mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Alex Padilla (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-7-18

I rise to introduce State and Local General Sales Tax Protection Act. This legislation would clarify congressional intent around a 1987 amendment to the Federal Aviation Administration's authorization regarding the use of local excise taxes on aviation fuel for airport purposes. prgtoken In 2014, the FAA implemented a policy change to require State and local governments to use general sales taxes collected on aviation fuel for airport purposes. This contradicted congressional intent clearly stated in the 1987 conference report and 29 years of practice, which applied this requirement only to local excise taxes on fuel and not to other taxes imposed by State and local governments. prgtoken This legislation would overturn the 2014 FAA policy and remove any ambiguity in Federal interpretation by distinguishing State and local sales tax measures of general application from aviation fuel excise taxes. prgtoken In my home State of California, local government sales taxes are voter-approved by a two-thirds margin for specific purposes. Diverting this money would be a violation of the State's constitution and the will of its voters. This 2014 FAA rulemaking, if enforced, is estimated to divert tens of millions of dollars away from voter-approved purposes like local transportation, first responders, education, and social programs every year. It is an assault on State and local control of general application sales tax measures. prgtoken The 2014 FAA rulemaking would also impose an unfunded mandate on States and local governments that would be required to implement a burdensome tracking system to segregate taxes on aviation fuel from other taxable sources. prgtoken Furthermore, in recognition of this error, the FAA included in its recommendations to Congress that the clarification provided in this legislation be included in an FAA reauthorization bill. prgtoken I look forward to working with my colleagues to enact the State and Local General Sales Tax Protection Act to protect every State and local government that have or will have general sales taxes that include aviation fuel.
SCHOOLS NOT SHELTERS ACT
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-7-18

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I include in the Record a statement from Third Way urging Members to stand up for students across the country and vote ``no'' on this bill. [From Third Way, July 18, 2023] Third Way Statement on the Schools Not Shelters Act (By Lanae Erickson) Washington.--Third Way released the following statement from Lanae Erickson, Senior Vice President for Social Policy, Education, & Politics: ``House s have found another target for their 'defund' campaign: schools. The Schools Not Shelters Act would pull federal funding from any school that provides undocumented immigrants with shelter, even temporarily. By bringing this bill to the House floor, majority is yet again signaling that their priority is to put politics over the welfare of our country's students. ``During a time when teachers and students are working tirelessly to overcome learning loss from the pandemic, s are threatening to defund schools to protest something that has nothing to do with students' quality of education. What's worse, schools in the poorest communities across the country are the targets of this political stunt. If s really cared about students, they'd work with to invest in our nation's schools and improve educational outcomes. Instead, they're focusing on banning books, banning history, and banning migrants. Teachers and students have much bigger things to worry about. ``s have backed out of every major bipartisan immigration reform deal this century, leaving the system outdated and overwhelmed. And now they're punishing American students for the consequences of their inaction. ``We urge all Members to stand up for students across this country and vote `no' on this bill.''
GUN VIOLENCE IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH FOR AMERICAN CHILDREN
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-7-18

I really appreciate the leadership and guidance by Congressman Thompson as he leads our effort with the task force. I have learned so much about some of the work that has been done prior to getting here and knowing, again, we are taking steps, but we know that we need to move with urgency. prgtoken I know 205 of my ic colleagues have signed a discharge position to bring the assault weapons ban to the House floor for a vote. I don't know how many more mass shootings it will take for s to finally join us. prgtoken These weapons of war have been used in many of the deadliest mass shootings in our history and are the weapons of choice for shooters to kill as many people as possible as quickly as possible. prgtoken From 1994, , to 2004, while American families were protected by the assault weapons ban, there were 40 percent fewer shootings. Since the ban expired in 2004, gun violence has massacred our communities. prgtoken A bullet fired by an assault weapon can tear a softball-sized wound into victims. Imagine a child. There is no reason that anyone needs a weapon that can fire up to 60 rounds per minute. prgtoken Weapons of war designed to hunt human beings have no place in our communities, our schools, our places of worship, or on our streets. prgtoken It is shameful that many colleagues care more about securing funding from the NRA than saving the lives of our children. Their inaction has left our communities devastated and families torn apart. prgtoken The trauma of being survivors of gun violence is real. We cannot afford to wait any longer. We owe it to the victims, to survivors, to our children. We must honor them with action by banning assault weapons. prgtoken Maite, a 10-year-old child who was killed in Uvalde, deserves us to act today. She deserves us to do more to save lives.
RELATING TO A NATIONAL EMERGENCY DECLARED BY THE PRESIDENT ON MAY 11, 2004
Dean Phillips (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2023-7-18

