mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (Executive Session)
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2024-5-1

I rise today to discuss the bipartisan, bicameral agreement reached for a long-term Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization. You would know, as a member of our committee, that we have worked hard to bring the FAA aviation community together to make certain that we do not end up with a result of one more extension after extension after extension, and that we can provide some certainty for the FAA in fulfilling its mission. prgtoken When I became the ranking member of the Aviation Subcommittee, I stated the importance of passing a long-term reauthorization and pledged to work with Senators Duckworth, Cruz, and Cantwell, as well as my other colleagues on the Commerce Committee, to get a comprehensive agreement completed. prgtoken I want to thank the leaders of both the Senate Commerce Committee-- Senators Cantwell and Cruz--and the House Transportation Committee-- Congressman Graves and Congressman Larsen--for their months of work to get us to this point. I also want to thank my counterpart on the Aviation Subcommittee, the chairman of that subcommittee, Senator Duckworth of Illinois. She has been a pleasure to work with, with a commitment to aviation and experience to back up that desire to see success in this effort. prgtoken Multiyear reauthorization is vital for long-term planning and growth in the civil aviation industry, including the maintenance and modernization of aviation infrastructure and technology. Continuous short-term extensions are detrimental to the Agency, industry, and to the flying public. prgtoken This week and next week, Congress must come together to ensure our current extension of the Federal Aviation Administration, which is until May 10, will be our last--no more extensions. prgtoken Last October, the Senate recognized how critical the FAA is to the country prgtoken and evidenced that recognition by voting 98 to 0 to confirm Mike Whitaker as the FAA Administrator. prgtoken If the United States is to remain a leader in the aviation and aerospace domain, it is critical we provide the FAA with the resources and tools they require. prgtoken The aviation sector has seen close calls and near misses plague our Nation's air space, in addition to quality control concerns. Recent incidents indicate now--now more than ever--that our aviation system needs certainty and stability, and that is provided, in part, by a long-term authorization of Congress. prgtoken The original Senate legislation was drafted after eight committee and subcommittee hearings, and I am pleased that many of my priorities were included in this legislation. prgtoken Kansas will have an important role to play in advancing our aviation industry, including research and development and hypersonic flight and testing, as well as AAM and UAVs. prgtoken This legislation also includes my priorities to, one, bolster the aviation workforce, improve the FAA backlog, promote women in aviation, expand travel access for people
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.'S LETTER FROM BIRMINGHAM JAIL
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-5-1

today is May 1, which traditionally serves as college decision day--the deadline for prospective college students to confirm their enrollment and secure their spot for the upcoming semester. prgtoken Each of us knows that college decisions are not made lightly. Students consider various majors. They look at long-term job prospects and earning potential for their careers. At least we hope they are looking at that before they decide to pursue their studies. prgtoken As they look at schools, they also evaluate admission requirements, student resources, and the campus culture. But far and away, the most important factor for the majority of students is, how much will it cost? How much will it cost to receive a degree? As any student or parent who has been through this process will attest, it is not a cut- and-dry answer. I have been through it with both of my daughters and still have flashbacks occasionally from the experience. prgtoken Between scholarships and grants, the advertised sticker price versus the out-of-pocket cost can vary significantly. To cover the remaining balance, students have the option to take out prgtoken loans, participate in work-study programs, or take on a part-time job. Those decisions require even more consideration and planning. prgtoken For most students to understand or even begin to evaluate the true cost of college, they rely on something called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, as you have heard it called. Now, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, determines how much financial aid students can receive through loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. For millions of students, this information unlocked by the FAFSA is a deciding factor, so it is a critical factor in determining students' ability to be able to go to school. It is not just deciding which school is right for them; it is understanding whether college education is even feasible from a financial point of view. prgtoken But despite today being college decision day, many Texas students and other students all across the country are still waiting for their financial aid packages. They should have had this information weeks ago, even months ago, giving them the time to look at the range of their options and make an informed decision by May 1. Instead, enough students are still in limbo that many colleges and universities have been forced to postpone their admission decisions. But the fault doesn't lie with the students or the colleges but with, rather, the administration, which completely bungled the FAFSA process this year. prgtoken The administration rolled out a new FAFSA application that promised to simplify the notoriously complicated form. They claimed that the new-and-improved FAFSA would make it as easy as possible for families to get the help they need in order to plan for their education. As countless families in Texas and across the country can
ANTISEMITISM AWARENESS ACT OF 2023
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2024-5-1

