mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Ukraine (Executive Session)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-11-9

recently, I had the opportunity to meet with a group of religious leaders from Ukraine. They represented multiple Christian denominations, plus Islam and Judaism. They spoke of the role faith is playing in the resilience and determination we have seen from the Ukrainian people. prgtoken One of the religious leaders who spoke to me was Dr. Ivan Rusyn. He is president of the Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary. His seminary trains evangelical ministers from various Protestant backgrounds. It was hit by six Russian rockets when Russia invaded. prgtoken Dr. Rusyn lives in Bucha, and we all see that as being infamous by the atrocities that were committed against civilians by the Russian occupiers and also some of those people being brought before the world court for inhumane treatment. In fact, Russian soldiers even occupied Dr. Rusyn's home. prgtoken Under the Soviet Union, Ivan and his family had to practice their faith in secret because evangelicals were imprisoned if caught. prgtoken In today's Ukraine, he and fellow Ukrainians are free to practice their faith. In fact, he told me that the relief work his seminary has been doing since the full-scale invasion has been bringing more and more people to the church. prgtoken Dr. Rusyn is a humble, soft-spoken man with a clear and powerful message. He said that in the midst of war, it is sometimes hard to feel the presence of God, but in coming to the United States with this delegation and meeting people who care about the suffering of the Ukrainian people, he felt God's presence more than ever. His strong faith in God and his deep concern for his fellow Ukrainians impressed me. prgtoken Dr. Rusyn also told me about the persecution of his counterparts in the Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine. That is about 20 percent of Ukraine. Religious leaders are kidnapped, and evangelicals are singled out for persecution just like in the days of the old Soviet Union. A Ukrainian priest among the group told me that most of the faith leaders sitting in my office are on Putin's hit list to be singled out for persecution or death if they fall into the hands of the Russian military. prgtoken Under Vladimir Putin, Russia has passed a law as recently as 2016 requiring all religious organizations and churches to be registered with the Russian Government. The law bans what the law calls ``missionary activities'' like preaching, like praying, like disseminating religious materials outside of officially approved sites within Russia. prgtoken According to a special report by the Institute for the Study of War, Russia has used this 2016 law to prosecute American Baptists and Pentecostal missionaries operating in Russia and also to outlaw most Mormon missionary work and to burn foreign-distributed Bibles not properly registered with the state. prgtoken According to this report by the Institute for the Study of War, the Russian state has also persecuted Seventh-day Adventi
RECOGNIZING DISTINGUISHED MILITARY SERVICE WITHIN WESTERN NEW YORK: CLARENCE VETERANS DAY CEREMONY 2023
Nicholas A. Langworthy (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-11-9

I rise today to in honor of Veterans Day, and the service and sacrifice of those brave men and women who dedicated their lives to protecting the United States of America. Western New York has a strong tradition of service, and I speak today to join the Clarence community in recognizing the valor of 16 veterans who have served our Nation proudly. prgtoken On November 11, 2023--this Veterans Day--these 16 names will be added to the Clarence Veteran's Memorial Honor Walls. I am honored to include in the Record their names to be remembered forever. prgtoken Edward T. Ballow--Army prgtoken Mark A. Callanan--Marine Corps prgtoken Douglas J. Chadwick--Marine Corps prgtoken John C. Gettens--Army prgtoken Jack M. Leo--Air Force prgtoken Vernon A. Miller--Navy prgtoken Donald R. Miller--Army prgtoken Claron R. Miller--Army prgtoken Willis F. Miller--Army prgtoken Christopher L. Odien--Navy prgtoken John W. Patton--Navy prgtoken Albert Rabin, Sr.--Army prgtoken Robert H. Riegle--Army prgtoken Kenneth G. Schroeder, Jr.--Navy prgtoken Donald C . Valone--Air Force prgtoken Donald H. Webster, Jr.--Air Force prgtoken On behalf of the constituents of the 23rd District of New York, the United States Congress, and a grateful Nation, please join me in thanking these brave men for their dutiful service to the greatest country on earth.
FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024
Ann Wagner (Republican, MO) \u2014 2023-11-9

