mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST--H.R. 6126
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2023-11-14

reserving my right to object, I believe we must move forward with emergency funding for our allies--all of our allies, not just the State of Israel but also Ukraine. We are in a situation where both of these countries are under tremendous stress. But it is very clear that the proposal before us, this unanimous consent request to pass the bill including only funding for Israel, is just ironically an attempt to deny funding for Ukraine. It is not really about helping Israel; it is about making sure we don't continue our support and commitment to Ukraine. That commitment is just as vitally important to us as our solemn commitment to Israel. prgtoken If we fail to support Ukraine, we will send a very unfortunate message to our adversaries: You can succeed in overrunning America's allies if you simply wait us out. prgtoken My colleagues on the other side of the debate have been spinning a false narrative that says: By providing support for Ukraine, we will deny support for Israel. The truth is that the only obstacle to providing help to both nations is them. The truth is also that the United States is already supporting the State of Israel. The United States has provided Israel with over $12.4 billion in military assistance and missile defense funding over the last 3 years. In response to the attacks of October 7, President has moved two aircraft carrier strike groups into the region. He ordered marines into the region. U.S. forces have already engaged and shot down missiles from adversaries in the region. We have also suffered more than 56 injuries of American military personnel because of actions against the U.S. position in the Middle East. prgtoken We need to support Israel. We are supporting Israel. We will continue to support Israel. But we cannot abandon Ukraine. They have lost hundreds of thousands of civilians and military personnel. prgtoken The horrors of October 7 were grotesque. I was in Israel last month. I saw the images--some that have not yet been released--of the slaughter. It was traumatic for the entire State of Israel--in fact, the Jewish community worldwide. But go to Ukraine. Go to Bucha. Dig up the graves of people shot in the back of the head while their hands were tied. You want to talk about atrocities? Those were atrocities perpetrated by the Russians. prgtoken So we are fighting forces that are dark and evil in two fronts, and we have to support all of those democratic nations--Israel and Ukraine. They are struggling against the darkness. prgtoken This is not my opinion alone. Two weeks ago, Mike Pompeo, the former Secretary of State for and a former Congressman from Senator Marshall's home State of Kansas, wrote this about Ukraine: Make no mistake: The outcome of this war will have a direct impact on U.S. national security. Should Putin prevail-- whether on the battlefield or through a war of attrition that leads to ill-conceived
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST--H.R. 6126
Michael F. Bennet (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2023-11-14

reserving the right to be object, I am glad to be here today. I think it is important for us to have this debate. This is a debate. People on the other side of the aisle say it is not one. prgtoken I heard my colleague from Ohio talking earlier about slogans, slogans, slogans. This is all about slogans. prgtoken I cannot believe the degree to which the accomplishments by the Ukrainian people are being diminished on this floor or being diminished in this debate. It is absolutely disgraceful. prgtoken They are this close to winning this war. There is a freeze today on the battlefield, on the frontline, in part, because Putin knows exactly what is going on here. He knows about the debate that is going on here. He knows, my colleagues, that he is losing on the battlefield. He understands that. NATO understands that. Xi Jinping understands that. He knows that. prgtoken He is losing on the battlefield. He is counting on winning on Capitol Hill. He is counting on winning on this battlefield. Let me tell you something. This isn't about slogans. prgtoken Let's talk about what Ukraine has done over the last 2 years. I haven't heard anybody talk about that in this discussion or this debate. I hope my colleagues on the other side are listening because you will not hear, in your lifetime, a list of greater courage or sacrifice than what you will hear from Ukrainians, and it is not slogans. prgtoken They defeated and reversed the Russian attack on Kyiv--which, by the way, Kyiv was supposed to fall in 72 hours. They reversed that. They forced Russia to retreat from Chernihiv and Sumy. They won the battle of Kharkiv. They took back Kherson. They took back Snake Island. prgtoken Ukraine has taken back more than half--more than half--of the land that Russia took from them in this invasion, colleagues, more than half. Nobody 2 years ago would have predicted that. Everybody would have said Putin would never relinquish that land. prgtoken They almost singlehandedly restarted commercial grain trade with Asia and Africa. Why does that matter? That matters so that the whole rest of the world can be fed, so they will stay in the fight that we have led that no other country can lead but the United States of America, even though my colleagues on the other side have gotten tired. prgtoken Last month--read it. Look it up. I will put it in the Record. There was an amazing article over the weekend about this in the New York Times, and I ask unanimous consent that it be printed in the Record.
DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2023-11-14