such time as I may consume for the purpose of closing. prgtoken I agree with my colleague from Florida on a couple points. I abhor war like he does, and I wish Congress would reassert itself, but I must say, we should legislate it, not terminate it. prgtoken Abruptly terminating this national emergency will simply undermine U.S. national security interests and those of our allies. The resolution would further destabilize Syria and the entire region, be a gift to the violent and oppressive Assad regime, and create space for terrorist organizations like ISIS to grow in numbers and capabilities. prgtoken I strongly oppose H.J. Res. 79 and urge my colleagues to do the same. I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle join me in opposing it. prgtoken , .
HONORING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND LEGACY OF LANCE CORPORAL (RET.) JOHN E. DeVOLL, SR.
Patrick Ryan (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-7-18

I rise today to honor the memory of Lance Corporal (ret.) John E. DeVoll, Sr of New Paltz, N.Y a devoted partner; beloved father, grandfather, and uncle; proud U.S. Marine and Vietnam War Era veteran; and cherished friend, who passed away in Poughkeepsie, New York, on December 5, 2022. prgtoken John DeVoll was born on November 30, 1944, in Staten Island, N.Y to the late John ``Jack'' and Agnes (Bennett) DeVoll. He worked in security for Iron Mountain. Previously he worked as a night manager at Shoprite and manager at the International Pancake House, and worked with his parents in their family restaurants, Cherri's I and II, in High Falls, N.Y. prgtoken Lance Corporal DeVoll was a U.S. Marine who served his country with the 1st Battalion, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division, 5th Marine Division (Fleet Marine Force) during the Vietnam War. For his service, he received awards including two Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Rifle Sharpshooter Badge (M-14 Rifle). LCPL DeVoll was a selfless and faithful patriot. prgtoken He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Margaret Brandow, Barbara Hasbrouck, and Jacqueline Santowski, former wife Dorothy DeVoll, longtime companion Katherine Wagner, and stepson Billy Jo. prgtoken He is survived by his children John Jr Melissa Jennifer and her husband Rasheed Sr and Michael; stepchildren Coleen and her husband Joseph Sr and Kathy; grandchildren Anthony, Nicholas, Ava, Rasheed Jr Ramya, Joe Jr Damyn, Kaitlyn, Kaylona, Jerome, Christopher, Brittany Johnathan and Miranda. He will also be missed by many nieces and nephews. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the accomplishments and legacy of Lance Corporal (ret.) John E. DeVoll. It is my privilege to rise in recognition of his service and to honor his memory.
GUN VIOLENCE IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH FOR AMERICAN CHILDREN
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-7-18

the gentlewoman mentioned that our colleagues aren't doing anything in regard to guns. It is actually worse than that. They have done something. The s passed a bill, a gun bill, off this floor this year. Their bill would make this gun legal. prgtoken Short-barreled rifles have been regulated by the National Firearms Act for decades. They are regulated because they are incredibly dangerous, they are easy to conceal, and they are deadly accurate. They are used in crimes. They are responsible for the deaths of many, many people, and they have been tightly regulated. prgtoken The s in this House passed a bill that makes this gun legal. They call it an arm brace. ``Arm brace'' is just another way of saying you are putting a stock on a semiautomatic assault pistol, so you are making it a short-barreled assault rifle. It is lethal. It is immoral. Everyone who voted for that bill and the leadership who brought it to this floor for a vote should be ashamed of themselves. prgtoken , from Michigan (Ms. Tlaib).
Maiden Speech (Executive Session)
Peter Welch (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2023-7-18

