mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PUBLIC SERVICE RECOGNITION WEEK
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2024-5-7

this week, we celebrate Public Service Recognition Week. Each year since 1985, this special week has been observed in honor of our Nation's public servants. Today, I would like to express my sincerest appreciation for the 20.2 million Federal, State, county, and local public servants in the United States of America. prgtoken Our country relies on the critical work of the everyday heroes in the public sector workforce, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for their steadfast service. From astronauts to astrophysicists, caseworkers to court clerks, detectives to doctors, servicemembers to superintendents, teachers to transit workers, America's public servants comprise one of our Nation's most critical and often maligned assets. Every American feels the impact of the crucial work public servants perform in all aspects of their lives. Thanks to first responders, servicemembers, social workers, and every public servant in between, over 330 million Americans can rest knowing their loved ones are protected, the rule of law is respected, and that the public sector is here to make their lives more effective. prgtoken The talented public servants who tirelessly work to improve our Nation and the lives of the people who comprise it are amongst the bravest and most honorable individuals on the globe. prgtoken On their first day of school, our children are entrusted to the teachers who provide them an educational foundation to guide them throughout their lives. When a novel disease impacts our communities, it is researchers who innovate and pursue medical solutions, as our doctors, nurses, and EMTs care for patients on the frontlines. It is our postal workers who deliver critical checks, medication, and information to our veterans and seniors who await the arrival of benefits they have earned. prgtoken America's public servants demonstrate their commitment to their communities in a diverse set of essential roles. What all members of the public sector workforce have in common, though, is their motivation to help our Nation progress and prosper. prgtoken The public sector workforce--particularly at the Federal level--have a sense of duty and a love of their community and country that compel them. So many public servants could earn higher salaries in private sector jobs, but their motivation is more than pecuniary gain. prgtoken At the heart of the U.S. Government are civil servants, individuals who are classified as nonpartisan career Federal employees. These public servants are not committed to a particular ideology or political figure in their official capacity. In recent years, however, these folks have faced threats to their civil service status at the hands of the very partisan influence they are supposed to be protected from. prgtoken Civil servants elect to work for the American people first, and they deserve the opportunity to carry out their service without fear of being relieved of duties or retaliatio
TRIBUTE TO GAIL CRAWFORD--CALIFORNIA'S 24TH CONGRESSIONAL WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Salud O. Carbajal (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-5-7

each year, through the Women of the Year Award, my office extends special recognition to women on the Central Coast who have made a difference in our community. I would like to recognize one outstanding Women of the Year Award recipient, Gail Crawford of San Luis Obispo, California. prgtoken For Gail, service to others is not just a profession--it's a way of life. Not only has she spent over two decades valuing our beloved veterans as a Commander in the United States Navy Nurse Corps, she's also successfully raised two children as a single mother while serving non-profits caring for homeless dogs and cats. As evidence of the profound impact on those she's cared for, many families have named their babies after her. prgtoken One of her most enduring moments was when she served Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, a renowned Level I Trauma Center. Gail's expertise spanned critical care units such as burn and trauma, neuro, thoracic ICU, and the Emergency Department. She was notably on duty during the Boston Marathon bombing, when her unwavering courage and compassion healed the course of many lives for the better. prgtoken Now residing in San Luis Obispo, Gail continues her legacy of service with unyielding devotion. In her role at the San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Collaborative and the Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum, Gail's expertise and tireless work ethic are invaluable assets. Her vigorous efforts have transformed the landscape of veteran support in our community. At the San Luis Obispo Elks Lodge, she orchestrates a multitude of veteran dinners, fundraisers, and events. Gail consistently draws widespread participation and support. Her visionary leadership led to the creation of the Veterans Services Collaborative, a pivotal hub of over 60 agencies providing essential assistance to more than 1,000 veterans. Gail's commitment to veterans also extends to supporting the Para Olympic Surfing Championship in Pismo Beach demonstrating inclusivity for all. Her instrumental role in major projects, including ``The Wall That Heals'' and Anglers' Anonymous fishing trips for veterans, further exemplifies her profound impact on the veteran community. prgtoken Gail's belief in serving everyone extends to animals, as she volunteers at Woods Humane Society, a local nonprofit dedicated to the human care of homeless dogs and cats. Their work relies on the dedication of volunteers such as Gail. Amongst her peers, she is often referred to as a ``humble servant'' whose devotion transcends all boundaries. Gail's relentless commitment and tireless efforts exemplify the qualities of a true Woman of the Year. prgtoken In honoring Gail Crawford's remarkable achievements, we celebrate her enduring legacy of service, which continues to uplift and inspire lives in the 24th District and beyond.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2024-5-8

