mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CENTRAL BANK DIGITAL CURRENCY
Jake Auchincloss (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-5-17

recently the United States has considered issuing a central bank digital currency. CBDCs are digital liabilities issued by a central bank and made available to the public. prgtoken The implications for the United States dollar as the world's reserve currency, and for domestic fiscal and monetary policy, of a US CBDC are hotly debated by experts. prgtoken What should not be controversial, however, is that the Federal Reserve, Treasury, and all other executive agencies cannot issue a CBDC without explicit authorization from Congress. Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution grants that power ``to coin money'' and ``regulate the value thereof'' exclusively to Congress. prgtoken Under section 16 of the Federal Reserve Act, the Fed can issue ``Federal Reserve notes,'' but CBDCs are not Federal Reserve notes. The law restricts Federal Reserve notes to paper notes printed on ``plates and dies'' engraved by the Treasury Department according to a detailed process that clearly does not apply to digital money. prgtoken The Federal Reserve has consistently recognized that it lacks authority to issue a CBDC without congressional authorization. The Fed published a report on CBDCs in January of 2022 and said that it would not issue a CBDC without ``clear support'' from Congress ``in the form of a specific authorizing law.'' Fed Chair Jerome Powell has personally affirmed that view on multiple occasions since that report was published. prgtoken For example, last September, he said during a panel discussion on digital finance that the Fed ``will need approval from both the executive branch and Congress to move ahead with a central bank digital currency.'' prgtoken Although the Fed understands that it cannot issue a CBDC without authorization from Congress, some commentators continue to suggest that legislation may not be necessary. They are wrong. prgtoken The Framers of the Constitution understood the importance of a strong and stable national currency, which is why they granted Congress the exclusive power to coin money and regulate its value. Congress must not forfeit this power, which is why I am introducing the Power to Mint Act. prgtoken This bill clearly prohibits the Federal Reserve and the Treasury Department from issuing a CBDC without authorization from Congress. prgtoken , I thank my friend, Representative French Hill, who is the chairman of the Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology and Inclusion on the Financial Services Committee for his work with me on this bill. prgtoken , from Arkansas (Mr. Hill).
U.S. Space Command (Executive Session)
John W. Hickenlooper (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2023-5-17

the Space Command has been in the news lately. A final decision may be forthcoming soon, but the reported rationale behind that decision is misguided. There are rumors out there that ignore the fact that this basing process is about a variety of issues. But, really, there is only be about one thing: What is in the best interest of our national security? prgtoken The reports focus on the draconian laws of Alabama and Senator Tuberville's decision to bar military promotions. I have always been a strong advocate for reproductive rights, especially among servicemembers, and I vehemently disagree with Senator Tuberville and his decision to hold nearly 200 general and flag officer nominations hostage, a hold that directly affects military readiness. prgtoken These nominees are waiting to take their new commands, move their families, and carry out their missions that they were trained to lead. They need to sell and leave the homes they are in. They can't buy new homes. They can't do anything until their promotions are confirmed. prgtoken These are important issues, but we can't conflate these issues with the Space Command for the simple reason that our military should never be politicized. Senator Tuberville wants to make this about politics. Senator Bennet and I want to make it about national security. prgtoken And space capabilities are absolutely essential to our national security. Whether you are talking about GPS for ground-based operations or secure communications systems for maritime navigation, every single domain in which the United States acts in the name of national defense, be it on land, air, cyber or maritime--you name it--depends on our ability to operate in space. prgtoken The entity responsible for coordinating these operations is U.S. Space Command, which was first established in Colorado Springs back in 1985 and formally stood up as a full combatant command in 2019. prgtoken Over the past 3\1/2\ years, the brilliant team at Space Command headquarters in Colorado have set the standard for U.S. expertise in space. They are building out our understanding of the global threat landscape, investing in our response capabilities, and hitting keen readiness milestones, including reaching initial operating capability back in August of 2021. prgtoken This April, Space Command took another giant step forward when General Dickinson, who is in charge of leading these efforts, announced that U.S. Space Command will reach full operational capability by the end of the year at its current location in Colorado Springs--full operational capability. In other words, Space Command is on the verge of achieving full mission readiness in record time. That is an incredible achievement, and full credit goes to General Dickinson and the men and women on the frontlines of U.S. space leadership. prgtoken General Dickinson's announcement underscores just how dangerous it would be to rubberstamp former President
HONORING DR. FRANK CHONG
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-5-17