. Mr. Chair, I rise today to prevent the Financial Stability Oversight Council, FSOC, from making it easier to designate nonbank financial companies as a systemically important financial institution, or SIFI. prgtoken The 2008 financial crisis was a result of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's poor government housing policy that bilked taxpayers out of billions of dollars and the inability of financial regulators to properly identify systemic risk and take action until it was too late. prgtoken As a response to the crisis, Congress passed the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010. The ' law has dramatically reduced competition in the banking sector, imposed barriers to entry for new banks, and saddled financial institutions with a mountain of new requirements that hit small, midsize, and regional banks particularly hard. prgtoken Under Dodd-Frank, FSOC has the power to designate companies as a SIFI and, therefore, subject to Federal Reserve supervision and enhanced prudential standards--in other words, too big to fail. prgtoken Last week, FSOC finalized guidance that would allow it to apply these same ``too big to fail'' burdens to nonbank financial institutions, such as asset managers or broker-dealers, insurance companies, and private funds. prgtoken It has been reported that the annual consumer cost of designating a nonbank financial institution as a SIFI could range from $5 billion to $8 billion, yet FSOC's new guidance fails to require any cost-benefit analysis when making such a designation. Let me repeat that one more time. These designations would cost consumers, American taxpayers, $5 billion to $8 billion per year. prgtoken This guidance put forth by the administration rescinds the 2019 changes that rightfully moved FSOC's authority from an entities-based approach to an activities-based approach in determining whether a nonbank entity should be deemed a SIFI. To grant such unfettered discretionary power to a government agency should concern every American, particularly when the body exercising that power, FSOC, is composed almost entirely of members of a single political party. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge all of my colleagues to support this amendment that reins in our regulators, restores Congress' Article I powers, and saves Main Street investors billions of dollars. prgtoken Mr. Chair, .
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF FORT WAYNE POLICE OFFICER DAVID TINSLEY
Jim Banks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2023-11-9

I rise today to honor the life and service of Fort Wayne Police Officer David Tinsley, who five years ago died in the line of duty, and to commemorate the designation of the Officer David Tinsley Memorial Parkway in Fort Wayne, Indiana. prgtoken Officer Tinsley was known to his colleagues as a committed, professional police officer devoted to the force and to his craft. Across his sixteen years in the Fort Wayne Police Department, he led by example, developing a reputation as a faithful servant to his community, his fellow officers, and his family and loved ones. prgtoken The Officer David Tinsley Memorial Parkway will honor its namesake, encompassing a stretch of Fort Wayne's roadway that Officer Tinsley would frequently patrol. It also passes by his home church of Emmanuel Lutheran and serves as a gateway for visitors entering downtown Fort Wayne from the west. I cannot imagine a more fitting tribute. prgtoken Each time they travel along the parkway, residents of northeast Indiana will celebrate Officer Tinsley's service and recognize what an indispensable role he played in his community. We will never forget his memory, and the Officer David Tinsley Memorial Parkway will stand as an enduring testament to his valor and service.
Veterans Day (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-11-9

. This weekend, with parades and gatherings, solemn ceremonies and phone calls to loved ones, America will mark Veterans Day by expressing our gratitude to the men and women who have served our Nation in the Armed Forces. prgtoken But Veterans Day is much more than a once-a-year observation. It is a reminder of our daily obligation to honor their service, uphold our promises to care for them when they come home, and do everything we can to equip those defending our Nation today and tomorrow for success. prgtoken So, today, I am reminded of some letters I have saved in my archives. They are letters my father sent home to my mother from his own service in Patton's army in 1945. prgtoken With Nazi Germany on the ropes, with peace within reach, my dad was already seeing firsthand the sorts of threats that would define the next half century of American history. In the parts of his letters that made it past Army censors, he told us how the Russians were going to be a big problem. prgtoken Well, today, America faces threats every bit as grave. Like those of the 1940s, our adversaries today aren't being shy about their efforts to win the next half century of competition with America and the West. As one recent analysis summed it up, Russia, China, and Iran are ``working to end the world order that has prevailed for three generations under American leadership''--``under American leadership.'' prgtoken This didn't happen by accident. The Western order of peace and freedom was delivered by the sacrifices of American servicemembers like my father and preserved by generations of brave men and women in uniform ever since. prgtoken Right now, we have an obligation to those servicemembers, to our allies, and to the American people to behave like the world-leading power we actually are. We have a duty to invest seriously in American strength. It is time to offer a clear strategy for victory against Russia and then deliver the resources Ukraine needs to achieve it right now. prgtoken Putin is not deterred and his imperial ambitions do not end at Ukraine's border with the NATO alliance. If the United States abandons our support for Ukraine's resistance, we risk yet another generation of American forces being veterans of war in Europe. prgtoken It is time to get serious about deterring Iran, the world's leading sponsor of terrorism and the leading sponsor of violence against American servicemembers in Iraq and Syria. prgtoken I welcomed yesterday's strike on an Iranian facility in Syria, but it will probably take more than striking ammunition warehouses to restore the deterrence the administration's policies have actually squandered. prgtoken It is time to redouble our efforts to equip allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific to raise the cost of further aggression from communist China. prgtoken And, as I have said repeatedly, it is long past time to make commonsense policy changes to address our southern border crisis that has re
Labor Regulations (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2023-11-9

