mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
President Biden's Budget (Executive Calendar)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-3-11

today, President released his budget for fiscal year 2025. President 's budget can be summarized in three words: bold, optimistic, responsible. prgtoken President 's budget highlights the sharp contrast between the ' positive, proactive vision and the s' negative, regressive vision for our country. prgtoken are focused on growing the economy in a responsible way, while making smart investments in the American people and our future. That is why a centerpiece of President 's budget focuses on creating opportunity for working Americans by ending the reckless -era tax scam, which overwhelmingly cut taxes for the wealthiest few and large corporations and added trillions to the national debt. prgtoken It was recently confirmed that the tax law did not pay for itself, as we heard over and over again from our colleagues. know that we can and must do better. prgtoken As the President pointed out during his State of the Union Address last week, a fair Tax Code is how we can better invest in things like healthcare, education, and economic opportunity for more Americans. President 's tax scam proved everything but fair. It rewarded the wealthy and well-connected, while leaving working families with the tab. prgtoken Time has shown that this tax scam was a dud for our economy and a political loser for the Party because the American people saw it for what it was. prgtoken s also talk a big game about lowering the deficit, but President 's budget actually proposes measures to do it. It proposes measures to reduce the deficit by nearly $3 trillion over the next decade. prgtoken That budget will help improve the solvency of vital programs like Medicare and Social Security, which tens of millions of Americans rely on every single day. prgtoken It will reinstate the child tax credit we passed in the American Rescue Plan, which greatly reduced child poverty before expiring. prgtoken That is not all. President 's budget builds on the progress have made to help grow America from the middle out and the bottom up. From the infrastructure law, to the CHIPS and Science Act, to the Inflation Reduction Act, to the PACT Act, and more, made a lot of good investments that are already paying off for the American people. Inflation is cooling down. Manufacturing is surging. Consumer sentiment is growing. The cost of insulin and other drugs prgtoken is falling. We have created a record 15 million new jobs since President took office. President 's budget will help ensure we continue to make good on the investments from our agenda and build an economy that works for everyone. prgtoken Here is the bottom line: President 's budget shows there are two clear choices for America's future and highlights ' vision for a better America. prgtoken want to keep taxes low for
CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS
Jonathan L. Jackson (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-3-11

. Madam , I thank my honorable colleague from the great State of Florida (Mrs. Cherfilus-McCormick). prgtoken I thank the Honorable Frederica Wilson for her outstanding work. I thank my honorable friend from the great State of New Jersey (Mr. Payne) for his consistency and caring for this truly significant cause. prgtoken Madam , tonight, as we gather to discuss what is, for me, a most important area of concern, I am reminded of how overdue and necessary the concern for Black men in this Chamber happens to be. prgtoken If it is true that Black women are the most marginalized, overlooked, and economically oppressed group in America, then it is the case that Black men are, without question, the most criminalized and misunderstood. prgtoken No other community in America has had to deal with the detrimental effects of the prison industrial complex as Black men have. prgtoken Let me remind my colleagues that one in three African-American children, boys born after the year 2001, will spend time in prison over the course of their lifetime in America. prgtoken It is still the case that 1 in 230 Black boys are detained in juvenile facilities across this country. It is still the case that 1 in 1,000 Black boys will die at the hands of the police in our country. It is still the case that one in three Black children live in poverty. prgtoken The vulnerabilities abound. The misunderstandings amalgamate. The suffering continues. There is simply no other group in America more commodified and policed than the bodies and souls of young Black men. prgtoken Yet, compared to almost any other group, Black men have been some of the most dedicated devotees to the principles of America. Black men have fought and died in every war this country has ever had. From the Revolutionary War in 1776 to the war in Afghanistan, Black men have stood up for what it means to be an American. Black men have died on the beaches of Normandy and in the killing fields of Vietnam. Black men gave their lives in Korea and in both World War I and II. prgtoken Let us not forget the recent deaths of three U.S. Army Reserve soldiers, men and women who were killed in Jordan near the Syrian border. prgtoken Most of the time, when Black men were dying for America, America was about the business of denying them both their humanity and their rights. For most of the 248 years of this country, the relationship between Black men and America has been one of unrequited love. prgtoken When Black men stood up for American independence, America persisted in keeping Black men in slavery and counted them as three-fifths of a person. prgtoken When Black men fought for the western expansion of this country, America rewarded Black men by then denying them 40 acres and a mule and access to the homestead grants. prgtoken When America went off to war in Europe to fight for liberation of England and France against the demonic assault of Hitler and the Nazis, Black men fought for the liberatio
PUBLIC BUILDINGS ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2023
Steve Cohen (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2024-3-11

