mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
JOINING IN SOLIDARITY WITH UAW
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-9-14

I rise today in support of nearly 150,000 United Auto Workers, including 3,000 members in western New York at the Ford Stamping Plant and General Motors plants in Tonawanda and Lockport. prgtoken Autoworkers have historically weathered the storm to support the automotive industry, through the Great Recession and economic hardship. Now, during a time when companies are experiencing record profits, the people delivering the goods deserve a contract that recognizes the critical role they play in that success. prgtoken UAW members will be an important part of the next generation of manufacturing, making electric vehicles more accessible and readily available. prgtoken As the September 14 deadline approaches, negotiators must come to the table with a contract that includes competitive wages and rewards quality work. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me in solidarity with the UAW as they negotiate a secure future for the workers driving success in the automotive industry today.
TRIBUTE TO GRACE POTTER
Peter Welch (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2023-9-14

I rise today to recognize Grace Potter, a talented singer-songwriter who was born and raised in Fayston, VT. She is a Grammy-nominated artist and has been described by Spin Magazine as ``one of the greatest living voices in rock today.'' As her career as a musician has reached remarkable heights, she has continued to be a beacon of hope for her community back home in Vermont. prgtoken Music and the arts bring people together and foster healing through difficult times. Ms. Potter has always used her musical talent to build community, which is what Vermonters do best. She has consistently uplifted young musicians and worked to create opportunities for the arts to flourish in Vermont. These efforts are critical to strengthening both local economies and the social fabric of our great State. prgtoken Ms. Potter has also spent her career bringing attention to causes that she is passionate about, including promoting fair trade labeling and supporting local farmers. At the height of the pandemic, Ms. Potter hosted a virtual benefit concert with proceeds going to Shift Meals, an organization which delivers locally grown food to food-insecure households throughout the State. prgtoken After Hurricane Irene devastated Vermont communities in 2011, Ms. Potter performed benefit concerts to support flood relief efforts. Catastrophic flooding again hit Vermont this past July and August, destroying downtowns, damaging businesses, and forcing Vermonters to evacuate their homes. Thanks to Vermont's indomitable spirit, communities have come together to rebuild from the flooding. Ms. Potter has been a critical part of this rebuilding, again hosting multiple benefit concerts to bring aid to those most impacted by the floods. prgtoken Ms. Potter is a source of inspiration for so many, and she stands in solidarity with those in need of assistance during an incredibly challenging time. As Vermonters continue to recover from this summer's floods, we are grateful for Ms. Potter's dedication to the place we call home. prgtoken Thank you, Grace Potter, for your contribution to flood relief efforts in Vermont and for your embodiment of Vermont values.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-9-14

America's example and the threats posed by Russia and China are leading major allies and partners in Europe and Asia to step up their commitments to collective security and dramatically increase investments in their own defense. prgtoken It is worth pointing out once again that the United States is not--I repeat ``not''--shouldering the burden for European free riders. In fact, when it comes to security assistance to Ukraine as a share of GDP, 14 of our European allies are actually giving more. prgtoken Lithuania--a small nation by any measure--has sent tens of thousands of rifles, handguns, and grenade launchers and millions of rounds of ammunition. Denmark and Estonia have sent their entire inventory of certain critical artillery. Larger allies, like the United Kingdom and France, are making remarkable contributions themselves, including longer range systems than the United States has provided. Even Germany, despite slow and sometimes agonizing decision making, has provided historic support to Ukraine and is the continent's largest provider of security assistance to Ukraine. Europe has more than doubled American economic and humanitarian assistance, not to prgtoken mention the massive cost of hosting millions of Ukrainian refugees. prgtoken But, like America, our allies are not in the business of philanthropy. As far away as Tokyo and Seoul, leaders are making a sober calculation about their interests. Our friends are making historic new investments in growing their arsenals and modernizing their militaries. prgtoken More than half of our NATO allies are now on track to hit the alliance's 2 percent spending target by the end of next year. Sweden, not yet a full-fledged NATO member, is increasing its defense spending next year by nearly 30 percent to invest in modern capabilities and meet its 2 percent of the GDP target. Lithuania, which spent less than 1 percent of its GDP on defense back in 2014, is set to spend over 2.5 percent next year. prgtoken To bolster their security, many of our allies are buying American. Since Russia's escalation began last February, our allies and partners across the globe have purchased over $120 billion in advanced, American-made weapons systems. prgtoken Germany, Switzerland, Finland, and the Czech Republic have all moved quickly to sign contracts to purchase F-35s. Indonesia has signed up for nearly $14 billion in F-15 fighter aircraft made in St. Louis, MO. Bulgaria--an economy roughly the size of the State of Maine--has spent $1.5 billion on Stryker combat vehicles that are produced in Lima, OH, and Anniston, AL. Poland has ordered $12 billion worth of Apache helicopters produced in Mesa, AZ, and is planning to buy 486 HIMARS launchers. They will have the biggest HIMARS inventory in the world. prgtoken Here is the most important part: When our friends and allies ``Buy American,'' they are buying into a closer security relationship with the United States. They ar
ISSUES OF THE DAY
Jake Ellzey (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-9-14

