mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RELATING TO A NATIONAL EMERGENCY DECLARED BY THE PRESIDENT ON MARCH 13, 2020
Mazie K. Hirono (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2023-3-29

as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and as chair of the Readiness Subcommittee, I rise today deeply opposed to the dangerous posturing of my colleague from Alabama in playing with our national security. That is what it is coming down to. prgtoken In the Senate, we have a long history of bipartisan support for our armed services and our servicemembers. What is not usual is for one Member of the Senate to put a hold on hundreds of nominees--let's face it--for political and ideological reasons. I don't know how else you would characterize his actions. prgtoken So while we may disagree about military policy--obviously, we do--we have always kept the readiness of our forces above politics. Now the Senator from Alabama is intentionally politicizing our military. The Senators can stand there all they want and say they are not politicizing. prgtoken Oh, really? I beg to differ. prgtoken The Senator is blocking numerous promotions simply because he is upset that the DOD is doing its part to protect our servicemembers and address their needs. Our servicemembers who are women have a need to access appropriate reproductive care. prgtoken Now, this wasn't an issue before because--guess what--we didn't have a Supreme Court that upended almost 50 years of a constitutional right that women in this country had. Why is this important? Because we never had a Dobbs decision before. But now we have, and that is what we have to live with. prgtoken Because of the Senator's reckless posturing and unyielding stance, the promotions of more than 160 flag officers--men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving our country--are already being delayed, and these delays pose a grave and growing threat to our national security and the readiness of our troops. In the next several months, we are set to consider the prgtoken nominations of nearly half--nearly half--of the members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, including the Chairman. prgtoken At a time when we face growing threats around the world, leaving these roles unfulfilled would have catastrophic consequences for our military and our national security. Just yesterday, Secretary Austin was before the Armed Services Committee, on which Senator Tuberville and I both sit. Secretary Austin told us that ``not approving the recommendations for promotions actually creates a ripple effect through the forces that makes us far less ready than we need to be.'' prgtoken What is worse is that this hold is all because the Department of Defense is allowing servicemembers to access reproductive healthcare-- something well within the Department's authority. As a result, as I mentioned, of the Supreme Court's disastrous Dobbs decision, nearly 80,000 women servicemembers--do you know what? If the Senator cares about recruiting and retaining servicemembers, how about wanting to retain and recruit female servicemembers? prgtoken So with this Dobbs decision, we now have 80,000
TRIBUTE TO BARB MALANY
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-3-29

in 1905, Paul P a Chicago attorney longing for a sense of community, formed the Rotary Club of Chicago. He envisioned an organization where local professionals could come together, share ideas, and form meaningful relationships. Today, what began as the Rotary Club of Chicago is now Rotary International, a community service organization of more than 1.2 million members with clubs on six continents. prgtoken Since 1943, Rotary International has selected up to 150 Rotarians each year as recipients of the Service Above Self Award, their highest individual honor for Rotary members. This award recognizes exceptional humanitarian service, with an emphasis on personal volunteer efforts to help and serve others. This year, Rotary International has selected an incredible teacher, businesswoman, humanitarian, and civic leader to receive its 2023 Service Above Self Award: central Illinois' own Barb Malany. prgtoken Born Barbara Bumgardner in Waco, TX, Barb's father served in the Air Force, which meant that Barb and her younger sister Sally never stayed at the same school for more than a few years. But through all of the moves and frequent change, Barb never neglected her studies. She began her college career in Munich, Germany, through an extension program through the University of Maryland. She finished her degree at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she studied English and German, and met LeGrand ``Lee'' Malany, a physics student, and now her loving husband of 58 years. After completing her undergraduate education, Barb earned her master's degree in special education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. prgtoken From there, Barb set out to fulfill her lifelong calling: improving the lives of children and young people by teaching English special education to high school students. To this day, Barb serves as a full- time substitute teacher in Springfield, IL. prgtoken Aside from teaching, Barb also was a successful small business owner. For two decades, Barb and Lee owned and operated Flowers LeGrand and Gifts in downtown Springfield. Her shop was even designated Small Business of the Year by the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. But her service to Springfield went far beyond flowers and gifts. Barb was a founding member and president of Downtown Springfield, Inc a Main Street organization that helped spearhead the redevelopment of Springfield in the 1990s. prgtoken Barb's efforts earned her a commendation from the mayor of Springfield ``for public-spirited and praiseworthy endeavors.'' And Barb never strayed too far from her lifelong commitment to helping young people. She used her business to extend internship and mentorship opportunities to young people, an effort that earned her Supervisor of the Year by Springfield School District 186. prgtoken Barb also has helped foster an enduring relationship between Springfield and Ukraine. Over the years, Barb has
COMMEMORATING VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY
Susan Wild (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2023-3-29