America's colleges and universities are experiencing an explosion in anti-Semitism, including explicit support for terrorism. That these taxpayer-funded institutions have become forums for promoting terrorism is unacceptable. prgtoken Campus life has become a daily trial of intimidation and harassment for America's Jewish students. Two months ago, nine brave Jewish students described for the Education Committee how their schools have become hostile environments that include death threats and physical attacks. prgtoken At numerous schools, unlawful encampments now disrupt learning and endanger students. At Columbia, a campus rabbi warned Jewish students to leave campus. A Jewish Yale student was stabbed in the eye. The Antisemitism Awareness Act would provide a needed tool to help better determine anti-Semitic intent, which in turn would help ensure the safety of Jewish students. prgtoken I commend Representative Lawler for this bipartisan, bicameral bill, and I urge its passage.
CONGRATULATING SCOTTSBURG WARRIORS BOYS' BASKETBALL TEAM, CLASS 2A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS
Erin Houchin (Republican, IN) \u2014 2024-5-1

I rise today to congratulate the Brownstown Braves boys' basketball team for their outstanding victory in winning the Class 3A State championship this year. prgtoken Their successful season is a testament to their hard work and exceptional talents. The Brownstown community is undoubtedly beaming with pride for this achievement. What an exciting time to be part of Indiana basketball, especially southern Indiana basketball. prgtoken I commend the coaches, staff, and supporters who provided guidance and unwavering support to these young men. I congratulate the Braves basketball team once more. This is a victory they will never forget. May they continue to strive for greatness in all their future endeavors.
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.'S LETTER FROM BIRMINGHAM JAIL
Deb Fischer (Republican, NE) \u2014 2024-5-1

we have been hearing from my colleagues about the FAFSA fiasco, and I join them in expressing concern about it; telling you about some of the complaints that we have heard from Nebraskans; and, hopefully, draw more attention to this so that we can see it fixed. prgtoken This failed FAFSA launch: It was late. It was chock-full of glitches and complications. It threw a wrench in the plans of both students and universities. I know this not just because I have read the news but because my office has heard from these students and these schools. Both public and private universities in Nebraska, as well as local education nonprofits--they have reached out with their frustrations over this rollout and the chaos that it has caused. prgtoken High school seniors have a hard enough time making weighty decisions about their futures, but the FAFSA fiasco is multiplying the stress and the complications of that decision process. prgtoken One high school guidance counselor in Lexington, NE, said the FAFSA delay is creating barriers and curveballs for students who need those scholarships. prgtoken A counselor in North Platte said it is causing serious problems for her students as well. Students don't get the different scholarships they would like to have, and they're not getting enough money to pay for college. prgtoken Almost 18 million students across the country usually complete FAFSA in a typical year. This year, the number is only closer to 5 million. Millions less will get the financial aid they need to attend school because of the Department of Education's failed rollout. prgtoken So this is a national crisis, and it is not just affecting college applicants. It is affecting colleges themselves. The director of financial aid at Nebraska Wesleyan said the FAFSA problem is forcing them to condense what would normally be a 7-month financial aid process down to only 3 months. prgtoken The chancellor who oversees financial assistance at the University of Nebraska in Omaha said they are ``way behind.'' prgtoken Each additional blunder by the Department of Education puts them even further behind. He said they are going to have to adjust their decision, orientation, and onboarding processes all because of FAFSA. prgtoken So how did we get to this point? I would say, in short, it is due to political pandering. The Department of Education put FAFSA on the back burner because they wanted to prop up President 's splashy student loan cancellation scheme. prgtoken And we know all about that scheme in my State of Nebraska. Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers spearheaded the v. Nebraska Supreme Court challenge to the President's $400 billion student loan giveaway. The proposal was nonsensical, and it was deeply, deeply unfair. It forced American taxpayers to bear the burden of loans that they never took out. prgtoken Sources told the publication Inside Higher Ed that the Education Department ne
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.'S LETTER FROM BIRMINGHAM JAIL
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2024-5-1

