mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NDAA (Executive Session)
Ted Budd (Republican, NC) \u2014 2024-7-31

and the ranking member for his comments and his leadership on Armed Services. prgtoken We meet at a time of increasing peril for our country. The threats we face are demanding attention in a way that we haven't seen in decades. From the Middle East to Europe, to the Indo-Pacific, weakness and moral bankruptcy from the - administration have allowed chaos to spread around the globe. prgtoken In the Middle East, Israel is in a fight for survival against genocidal Hamas prgtoken terrorists and other terrorist proxies from Iran. These forces of evil are bent not only on the complete annihilation of the Jewish State but on the destruction of the United States as well. prgtoken In Ukraine, Russia continues its vicious war of aggression by continuing to commit war crimes against innocent civilians and threatening the very stability of Europe. prgtoken In the Indo-Pacific, China is saber-rattling and taking provocative action toward Taiwan and the Philippines. prgtoken The aim of the Chinese Communist Party is clear: They are determined to displace the United States as the dominant world superpower. If this were to occur, the consequences would be staggering for America and, I say, yes, the world's security and economic well-being. prgtoken We know that the answer to all these crises is the one thing that has been missing for the last 3\1/2\ years, and that is American strength, particularly America's military superiority. prgtoken This year's National Defense Strategy Commission report has made clear that the dire threats we face can only be confronted if America's military might is strengthened. Our enemies won't relent if America takes a step backward. Our diplomatic efforts will never be successful if they are not backed up by the real threat of overwhelming military force. Simply put, in order to be a strong nation, our military must also be strong. prgtoken I am proud to say that my home State of North Carolina plays a leading role in our national defense. The Old North State is blessed to be home to eight active military bases, and it has thousands of Active- Duty servicemembers, veterans, and their families as well. prgtoken As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I see it as my responsibility to do everything that I can to support our military and to keep it strong. I am particularly proud of the work the committee did this year on the National Defense Authorization Act to combat the growing threats posed by China, Russia, Iran, and the dangerous individuals coming across our own southern border. prgtoken In this dangerous world, the U.S. Senate should prioritize the passage of the NDAA. We shouldn't procrastinate, and we shouldn't play politics with it. We should put it on the floor, have a full amendment process, and let everyone debate the issues. It is pretty simple. prgtoken But don't be fooled by the political calendar. The majority--they can make the t
NDAA (Executive Session)
Shelley Moore Capito (Republican, WV) \u2014 2024-7-31

I rise today to address something that is not getting done on time, as it deserves to be done on this Senate floor; and that is the fiscal year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act. prgtoken I am very pleased to see my fellow Senator from the Great State of Mississippi, who is the ranking member on this committee, who has spent numerous hours--and days and weeks--working this bill but also educating Members and Senators as to how important this is. prgtoken The National Defense Authorization Act--or the NDAA, as we call it-- is an annual display of support for the national security of our country here in the U.S. Congress. In fact, we have passed the NDAA for 63 consecutive years. prgtoken This bipartisan legislation supports our troops, supports our national security, and strengthens the capabilities of the U.S. military. prgtoken In a time when we face some of the most dangerous security environments since World War II, the NDAA should be one of our top legislative priorities. But, unfortunately, Leader Schumer just doesn't seem to agree. prgtoken And with the support of my ic colleagues, Leader Schumer has spent much of the summer on messaging votes that are crafted with no true intention of making a law, nominations for Federal entities, which we are going to be doing all day today, and the confirmation of judges that have--some of them--no business serving on the bench. This is not what the American people sent us to do for our country. prgtoken The urgent need to pass the NDAA becomes obvious when you take into account what is currently happening in the world around us. First, our ally and friend Israel is under attack by Iran and its terrorist clients. prgtoken Last week, we welcomed President Binyamin Netanyahu for a joint address to Congress, and he detailed the stark reality that his country is facing. Just a few days ago--just a few days ago--we learned the devastating news that 12 children and teenagers were killed by a Hezbollah strike while innocently playing on a soccer field. prgtoken We know that Iran is the aggressor behind these attacks, and we know that they are doing all they can to grow their nuclear capabilities as well. Imagine the dangers of a nuclear-armed Iran and what that means for the stability in the Middle East. prgtoken The last 24 hours alone have shown the rapid pace at which the Middle East security environment is changing. Israel is showing that it has the will and the capability to fight back against their aggressors--and I stand strongly in support with this ally. prgtoken Second, there is a large-scale ground war going on in Europe for the first time since World War II. And we know Putin's territorial ambitions and aggressions extend far beyond Ukraine. prgtoken Third, we are witnessing an unprecedented military buildup by China, accompanied by aggressions against Taiwan, the Philippines, Japan, and other partners in the region. prgtoken This summer al
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Kevin Cramer (Republican, ND) \u2014 2024-7-31

it is an honor to recognize the nearly half century of distinguished service of a remarkable North Dakotan who retired this year. prgtoken Dale Dannewitz began his locomotive railroad engineering career on July 24, 1978, with what is now Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad. This came after earning a degree in diesel mechanics at what is now Williston State College, working at Cummins, Inc and completing an apprenticeship with Burlington Northern. In these 50 years, Dale performed his duties with great skill and dedication. prgtoken He began working on trains in the Minot area, then ran routes between Minot and Glasgow, MT. He was a distributive power mentor in Minot for a year before spending 4 years as a foreman of engines in Mandan. He completed the rest of his career as an engineer in Minot. prgtoken For a few years, he was a team member for the Trauma Response Action Involvement Network, a group of engineers and their spouses who provided counsel and support to people impacted by a train crossing accident or event. He was also a volunteer for Operation Lifesaver, Inc a rail safety education nonprofit which helps students and young drivers understand the safety precautions around railroad tracks and highway-rail grade crossings. prgtoken Over these years, Dale has had a front row seat watching technology and design advancements in railroad transportation. As he was quoted in Railway Age magazine in an article at the time of his retirement, he said, ``I've enjoyed everything and learned to take the safe route, always--it's what it's all about. It was a good ride.'' prgtoken It is people like Dale Dannewitz who have ensured the safe movement of products and commodities across the continent by rail. On behalf of all North Dakotans, I thank him for his service and congratulate him on his well-earned retirement. May you enjoy many years of health and happiness in the future.