I rise today, March 29, to commemorate Vietnam War Veterans Day and honor those who served in this conflict. prgtoken We acknowledge and deeply appreciate the sacrifices made by our brave soldiers, their families, and the communities that supported them. prgtoken We also need to make sure that we honor our POW-MIA Gold Star families who lost their loved ones or still endure the uncertainty of their fate during the war. prgtoken In addition to representing a large community of Vietnam vets, I have the distinct honor of having a Gold Star daughter, Maureen Hickman Caporaso, serve in my office. Her father, United States Air Force Captain Vincent J. Hickman, is one of the 1,553 servicemembers still unaccounted for to this day. prgtoken We must never forget the sacrifices of these families, and we must do everything in our power to continue searching and bring closure to those who still wait for their loved ones to return. prgtoken Why keep searching after all these years? Because you never leave a fallen American behind. prgtoken To the veterans of the Vietnam war, we offer a long-overdue welcome home. We honor your courage and your commitment to our country, and we thank you for your unwavering dedication to defending our freedom. prgtoken Today, let us recognize the immense sacrifices made by our servicemembers, their families, and the entire Nation during the Vietnam war.
ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2023
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-3-29

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 30; that following the prayer and the pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; that following the conclusion of morning business, the Senate resume consideration of the motion to proceed to Calendar No. 28, S. 870, and that all time be considered expired; further, that at 1:45 p.m the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Taylor-Kale nomination and vote on the confirmation of the nomination; that upon disposition of the nomination, the Senate resume legislative session; finally, that if the nomination is confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
IN SUPPORT OF LABOR UNIONS
Seth Magaziner (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2023-3-29

one of the best ways for workers to get the pay and benefits that they deserve and to raise their families and provide for them is to join a labor union. prgtoken Unions have helped millions of American families join the middle class, including thousands in Rhode Island. The prgtoken freedom to join a union is the most fundamental right afforded to all workers in this country. prgtoken Unfortunately, that right is constantly under attack by big companies that spend millions and millions of dollars engaging in intimidation and retaliation against those seeking to exercise their right to unionize. prgtoken What is worse is that companies are often allowed to write off the expenses for union busting from their taxes. You heard that right. All of us, the taxpayers of America, are paying for companies to intimidate workers out of joining unions. prgtoken This has to stop. That is why I am a proud cosponsor of the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act, led by Representative Norcross because enough is enough. We need to make it easier in this country for workers to join a union if they choose to do so, and we certainly should not be giving tax breaks to companies to intimidate workers out of exercising that right.
MORNING BUSINESS
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2023-3-29

I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of disability rights activist, Judy Heumann. Today, I join so many touched by her advocacy in mourning her passing, remembering her life, and paying tribute to the contributions she made to the disability community. prgtoken Judy's activism began early in life. As a young child who contracted polio and used a wheelchair, she was denied the right to attend school in New York. Later in life, Judy was denied a teaching license after failing her medical exam due to ``paralysis of both lower prgtoken extremities.'' She sued the Board of Education and went on to be the first teacher in New York State to use a wheelchair. prgtoken Judy served in various capacities throughout multiple Presidential administrations and was instrumental in the passage of groundbreaking legislation including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Rehabilitation Act. She was the recipient of the Henry B. Betts Award, the Max Starkloff Lifetime Achievement Award, and was featured in numerous documentaries. prgtoken I had the honor of working with Judy throughout my time as ranking member and chair of the HELP Committee and seeing firsthand how committed she was to making our world more welcoming and accessible to everyone. Her tenacity was an inspiration to me, and I am grateful that I had the chance to learn from her and work alongside her to make this country more inclusive for all. Her work has improved the lives of so many across our country. She will be remembered fondly.
LOWER ENERGY COSTS ACT
Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2023-3-29