. Madam , I thank the gentleman. prgtoken Madam , in closing, we support the bill. Information and data are essential for Congress to conduct proper oversight of the agencies under its jurisdiction, even those peripheral to its jurisdiction like the Capital One Arena. prgtoken Madam , this bill will provide Congress with information needed in its oversight of the General Services Administration. I support it, and .
MALPHINE FOGEL AND MARC FOGEL
Robert P. Casey, Jr. (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2024-3-11

I would like to talk about two Pennsylvanians, Malphine Fogel and Marc Fogel. Today, Malphine turned 95 in her Butler, PA, home. She has lived a long and fulfilling life, with a successful career and a loving family. But today, one key part of her life is missing: her son Marc. Vladimir Putin has held Marc as a political pawn for more than 30 months on extreme charges for bringing into Russia less than an ounce of doctor-prescribed medical marijuana to treat his chronic pain. Instead of a nice dinner with Marc and his wife Jane at Malphine's house and the knowledge that they drove safely down Route 8 and the Turnpike back to their Oakmont home, Malphine will be lucky to get a timed call from Marc. Instead of the joy of celebrating her 95th birthday, Malphine woke up and spent her day with the stress of not knowing if she will ever be with her son again. prgtoken As Marc Fogel sits in prison after conviction by a kangaroo court, it is critical to highlight not only his plight and treatment by the Russians, but also those affected by it, like his 95-year-old mother. Malphine was born to Italian immigrants Guilliano and Celeste Andreassi on March 11, 1929, in Brady's Bend, PA, just west of Butler. Malphine was always a hard worker and earned valedictorian honors of the 1947 class at East Brady High School. She then worked for many years as a proofreader at the local paper, the Butler Eagle. In 1957, Malphine married Maurice ``Cubby'' Fogel. Seven years later, they had three thriving children--Mary Elise ``Lisa,'' Marc, and Anne--and Malphine had a bachelor's in economics from Grove City College. While raising her kids, Malphine continued to work periodically at the Butler Eagle and the local elementary school, later joining Nationwide Insurance Company. prgtoken All the while, Malphine devoted herself to her family and her community. Every Sunday for over 60 years, she has driven the half hour to Brady's Bend to visit the rest of her family; now, her sisters Lydia, Josephine, and Helen and her brother Silvio. In the midst of raising the family and still today, Malphine has tirelessly volunteered at her church to serve the needs of her local community. Malphine and her husband Cubby's marriage lasted a happy 57 years, until 2014, when Cubby passed away from cancer related to his asbestos exposure while serving in the Navy during the Korean war. Malphine and Cubby's three children all grew up to have successful and engaging careers and families. From meeting her and feeling the warmth of her home, I know why. At 95, Malphine is the proud grandmother of 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren and an aunt to 51 nieces and nephews. We can all learn a lot from Malphine about living a good life. I am thankful to her example for the 13 million Pennsylvanians across prgtoken the Commonwealth, even as she deals with unimaginable adversity. Given her absolute devotion to her family, it can be no surp
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2024-3-11

