mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-7-25

I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of St. Clair County Community College, located in Port Huron, MI, along the banks of the St. Clair River. St. Clair County Community College serves Michigan's Blue Water Area as its primary center for affordable higher education. prgtoken St. Clair County Community College was first established in 1923 by the Michigan Board of Education. Originally named the Port Huron Junior College, its purpose was to provide accessible higher education options that met local community needs and contributed to Michigan's greater success and vitality. The college officially changed its name to St. Clair County Community College in 1967 but is more often know by the moniker ``SC4.'' prgtoken In the 100 years since its founding, St. Clair County Community College has grown to offer over more than 25 on-campus and online programs, as well as University Center partnerships that allow SC4 students to earn bachelor's and master's degrees on campus. While SC4's inaugural class numbered just 34 students, today, the college supports more than 5,000 students each year. With its main campus located in Port Huron and additional learning centers located in Harbor Beach, Algonac, Yale, Peck, and Croswell, St. Clair County Community College serves a large portion of Michigan's Thumb region. prgtoken The St. Clair County Community College occupies 29-acres in downtown Port Huron, placing students within the heart of the St. Clair Community. Through the provision of accessible and life-changing education, SC4 has added more than $137,700,000 to the economy of St. Clair County and employs 2,041 local community members. This number represents 1 of every 10 jobs within St. Clair County that are supported by the operations of St. Clair County Community College's faculty, staff, and students. In addition to providing prgtoken high quality student care, SC4 strives to support the taxpayers, local businesses, and community of St. Clair County by hosting athletic conferences, concerts, exhibits, and engaging St. Clair residents. Alumni of St. Clair County Community College work as leaders in education, healthcare, engineering, manufacturing, government, public safety, hospitality, design retail, and more and through their presence that enriches the St. Clair Community. prgtoken St. Clair County Community College has been an integral part of the St. Clair and Blue Water community for more than 100 years. As a Michigander and a proud representative of the Blue Water Area, I am honored to ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating this significant milestone for St. Clair County Community College, its staff, faculty, and students, as well as the entire St. Clair community. I wish St. Clair County Community College continued growth and prosperity in the years ahead.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Mazie K. Hirono (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2023-7-25

I rise to express my support and appreciation for Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su and all she is doing to uplift workers and businesses across our country. prgtoken Acting Secretary Su has been leading the Department of Labor for nearly 5 months. She previously served as Deputy Secretary of Labor. In both positions, she has shown her ability to bring people together-- labor and management--to resolve disputes. She did so to avert a freight railroad strike, and recently, as Acting Secretary, she helped avert a catastrophic strike at ports all across the west coast. Had major ports across our country come to a screeching halt, our country would have been subjected to massive supply chain disruptions, costing our economy billions of dollars. prgtoken As Gene Seroka, director of the Port of Los Angeles, put it, Julie was ``a constant and reassuring voice of reason that helped to keep both sides at the bargaining table and focused on resolution.'' prgtoken As she often does, Julie got the job done without fanfare or attention. She didn't ask for credit or recognition; she simply did the job. And that is what she has done throughout her career, whether while fighting for undocumented garment workers in California or helping the - administration create more than 13 million jobs. prgtoken Julie Su isn't a politician. She has dedicated her life to fighting for working people and leveling the playing field between labor and Big Business. She knows that the work of the Department of Labor isn't about her; it is about the millions of working people who keep our economy and our country moving forward. prgtoken Now, , when I first immigrated to this country, we just had one suitcase, and our first home was a boarding house where we shared a single bed sleeping sideways. prgtoken My mother's perseverance eventually enabled her to get a job at the Honolulu Advertiser, our local newspaper. And while the job was nonunion when she was first hired, my mother and her coworkers ultimately came together to form a union. It was then that Mom's pay increased, providing the stability that allowed our family to buy our very first home, and, literally, we entered the middle class. prgtoken Unions are critical at a time when economic disparity continues to grow. We are seeing a resurgence of labor organizing across our country. From Honolulu to Hollywood and far beyond, actors, writers, teamsters, and so many others are organizing to demand fair pay, decent treatment, and basic dignity. At a time like this, we need a Labor Secretary who can bring labor and management together. Julie Su is that person. prgtoken Julie has broad support from businesses and labor alike, garnering the endorsement of groups including the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Majority, the AFL-CIO, and dozens of labor unions across the country. Given her experience, her qualifications, and those endorsements, it
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF KAREN MANGINI
Mark DeSaulnier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-7-25

