mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Debt Ceiling (Executive Calendar)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-5-31

later this afternoon, the House of Representatives will vote on a bipartisan agreement that will protect the U.S. economy and eliminate the risk of a disastrous default. Once this bill reaches the Senate, I will move to bring it to the floor as soon as possible. Although the House still has more work to do, Senators should be prepared to move on this bill quickly once it is the Senate's turn to act. prgtoken I cannot stress enough that we have no margin--no margin--for error. Either we proceed quickly and send this bipartisan agreement to the President's desk or the Federal Government will default for the first time ever. prgtoken It is imperative that we avoid a default. The consequences of slipping past the deadline would reverberate across the world and take years to recover from. Remember, a default would almost certainly trigger another recession, send costs soaring, kill millions and millions of jobs--hard-working people thrown out of work through no fault of their own. That would be a catastrophic nightmare for our economy and millions--millions--of American families. prgtoken So any needless delay, any last-minute brinksmanship at this point would be an unacceptable risk. Moving quickly and working together to avoid default is the responsible and necessary thing to do. prgtoken Nobody on either side thinks this agreement is perfect, that is for sure. Nobody got everything they wanted. But this agreement still accomplishes two major goals: It spares the American people from the catastrophe of default, and it preserves the most important investments we have passed over the past few years, many of them on a bipartisan basis. So moving forward on this agreement is the sensible, responsible, and very necessary thing to do. prgtoken We are getting close to finally putting the threat of default behind us, but there is more work to do. I hope that the House does its job when it takes up the bill later today. I urge my colleagues in this Chamber to be prepared to move quickly when the time comes.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3746, FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY ACT OF 2023
Al Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-5-31

I rise today with a testimony, the genesis of which is, I believe that President did the best that he could in developing this legislation. I support him. I thank him for what he has done. I believe that Leader Jeffries did an outstanding job in making it perspicuously clear that default was not an option, but here is the essence of my testimony: I had the preeminent privilege of serving in Congress in 2008 September, I believe it was, when we had the downturn in the economy and there was a clarion call for help to do what was called bail out the banks. prgtoken I was adamantly, totally, completely opposed to bailing out the banks because I thought it was not the thing to do, given that the banks did not ask for our help in getting into the position that they were in. prgtoken I stood in the rear of this Chamber, and I could see the votes as they were being tallied. I could also see the stock market reacting to the votes as they were being tallied. The stock market went down as the bill went down--777 points, a 7 percent drop in the stock market. prgtoken My constituents had told me not to vote for that bill, and I concurred with them. The next day my constituents called, Why didn't you vote for that prgtoken bill? Why did you let the market go down? prgtoken I learned a lesson: Votes like this are votes of conscience, and you have to vote your conscience knowing what the consequences are. prgtoken , I will vote for this bill because I understand the consequences of the market tanking. I was here, and I saw it. I understand we have to take care of our people.
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY ACT OF 2023
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2023-5-31

it is amazing how the s can make political drama appear smaller than life: major questions with extremists are reduced to parody and political theater. prgtoken We may have averted catastrophe, but it doesn't mean there was not a real cost to America. We should commit to never again allow such political hostage taking. Instead, lay the foundation for using the clear language of the 14th Amendment to avoid the debt ceiling altogether. prgtoken We should collect billions of dollars already payable from some of the wealthiest individuals and corporations. It would be a strong signal about the fairness of our tax system. prgtoken It is ironic that s are worried about pressing rich people for taxes they already owe, but would subject poor people to more harassment and meaningless paperwork. prgtoken We should instead concentrate on changing policies to reduce the deficit. If there will be time limits on benefits, maybe we could start with 20,000 rich farmers who got a million dollars a year or more for 37 consecutive years. prgtoken If we act in good faith, it shouldn't be so hard, and America will be the better.
TRIBUTE TO LORELEY GODFREY
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2023-5-31

as we mark Mental Health Awareness Month, I am honored to recognize Loreley Godfrey of Portsmouth as May's Granite Stater of the Month. At age 18, Loreley has become a powerful force advocating for youth mental health education in New Hampshire. prgtoken Loreley was driving when her best friend had a panic attack next to her in the passenger's seat. Pulling to the side of the road, Loreley felt ill-equipped to handle the situation, and she did not know what to do besides hold her friend's hand and urgently search online for resources. The experience made Loreley wonder why many teens such as herself are not prepared to respond to a mental health crisis, where seconds can make a difference. Since she was a member of the Governor's Youth Advisory Council on Substance Misuse and Prevention, she interviewed the 17 other students on the panel and found that her experience was not unique--few had had any mental health education at school. prgtoken Loreley teamed up with a New Hampshire State senator to craft a bipartisan bill to provide schools with lesson plans on mental health. Although the bill did not pass the house in April, Loreley is committed to continuing her advocacy for mental health education in New Hampshire, even as she goes off to college this fall. Loreley's efforts are a testament to how young people can make a tremendous difference in New Hampshire. And her leadership extends beyond mental health advocacy, having led multiple rallies for sustainability in Portsmouth and being one of New Hampshire's first female Eagle Scouts. Loreley exemplifies the Granite State spirit of engaged, citizen-led public service, and I look forward to seeing all that she will do in the future to make New Hampshire and our country an even better place.
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY ACT OF 2023
Nancy Pelosi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-5-31