today I am introducing the Helping More Families Save Act with Senator Britt. This bipartisan legislation would help more families in HUD-assisted housing build savings and improve their financial security by creating a pilot program for Family Self- Sufficiency, FSS, universal escrow accounts. prgtoken The FSS Program was established under the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 to help low-income families boost savings and improve their professional, educational, and financial standing. In 2018, I worked with then-Senator Roy Blunt to expand the program to cover more households. Today, millions of public housing residents. Housing Choice Voucher Program participants, and residents of project-based rental assistance, PBRA, housing are eligible for FSS. prgtoken FSS provides two key tools for its participants. First, households work with FSS coordinators to develop long-term financial, professional, or educational goals. FSS coordinators also help connect participants with resources, training, and employment opportunities. Second, the program encourages FSS families to save by providing them with an interest-bearing escrow account. Participants who increase their incomes deposit a portion of their addditional earnings into their escrow account instead of paying higher rent, as is typically required under federally subsidized housing programs. Upon graduation from the FSS Program, families can use their escrowed savings to pay for job-related expenses, move to private market housing, buy a home, or save for the future. prgtoken After more than 30 years, FSS has become a proven financial independence program. Indeed, in 2021 27 percent of FSS graduates no longer needed Federal rental assistance within 1 year of leaving FSS, while 11 percent of graduates were ultimately able to purchase their own home, FSS graduates with prgtoken escrow savings, on average, had approximately $9,495 in their account upon leaving the program--a substantial sum for low-income families. prgtoken Despite the program's success and broad eligibility, program participation was effectively capped at about 70,000 enrollees in 2023 because there is simply not enough Federal funding for the required FSS corordinators. prgtoken The Helping More Families Save Act would help more Americans access the program by creating a anew universal escrow pilot. Under the bill, public housing agencies, PHAs, and PBRA property owners could offer a limited number of additional households escrow accounts identical to those under the current FSS Program without having to wait for an FSS coordinator to be funded by the Federal Government. Although PHAs and PBRA property owners would not be required to offer Coordinator services to these participants, we expect many will work to offer appropriate counseling and support on their own or with outside partners. Moreover, we expect that this pilot will show that those enrolled in the program will
ESTABLISHING AN EXPIRATION DATE OF CERTAIN COMMITTEE RESOLUTIONS WITH RESPECT TO LEASES OR PROJECTS
Scott Perry (Republican, PA) \u2014 2024-3-11

. Madam , the balance of my time. prgtoken I agree with the gentlewoman from Nevada that maybe it is not going to get a lot of press, but I think we both agree that it is simply good governing. Project proposals can grow stale, and if GSA fails to proceed on the authorization within 5 years, the agency should be required to resubmit the proposal. A lot of things can change in 5 years, and we have seen that. prgtoken H.R. 6316 would increase GSA's accountability to Congress and, more importantly, to the American people, ultimately aiding in our ability to conduct appropriate oversight of these leases and these projects. prgtoken Madam , I urge support of the bill, and .
RECOGNIZING THE DIKE-NEW HARTFORD WOLVERINES
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2024-3-11