I rise today, along with with Congressman Jared Huffman, to recognize the work of Dr. Frank Chong, the president and superintendent of Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC), upon his retirement. prgtoken Born in New York City, Dr. Chong received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Welfare and Asian American Studies from the University of California, Berkeley before earning his Master in Public Administration degree from Harvard, and his Doctorate in Educational Administration, Leadership and Technology from Dowling College. prgtoken Dr. Chong has been committed to public service throughout his career. As special assistant to California Willie Brown, he developed legislation on higher education, mental health, small and minority business affairs, and local government issues. He later served in executive positions in multiple California colleges including president of Laney College in Oakland and Mission College in Santa Clara. Before his tenure at SRJC, he was appointed deputy assistant secretary for community colleges at the United States Department of Education. While there, Dr. Chong was responsible for shaping President 's community college agenda, working on the Trade Adjustment Assistance Act, and developing policies to support the President's college completion goals. prgtoken Dr. Chong has secured several key accomplishments at SRJC since the start of his tenure in 2012. He was a prominent leader of the 2014 campaign for Measure H, the largest voter-approved bond in Sonoma County's history. This $410 million investment in the college has fueled renovation efforts and the implementation of new technologies in SRJC's STEM education centers, sustainability projects, and athletic facilities. In 2020, he also helped drive the campaign for Measure O, a quarter-cent sales tax that has expanded mental health support for SRJC students and the greater population of Sonoma County. Now, under Dr. Chong's leadership, SRJC is nearing completion of its first on-campus student housing in decades which will have 352 new beds. Moreover, this project will reduce 7,575 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. Currently, SRJC holds the highest acceptance rate among all California community colleges for transfer students applying to University of California campuses. prgtoken Dr. Chong is a champion for diversity at SRJC. He is the first Asian- American and first person of color to serve as president and superintendent of the college. Dr. Chong has spearheaded numerous diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism, and accessibility initiatives. In addition, he oversaw the creation of the new Ethnic Studies department, of more inclusive hiring practices and of the SRJC Intercultural Center. In February 2019, SRJC was listed as one of the nation's ``Top 50 Community Colleges for Hispanics'' in The Hispanic Outlook on Education magazine. prgtoken Dr. Chong is a valuable resource and mentor to many higher education
PROTECT OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT WITH IMMIGRATION CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2023
Pramila Jayapal (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2023-5-17

. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 2494. Once again, the majority has put forward an extreme and unworkable piece of legislation. No one condones serious assaults against law enforcement officers. However, H.R. 2494 goes well beyond serious crimes to include minor offenses and would even allow people to be deported without an arrest, let alone a conviction. prgtoken We hear a lot about the border from my colleagues, but let's remember that this bill has absolutely nothing to do with the border or with undocumented immigrants. All this bill does is add a new way for people who are living here lawfully in the United States to be deported. Most importantly, we are talking about the ability to deport lawful, permanent residents, people with green cards. prgtoken My colleagues like to say that they support legal immigration, that these immigrants did things the ``right way.'' Do we really want to be deporting people with lawful status, many of whom are eligible to apply for citizenship for low-level offenses without a conviction, without due process, without a day in court? prgtoken Let's remember that convictions for serious assaults on law enforcement are already offenses that make someone deportable under current law. Our immigration laws can be very unforgiving and many times capture actions that we do not intend to include. prgtoken Under current law, if an individual is convicted of a crime of violence and sentenced to a year or more in prison, that is an aggravated felony and that person is deportable. The same is true for someone who is convicted of what is called a crime involving moral turpitude, where the crime is punishable by imprisonment of 1 year or more. prgtoken Both of these deportability grounds are already invoked when someone is convicted of a serious, intentional assault on a law enforcement officer, where bodily injury occurs or is intended. Under this bill, no conviction is required at all. Merely committing the ``essential elements'' of an assault makes someone deportable. Who is to say what an essential element is? This bill certainly doesn't define it. prgtoken I just want to give a couple more examples to what the ranking member already gave of what could happen under this bill and the unintended consequences of not requiring a conviction. prgtoken Let's say someone gets a parking ticket. They are upset about getting a parking ticket. They crumple up the ticket, they throw it on the ground, and it lands in front of the feet of a police officer. That would actually be considered assault. prgtoken Let's say an EMT is on the scene of an accident and they are going to give someone medical care, but that person is in the throes of having just been in a serious situation, they are afraid, they have pushed the hand of that EMT away, and it seems like they are pushing that person away. That action would be an assault against a law enforcement officer, a deportable
DANGER OF DEFAULT ON AMERICA
Melanie A. Stansbury (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2023-5-17