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding, and I rise in strong opposition to this spending bill. prgtoken In it, House s have reduced funding to the NIH and the National Cancer Institute and virtually eliminated funding for medical and behavioral research into deadly diseases. prgtoken House s eliminated the CDC's tobacco prevention and control programs. I repeat: House s have defunded our most important antismoking programs with this bill. prgtoken Deaths will be the reality if these cuts come to fruition. How can s still be this beholden to Big Tobacco? prgtoken House s also eliminated the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative despite States like Florida, where we are seeing a 33 percent spike in new HIV diagnoses. prgtoken With this bill, House s are eliminating Healthy Start, whose sole mission is to improve the well-being of expectant mothers or those who just gave birth, all to reduce infant mortality. prgtoken On top of that, this extreme MAGA bill eliminates funding for title X family planning because their far-right ideology forbids access to reproductive health and related preventive health services. prgtoken Of course, House s have eliminated the Teen Pregnancy Prevention program in tandem with riders that block access to abortion services or reproductive healthcare services. prgtoken At least this bill nakedly reflects the true values of the MAGA House s because it will encourage discrimination, promote bigotry, trample on women's rights, decimate public education, and push minorities further away from equality. prgtoken Of course, it ``protects'' Americans from critical race theory, LGBTQI+ communities, and programs that promote diversity and equity. prgtoken This bill should adhere to the agreement that was made in the Fiscal Responsibility Act we passed on a bipartisan basis in the spring. Slash-and-burn budgeting hurts real people while you take care of your corporate co-conspirators. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this terrible spending bill if it ever even comes to a vote.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST--H.R. 6126
Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2023-11-14

I once again join my colleagues in coming to the floor in opposition to this short-sighted proposal and in support of a comprehensive supplemental funding bill that responds to the full range of immediate global challenges facing our country. This includes arming and equipping Ukraine and Israel, aiding our partners in the Indo-Pacific, and providing the necessary assistance to adequately address dire humanitarian needs around the world. prgtoken To only provide urgently needed support to Israel, as my colleague's proposal would do, would miss the bigger picture. And that is precisely what Putin and Hamas are hoping for. This proposal ignores the reality that these conflicts are part of a shared fight to preserve democracy, confront autocracy and defend the values of the free world. prgtoken Over the past 75 years, these shared values and the advancement of democracy across the world have benefited the American people by making the world more predictable, increasing our national security, lowering the cost of goods, and providing opportunities for American businesses. Europe is a critical trading partner for the U.S and in my home state of New Hampshire, we export about $3 billion worth of goods and services to Europe annually. prgtoken So it is in our collective interest to continue supporting our partners to further the democratic advancement in countries across the world, provide an alternative to China and Russia, and increase America's security and prosperity. prgtoken We know that our allies need weapons now, but bullets and bombs alone will not solve these challenges in their entirety. Humanitarian assistance, which provides for the basic needs of those who find themselves in the crosshairs of the world's conflicts and crises, supports our security objectives in Israel, Ukraine, and across the globe. In Gaza, the United States has long worked with our Israeli and Egyptian allies to ensure that humanitarian aid is properly and efficiently vetted and delivered. The U.S. has a rigorous system in place to screen and certify implementers on the ground who make sure that food, water, and fuel go to the places and people that need them - - not to Hamas. And in Ukraine, the United States has stood by men, women, and children as they fight off a brutal invading force. A failure to continue to support assistance for Ukraine could mean that 12 million fewer people will get the humanitarian assistance they need right now--aid that has gone to emergency food and shelter, basic healthcare, access to safe drinking water, and basic hygiene kits. This funding is simple. It will save lives. We must deliver. prgtoken Now, make no mistake; our adversaries are watching what the United States does. It is no coincidence that Iran backs Hamas's campaign in Israel while also supplying Russia with lethal drones to use in Ukraine. China's coercive behavior toward Taiwan and the prgtoken broader Indo-Pacific region
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST--H.R. 6126
Christopher A. Coons (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2023-11-14