it is no secret this U.S. Senator for Iowa loves history. And I love rooting for our Iowa student-athletes who put in the work at practices and in the off-season to play hard and walk off the court as champions, whether or not they win or lose the game that day. prgtoken Today, I would like to toot the horn for my hometown team and its victorious, history-making season. The Dike-New Hartford Wolverines won the 2A State basketball title at the Iowa Girls State High School Basketball Tournament in Des Moines on Saturday, March 2, 2024. Getting to play in the historic and storied annual Iowa Girls State High School Basketball tournament is a privilege sought by 7,500 basketball players across Iowa every year. This was the team's fourth consecutive State basketball title, and with it, the Dike-New Hartford Wolverines became the second program in State five-on-five history to take that crown four times in a row, 2021-2024. The Dike-New Hartford Wolverines now tie with the Ankeny Hawks who won four State titles from 2002-2005. A century earlier, Audubon took home the title 4 years in a row at the six-on-six tournament, 1921-1924. prgtoken In an interview after the Wolverine's four-peat State title, the leading scorer in the championship game, Payton Petersen summed up the victory with a hot tip to her teammates and community. ``We worked so hard to get where we are. Sometimes you take things for granted, but just knowing you put blood, sweat, and tears into this, we're working hard every day in practice and every summer. That's a testament to what our team is, how our coaches coach and our community.'' prgtoken March is Iowa History Month and National Women's Month, both fitting themes to honor the accomplishments of the Dike-New Hartford Wolverines. Over their career, Barbara and I had the chance to see the team play and enjoyed every minute of it. We congratulate the players, managers, trainers, coaches, cheerleaders, fans, and family members for their history-making season. It is a thrilling achievement that will bring these young student-athletes a lifetime of memories and lessons for years to come, from the pageantry of the tournament to the teamwork it takes to overcome obstacles, build confidence, and lead to succeed. prgtoken From the varsity starters to the bench players and fans in the stands, this was a team effort the entire community can take pride in celebrating. Congratulations to the coaches who devoted countless hours of time and preparation, led by head coach Bruce Dall and assistant coaches Matt Dove, Ashley Beninga, Craig Chapman, and Mandy Danner. Notably, Coach Dall has been named a finalist for the 2024 National High School Athletic Coaches Association Coach of the Year. To all the athletes on the roster, keep up the good work. #RollBlue: Players Abby Jensen, Addy Joslin, Autumn Meester, Izzy Norton, Jadyn Petersen, Josey Syhlman
TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY SALARY TRANSPARENCY ACT
Tim Burchett (Republican, TN) \u2014 2024-3-11

I thank the chairman for yielding. prgtoken , I rise in support of H.R. 4693, the Tennessee Valley Authority Salary Transparency Act. prgtoken The Tennessee Valley Authority controls a vital part of east Tennesseans' lives. It controls how they get energy, . If my constituents are going to rely on TVA every day, they deserve to know how TVA is spending its money. They deserve to know with certainty that TVA is doing right by them. prgtoken My first bill in Congress focused on transparency in TVA and, dadgummit, I have been proud to partner with my friend, Congressman Steve Cohen, on several bills over the past few years on that very issue. prgtoken This bill, the Tennessee Valley Authority Salary Transparency Act, would make sure the public has access to information about the salaries of employees at TVA. If government money flows into it, , we ought to know what they are paying and who they are paying. These are the GS-15 level or above. My constituents and all the Tennessee Valley should know exactly what the high earners at TVA are really making. prgtoken Transparency has been a problem for TVA in the past, but it has been getting better recently. I want to make sure that that pattern continues. This bill will help make that happen. prgtoken The Tennessee Valley Authority Salary Transparency Act will help Congress keep TVA accountable for how it pays its employees, which is an important part of preserving the public trust. prgtoken I thank my friend and colleague, Steve Cohen, for his hard work. When I think of Memphis, I think of barbecue, Stax Records, Elvis, Al Green, and Steve Cohen. I thank him for working with me on this bill, and I strongly encourage all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support it.
ILLICIT FENTANYL CROSSING OUR BORDER
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2024-3-11

last week during the State of the Union Address, the American people saw a campaign speech, not a plan to fix the economy that President 's failed policies has left in shambles. prgtoken In the first 2 years of his disastrous administration, President passed reckless spending bills that sent inflation soaring by 17 percent. prgtoken Today, a mother visiting the grocery store will find that the price of juice is up 30 percent, the cost of beef is up 10 percent, vegetables are up 5 percent, and the price of bread is up 3 percent. prgtoken Ultimately, these costs add up. Over the course of a year, the average American family is paying an additional $11,000 just to afford the basics that they need. Pennsylvanians cannot afford the government red tape in spending that has caused this runaway inflation. Pennsylvanians and all Americans certainly cannot afford the budget that President is proposing, which would only amount to yet another year of runaway spending. Surging Violent Crime
TRIBUTE TO MISSIE LAMBERT
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2024-3-11