I want to thank the Senator from West Virginia for arranging today's floor speeches focused on FAFSA. prgtoken Today is May 1, and it is national college decision day. Typically, this day is cause for celebration for students and families all across the United States. prgtoken Finalizing the next step after high school represents a huge milestone for young men and women and one that is earned by that late- night studying, participating in different extracurricular activities, and meticulously filling out applications, and oftentimes determined by a good old college road trip. Together, families will hop on the highway to find their future college or university, hopefully of that student's choosing. prgtoken This year, as folks embarked on this journey, little did they know that the administration would be putting up roadblocks. So, today, instead of celebrating college decision day, there are millions of young people waiting anxiously to hear from the Department of Education on whether they will be able to afford college. prgtoken The best way for college hopefuls to know what support they may receive comes from the free application for Federal student aid, which we call the FAFSA. prgtoken Due to incomplete planning measures and likely yielding to progressives' priorities, 's Department of Education released this year's FAFSA form 3 months late, drastically condensing the timeline for families to submit it. To this day, they still haven't fixed their fiasco, and the negative implications are like a five-car pileup. prgtoken Since the delayed January release of the new FAFSA form, I have been driving river to river across Iowa, hearing from students, from their parents, and from aid administrators and counselors on the impact of this disastrous rollout. prgtoken I recently met with Jennifer Holliday. Jennifer is a fellow farm kid and the current student body president of Iowa State University. prgtoken So go, Jennifer, and ``Go Clones!'' prgtoken She and her younger sister eagerly submitted their FAFSA forms as early as possible, but as of last week, Jennifer had still not received her estimated aid even though her sister received it months ago. Folks, we are talking about two kids from the same family. It doesn't make any sense. prgtoken During our conversation, Jennifer told me that she is scared to see how much her aid offer will decrease due to the Department penalizing farm families. Even though the new FAFSA formula was supposed to improve eligibility for aid, it has instead caused some farm families' expected contributions to skyrocket more than five times. prgtoken Sadly, these FAFSA fumbles are far too common under the administration. An exceptionally bright high schooler from Des Moines shared with me that while he hoped to have a traditional college experience living in a dorm at a 4-year university in Iowa, he still wasn't sure what his aid package would look like. Since he
CONGRATULATING PORT NECHES-GROVES FOOTBALL TEAM
Randy K. Weber, Sr. (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-5-1

I rise with a heart full of pride as we celebrate the remarkable achievement of our very own Port Neches- Groves football team for winning the 2023 5A State championship, the first State football title in 48 years. They have made Texas-14 proud. prgtoken I congratulate each of the football players. They displayed unwavering grit and Texas determination throughout the season, overcoming challenges with resilience that led to a State champ title. I congratulate Coach Jeff Joseph and the entire coaching staff for instilling discipline, strategy, and a winning mindset in every player. prgtoken I thank the students, faculty, and fans for representing our community with absolute honor and pride. This victory is not just for PN-G but for all of southeast Texas. prgtoken I congratulate the Indians. They deserve it. God bless the Port Neches-Groves Indians, and God bless Texas.
Energy (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2024-5-1

``Amid explosive demand, America is running out of power.'' That was the title of a Washington Post article this March highlighting some of the challenges facing our Nation's electric grid. Vast swaths of the United States are at risk of running short of power as electricity-hungry data centers and clean- technology factories proliferate around the country, leaving utilities and regulators grasping for credible plans to expand the nation's creaking power grid. prgtoken The state of our Nation's electric grid is becoming a matter for serious concern. Our grid has been weakened by increased demand and the move away from conventional energy sources, and we are rapidly approaching a situation in which there will not be sufficient electricity to keep up with demand. prgtoken And it is against this backdrop, against the backdrop of an aging, weakened grid struggling to meet even current needs that the President is attempting to force the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. prgtoken Last month--the same month in which the Post published its report on how America is running out of power--the administration finalized emissions rules for cars and light- and heavy-duty trucks that will have the practical effect of forcing car and truck companies to electrify a huge portion of their sales lots. prgtoken That will place incredible new demands on our power grid--demands that our grid is unlikely to be able to sustain. And to add insult to injury, at the same time that the President is preparing to place enormous new demands on our grid, he is also implementing regulations that will weaken our grid even further. prgtoken After endangering existing powerplants with its so-called ``Good Neighbor'' rule last year, last week, the administration issued new carbon capture and emissions regulations that will reduce the amount of electricity plants provide to the grid and almost, unquestionably, force coal-fired plants--which still, by the way, make an essential contribution to our Nation's electricity supply--it will force them to close. prgtoken If not overturned, these rules are likely to result in a gaping hole in the U.S. electricity supply, just as the President is forcing more Americans to turn to electricity to power their cars, not to mention the fact that they will saddle consumers and businesses with higher energy costs for less reliable energy. prgtoken When he is not trying to weaken our electric grid or force a move to electric vehicles that our grid cannot support, the President is taking aim at conventional energy production. prgtoken Less than 2 weeks ago, the administration announced that it would be prgtoken banning oil and gas development across more than half of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. prgtoken Well, think about that. Of course, it is not the first time the President has moved to restrict conventional energy development, but it was notable
RECOGNIZING CONGRESSIONAL PATRIOT AWARD RECIPIENT KYLE FRAZER
Pat Fallon (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-5-1