. Madam Chair, the balance of my time. prgtoken In closing, Madam Chair, this reporting requirement is important for making sure permitting agencies work right. Making sure agencies have the technology they need will improve processes, reduce compliance costs, and speed up permitting. prgtoken The whole amendment is just 10 pages. It is a straightforward, good- government provision. prgtoken Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support my amendment, and .
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AND THE...
Jacky Rosen (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2023-3-29

well, I want to thank Senator Cardin for his leadership on small business. For the 4 years I have been here, he has been a friend and a mentor, and he has really encouraged me in so many ways to find my voice for Nevada, for this country, and I appreciate his leadership. Thank you. prgtoken And the Senator is right. Small businesses, well, they are the engine of the U.S. economy. They foster innovation. They create jobs. They provide a lifeline for families. prgtoken And, in Nevada, small businesses make up 99 percent of all businesses. Our small business economy, it is thriving. It is increasingly diverse, allowing many Nevadans to achieve the American dream by being entrepreneurs and providing for their families. prgtoken These businesses, they are crucial for Nevada's economy. We should encourage and support them by making it easier to start and operate small businesses, increasing access to capital to help them grow and succeed, and cutting through that redtape that is far too often a barrier. prgtoken So here in this Chamber, we must focus on helping small businesses overcome the enormous challenges that they face and the obstacles they experience just to get off the ground. prgtoken As a member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, my top priorities have been expanding resources in support for Nevada's small business--the owners, the employers, and their workers. And so from introducing a bipartisan bill to help those graduating from minority-serving institutions to open a business to sponsoring bipartisan legislation to help veterans start small businesses in underserved communities, to urging the Small Business Administration to open a Veterans Business Outreach Center in Nevada, I have been fighting for businesses time and time again, and I will keep fighting. prgtoken I am also working in a bipartisan way to make small, nonprofit childcare providers eligible for Federal resources so that they can grow, create jobs, and provide more affordable childcare options in all of our communities. And this just means so much to our families. It gives them so much peace of mind. prgtoken And I am going to continue, as well, to advocate to open up Federal loans for State-legal cannabis small businesses. They are job creators in our State and in a growing number of States across the country. prgtoken And we can also help our small businesses by reducing the burden that entrepreneurs face, well, when they get started. The exhaustive hoops that American entrepreneurs have to frequently jump through--from obtaining permits to fulfilling licensing requirements--well, it can be a real challenge for people just to get those businesses off the ground. prgtoken And so that is why I am proud to announce that, today, I am introducing bipartisan legislation to help small businesses by cutting through the bureaucratic redtape that often prevents them from getting off the ground. prgtoken
ISRAEL'S DEMOCRACY
Madeleine Dean (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2023-3-29

. Madam , as President recently said: The genius of Israel and America's democracy is they are both built on strong institutions, on checks and balances, and on an independent judiciary. prgtoken Israel's checks and balances, its independent judiciary, faced an attack from its own, Prime Minister Netanyahu. He tried to implement so-called reforms that would turn Israel's courts into nothing more than an enforcement tool for his policies. prgtoken By undermining the independent judiciary and disregarding the rule of law, sadly, Israel's own Prime Minister threatens the very foundation on which Israel's democracy depends. prgtoken Israel must remain a democracy that protects and lifts all of its citizens, Israeli and Palestinian. We all want to see a safe and successful Israel. To be pro-Israel means always to be pro-democracy. prgtoken I celebrate the estimated more than 600,000 Israeli protesters who knew they needed to stand up for their Nation, for their democracy, who took to the streets against the blatant disregard for institutions, checks and balances, and an independent judiciary. I applaud their bravery that made it clear they will not tolerate the undercutting of their judicial system, compromising their military readiness, and moving their country in the direction of authoritarianism. prgtoken For its future, its safety, and security, for those who love her, Israelis and Palestinians alike, Israel must not abandon that genius of democracy, just as America cannot. High Hopes for the Phillies
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Peter Welch (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2023-3-29