. Madam , I stand before you today to defend the very survival of New Mexicans; families like my own, working families, who work hard every single day and still struggle to make ends meet, who still struggle to put food on the table, and who still struggle to put a roof over their head. These are families who depend on vital services and programs like mine that enabled me not only to survive but to go to school and to stand here today as your Congresswoman. prgtoken These programs save lives, and yet the GOP is attempting to hold the entire country, New Mexico, our families, and our economy hostage if we do not gut these vital, lifesaving programs or they will tank the economy to achieve their political ends. prgtoken In return for upholding the full faith and credit of the United States and paying our bills as a Nation, right now s are demanding that we cut funding for food, for housing, for Tribal programs, for education, and for countless other lifesaving programs that our families depend on. prgtoken I am here today with my colleagues from the Progressive Caucus to say that we will stand and we will defend these programs because our families' lives are not bargaining chips in this crusade to cut government programs and services. Their lives and dignity matter. prgtoken Just 2 weeks ago, I was home in our community and stood with members of our community at the Albuquerque Healthcare for the Homeless memorial wall. This wall is covered with tiles with names of members of our community who have been lost to homelessness: mothers, grandmothers, fathers, children, aunties, and uncles. These are people who were loved and people who were lost. They are people whose lives mattered in our community and were lost to the senseless impact of homelessness. prgtoken Make no mistake, Madam . The programs that the GOP is currently proposing to slash will impact thousands of New Mexicans who are currently facing housing insecurity and millions of lives across this country, gutting programs around housing and food insecurity. prgtoken These are families who could face eviction from their homes because they no longer have support. This includes families with children, our elders, veterans, and those with disabilities. This is not only wrong, it is immoral because housing is not a luxury. Housing is a fundamental human right. prgtoken I also cannot believe that I am standing here today in defense of veterans' programs as well because the GOP is currently proposing to cut our veterans' programs by double digits. These are programs that serve our heroes who have dedicated their lives and put their lives on the front line in the defense of our country, our national security, and the freedoms that all of us enjoy. prgtoken We not only have a sacred obligation to help and preserve those programs, but to ensure that the countless veterans who have already served our country can access the care that they deserve. prgtoken Th
RECOGNIZING THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF MILLETS
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2023-5-17

I want to commend the United Nations for declaring 2023 as the International Year of Millets. As the Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Appropriations Committee, I know first-hand the importance of finding a nutritional staple that has the potential of addressing both climate change and food insecurity in the near future. prgtoken This ancient crop is a staple of food in India, where it is often used in porridges and as rice substitutes, or as flour to make flatbreads and other baked goods. prgtoken Millets are known for being rich in dietary fiber as well as in potassium and protein. In fact, regular consumption of millets can reduce the risk of diabetes and obesity, improve cholesterol levels, and lower the risk of heart disease. prgtoken Millets also can be grown on lands poor in soil quality and lacking in irrigation, which make them invaluable in addressing food insecurity across the globe. They use 70 percent less water than rice; grow in half the time of wheat; and need 40 percent less energy in processing. They are so hardy that they can even withstand temperatures up to 50 degrees Celsius. prgtoken India has been a leader in the production, consumption, and promotion of millets. In fact, India is the largest producer of millets and one of the world's biggest exporters of this traditional staple of Indian cooking. prgtoken Not that long ago, the consumption of millets in India waned as wheat and rice took precedence. Now it is making a comeback as people in India and across the world recognize its nutritional and environmental value. prgtoken Again, I want to thank the United Nations and the Government of India for taking up this important issue.
NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
Chris Pappas (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2023-5-17

. Madam , this week is National Police Week, and we recognize the bravery of our law enforcement officers and honor the lives of those tragically lost in the line of duty. prgtoken Whether they are keeping deadly drugs off our streets, combating crime in our communities, or acting as emergency responders, our local police do lifesaving work each and every day. They have been asked to do more with less, often taking on additional responsibilities without additional resources. prgtoken In my district, I recently toured the local police department which currently operates out of an attic because they lack the funds to upgrade their facilities. Other departments struggle to recruit and retain officers and upgrade aging equipment. This is unacceptable. Congress must step in to invest in our local departments. prgtoken We have to deliver sufficient funding to our local law enforcement that will ensure they can do their jobs keeping our communities safe. prgtoken I am grateful for the brave men and women of law enforcement who put on the uniform to serve and protect, and I am thankful for their family members who serve alongside them.
Introductory Statement on S. 1658
Cory A. Booker (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-5-17