I rise today to honor Missie Lambert, who has been a valuable member of my staff and an incredible resource for the people of Arkansas for more than 15 years. With her compassion, dedication and trademark southern charm, she has helped thousands of people and set a standard for constituent service. prgtoken Missie is a 1980 graduate of Decatur High School in Decatur, AL. She attended Auburn University, where she was a cheerleader and graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications. She first used her talents in the business world, nonprofit sector, and as a wonderful wife and mother. prgtoken In 2009, she joined my staff in the U.S. House of Representatives to take what she thought was a small, part-time job assisting with veterans' issues. Her tremendous compassion and organizational skills soon made her an invaluable constituent service representative. She worked to create partnerships with veterans' agencies and organizations, quickly becoming a subject matter expert and authority people across the State were eager to consult. prgtoken During her time working for the U.S. House and Senate, Missie has handled more than 7,000 cases to help veterans, servicemembers, and their families navigate difficult processes with the Federal Government. prgtoken As a caseworker, she is best known for her persistence, never taking ``no'' for an answer on behalf of a veteran and exhausting every option or resource available. Countless times, it has been her diligence that helped track down a lost record and made the difference for a veteran and their family. prgtoken In addition to handling a large caseload, Missie took on the challenge of leading my office's nomination process for young people applying to the U.S. military academies. She spent months each year making sure every candidate would get the best possible consideration. In addition, she provided leadership for the entire Arkansas congressional delegation to improve the process for these youth across the State. prgtoken Missie is a multi-talented person with a great singing voice, a green thumb, and the gift of hospitality as she shares her famous cooking with friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Her kindness and expertise helped change countless lives, comfort numerous families, and set a standard of excellence. Her friendship and counsel will be greatly missed. Although she is leaving us to be with her family in Alabama, Missie will always have a home in Arkansas.
Government Funding (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2024-3-11

on Friday, the Senate completed its work on annual appropriations for six major areas of the Federal Government: agriculture and rural development; commerce, justice, and science; energy and water development; interior and environment; military construction, veterans' affairs; and transportation, housing, and urban development. prgtoken The Senate's vote was a major milestone in a process our colleagues on the Appropriations Committee began the better part of a year ago. Thanks to Senator Collins and Senator Murray's commitment to operating in good faith and adhering as much as possible to regular order, a significant portion of the Federal Government's discretionary budget is complete. prgtoken As I mentioned last week, the agreement before the Senate includes a number of conservative accomplishments that Vice Chair Collins fought for upfront. I am especially pleased that it will advance priorities near and dear to the hearts of my fellow Kentuckians--from rural transportation to military readiness to stopping the flow of illegal drugs. prgtoken I am proud to represent three military installations in Kentucky that are vital to America's national defense strategy. And the bill the Senate passed last week will fund critical construction projects at each of them. It green-lights the construction of top-of-the-line training and operational capabilities at Fort Knox and Fort Campbell, both home to a number of our Nation's most storied Army units. And it resurrects resources from a National Guard training range in Greenville, KY, a long-overdue project that has fallen by the wayside for nearly two decades. prgtoken Hundreds of millions of dollars will also go toward helping rural Kentuckians and the rest of Middle America: urgent funding to overhaul aging roads, bridges, and river ports that hold back Main Street; investments for clean, reliable water infrastructure; funds to continue environmental cleanup efforts in Paducah; and resources to prgtoken expand broadband access to every corner of the Commonwealth. It also empowers law enforcement with new resources to combat the opioid crisis that has devastated my home State and remains a top killer of young Kentuckians. prgtoken So I was glad the Senate finished the job on a major portion of our government funding responsibilities, and I was especially proud to deliver on some of my fellow Kentuckians' top priorities.