position within the Commission, serving as Executive Director since 2008. prgtoken During his time at the OVRDC, John lent his skills and talents to countless programs that helped revolutionize the Ohio River Valley, including a regional commission that coordinates a cross-governmental approach to improve the local community through infrastructure and economic development. prgtoken As a Scioto County native, John's commitment to the region has led to critical improvements in the lives of so many Ohioans. Working with him to advance the dreams and lives of so many has truly been an honor.
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Charles J. "Chuck" Fleischmann (Republican, TN) \u2014 2024-7-23

such time as I may consume. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I am pleased to bring the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025, to the floor today. prgtoken The bill provides a total of $59.2 billion to advance our commitment to national security, energy security, and economic competitiveness. prgtoken The bill delivers strong support for our national defense and provides $25.5 billion for the National Nuclear Security Administration. The bill prioritizes nuclear weapons activities, fully funding all major stockpile modernization activities and providing additional funds for plutonium pit production and the nuclear sea- launched cruise missile. prgtoken At the Department of Energy, the bill supports programs that advance our Nation's energy security and ensure America remains at the forefront of scientific discovery and innovation. This includes strong funding for nuclear energy, including additional funds specifically for nuclear demonstration projects; the Office of Science, including fusion energy sciences; and the full spectrum of mining production technologies to reduce our reliance on foreign sources of critical minerals. prgtoken The bill also includes a number of provisions to protect American resources and intellectual property from falling into the hands of foreign adversaries. prgtoken Funding for the Corps of Engineers totals $9.96 billion, including full funding of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund activities and the highest priority, ongoing Inland Waterways Trust Fund construction projects to ensure the safe and efficient flow of commerce. prgtoken Funding for the Bureau of Reclamation totals $1.93 billion, prioritized to projects that increase water supply and support drought resilience. This is a strong bill that builds on the work we started in fiscal year 2024. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge Members to support it, and .
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Kat Cammack (Republican, FL) \u2014 2024-7-23

. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment, which would restrict taxpayer funds from being used to finalize any rule or regulation that has resulted in an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more at the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. prgtoken Under the - regime, the regulatory landscape has never been worse. Regulatory agencies within the Department of the Interior have exerted an extraordinary amount of power with very limited oversight. prgtoken My amendment seeks to change this dynamic by requiring that any major rule or regulation proposed by these agencies must be approved by Congress before it can take effect. prgtoken This means that the elected Representatives of the American people would have a direct say in the regulations that govern our natural resources and public lands. It means that the individuals who are closest to their constituents, who understand the needs and concerns of their communities, will be at the forefront of decisionmaking. prgtoken I, of course, believe that commonsense Americans would be incensed to know that in 2023 alone, the - regime ended the year by adding nearly 91,000 pages to the Federal Register of regulations. prgtoken Why should Americans care about that? Because those 91,000 pages of regulations just cost every American family over $15,000 annually. prgtoken That is right. American families now pay $15,000 more every single year for the exact same goods and services thanks to these onerous regulations, but it gets worse. Who do these hardworking families turn to to fight these new costs, these new rules, these new regulations that are dictating every aspect of our lives? Not their elected officials, no. prgtoken These expensive and expansive rules and regulations housed in those 91,000 pages, those are the doing of the nameless, faceless bureaucrats that dwell in basements all over Washington, D.C who, by the way, are not elected. Quite frankly, Mr. Chair, that should piss off every single American. prgtoken It is a slap in the face that we the people have no recourse, which is why my amendment reining in these rules and regulations is so very important. prgtoken You can and should be able to fire your elected officials. In the case of these all too powerful bureaucrats, you can't even find them, let alone stop them. This is where our amendment, the REINS Act, comes in and is so important. prgtoken Under the - regime, regulations cost more than the entire Federal discretionary budget. Let me repeat that. Under the - regime, they have added more in regulatory costs that add up to more than the entire Federal discretionary budget. prgtoken As a point of reference, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which funded government, came in at a price tag of $1.7 trillion. The - regime's price tag on their regulations was over $2 trillion with a t. prgtoken It is not just the