I rise today to honor the life and service of Karen Mangini. prgtoken Karen was born and raised in Concord, California, as a fourth- generation native of Contra Costa County. Throughout her life, Karen dedicated herself to serving the students and families of the East Bay. After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University at Hayward, she began her 43-year teaching career at St. Michael's Catholic School in Livermore. She later taught at Emma C. Smith School for 15 years in the Livermore School District while earning her California State Teaching Credential, her Master's Degree in education, and her Administrative Services Credential. prgtoken Following an accomplished teaching career, Karen began a new role as a school administrator. In 1986, she became the Dean of Students at Presentation High School in Berkeley. She went on to become the Principal of St. Cyril School in Oakland, and in 1990, became the Principal of St. Agnes School in Concord. prgtoken After retiring in 2010, Karen continued to serve her community as a devoted supporter of multiple charities, including the Office for Mission Advancement, Operation Smile Train. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and St. Bonaventure Church Food Pantry. prgtoken Sadly, Karen passed away at the age of 80 last month. She will be remembered by the community for her outstanding character, and I will personally remember her for being a delightful neighbor. Please join me in recognizing the life and service of Karen Mangini.
TRIBUTE TO BARBARA HOWELL--30TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Adam B. Schiff (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-7-25

I rise today as we pay special tribute to the contributions and sacrifices made by our nation's women during Women's History Month. It is an honor to pay homage to outstanding women who are making a difference in my Congressional District. I would like to recognize a remarkable woman, Barbara Howell of the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. prgtoken Born in Ogden, Utah, Barbara is the eldest of three children and the only daughter of the late Joyce and Clyde Howell. Due to her father's work obligations, the family moved quite often, living in Utah, Colorado, Nevada, and Minnesota. After graduating from high school in Minnesota, Barbara attended Brigham Young University in Utah, and earned a bachelor's degree in communications and marketing. While a student at the university, she served as an intern with Utah Easter Seals, which ignited her passion and interest in working for non-profit organizations. She went on to work for the organization in several states for seventeen years and later spent three years with the Greater Los Angeles Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as the organization's executive director. prgtoken In 2004, Ms. Howell joined the Burbank Temporary Aid Center (BTAC) as its executive director, and over the years has been instrumental in raising money to fund the renovation of BTAC. Immediately after assuming this position, Barbara enrolled in Leadership Burbank, an organization that offers a leadership training program for individuals who work or reside in the City of Burbank, which helped Barbara develop appreciation and a better understanding of the community. While at BTAC, she fulfilled a lifelong dream of continuing her education and pursued a master's degree in organizational leadership at Woodbury University, graduating in 2010. Expanding her knowledge has been especially important to Barbara when leading the organization through challenging years. prgtoken Dedicated to giving back to the community, Barbara served as a board member for Leadership Burbank, and held various leadership roles, including past president, in the Burbank Noon Rotary Club. She also served as treasurer for the Los Feliz Neighborhood Council. Ms. Howell has received several honors and awards including the Woman of the Year Award from the Zonta Club of Burbank Area and the Citizen of the Year award from the Burbank Association of REALTORS. prgtoken Barbara enjoys traveling and has visited Canada, England, France, Ireland, Iceland, Kazakhstan, Germany, Wales, Mexico, and Italy. She learned to play the piano at a young age, often accompanying her father when he would sing, and developed an appreciation for all types of music. Ms. Howell has sung with the Southern California Mormon Choir and plays the organ for her congregation. prgtoken I ask all Members to join me in honoring this exceptional, well- respected woman of California's 30th Congressional District, Barbara Howell.
MORNING BUSINESS
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2023-7-25

with regards to Rounds amendment No. 813 to S. 2226, the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act, I share the sponsor's national security concerns, especially in reference to the purchase of agricultural lands by companies affiliated with the People's Republic of China, and appreciate the sponsor's effort to improve review of these sales. However, I am also deeply concerned by issues that have been raised with respect to civil liberties and want to ensure that no one is discriminated against or viewed as a national security threat simply because of where they were born. prgtoken As written, the language seems to equate individuals from the specified countries as synonymous with their governments. Under this provision, if an individual with a valid visa, who has no connection to one of the governments listed, seeks to buy agricultural property above a certain threshold, the U.S. Government would deny them the ability to proceed with the purchase simply because of their national origin. While the national security concerns this amendment seeks to address are real, we must not discriminate on individuals based on national origin, race, or ethnicity. prgtoken I voted in favor of my colleagues' amendment in order to continue the conversation on this important issue, but will not support any final provision that does not resolve these civil liberties concerns.
SATELLITE AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS STREAMLINING ACT
Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-7-25