. Madam , as many of you know, from time-to-time I address the House floor with my version of a speech that my childhood pastor would give every Sunday called ``Joys and Concerns.'' During this time, he would highlight some of the remarkable things that members of the church were doing and some of their many accomplishments. prgtoken He would also take this time to bring up prayer requests. That would unite us as a congregation to pray for our community and those in need. prgtoken Recently, I had the opportunity to go to Hillsboro, Texas, which is a city in my district in Hill County. It is a remarkable place of wonderful people, and they all love their country. The local community college, Hill College, has a veterans' museum on campus. prgtoken If you take a moment before you walk into the museum, out front to the right is a small memorial, and it is a ``Medal of Honor Memorial to Native-Born Texans.'' It is engraved on a headstone. During my visits, I am always drawn to those to see what I can find there. prgtoken My district is home to nine Medal of Honor recipients, and I would like to take a moment to introduce them to you. If you will indulge me, it will take a little time, but I think it is worth talking about as we worry about the future of this country and what we are made of and the greatness of our people. When I tell you their stories, you should have no doubt that there should be no doubt about our past and our future. prgtoken From Dallas, Commander Samuel Dealey, who served our Nation in World War II. He was born September 13, 1906, and served our Nation during World War II. He received the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of the USS Harder during her fifth war patrol in Japanese-controlled waters. prgtoken Floodlighted by a bright moon and disclosed to an enemy destroyer escort which bore down with the intent to attack, Commander Dealey dived his submarine to periscope depth and waited for the pursuer to close range, then opened fire, sending the target and all aboard down in flames with his third torpedo. prgtoken Plunging deep to avoid fierce depth charges, he again surfaced, and within 9 minutes after sighting another destroyer, had sent the enemy down tail first with a direct hit immediately amidship. prgtoken Evading detection, he penetrated the confined waters off Tawi Tawi with a Japanese fleet base 6 miles away and scored death blows on two patrolling destroyers in quick succession. With his ship heeled over by concussions from the first exploding target and the second vessel nose- diving in a blinding detonation, he cleared the area at high speed. prgtoken Sighted by a large hostile fleet force on the following day, he swung his bow toward the lead destroyer for another down-the-throat shot, fired three bow tubes, and promptly crash-dived to be terrifically rocked seconds later by the explo
PRESERVING CHOICE IN VEHICLE PURCHASES ACT
Greg Pence (Republican, IN) \u2014 2023-9-14

I rise in support of H.R. 1435, the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act. I thank Congressman John Joyce for his leadership on this bill. prgtoken The electrification or nothing timeline of this administration is far ahead of what is possible, practical, and affordable. prgtoken Giving California authority to dictate to the transportation industry for almost half the Nation is just another tool this administration is using to force EVs on the American people. prgtoken Fuel distribution for our transportation industry was built over the course of 100 years. It is not reasonable to assume the same can be done for an EV industry in just a few short years. prgtoken While this administration seeks to mandate and subsidize electric vehicles at every turn, they lack any sense of a coherent plan to put this into reality. prgtoken EV inventories are piling up on dealer lots because, simply put, nobody is buying them. This legislation would make important strides to protect Hoosiers' ability to choose the car that they think best fits their families. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2023-9-14