I rise today to talk about a great win for the American people and for America's energy future. I want to start by saying something that I know Vladimir Putin is going hate to hear, and that is that Russia's choke hold on America's uranium supply is coming to an end. Putin's war machine has now lost one of its cash cows. America is finally starting to take back our nuclear energy security as well as our energy future. prgtoken Last week, this body unanimously passed legislation that I sponsored--bipartisan legislation--to ban the import of Russian uranium. It will soon become law. This victory is tremendous and transformative, and it is truly bipartisan. prgtoken I am very grateful for Senator Manchin, Senator Risch, Senator Lummis, Senator Heinrich, Senator Coons, and Senator Marshall for their critical work in helping get this bill into law. I also want to thank House Energy and Commerce Chairman Cathy McMorris Rodgers. Together, we all worked to make America safer as well as more prosperous. prgtoken I am especially pleased because my home State of Wyoming has world- class uranium resources. prgtoken For years, Russia has used its nuclear monopoly to flood the market with uranium. Russia's monopoly could do so only because it owned, ran, and manipulated the entire situation and had it done by the Russian Government. Putin tried to corner the global market. He used enriched uranium to enrich himself and to further his dangerous ambitions. prgtoken Russia has been undermining America's nuclear industry for decades. As a result, Putin now controls 50 percent of the world's enrichment capacity. prgtoken Today, he supplies 24 percent of America's enriched uranium. Putin's control is so vast that currently, today, the equivalent of 1 out of 20 homes in America is powered by uranium enriched by Russia. My legislation ensures that Americans will no longer count on Russia to turn on our lights. prgtoken Even worse, Putin uses the money from selling uranium to pay for his war efforts in Ukraine. For 2 years, America has unintentionally helped fund Russia's invasion of Ukraine. That is not how we stand up for democracy. America can't talk about stopping Vladimir Putin's march through Europe while also helping fund it. prgtoken When it comes to national security, actions matter more than words, and our allies want to see consistency. Banning the sale of Russian uranium in the United States shows Putin that the world is united against him. prgtoken With our legislation, Putin will lose $1 billion in revenue each and every year. By banning Russian uranium, we are striking a serious blow to Putin's war machine. prgtoken Perhaps what is most important about this legislation is what it does to boost America's energy. We are helping America become the global leader once again in nuclear energy. prgtoken I have spoken to leaders of many American nuclear utilities. What I hear constantly is that they are ready to transi
CONGRATULATING ADMIRAL JOHN AQUILINO
James C. Moylan (Republican, GU) \u2014 2024-5-8

as the Nation celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I proudly rise to recognize my community, the island of Guam. prgtoken Over 7,000 miles away from the U.S. mainland resides a proud community of Chamorros, Filipino Americans, Korean Americans, Micronesians, and an array of other ethnicities. We are a melting pot of different cultures and backgrounds united by our shared values and beliefs. prgtoken At the core of it all lies ``inafa maolek,'' which means ``restore harmony'' or ``make good.'' The concept of inafa maolek plays a significant role within our Asian-American and Pacific Islander community on Guam. This cultural value encourages community members to uplift one another, take care of each other, and work toward a common goal of unity and harmony. prgtoken As Guam's Representative in Congress, I am committed to ensuring that the voices and perspectives of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are heard on the national stage. prgtoken During this month, may we continue to pay tribute to the achievements and invaluable contributions of over 50 ethnic groups speaking more than 100 languages and dialects. Let us honor the rich diversity of cultures, traditions, and contributions that the AAPI community has woven into American history. prgtoken To my community back home and fellow islanders on the mainland, I extend my warmest wishes during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
EQUAL REPRESENTATION ACT
Jim Jordan (Republican, OH) \u2014 2024-5-8

if you went out on the street today and asked someone, almost anybody on the street, and said: Do you know that we do a Census every 10 years and we count up the number of people in the country, and do you think it is okay if we found out how many of these people are citizens? prgtoken That person would say: Well, yes, but aren't you already doing that. prgtoken That is what they would think. prgtoken All this bill says is: Let's count persons, like the Constitution says, but let's also find out how many are citizens because that is what should determine how congressional representation, how apportionment is done. prgtoken It is so darn simple. prgtoken By the way, to my good friend from Maryland on the other side, we ask all kinds of other questions on the Census anyway. prgtoken What is wrong with asking the fundamental question: Are you a citizen of this great country, the greatest country ever? prgtoken That is all this does, and that is an important number to get. It is important information to get when you are figuring out who is going to represent and how many congressional Members there will be from each of the respective States. prgtoken This couldn't be more simple. I don't know why they oppose it, but they always do. prgtoken , I urge a ``yes'' vote.
MINING REGULATORY CLARITY ACT OF 2024
Pete Stauber (Republican, MN) \u2014 2024-5-8