I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 1338, the Satellite And Telecommunications Streamlining Act. I believe I am joined in this opposition by the chair of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, Mr. Lucas, and by the chair of the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, Mr. Babin. prgtoken , with complete respect to the chair and the ranking member on the Energy and Commerce Committee, if this bill were focused solely on regulating electromagnetic spectrum use and improving the spectrum licensing process in the United States, then this would be a very different speech. prgtoken Improving the Federal Communications Commission's licensing of spectrum is important. However, H.R. 1338 goes way beyond the FCC's spectrum mission. It would provide unprecedented authority to the FCC to issue rules on ``space safety and orbital debris.'' This is a serious problem and cause for deep concern. prgtoken Drafting such rules would only detract and divert attention and resources from the FCC's primary mission of assessing applications for spectrum, actions the bill seeks to strengthen. prgtoken The FCC does not have sufficient expertise to issue appropriate rules on space safety or orbital debris. prgtoken Further, Federal agencies engage in interagency coordination on orbital debris mitigation based on science and technical research led by NASA. prgtoken Rather than follow a cohesive and coordinated approach within the Federal Government, H.R. 1338 would give authority to the FCC to do its own thing and to act unilaterally without participating in the interagency coordination that is necessary to prevent a fragmented government approach toward space activities. On something as important as space safety and orbital debris, this is a troubling thought. prgtoken The issue of space safety and orbital debris is a pressing concern. The administration and stakeholders through two administrations have been coalescing around the Department of Commerce as the lead agency on space safety and related orbital debris activities in coordination with other Federal Government agencies. prgtoken Congress has appropriated funding for the Department of Commerce to advance civil space situational awareness and related orbital debris activities. This is a critical time for the U.S. commercial space industry. Clear and predictable roles, responsibilities, and regulatory frameworks from the Federal Government are needed. prgtoken Having the FCC regulate space safety and orbital debris mitigation would duplicate efforts and cause confusion, including for our partners, where the U.S. has led internationally. Rather than supporting the continuing growth and leadership of the U.S. in commercial space, and the interagency process within the Department of Commerce, H.R. 1338 risks undermining it. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''
ENDING GLOBAL HUNGER
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-7-25

on July 12, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, the FAO, released its annual assessment on the state of global food security. prgtoken This year's report, titled ``The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2023,'' confirmed that nearly 30 percent of humanity, or roughly 2.4 billion people, lacked access to adequate food in 2022. A greater number, 3.1 billion, were unable to afford a healthy diet. prgtoken The report paints a world where hundreds of millions of people face more precarious circumstances, deepened by the ravages of climate change, regional turmoil, and rising food costs. It describes how the recovery from the global coronavirus pandemic has been uneven and how the war in Ukraine has affected access to food, especially nutritious food. prgtoken Last year, UNICEF reported that 148 million children under the age of 5 were stunted, meaning that their inadequate diets impaired their growth. The FAO director general called this the ``new normal,'' where climate change, conflict, and economic instability are pushing those on the margins over the edge. prgtoken , as someone who believes food is a fundamental human right for everyone on this planet, I believe the American people can and should be proud of the leadership the United States has shown in addressing the global crisis. We have provided billions in aid to those most affected by droughts, natural disasters, violence, and conflict. We have literally saved millions of lives. prgtoken Our farmers have provided food--wheat, soy, corn, rice, beans, lentils, peas, and cooking oil--to those most in need around the world. Our peanut farmers and specialty processors have provided therapeutic foods for severely malnourished children. Our NGOs are on the ground in many of the most desperate regions of the world. They make sure that food is provided to those most in need and work with local communities to build resilience to survive future economic and extreme weather shocks. Yet, we must all do more. prgtoken I recently met with the new executive director of the World Food Programme, Cindy McCain. She took over the reins in April and is determined to strengthen efficiency and transparency at the WFP, to stretch every dollar and every food contribution to its maximum. She needs to make those donations stretch because she is facing an impossible task, too many crises, too many people in need, and not enough money. prgtoken The WFP has already been forced to cut food rations and the number of people it serves all over the world, including in places like Syria and Haiti. Unlike the U.S too many donors have yet to respond and too many nations like the Gulf states and the Middle East have failed to contribute their fair share. prgtoken The world cannot afford to stand by when heat waves, heavy rains, and flooding are wrecking crops and casting more uncertainty over the availability and cost of food. prgtoken I know that many fear
SOO LOCKS SECURITY AND ECONOMIC REPORTING ACT OF 2023
Jake Auchincloss (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-7-25