my colleagues from Kansas, Ohio, and Missouri have raised a raft of questions to which I will offer a few timely and simple answers: Look up. Look back. Look ahead. prgtoken To my colleague from Kansas, his predecessor Bob Dole, a Senator who was a great leader in this Chamber, was a champion for the power of humanitarian aid around the world. And I will not yield without speaking to a piece of this supplemental that has been largely ignored: the critical role of humanitarian aid in sustaining our partners and allies, in averting humanitarian catastrophe, and, yes, in sustaining both Ukraine and Israeli national security. prgtoken But, first, if I might, let's look back for a moment to history. My colleague from Ohio complained that we somehow had not thoroughly debated Ukraine. I believe we have, but I am happy to have us engage for hours more because there are critical lessons from the past that inform the strong, broad, and bipartisan support for aid to Ukraine. prgtoken The last time I went to Kyiv, I traveled with his predecessor, Senator Rob Portman--a cochair of the Ukraine Caucus in this body and a determined and committed supporter of Ukraine's. Why? Let's look back for a moment. prgtoken In the runup to the Second World War, a famous American aviator, Charles Lindbergh--a man who was decorated for his exploits and his exploration--joined a nationwide movement whose slogan was ``America First.'' ``America First'' seemed to say that we should stay out of the roiling conflicts in the Pacific and in Europe; that we should step back and allow the armies of the Nazis to advance across Western Europe and allow the armies of imperial Japan to advance across Asia because those were not our concerns. In fact, he gave a publicized speech in favor of neutrality just on the eve of the attack on Pearl Harbor. prgtoken History proved that ``America First'' almost risked ``America Alone'' in a world overcome by authoritarians. prgtoken I will tell you, that mistake is a mistake my colleagues risk making now. If they want to make America weak again, they can go back to the arguments of the isolationist s on the verge of the Second World War. prgtoken But to my colleague from Kansas, I will say you don't really have a debate with us. You have a debate with your own leadership. I have heard on this floor clear, forceful, focused speeches in defense of Ukraine--the critical role of our support for Ukraine--not from alone but from some of the most seasoned and capable and leading Members of the caucus, including my colleagues from Texas and from Kentucky. prgtoken There is broad support for Ukraine. I, frankly, think, to answer the question of my colleague from Ohio: How are these possibly connected, the attack of Hamas on Israeli civilians, the attack of Russia on Ukrainian civilians? prgtoken I say, you would need only look up. What is that sound? It is Iranian drones and missi
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST--H.R. 6126
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2023-11-14

reserving the right to object, at this moment of danger and peril around the world, we, the United States of America, must support our friends and democracies that are under attack from brutal adversaries. That means supporting Israel's right to defend itself in the aftermath of the brutal Hamas attacks of October 7. prgtoken It also means ensuring that the people of Ukraine can defend themselves against Putin's rank aggression. Make no mistake about it, this proposal on the floor today is tantamount to saying the Ukrainian people should surrender to Vladimir Putin. It is waving the white flag. If we don't support Ukraine, not only will the Ukrainians lose, democracy will lose around the world. And I have to say that Ronald Reagan would be rolling in his grave today to see the Party abandoning Ukraine in the fight for democracy and freedom. prgtoken You know, most of us gathered recently in the Old Senate Chamber with President Zelenskyy, and he was very clear that the Ukrainians will fight on to defend their democracy and their sovereignty, but if the United States doesn't stand by the people of Ukraine, Putin will have the upper hand. prgtoken So for goodness' sake, our Ukrainian friends are spilling blood; they are giving lives. The very least we can do is step up and continue to provide military assistance so that they can defend themselves. prgtoken And this is not only about Ukraine; it is about making sure that our allies--our NATO allies--understand that the United States will continue to stand up against aggression. If the United States walks away, the NATO alliance will begin to collapse. prgtoken It also sends a terrible signal to others around the world--other autocrats--who are watching very carefully what the United States and our allies do with respect to Ukraine. I have heard my colleagues say it is only speculation as to what our allies in the Indo-Pacific would think if we walked away. prgtoken Well, let me tell you. They have told us very clearly. Leaders in Japan and South Korea, friends in Taiwan are watching closely what the United States does with respect to Ukraine, just as President Xi is keeping one eye on Taiwan as he keeps the other eye on what is happening in Ukraine. prgtoken Now, President is scheduled to meet with President Xi tomorrow in San Francisco at the APEC conference. And I can tell my colleagues don't pretend on the Senate floor or otherwise that you are going to be really tough on China; that you are going to support Taiwan if you cut loose and run when it comes to Ukraine because they are intricately connected. Just ask the people in Taiwan, ask the people in the Indo- Pacific region. prgtoken Finally, I keep hearing my colleagues talk about their so- called pay-for, as if the $14 billion dollar cut to the IRS pays for the $14 billion in support for Israel. This debate has been going on for a couple of weeks so it can't be that ou
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 5893, COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024; AND PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 5961, NO FUNDS FOR IRANIAN TERRORISM ACT
Thomas Massie (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-11-15