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken The disastrous results of the Rosemont decision will redirect the huge amounts of capital needed to mine domestically to countries like the ic Republic of the Congo and Indonesia. prgtoken When we choose this out-of-sight, out-of-mind mentality approach to prgtoken mining, development flows to other nations with significantly lower environmental and labor standards. Indonesia, for example, is currently the world's largest nickel producer and its dominance is only expected to grow in the coming years. prgtoken Indonesian mining is accomplished with sweeping deforestation and pollution, many of which are financed, again, by the Chinese Communist Party. These operations consistently ignore environmental impacts on local communities and leave the land far worse off than they found it. prgtoken On the other hand, American mines, like this mine project in Nevada, adhere to the best standards in the world and are committed to restoring the land after minerals are extracted. prgtoken In fact, again, mines are not even permitted until the Federal Government approves a full Mine Plan of Operations, which must include a robust plan and financial assurance for reclamation after the project is complete. prgtoken Madam , this is simple. Either we do it here or we let foreign adversarial nations take over. This is a strategic national security interest. prgtoken .
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2024-5-8

today, I come to the Senate floor to talk about my ongoing Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives oversight regarding the intentional misclassification of law enforcement positions--all of this costing the taxpayers tens of millions and dollars. prgtoken As my colleagues know, I have done a lot of ATF oversight work, dating back more than a decade. The - administration coverup in ``Fast and Furious'' is just one example. But, today, we don't need to go back to 2011. Today, we will start in January 2018. prgtoken According to emails provided to me by ATF whistleblowers, ATF leadership was notified in January 2018 that some non-law enforcement positions were misclassified as law enforcement. That misclassification cost taxpayers tens of millions of dollars because law enforcement gets paid more than non-law enforcement positions. prgtoken Specifically, in these ATF emails from January and June of 2018, whistleblowers alerted ATF officials that positions in the human resources division were misclassified. The positions were classified as law enforcement, but they performed no law enforcement duties. This is an example that I keep telling my colleagues we need to pay more attention to, information that comes from these patriotic people we call whistleblowers. prgtoken Accordingly, these positions were misclassified in violation of law. That is what oversight by Congress is all about: to make sure that the executive branch faithfully executes the laws according to the Constitution. prgtoken Emails from July 2019 show that whistleblowers contacted the Justice Management Division at the Department of Justice headquarters about these very problems. The whistleblowers informed the Justice Management Division that they notified ATF management of the misclassified positions and that ATF hadn't corrected this illegal conduct. Based on what whistleblowers have told my office, the Justice Department didn't even bother to get back to the whistleblowers. prgtoken Then, in July 2019, one whistleblower reported the matter to the Office of Special Counsel, and the other whistleblowers made their report to that same office April of 2020. prgtoken After the second whistleblower reported ATF's misconduct to the Office of Special Counsel, that office opened the claim for investigation in May of 2020. prgtoken On June 9, 2020, the Office of Special Counsel determined there was a substantial likelihood both whistleblowers' allegations disclosed violations of law, of rule, or regulation; a gross waste of funds; and gross mismanagement--once again, emphasizing tens of millions of dollars wasted here. The Office of Special Counsel referred the matter to the Attorney General for investigation. prgtoken Then, on November 2, 2020, the Office of Personnel Management partially suspended ATF's position classification authority. That office did so after preliminary findings from their investigation revealed th
SECURING GROWTH AND ROBUST LEADERSHIP IN AMERICAN AVIATION ACT-- Continued
James Lankford (Republican, OK) \u2014 2024-5-8