I am both surprised and disappointed that the Senator from Wisconsin is objecting to this unanimous consent agreement. The Senator from Wisconsin has repeatedly said--and I agree with him--that we should not end up with an omnibus bill--a 4,000-page bill--at the end of the year, with little consideration and having been largely drafted by a small group of people. prgtoken So why is the Senator from Wisconsin objecting to proceeding to three appropriations bills that were reported unanimously--unanimously, each one of them--by the Senate Appropriations Committee after a great deal of work? Furthermore, the Senator is objecting to amendments being offered to this package--amendments by Senator Paul, Senator Vance, Senator Ernst, Senator Blackburn, Senator Lee--and that is just the first tranche of amendments. prgtoken Negotiations are ongoing, and there will be additional amendments; but if we cannot proceed to consider this bill and the other two appropriations bills unanimously reported by the Senate committee, then those amendments offered by some of our Members cannot be considered. prgtoken Is the Senator from Wisconsin opposed to the amendments that are offered by Senators Paul, Vance, Ernst, Blackburn, and Lee? Because, by objecting, he is preventing them from being considered by the full Senate. prgtoken We have worked very hard to clear amendments for consideration by this body, but if we can't even get passed the procedural amendments that allow us to bring the Transportation and Housing appropriations bill and the Agriculture appropriations bill to add to the MILCON-VA bill, then the Senate is broken once again. prgtoken Senator Murray and I, along with all the members of the Appropriations Committee, have worked so hard to achieve bipartisan consensus. We held nearly 50 hearings and briefings, asking tough questions, reviewing the President's budget request, evaluating the numbers in the budget. And we worked hard to develop, draft, and approve all 12 of the appropriations bills for the first time in 5 years. prgtoken How can a Member stand up and object and, at the same time, say: Oh, I don't want an omnibus bill. Well, that is what we are heading for. prgtoken We lost last week. I wish that the ic leader had brought this to the floor last week. We are now losing this week, and needlessly so. prgtoken There has been a great openness by my ic colleagues to consider amendments. We just asked unanimous consent for the first five to be considered. Yet that is objected to. prgtoken Members cannot have it both ways. They cannot block floor consideration of appropriations bills that were unanimously reported by the committee and yet maintain that they don't want an omnibus bill. It is one or the other, or a government shutdown--even worse. prgtoken So I would ask my colleague from Wisconsin to think through this and think about the fact that he is blocking Repu
PRESERVING CHOICE IN VEHICLE PURCHASES ACT
Bill Johnson (Republican, OH) \u2014 2023-9-14

I rise in support of H.R. 1435, the Preserving Choices in Vehicle Purchases Act. prgtoken As the chairman of the Subcommittee on the Environment, I am proud to support this bill led by my Energy and Commerce Committee colleagues, Representatives Joyce, Latta, Bilirakis, and Obernolte. prgtoken H.R. 1435 is a critical step in protecting consumer choice and safeguarding Americans' access to affordable and reliable vehicles. prgtoken The legislation would prohibit the EPA from granting California a waiver for vehicle emission standards if the State's standards directly or indirectly limit the sale of new gas-powered vehicles. prgtoken Why is this important? California recently submitted a waiver request, which would require all new passenger vehicles in the State to be zero-emission vehicles by 2035, effectively phasing out new gas- powered cars. prgtoken Even worse, if California is granted that EPA waiver, 17 States, representing 40 percent of the U.S. market for new vehicles, are poised to adopt California's exact standards. prgtoken This would result in California effectively forcing their values and their mandates on all of us. How would that work out? Ask the Secretary of Energy. It was recently reported that on a road trip with her entourage to tout electric vehicles, her advance staff actually blocked a family with their baby in the car from the one functioning EV charging station at a particular stop until the Secretary arrived to recharge her luxury EV I think it is safe to say that my constituents don't get that privilege. prgtoken Now, I want to be clear. This legislation does not prevent Americans from purchasing EVs if they want one. House s are simply ensuring that all Americans can choose the car that best fits their needs right now and in the decades to come. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1435.
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-9-14

here we are, 16 days before the end of the fiscal year, and the Senate has finally begun--we are not finishing; we are just beginning--taking up the annual appropriations process. prgtoken Just to remind everybody, there are 12 individual appropriations bills. There is no time for us to finish this process before the end of the fiscal year, which is actually part of the majority leader's plan. He never intended to have a normal process by which the appropriations bills would be considered because what we call the regular order around here means you take them up one at a time, all 12. It is a transparent, open process where the American people can see it, where every Senator--all 100 Senators--gets to participate in crafting those bills. If they believe the spending needs to be cut in a certain area, they can offer an amendment to do that. If we need different priorities in the spending bills, well, you can do that by offering an amendment and getting it passed. prgtoken Earlier today, the Senate voted 91 to 7 to begin debating this legislation that funds military construction projects and supports America's veterans. This bill is important because it bolsters our military readiness by investing in new and existing facilities at our military bases around the world. That includes, in Texas, places like Fort Bliss, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, and Fort Cavazos. It also helps us fulfill the promise we made to America's veterans by investing in mental health care, telehealth, housing, and other critical services. prgtoken Today, Texas is the proud home of 1\1/2\ million veterans, and this is one important way we keep our commitment and honor their service and the many sacrifices they have made for our country. prgtoken This legislation passed the Appropriations Committee earlier this summer with unanimous support. Every , every voted for it--all 28 members. But this is just 1 of 12 funding bills the committee passed this summer with strong bipartisan support. prgtoken Earlier this week, the majority leader, the Senator from New York, spoke about the Senate appropriations process thus far, and he referred to it as ``the gold standard in good governance.'' When I read that, I nearly fell out of my chair. He calls this process, which is doomed to failure because of his refusal to bring these bills to the floor on a timely basis, the gold standard of good governance. prgtoken Given the fact that we are 16 days from a government shutdown unless the House and the Senate can agree on a continuing resolution, I would say this is far from the ``gold standard.'' As a matter of fact, I think you could say we have sunk about as far as we can. prgtoken But it is important to remember that this funding deadline didn't surprise us. It didn't pop up out of nowhere. It arrives every year on September 30. So the majority leader had plenty of time to plan, prepare, and to carve out time to pass all
REMEMBERING JERRY WILLIS KEITH
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2023-9-14