as I have said before, when it comes to the actions of government, it is often legislation that grabs the biggest headlines. But it is equally important to focus on what a Presidential administration is doing with its regulatory power--something I was reminded of again last week when I signed on to a letter headed by Senator Cassidy on the administration's proposed new overtime rule. Because in the modern regulatory state, Presidents have a tremendous amount of power to affect our economy and Federal policy through regulation. prgtoken Today, I would like to take a couple of minutes to talk about some labor regulations coming out of the administration that are likely to prove detrimental to workers, business owners, and our economy. prgtoken Let me start, as I mentioned, with the administration's proposed new overtime rule. This proposal would impose a 55-percent increase in the exemption threshold for providing overtime pay for covered employees. prgtoken Currently, employers are required to pay covered employees making less than $35,568 per year overtime if they work more than 40 hours per week. Under the administration's proposed new rule, employers would be required to pay overtime to covered employees making less than $55,068. As I said, a massive 55-percent increase in the exemption threshold. prgtoken So what would be the effects of this proposed rule? It would likely result in some combination of higher prices, fewer job opportunities, and lower base pay for employees because employers--and I am thinking particularly of small businesses that are always going to be hit hardest by regulations like this--are going to be forced to look for ways to offset what could be a substantial increase in costs. prgtoken Indeed, many small businesses will have to find some way of offsetting this cost increase if they want to stay profitable. So businesses large and small are likely to compensate either by increasing prices on their goods or services, reducing the number of positions that they have available, or lowering the base pay to create room to pay overtime wages. Needless to say, none of these are attractive options for workers, consumers, or businesses. prgtoken Consumers are currently stretched to their limit with price hikes in the economy, and lower base pay or fewer available positions are not attractive options for American workers. prgtoken By the way, you don't have to take my word for it on that lower base pay. The head of President 's own Council of Economic Advisers has previously noted: The costs of increase [overtime] coverage would ultimately be borne by workers as employers set base wages taking expected overtime pay into account. prgtoken It would be nice if this were the only bad labor rule coming out of the administration, but it is not. Among prgtoken other bad regulations, there is also the independent contractor rule, w
HONORING FORMER VIRGINIA BEACH SHERIFF KEN STOLLE
Jennifer Kiggans (Republican, VA) \u2014 2023-11-9

I rise today to honor Virginia Beach Sheriff Ken Stolle, who recently retired after an incredibly successful 43-year career in public service. prgtoken During his 13-year tenure as sheriff, Ken Stolle brought about numerous positive changes for our local law enforcement officers and our community, including creating a successful transition program for inmates at the end of their sentences, implementing body cameras for all Virginia Beach sheriff's deputies, and establishing successful mental health programs for those serving time in the prison system. prgtoken Stolle was often quoted as saying he ran the largest mental health facility in Hampton Roads, and his emphasis on this issue led to policies that have been a blueprint for agencies across the country. prgtoken Before serving as sheriff of Virginia Beach, Ken worked for the Virginia Beach Police Department, practiced law in Hampton Roads, represented Virginia Beach in the Virginia State Senate, and served our great Nation as a United States Navy reservist. prgtoken , I thank Sheriff Stolle for his many years of service to our community, our Commonwealth, and our country. We wish him the best of luck in retirement.
FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024
Roger Williams (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-11-9

. Mr. Chair, I rise today in full support of my amendment to H.R. 4664. prgtoken Congress alone has the ability to authorize new programs. Unfortunately, this past year we saw the SBA get around this basic fact and effectively made a pilot program permanent through the rulemaking process. This is unacceptable, and this amendment makes it clear that the agency must respect the rule of law and not skirt congressional authority. prgtoken This amendment would prevent the SBA from creating any new lending programs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the SBA took an outsized role in the economy. Unfortunately, the after-action reports show the SBA's track record was awful, horrible. SBA's inspector general estimates that between $200 billion and $600 billion of American taxpayer dollars from pandemic lending was lost to fraud. prgtoken Think about how large that number is. The entire FSGG bill we are debating today has a top line appropriation number of $25 billion. This agency alone had almost 10 times this amount of fraud flow through the agency. prgtoken Where did it go? Well, we know it went to people who phonied up their Social Security numbers. We know it went to people who said they were somebody when they weren't. We also know it went to foreign nationals. prgtoken Now, in the private sector, where I come from, something with such a poor track record would be shut down, not given additional responsibilities. This amendment would stop any additional attempts for the SBA to simply decide they can take on more lending activities. prgtoken In the Committee on Small Business we have worked to hold the SBA accountable for its shortcomings and to increase transparency. With many rule changes imposed by the SBA just this year, my amendment is a commonsense approach that continues to build on the committee's mission to restore and preserve the integrity of the agency. prgtoken Mr. Chair, the SBA should focus on their core mission, which is helping entrepreneurs, Main Street America, capitalism, and what this economy is all about. Let's get them back on that mission to where we can get our economy going and small business can rely on what the SBA says and does. .
FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024
Claudia Tenney (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-11-9