October 7, 2023, was almost 5 years to the day after the attack on the Tree of Life synagogue--almost 5 years to the day. Anti-Semitism has been on the rise around the world and unfortunately here in America. We are seeing it on college campuses. We are seeing it in conversations online. It is not new, it is old, but it is on the rise in a way that we have not seen in a long time in the United States. prgtoken In 2019, Senator Rosen and I launched the Senate Bipartisan Task Force for Combatting Anti-Semitism. We started that on the 1-year anniversary of the shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue. Our mission was pretty simple: We wanted to create a task force to be able to collaborate with law enforcement, Federal Agencies, State and local governments, educators, advocates, clergy--any stakeholders who wanted to be able to combat anti-Semitism with education, empowerment, and bringing communities together in conversation. prgtoken Our goal was to speak out with one voice about hate, to support legislative efforts to combat anti-Semitism, to promote Holocaust education, and to bring the issue of combatting anti-Semitism to the forefront of our national conversation and, quite frankly, international. prgtoken She and I have worked together to be able to contact other nations and their Parliaments on what we have seen as anti-Semitism in other countries, to be able to reach out to Ambassadors, but to also speak out on what we see here in the United States. That has not changed. prgtoken The State Department has offered this warning: History has shown that wherever anti-Semitism has gone unchecked, the persecution of others has been present or not far behind. Defeating anti-Semitism must be a cause of great importance not only for Jews, but for all people who value humanity and justice. prgtoken That is our own State Department. prgtoken So now what are we going do about what we are seeing on college campuses? Interestingly enough, people see this as a new thing just in the last 7 months. This has been on the rise on college campuses for quite a while. Many of us have been ringing that bell to say that there is something happening in the national conversation on our college campuses. prgtoken So let's find ways to be able to engage on this. Senator Rosen and I have a piece of legislation that is a compilation of multiple pieces that we have worked on for a very long time to be able to talk about anti-Semitism and to say there are specific ways that our Nation can get involved with this. prgtoken I have affirmed President in areas where we agree, and there are some areas that he has brought up in the task force that he has created on the executive level to take on anti-Semitism nationally. Some of those things have been actually executed and carried out, and some of them have not. prgtoken So we have continued to be able to nudge in ways that we thought were appropriat
SECURING GROWTH AND ROBUST LEADERSHIP IN AMERICAN AVIATION ACT-- Continued
Roger Marshall (Republican, KS) \u2014 2024-5-8

I rise today to ask this body for unanimous consent to call up and make pending our amendment to add the Credit Card Competition Act to the substitute amendment for the FAA reauthorization bill. prgtoken Kansans elected me to fight for them in Washington, to give them a voice at the highest levels of government. I humbly took this job and that responsibility seriously. For that reason, I stand here today to say that I will not fall in line and cower to the standard operating procedures up here that puts U.S. Senators in the backseat and blocks us from bringing our priorities--the priorities of the people--to the floor. prgtoken Kansans want their voices to be heard and not sidelined by DC lobbyists and special interest groups who are blocking and tackling our priorities behind the scenes. Every Senator in this Chamber should have the right to hear and vote on their amendments. Many of my colleagues and I welcome this debate. It is healthy. Let's have the debates. Let's take the hard votes. What is the harm? I ask everybody: What is the harm of these discussions of these debates and then letting the cards fall as they may with each vote? Each Senator deserves the opportunity to bring their amendments to the floor and make their case. prgtoken Back home, I crisscross Kansas, meeting with small businesses and owners across the State. And at every meeting, they look me in the eyes and they say they need some type of relief. The price of business is simply too high and unfair. Outrageous swipe fees from Wall Street and the Visa-Mastercard duopoly are pulling the rug out from under them, making it unaffordable to do business. Americans pay seven times more than our friends in the European Union do for the same swipe fee, four times more than our friends in Canada. prgtoken So we took these concerns to Washington, and we got to work. But I never could have imagined the uphill battle we would face up here to do the right thing, for doing what is best for hard-working Americans who are living paycheck to paycheck. prgtoken As a physician, once we diagnose a problem, we think the treatment should be quick. Our patients demand that quick turnaround. Once we figure out what is wrong: ``Here is the solution. Let's do it.'' I don't want our patients to wait any more longer than they have to. prgtoken But in Washington, I have learned and realized that, too often, we see the problem, but we sit on the solutions if they are not popular with the people who cut the biggest checks up here. For too long, the Visa-Mastercard duopolies use money and influence in Washington to turn politicians' eyes away from predatory swipe fees. Right now the Visa- Mastercard duopoly and four mega banks are robbing our American small businesses at the highest rate in the world with credit card swipe fees totaling over 90 billion--that is 90 with a ``b,'' billion--dollars each year. prgtoken These swipe fees are inflation multipliers
WE WERE PAYING ATTENTION ON OCTOBER 7
Ben Cline (Republican, VA) \u2014 2024-5-8

I rise today to recognize the Salem High School debate team for winning the 2024 Virginia High School League championship, the first in their history. prgtoken This historic win came after an impressive performance at James Madison University, where Salem's team showcased their unparalleled skill and determination against the Rock Ridge team, winning with a score of 21-13. prgtoken The team was led by Claire Rawlins and Kaylee Christley, whose unmatched skills in policy debate steered Salem to victory. Claire Rawlins has also etched her name in VHSL history by winning titles in both forensics, impromptu speaking, and a debate event in a single year. prgtoken In the VHSL competition, Rawlins and Christley went a combined 10 wins and 1 loss while winning the region, super region, and State championships. Their achievements, along with those of their teammates, propelled Salem to this prestigious State title. prgtoken I congratulate Salem High School on their State championship in debate and to the students, coaches, and everyone involved in this monumental achievement. Honoring WWII Veteran George Bailey