I rise to voice my support for S. 316, a bill to repeal the authorizations for use of military force against Iraq. Sending America's sons and daughters to fight in foreign lands has serious consequences. Those who volunteer for military service, as well as their families, agree to prgtoken carry things with them for their lifetimes--sometimes difficult and painful things--all at the behest of the U.S. government and on behalf of the American people. prgtoken I am grateful for and thank those servicemembers who bravely conducted themselves in Iraq with honor, restraint, and in accordance with American values and ideals. With that important preface, let me say clearly: I opposed the Iraq war. I opposed the Iraq war before I was elected to Congress, while I was a Member of the House of Representatives, and I oppose it today. prgtoken I believe that by any objective measure, the 2002 U.S. invasion of Iraq was among the greatest foreign policy disasters in my lifetime. Not only did it cause death and immense suffering of thousands of Americans and hundreds of thousands of Iraqis, but it also ignited a series of regional tensions and tertiary conflicts that have carried on for decades. prgtoken Both the Gulf War and the 2002 invasion of Iraq required legal authorities. The Iraq authorizations of military force were legally necessary and largely supported at the time. However, very practically, we no longer need an authorization for use of military force against a country we now regard as a partner and to which we provide hundreds of millions of dollars in economic and military aid. This bill recognizes the positive evolution of our relations with the Government of Iraq. We will continue to work with our Iraqi partners to limit our military presence and narrowly define the actions our servicemembers are authorized to take. It is also important to note that this resolution will have no impact whatsoever on current U.S. military operations. prgtoken Some opponents of this bill have suggested that repealing the authorizations for use of force will embolden our adversaries or exhibit America's weakness. To the contrary, whether one supported or opposed the invasions of Iraq 31 and 20 years ago, it is important to repeal these antiquated relics of history. prgtoken As national security threats arise, they should be properly addressed. The President can request congressional authorization for the use of military force with properly debated justifications, after which, Members of Congress will vote their conscience and America's will. This bill does nothing to restrict presidential powers of this nor future Presidents. America will defend herself--always. However, it is critical that America's use of force be thoughtful and deliberate, informed by accurate intelligence, and used only when necessary to preserve and protect our vital national security interests. prgtoken Over the years, I have consistently voted
LOWER ENERGY COSTS ACT
Salud O. Carbajal (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-3-29

. Madam Chair, I rise today to share my disappointment and to oppose H.R. 1. prgtoken As a Representative of California, I work to find solutions that deal with price spikes at the pump, bring down high heating bills, and deliver lower costs overall to my constituents. prgtoken You can imagine my optimism when I first saw on our agenda a bill that supposedly aims at lowering energy costs. prgtoken When I read it, I was shocked to see that the only lower thing that it does is lower standards for our Nation's polluters. prgtoken This bill doesn't deliver less cost to families. It only forces more giveaways of our public lands to Big Oil, the same oil companies that already have thousands of unused drilling permits. prgtoken This bill doesn't decrease energy prices. It increases the number of loopholes in our public health laws. prgtoken This bill just doesn't fail to help families bring their utility bills down. It actually repeals solutions that we put in place last year to bring down heating costs and to help folks upgrade to more efficient home energy appliances. prgtoken Higher levels of pollution, higher costs for families, and, let's not forget, higher budget deficits to the tune of $2.4 billion over the next decade--is that being fiscally responsible? prgtoken Madam Chair, putting polluters ahead of people is bad enough, but actually raising energy costs and our Federal deficit while proclaiming to care about this is even worse. prgtoken Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' so we can actually work together to build on the laws we have passed that promote clean energy, cut energy costs for families across the country, and reduce the deficit.
S. 316
Christopher A. Coons (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2023-3-29

today I would like to talk about S. 316, a bill to repeal the authorizations for use of military force against Iraq. It is well past time to repeal the 1991 and 2002 AUMFs. Congress must reaffirm its constitutional authority over war powers, and this vote goes a long way toward asserting the way in which our leaders choose to wage war and use force. Iraq is now a key partner for the United States in the Middle East. I hope the vote today will not only affirm our cooperative and strategic relationship with the country, but also begin a new chapter in U.S.-Iraq bilateral relations. While I was unable to vote in person in its favor, I support the passage of this bill without amendment.