. Mr. Chair, I rise today to offer my amendment to prohibit any funding to finalize, implement, or enforce the Federal Acquisition Regulation Council's proposed ``Federal Acquisition Regulation: Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate-Related Financial Risk'' rule. prgtoken Mr. Chair, this disastrous rule proposed by the Federal Acquisition Regulation Council has numerous constitutional, national security, and practical concerns, none of which have been adequately addressed by the Federal Acquisition Regulation Council, otherwise known as FAR, nor has the Council on Environmental Quality done its due diligence. Both agencies have pushed for this rule in spite of a lack of due diligence. prgtoken First and foremost, this rule requires all Federal contractors that do business of more than $50 million with the Federal Government to disclose all scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. This includes everything from emissions produced by the contractor to the emissions produced by mere office supplies that they buy for their employees. prgtoken We debated the ridiculousness of scope 3 emissions earlier, but this is simply not practical or helpful to the American people. This rule also seeks to require major Federal contractors to comply with the Paris climate accords, a flawed deal that has never been ratified by the Senate. However, the most objectionable part concerning this rule is the requirement that companies set climate targets and then have them validated by a company called Science Based Targets initiative, or SBTi. prgtoken SBTi is a foreign--and I emphasize ``foreign''--London-based company, which inherently has national security concerns. Under this rule, every major Federal contractor, including companies critical to our national security, is required to provide this foreign company with information about all of their scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions and then strategize with this foreign company about how to reduce them. prgtoken Despite the existence of numerous American-based companies that could fill this same role, the FAR Council and CEQ chose a foreign company as the named sole-source provider. Why? Because SBTi is nothing but a front for ic donors and ic advocacy groups. prgtoken SBTi is owned by the We Mean Business Coalition, which is a project of the New Venture Fund, which is managed by the famous Arabella Advisors. prgtoken Arabella Advisors, for those who do not know, is the George Soros- funded, prgtoken leftwing advocacy group that funnels dark money to leftwing causes and candidates. prgtoken To summarize, the administration has named this subsidiary, one of their top donor's leftwing dark money organizations, as the sole- source provider for all climate target validating for all major Federal contractors. prgtoken During a hearing in the Science, Space, and Technology Committee on this rule, even the ' witness said that the SBTi was a poor choice for this role, yet the
CELEBRATING ST. PHILIP BENIZI CATHOLIC CHURCH OF SMILEY, TX 60TH ANNIVERSARY
Michael Cloud (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-11-9

I rise today to celebrate St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church of Smiley, Texas, on its remarkable 60th anniversary this year. This incredible achievement stands as a powerful testament to the Congregation's unwavering commitment to the faith and the Lord's goodness to His people. prgtoken The Church's story is one of God's timeliness, faithfulness, provision. It dates back to February 15, 1963, when Reverend Benton Thurmond wrote a letter to Archbishop Lucey requesting the need for the people to have a place to teach and freely practice their faith. It was decided that two Divine Providence Sister Catechists, working out of Gonzales, Texas, came to Smiley one full day a week to help Father Thurmond's jurisdiction. prgtoken At the time, the plans for the St. Philip's Church were going through approval of construction plans and financing--and with any similar project comes financial challenges that often seem insurmountable. Yet, the Lord provided a donation through the Catholic Church Extension Society that summer, and by the Fall of 1963, all plans were approved for the new Church--beginning with a cornerstone donated by Robert Pessek of Hallettsville, Texas. prgtoken In the years ahead, the Church became a rock in the community, serving as a place for neighbors to connect, gather, and worship. But more than anything, St. Philip's milestone is a true testament to God's grace toward his people. Today, Father Naveen Thumma continues St. Philip's longstanding tradition of faith and spirit in the parish, leading the congregation into an incredible 60th year of service. prgtoken Philippians 4:19 says ``And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.'' There is no better example St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church, sustained through God's goodness. prgtoken On November 10 and 11, the Church will observe its 60th birthday with a celebration, and I want to congratulate them and extend them well wishes on behalf of Texas-27. May God continue to bless them and provide for them in the coming years ahead. prgtoken , congratulations to St. Philip's Church on this memorable day. May God continue to bless the Church, their leaders, and the congregation in the present and future.