I appreciate the opportunity to address the Senate today as Vermont's new Senator, and I hope to express how I will serve Vermont and our country, and I will outline the challenges we face as a governing body and as a nation. prgtoken Most importantly, I will state why I believe that the U.S. Senate can be an institution that renews the strength and vitality of the democracy that all of us--whomever we represent and whatever views we advocate--depend on for our mutual benefit. prgtoken But before I begin, I would like to say that my heart, today, is with the people of Vermont. They are grappling with the brutal flooding that hit us last week. And when I came to the floor last week after touring the damage in Vermont, I pledged that, along with Senator Sanders and Congresswoman Balint, we will do everything in our power to get the people of Vermont the resources that they need to build back from this. And I make that pledge again today, and I appreciate the leadership of our senior Senator, Senator Sanders, in advocating for Vermont as we recover from this real crisis. prgtoken I also appreciate the offers of help from so many of my colleagues here in the Senate. One of the first Members who approached me was Senator Kennedy from Louisiana, a State that has had to deal with more than its share of natural calamities. prgtoken Vermonters, , have always supported emergency aid when disaster struck others. Senator Sanders and I are very grateful for so many assurances of support now that Vermonters face their own huge recovery challenge. prgtoken I recently heard our colleague, Senator Eric Schmitt, from Missouri, give his first speech. He spoke with real respect and reverence for the people of Missouri--hardworking, honest, family- and community- oriented, and very generous. And I felt Senator Schmitt's deep connection to the people who sent him here. In that respect, Senator Schmitt spoke for me. In fact, he spoke for all of us. And Senator Schmitt and I--and all of us--share something else: The citizens that we represent, despite many differences on many issues, share common needs; all the things that families and communities need--affordable housing, safe schools, good healthcare, a secure environment for our kids, and good jobs where you can pay your monthly bills and have a little left at the end of the month. We share that in common. prgtoken So the question I have is this: If we share so much respect for the citizens who sent us here in our commitment to their shared aspiration, why can't we make more progress? Why are we so divided? prgtoken I believe there are two reasons: First, our democracy is more imperiled at this time than at any time since our Civil War; and, second, working middle-class Americans have been treading water economically for the past 40 years. Top-down economic policies having failed them. So the towns many of us grew up in with diverse economies and vibr
WORSENING CLIMATE CRISIS HAS WROUGHT DESTRUCTION ACROSS THE COUNTRY
Andrea Salinas (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2023-7-18

I rise in support of my bill, the Civilian Conservation Center Enhancement Act. prgtoken The worsening climate crisis has wrought destruction across the country, and Oregon is not immune from that devastation. prgtoken Every year, our wildfire season becomes more severe. In fact, right now, there are 19 active wildfires in Oregon alone, burning thousands of acres, threatening properties, and upending daily life for hundreds of Oregonians. prgtoken Yet as the risk of wildfire has grown, our wildland firefighting capacity has fallen far behind, and that is where the Civilian Conservation Center Enhancement Act comes in. prgtoken This bill will actually cut through the red tape to ensure the Forest Service can hire brave Americans who are ready, willing, and able to battle these blazes. prgtoken , s, Representatives Hoyle, Guthrie, and Edwards, for their support of this bill, and I look forward to seeing its passage.
RELATING TO A NATIONAL EMERGENCY DECLARED BY THE PRESIDENT ON FEBRUARY 25, 2011
Gregory W. Meeks (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-7-18