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , let me point out that my colleague from Kentucky is right that Social Security is a legal and moral obligation to seniors. Let me also point out that every time we engage in deficit spending and spend too much money, we cause inflation. prgtoken When we have the Fed create dollars out of thin air so we can launder them through banks and then borrow them back from ourselves, we are really causing inflation. prgtoken What does inflation do to those Social Security checks? It reduces the value of those Social Security checks. prgtoken This bill is actually a step in reducing inflation by reducing Federal spending, and that will be to the benefit of those seniors who are going to be living on a fixed income. prgtoken We all know there is a cost-of-living adjustment applied to Social Security, but the reality is it is not keeping up with inflation. prgtoken Inflation is so rampant now due to the spending that we have engaged in in Congress. There is a moral imperative for us to reduce spending because it trickles down. Inflation is very detrimental to our seniors. That is why we have to pass this bill. prgtoken , I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Langworthy), my good friend and colleague on the Rules Committee.
RECOGNIZING NATIONAL CAREER DEVELOPMENT MONTH
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-11-15

I rise today to recognize November as National Career Development Month. prgtoken Along with my colleague and co-chair of the Bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, today we introduced a resolution recognizing November as National Career Development Month. prgtoken National Career Development Month marks an important time for our students and workers of all ages to consider and explore future career opportunities. It is also a time to recognize the professionals who guide learners to become the leaders of tomorrow. prgtoken Throughout the month, schools and businesses will have the chance to showcase different career paths that align with various interests and skills. These opportunities will better prepare students as they begin to enter the workforce. prgtoken National Career Development Month raises awareness of future career opportunities and development programs for all individuals. prgtoken A highly skilled workforce is a business' number one asset and provides a competitive edge. This month, I encourage individuals of all ages to take advantage of career development and put themselves in the driver's seat of their futures. prgtoken Career practitioners and educators are a vital resource for the livelihood of our Nation's workforce and economic health and well-being of U.S. workers. We look forward to advancing career development for all Americans. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this resolution.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2023-11-15

I rise today in honor of a dear friend Jim Deremeik who dedicated his career to supporting low-vision rehabilitation care and education. prgtoken Jim and I first met at the New York Lighthouse Guild. I was finishing my optometry studies and doing an externship with the lighthouse program, and Jim was working at the Arkansas School for the Blind. Our work at the New York Lighthouse Guild involved learning how to better enable people who are blind, but still had partial vision, to use this remaining vision through magnifiers and other devices so they could better navigate a sighted world. Through Jim's persistence, I began volunteering in Little Rock at the Arkansas School for the Blind and developing a low-vision program. Working together and with the great team at the school, we were able to make a big difference in the lives of many students. Our working relationship turned into a deep friendship. prgtoken My old football coach at the University of Arkansas Frank Broyles always used to say there are two kinds of people: givers and takers. I soon learned that Jim was the definition of a giver. Over the years, Jim has received many awards and accolades, but the thing he will be most remembered for is his servant leadership towards his students and clients, along with the example that he has set for his friends and coworkers. prgtoken I know Jim is retiring, but I can't imagine him not being involved in some way through various organizations and entities to continue helping others. My only regret is that life has taken us down separate paths, and we have not gotten to spend nearly as much time with each other as I would like. I wish Jim and Peggy, his wonderful wife, the best. The blind community is much better off as a result of the dedication and care of Jim Deremeik.
TRIBUTE TO ALEX SANCHEZ
Rick Scott (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-11-15

I stand to recognize and congratulate Alex Sanchez, president and CEO of the prgtoken Florida Bankers Association, on his retirement. Mr. Sanchez is a Cuban immigrant and American patriot. Sanchez served in the U.S. Air Force from 1976-1981 and holds a juris doctorate from the Iowa College of Law. prgtoken Mr. Sanchez has served as president and CEO of the Florida Bankers Association for 30 years and will be retiring on December 31, 2023. Under his leadership, the Florida Bankers Association was instrumental in bringing to light and stopping harmful Federal legislation and regulation programs such as Operation Chokepoint and making nonresident alien account information public. He also oversaw the association's historic merger with the Community Bankers of Florida, combining the two banking organizations to better serve Florida's banking industry and the families and businesses it serves. prgtoken Mr. Sanchez was appointed by President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate as a board member to the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, where he served from 2003-2010. Former Florida Governor Jeb nominated him to the Florida Schools of Excellence Commission, where he served from August 2006-April 2007. Later, he was chosen by the Financial Services Volunteer Corps for a mission to Tunis, Tunisia, to partner with the Tunisian Bankers Association and work with them on banking and priority regulatory reforms. He also led a mission to Arusha, Tanzania, in 2013 to lead a workshop on regional banking for the banking associations in the East African Community, including Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, and Burundi. prgtoken The Florida Bankers Association was established in 1888 to advocate on behalf of Florida banks and promote the banking industry in the State. The association provides unparalleled advocacy in Washington, DC, and Tallahassee, excellent educational programming, quality products, and valuable services for Florida's banking industry. prgtoken It is my honor to congratulate Alex on his many achievements and on his retirement.