such time as I may consume. prgtoken I rise in support of H.R. 3399, which, like my bill that is also under suspension today, will help to ensure a safe and resilient American supply chain. prgtoken The Soo Locks, which are located on the St. Mary's River and connect Lake Superior to the rest of the Great Lakes system, facilitate the passage of 7,000 cargo ships per year. The locks connect the Great Lakes and are directly on the border with Canada, making them an important fixture for our national security. If something were to happen to the Soo Locks, 11 million jobs would be affected nationwide. prgtoken This bill directs the Department of Transportation to conduct a study on any domestic or international threats to the Soo Locks, as well as the economic effect of an operational failure. prgtoken This bill was reported out of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee unanimously on May 23 of this year because my colleagues understand that economic resilience and national security are intertwined. prgtoken A robust and resilient supply chain is the result of deliberate construction, maintenance, and operational security of locks, ports, waterways, roads, railways, and airports. prgtoken As proponents of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law understood, maintenance of and investment in our ports and waterways is paramount. That law provided $17 billion for ports and waterways, which will go a long way to ensuring the viability of infrastructure like the Soo Locks and maritime transportation in the Great Lakes. This bill builds upon the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law by understanding the vulnerabilities from a national security standpoint, and, thus, better protecting our investments. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and .
VOTE EXPLANATION
Amy Klobuchar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2023-7-25

had I been able to vote, I would have voted yea on the Kaine amendment No. 429 to require the advice and consent of the Senate or an act of Congress to suspend, terminate, or withdraw the United States from the North Atlantic Treaty and authorizing related litigation, and for other purposes. prgtoken I am a cosponsor for a similar bill, S.J. Res. 37, led by Senators Kaine and Rubio, which establishes a mechanism for the United States to exit the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO. Although the Constitution provides clear guidance on Congress's role in ratifying treaties, it does not say anything about Congress's role in approving or disapproving withdrawal from a treaty. I believe, together with Senator Kaine and Senator Rubio, that the NATO alliance is a foundational principle of U.S. national security, regardless of who is President, and the U.S. leadership role in the alliance should depend on more than the whims of any one administration.
TAIWAN INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY ACT
Gerald E. Connolly (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-7-25

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I echo the gentleman from Kentucky's fervent desire that we merit unanimous support for this piece of legislation. prgtoken I rise in support of the Taiwan International Solidarity Act which I authored with the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Curtis), my friend, to stand up for Taiwan's participation in international organizations against the backdrop of an ever-bellicose People's Republic of China. prgtoken Our bill responds to Beijing's aggression by strengthening the TAIPEI Act of 2019 to clarify that U.N. General Assembly Resolution 2758 does not--does not--preclude the United States from using its vote, voice, and influence to resist the reckless campaign against Taiwan's rightful place on the world stage. prgtoken The Taiwan International Solidarity Act amends the TAIPEI Act of 2019, a bill that passed by a unified bipartisan vote of 415-0. It instructs the U.S. to use its voice, vote, and influence to resist Beijing's efforts to distort the decisions, language, policies, or procedures of international organizations regarding Taiwan. It encourages the U.S. to work with allies and partners to oppose the People's Republic of China's efforts to undermine Taiwan's diplomatic relationships and partnerships globally. It expands reporting requirements to include information relating to any prior or ongoing attempts by the People's Republic of China to undermine Taiwan's participation in international organizations as well as its ties and relationships with other countries. prgtoken Over the past decade, the People's Republic of China has successfully weaponized a distorted interpretation of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, which recognized the People's Republic of China as China's representative to that body in 1971. prgtoken Since then, it is no secret that the People's Republic of China has leveraged its growing influence in the United Nations and international organizations to make sure that they could exclude Taiwan's meaningful participation in the international arena and preclude its technical and scientific expertise, as we saw in the pandemic, from which the world can benefit. prgtoken Delegates from Taiwan attended the World Health Assembly as nonvoting observers from 2009 to 2016, but in 2016, the PRC successfully bullied enough member states to rescind that invitation. prgtoken The denial of Taiwan's participation at the International Civil Aviation Organization poses a direct threat to aviation safety, and without member status at INTERPOL, Taiwan is denied access to crucial information that could be used to fight international criminal activity and, I might add, the drug trade we just talked about. prgtoken We face unprecedented health and security threats here in the United States and abroad, and Taiwan's distinct capabilities, public health expertise, democratic governance, and advanced technology underscore the need for this legislat