I rise today to recognize Mr. Kyle Frazer and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Kyle is currently a Major in the United States Army and served as my Defense Fellow from January 2023 to December 2023. With his help, we were able to include numerous provisions in the FY '24 National Defense Authorization Act to support our warfighters and ensure the United States remains the greatest fighting force the world has ever seen. prgtoken Kyle has an extensive military background as an infantry officer to include service with the 82nd Airborne Division. True to his Ranger Creed, he has continuously risen to the occasion during his service to include the new challenges he faced as a defense fellow. During his time with my office, Kyle was an essential element of our defense team and set the bar high for all future fellows. prgtoken Kyle's efforts will be felt throughout my district and the country, as he delivered critical safety upgrades for Army vehicles and helped me introduce legislation to ensure veterans receive the quality mental health care they deserve. I commend Kyle for his dedication to taking care of our servicemembers and veterans. I have no doubt that he will continue to excel as a member of the Army's House Legislative Liaison Division. I wish him continued success for many years to come. prgtoken It is an honor to bestow Kyle with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to our Nation and the people of North Texas.
RECOGNIZING SHEILA ARIAS IBUJES
Brittany Pettersen (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2024-5-1

I rise today to recognize Sheila Arias Ibujes for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. prgtoken Sheila has overcome many challenges along her journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Sheila, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Sheila's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Jefferson Jr./Sr. High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. prgtoken It is my honor to congratulate Sheila Arias Ibujes on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.
RECOGNIZING LIEUTENANT GENERAL A.C. ROPER
Terri A. Sewell (Democrat, AL) \u2014 2024-5-1

I rise to honor the award-winning small business owners in Alabama's Seventh Congressional District as we celebrate National Small Business Week. prgtoken Ms. Jackie Smith is the proud owner and operator of The Coffee Shoppe and Reflections in our hometown of Selma, Alabama. After leaving her job in 2011, Jackie bravely took on the risk of opening up her own small business, turning the site that once was a segregated diner into a beautiful coffee shop in the heart of downtown Selma. For 13 years, The Coffee Shoppe has provided a place for the community to come together, learn about Selma's history, and eat some great food. prgtoken Like any businessowner, Jackie has had her fair share of hardships. After the tornado of January 12, 2023, we saw her resilience, and thanks to an investment by the SBA, she was able to open her doors and continue The Coffee Shoppe's great legacy; and, in fact, she opened up another business, Reflections. prgtoken This week, Jackie's extraordinary entrepreneurship earned her national recognition as the Small Business Administration's 2024 Phoenix Award winner for outstanding disaster recovery efforts. We congratulate her on her outstanding achievements. prgtoken Today, I also recognize SBA's 2024 Small Business Persons of the Year in Alabama: Shanna Ullmann, Timothy Ullmann, and Robert Prescott of Transformation Partners, LLC in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. prgtoken Beginning in the year 2000, as a statewide training provider, their firm has grown tremendously over the past two decades. Today, they serve numerous clients in the field of higher education, government, military, and corporate America, offering consulting services and employee development programming. prgtoken Transformation Partners was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, but once again, thanks to the assistance of the SBA, the firm remained operational and weathered the storm. Now their efforts have earned them national recognition as SBA's 2024 National Small Business Persons of the Year for Alabama. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the outstanding entrepreneurship in Alabama's Seventh Congressional District. Congratulations to all of our winners. I wish them much success in the years ahead.
RECOGNIZING BISHOP ROBERT DELANO TAYLOR
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-5-1

today I want to recognize Bishop Robert Delano Taylor, of Glad Tidings Church in Detroit, as he is promoted as the Presiding Bishop of Southwest Michigan Agape Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. prgtoken Since 1987, Bishop Taylor has served as the pastor of Glad Tidings Church, where he has led his family in faith and spearheaded numerous programs in service to the community. He has launched initiatives to provide vital resources to children, youth, and families, as well as offering essential support to the homeless during winter months, as well as providing backpacks, free haircuts, and dental services during annual back-to-school rallies. prgtoken In his new role, Bishop Taylor undertakes the monumental task of overseeing a vast network of over fifty congregations. In addition to prgtoken his administrative duties, Bishop Taylor dedicates himself to nurturing and guiding the pastors within his jurisdiction, ensuring they are equipped with the requisite resources to foster their spiritual, emotional, and intellectual growth. His steadfast commitment to the betterment of others is evident in every aspect of his leadership. prgtoken The 12th Congressional District offers our congratulations and recognition of Bishop Robert Delano Taylor for his spiritual leadership and impact on our community.