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in opposition to H.J. Res. 70. prgtoken For decades, Muammar Qadhafi ruled Libya with an iron fist and with a corrupt, self-serving economic policy that stunted Libya's development and, through a security state, engaged in international terrorism, including the Lockerbie airline bombing that remains the deadliest event in aviation history. prgtoken For the past 12 years, Libya has seen its share of continuous turmoil and prgtoken chaos. To the extent this resolution is a symptom of frustration about ongoing problems in Libya, that would be understandable. Any notion that this resolution will be at all useful for Libya policy is deeply misguided. prgtoken The United States actively supports the U.N.'s efforts to unify the country and its institutions under a democratically elected government. prgtoken These talks are ongoing, and violence has decreased over the last several years. The economy is doing better in part because U.S. sanctions have helped decrease oil banditry. prgtoken Lifting sanctions on the worst actors in Libya, the individuals who have perpetuated violence and instability, would send the exact wrong message to those pursuing economic reform. prgtoken Whereas economic pressure and tough diplomacy have brought parties to the table, a free pass on sanctions would have the exact opposite impact. prgtoken In general, there have been two large batches of sanctions under the Libya executive order. The administration issued the first tranche against the Qadhafi family and its fiefdom of business and fake charities. prgtoken The administration issued the second set that sanctioned individuals who committed grave human rights abuses and prevented the theft of Libyan oil by pirates and illegal merchants. prgtoken It is unclear to me how letting any of these people access American finance would be beneficial to the United States or to Libya or to the MENA region. prgtoken One of the most notable people currently sanctioned under the program is Qadhafi's son, Saif al-Islam Qadhafi. When the protests began, Saif al-Islam went on television and threatened ``rivers of blood'' if the protestors did not cease. prgtoken He has never condemned his father. He has never condemned his father's despotic rule and is actively seeking to regain power in Libya as we speak. prgtoken The Qadhafi family controlled billions of dollars in assets. If sanctions are lifted on the remaining members of the Qadhafi family, the Qadhafis would have access to a windfall of wealth, which they plundered from the Libyan people. Instead of the frozen funds going to the Libyan people, they would go to the family that imprisoned and impoverished them. prgtoken I cannot support anything like that outcome, . I must strongly oppose and hope all of the Members of this House opposes H.J. Res. 70. prgtoken , .
HONORING THE BRAVERY OF GICELA ALEMAN
Colin Z. Allred (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-7-18

on May 6 our North Texas community was left scarred by the shooting at Allen Premium Outlets. prgtoken Nine people were killed, and 7 others were injured. prgtoken But today, I recognize the brave story of the service of Gicela Aleman. prgtoken An unsung hero who that day was shopping for new shoes at the outlet mall with her daughter, Adele. prgtoken When the gunman opened fire, he severely wounded Preeti Patel, a mother and grandmother who was visiting family in North Texas and like so many others--was just trying to do some shopping. prgtoken Amidst the chaos and violence, Gicela sprung into action. She grabbed Preeti and tried to slow her bleeding. prgtoken After seeing that ambulances were struggling to get through security, Gicela drove Preeti herself to get the care she needed. prgtoken Preeti is alive today because of Gicela. prgtoken An amazing story that deserves a hero's praise. prgtoken We thank her for her bravery, selflessness and representing the best of North Texas.
Artificial Intelligence (Executive Session)
Debbie Stabenow (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-7-18

first, I just want to indicate also that there is a lot to think about here when we are looking at artificial intelligence. There are a lot of very serious questions we have to figure out. prgtoken I am really pleased that we are seeing this bipartisan initiative in the Senate, with Senator Schumer, our majority leader, coming forward, but also with other colleagues who are really helping us go through briefings and are really looking at all of the questions, because it is really serious in terms of the questions. It is something we have to deal with as this is not going away. Certainly, there is a lot we have to figure out in all of this.
URBAN INDIAN HEALTH CONFER ACT
Tina Smith (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2023-7-18