. Madam , I rise today in remembrance of Jerry Willis Keith. prgtoken Jerry was born on March 28, 1937, in Waycross, Georgia, to Warren Lott Keith and Mary Emma Corbett Keith. He was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Jesup and a member of the Golden Rulers Sunday School Class. prgtoken He spent his adult life managing and operating retail grocery stores for several national food chains. There, he was always praised by many local employees as the best boss they ever had. prgtoken He was a very active member of many community organizations, including the Elks Club, Pine Forest Men's Golf Association, a Jaycee member, and an elite member of the Pond House crew. prgtoken He was a loving husband; a caring father of 7; a doting grandfather of 15; and great-grandfather of 6. prgtoken Mr. Keith's legacy will live on in the positive impact that he had on his community. I extend my deepest sympathies to his family.
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2023-9-14

I am very happy to join Senator Murray today in presenting the fiscal year 2024 and 2025 appropriations bill for the Department of Veterans Affairs and for the Department of Defense military construction. prgtoken I am proud to be a part of this first minibus as we continue the fiscal year 2024 appropriations process and the return to regular order. As in years past, this subcommittee crafted the bill in an open and bipartisan way, and I expect to continue that today as we consider this bill on the floor. prgtoken This bill takes into consideration the needs of our veterans, their families, and our servicemembers, and, within that framework, we have created a thoughtful and responsible path for both Departments and our related Agencies. prgtoken This bill provides $154.352 billion in discretionary spending, which is $184 million over last year's level. Within that, the Department of Veterans Affairs is provided $134.8 billion in discretionary funding, which is $85 million over last year's level. Included in that level is $121 billion for veterans' medical care, a $2.3 billion increase over last year. prgtoken This bill funds priority accounts to prevent veteran suicide, increase rural access to healthcare, and support critical mental health programs. It helps to prevent veterans' homelessness and provides funding for innovative medical research. prgtoken The bill provides $19.07 billion to support military construction and family housing needs and funds a total of 163 major military construction projects, which we desperately need. prgtoken This bill will give the Department of Defense the resources it needs to project power globally, enhance our warfighting capabilities, and train the forces. This bill also provides $1.9 billion to improve the quality of life for servicemembers and their families. prgtoken I also want to note that the bill includes $471.3 million for our related Agencies, which include the American Battle Monuments Commission, the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Armed Forces Retirement Home. prgtoken I want to thank Chair Murray and Vice Chair Collins for their leadership with the total committee, and also I want to specifically thank Chair Murray and her staff and my staff for the hard work they have done in crafting this bill to get us to where we are at today. So we appreciate them. prgtoken Also, we will be encouraging votes so that we can actually get these bills across the finish line. prgtoken .
SNOOKS CANDIES AND CHOCOLATE FACTORY CELEBRATES 60TH ANNIVERSARY
Kevin Kiley (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-9-14

yesterday the Education and the Workforce Committee hosted a roundtable with Eva Moskowitz, the founder of Success Academy Charter Schools, which was first opened in 2006 and now has 47 schools. prgtoken The network of schools is known for setting high expectations of academic excellence and achieving exemplary results. Black and Hispanic students, which make up most of Success Academy's students, achieve proficiency rates double to triple what their New York City district peers do. prgtoken As AEI senior fellow Robert Pondiscio put it: If Success Academy were a stand-alone school district, it would be by far the highest performing one in the State of New York, including places like Scarsdale, and Jericho on Long Island with multimillion dollar homes. prgtoken This is an example of why charter schools have been such an important innovation in American education and are a vital part of the landscape for school choice and why they are widely supported by the public. prgtoken In 2022, the Poll found in a national survey that 81 percent of parents support expanding the number of slots at existing public charter schools in their area and 78 percent want more public charter schools in their area. prgtoken In California's Third District, we have many tremendous schools, both district schools and charter schools. Some of the popular charters include John Adams Academy, Placer County Pathways Charter, Newcastle Elementary Charter, Vantage Point Charter, and Plumas Charter. prgtoken As a former high school teacher and a member of the Education and Workforce Committee, I am truly inspired by schools like Success Academy and will work to support charter schools and to scale up successful models throughout our public education system. Suspend the State Gas Tax