less than a mile from where we are right now--just a 15-minute walk away--are two curving, blue-gray limestone walls about 304 feet long. They curve their way through the center of Judiciary Square, under the shadow of neatly organized trees, adjacent to the National Law Enforcement Museum. Built and dedicated in 1991, these walls were inscribed with nearly 12,000 names at the time they were built. prgtoken Each year since then, more names have been added. In fact, just this weekend, families, loved ones--Americans of all backgrounds, Americans of all beliefs, a tapestry of our humanity--gathered under the night sky for a candlelight vigil; and very solemnly, additional names were read aloud and inscribed into that limestone, adding, once again, to the total. prgtoken These are hallowed names, engraved into those walls and etched forever into our Nation's memory. These are names that belong to our fallen heroes. The names are of brave, loyal, patriotic law enforcement officers--our great citizens--who answered the call, who sacrificed for their communities. prgtoken No greater love hath a man than this, than to give his life for his friends, for his Nation. prgtoken These were men and women who knew, every day when they suited up, that they could face danger, potentially even the ultimate call. They are the names of police officers who had tragedy visited upon them and their families and their loved ones. They are also police officers who took their own lives. They are the names of officers who fell to COVID--officers who, in the midst of the pandemic and when we were sheltering in place, were out doing their duty. prgtoken Each one of these names is a son. Each one of these people is a daughter. They are husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, friends and colleagues. They are parents who have perished. In short, they are the names of public servants--of men and women--who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. prgtoken It pains me to say that I am familiar with some of these names listed on the walls. I am familiar from my time as mayor when I oversaw a city, including a mighty police department. I remember vividly those times when I would receive that call that one of our officers had been injured in the line of duty or had been shot or, in two cases, when they were tragically killed. I remember those phone calls. I remember the visits with loved ones, with their fellow officers, with friends. I remember the pain and the hurt and the agony. I remember the eulogies and the funerals--the grief that lingers still. I remember the families and communities shattered then and still feeling the loss now. prgtoken It first happened in March of 2007, just months after I had become mayor. Sergeant Tommaso Popolizio was the youngest of seven siblings. He was an avid paintball player and a loyal son of Newark. His family had immigrated from Italy back in the sixties and had settled in the cit
Unanimous Consent Request--Executive Calendar (Executive Session)
Jacky Rosen (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2023-5-17

I want to express how deeply concerned I am about the senior Senator from Alabama's blockade of senior military promotions, which threatens to leave hundreds of nonpolitical, routine military positions unfilled, all because he wants to repeal the Department of Defense's policy that allows servicemembers to be able to seek and travel for reproductive care. prgtoken This is a move that risks our national security in order to rob our servicemembers of their ability to make their own family planning decisions, servicemembers who, frankly, are sacrificing so much to keep our country safe. prgtoken So failure--failure--to fill these positions poses a risk to our Nation's military readiness and our ability to ensure that these critical roles are filled with the personnel that we need. prgtoken Don't just take my word for it. Seven--seven--former Secretaries of Defense from both ic and administrations have voiced their concern and opposition to these holds. prgtoken Secretary Austin and General Milley have also repeatedly stated that these delays pose a clear risk--a clear risk--to America's military readiness. prgtoken In a moment, I will be asking the Senate to confirm by unanimous consent Calendar No. 110. Included in this batch of 23 routine military promotions is the current vice commander of the Air Force Warfare Center at Nellis Air Force Base. This is the home of our Air Force fighter pilots right in Nevada, where America's air combat tactics are developed, where they are refined, and where they are perfected to ensure that we keep pace with current and emerging threats. prgtoken Training and instruction take place right at the Nevada Test and Training Range, which provides the largest air and ground military training space in the continental United States for testing and evaluation of weapons systems and advanced air combat training. prgtoken Because of one Senator's anti-choice blockade, the vice commander of the Air Force Warfare Center in my great State of Nevada, which oversees more than 13,000 military and civilian personnel, is unable to receive the promotion and the pay increase that he deserves. He is unable to transition to his next duty assignment, and his replacement is unable to assume their duties and move their family to Las Vegas. prgtoken This hurts military families. This hurts Nevada. This hurts the United States of America. prgtoken We will also experience several high-ranking vacancies that are going to be left open because of this senseless blockade, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, the top leaders of the Army, Marine Corps, and Navy, and even the commander of U.S. Cyber Command. prgtoken We have a responsibility to keep our Nation safe, to protect our homeland and our troops all around the world. That begins by making sure that we have the appropriate professionals in top positions to lead our servicemembers. Nothing--I repeat, nothing--could be more