I thank my fellow Senators for consenting to the unanimous passage of S. 460, the Urban Indian Health Confer Act, which I introduced with Senator Mullin. prgtoken S. 460 requires the Department of Health and Human Services--HHS--and its sub-agencies to ``confer'' with Urban Indian Organizations--UIOs-- when Federal decision-making processes impact their delivery of healthcare services. I want to be clear that this bill does not equate formal Tribal consultation with an urban confer policy. Indeed, UIOs are not federally recognized Indian Tribes and do not have a government-to-government relationship with the federal government. But there is a demonstrated need for direct communication channels between Federal health agencies and UIOs. A HHS-wide confer policy for UIOs should reflect the unique needs of urban Native communities, not supplant--or in any way impact--the existing right of Tribal governments to formal consultation with HHS. It is simply good policy to provide the Federal Government with more tools, not less, to engage with and gather information from Native people wherever they live to improve their healthcare outcomes. S. 460 does just that.
GUN VIOLENCE IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH FOR AMERICAN CHILDREN
Jason Crow (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2023-7-18

I rise today to honor the victims of the horrific mass shooting that occurred at Century 16 movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, 11 years ago. My community forever changed the night of July 20, 2012. prgtoken Twelve people, with arms full of popcorn and candy, walked into theater 9 and never walked out. I think those of us in this room whose communities have faced this type of tragedy would agree: There is a before and there is an after, and what comes after is a shattered community trying to make sense of a senseless act of violence. prgtoken Today, we remember Veronica, AJ, Micayla, Jessica, Alexander, Jonathan, John, Matt, Alex, Jesse, Rebecca, and Gordon. They should still be here. prgtoken Every year, Aurora and the greater Colorado community come together to remember the lives we lost and the collective trauma shared. We also recognize those, who in the face of unspeakable fear, stepped up to help their loved ones and neighbors. prgtoken Let us not grow numb to the pain of this day, rather, we honor the lives of those we lost by being relentless in our pursuit for gun reform. As Members of Congress and as Americans, it is our duty.
UNITED STATES-TAIWAN INITIATIVE ON 21ST-CENTURY TRADE FIRST AGREEMENT IMPLEMENTATION ACT
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2023-7-18

in a moment, I am going to put forward a unanimous consent request to pass an important bill exercising Congress's constitutional authority and approving the first modern agreement regulating trade between the United States and Taiwan. prgtoken The bill was cosponsored by all 48 and s on the Ways and Means Committee and was ultimately passed in the House of Representatives by a voice vote. It was originally put forward by Ways and Means Committee Chair Smith and Ranking Member Neal, as well as Senator Crapo and myself as chair and ranking member of the Finance Committee. prgtoken Before I make this unanimous consent request on the bipartisan, bicameral bill called the United States-Taiwan Initiative on 21st- Century Trade First Agreement Implementation Act, I want to highlight, for just a couple of minutes, why this bill is so important. prgtoken First, the reason behind this proposal, first and foremost, is that the U.S. Congress fully supports deepening our trade relationship with Taiwan and wants to ensure that the recent agreement covering trade facilitation, anti-corruption, and small business is legally sound and durable. prgtoken Not only is Taiwan a critical market for U.S. exporters, it is a democracy that shares our values and has strong ties with Oregonians and Americans across the land. prgtoken Next, this body wants to be clear that trade agreements are within the constitutional authority of the Congress. One of the ways the Senate demonstrates that is by approving trade agreements like this one. prgtoken Finally, the legislation requires greater transparency and consultation, as well as public review for future Taiwan trade agreements. Our workers, our farmers, and our businesses deserve the opportunity to read a trade agreement and understand how it affects them before it is signed by a government official and declared the law of the land. Trade agreements that affect millions of Americans can't be done in the dark. Congress and the American people need to know what is in these agreements and how they benefit American interests. prgtoken I look forward to working with the USTR, our point person for trade, to negotiate the bigger-ticket items with Taiwan--issues like digital trade, labor, environment, and agriculture, as outlined in the negotiating mandate. Future agreements need to bulldoze barriers to trade for Oregon exporters and American businesses everywhere, including by cutting red tape like labeling rules and making sure that Taiwan's technical standards don't make it tough for exporters to sell their goods. Involving Congress and the public is going to help the administration identify issues and hold them accountable for breaking down barriers. prgtoken This is a proposal that brings both sides together. The Taiwan trade agreement approval bill, as I indicated, passed unanimously in the other body. This trade agreement legislation is a can't-miss opportu