I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his leadership. I also thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Boyle), the ranking member of the Budget Committee. prgtoken , I associate myself with the great remarks of our distinguished leader, Mr. Hakeem Jeffries, who spoke earlier and captured so much of what is so important here today. prgtoken , our Constitution makes perfectly clear the validity of the public debt of the United States shall not be questioned. In the bipartisan budget agreement, we honor our sworn oaths as lawmakers to uphold this constitutional duty. prgtoken While I find this legislation objectionable, it will avert an unprecedented default, which would bring devastation to America's families: millions of jobs eliminated, trillions in savings erased, higher costs on loans, mortgages, car payments, credit card bills, and more. prgtoken Let us commend President for his responsible leadership to prevent this unconscionable outcome while protecting Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid; protecting healthcare for our veterans as our Commander in Chief; protecting our progress on climate and infrastructure; and protecting our economy. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support the bill, reaffirming to Americans that the full faith and credit of the United States shall not be questioned.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3746, FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY ACT OF 2023
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2023-5-31

there has been a lot of argument about who is responsible for why we are here. prgtoken Mr. Roy, the gentleman from Texas, as I was coming in, spoke about keeping leverage. prgtoken Now, what do you keep leverage for? You keep it so you can make something that you want to happen happen. prgtoken The of this House has said default is not an option. The leader of the ic Party in this House has said default is not an option. But that wasn't good enough that we agreed. prgtoken It was, as the gentleman from Texas said, our friends that wanted to keep leverage. They wanted to accomplish, essentially, in the appropriation bill, what they couldn't either accomplish or pass in the Appropriations Committee here because of their extraordinarily devastating bill that they offered and passed, which some of them are going to have to answer for in the next election. prgtoken What today is about is whether we are going to hurt 330 million Americans; whether we are going to hurt the global economy. That is what this is about. prgtoken From my perspective, there is only one answer: to pass a bill that, in fact, does not have America welch on its debts or, alternatively, to defeat a bill which will devastate our economy and be catastrophic globally. That is why we are here. prgtoken , I urge every Member to think of those 330 million Americans, all of whom will be hurt if we fail to do our duty.
RECOGNIZING MS. CELIANA TUPUA-DENSER
Marilyn Strickland (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2023-5-31

I rise today to honor a standout member of the South Sound community. I would like to recognize Ms. Celiana Tupua-Denser and her remarkable work as a Registered Nurse for patients in our community, as well as her dedication to her nursing students as an instructor of Practical Nursing at Clover Park Technical College. prgtoken After graduating from the Practical Nursing Program at Clover Park Technical College and receiving her Registered Nurse license, Celiana continued her studies in nursing while working as a cardiac nurse. prgtoken After earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Washington Tacoma, Celiana decided to give back to the communities that supported her dream by joining the faculty at her alma mater, Clover Park Technical College. As a current Master of Nursing student at the University of Washington Tacoma and a tenure-track faculty member at Clover Park Technical College, Celiana continues to make education a priority not only for herself, but for the future nurses that she teaches. prgtoken In the classroom, Celiana focuses on delivering holistic patient care with an eye towards equity. By using simulators to create scenarios that students might face in the industry, Celiana takes advantage of available technology and resources to better prepare students for their nursing careers. prgtoken As National Nurses Month comes to a close, I am proud to shine a spotlight on Ms. Celiana Tupua-Denser, a service-oriented nurse and educator we can all learn from.
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY ACT OF 2023
Maxine Waters (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-5-31

I rise to support this bill to prevent a catastrophic default, which would jack up interest rates, eliminate 700,000 jobs, raise mortgage rates to over 8 percent, cut housing vouchers, and hurt small businesses and consumers. prgtoken All of this, because s, who added $6.7 trillion to the debt under twice-impeached former President . prgtoken s claim they care about debt reduction. prgtoken But their leader, former President said, ``I'm the king of debt. I'm great with debt. Nobody knows debt better than me.'' He said this to Norah O'Donnell in an interview on CBS. prgtoken Very recently, said, ``I say to the s out there-- Congressmen, Senators--if they don't give you massive cuts, you're going to have to do a default.'' prgtoken support this bill because we refuse to allow our country to default on its debt.
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY ACT OF 2023
Dwight Evans (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2023-5-31

this bill is far from perfect; however, the full faith and credit of the United States is at risk, and we cannot let s drive us to default. prgtoken Defaulting on the national debt would disrupt Social Security benefits for 92,000 households in my congressional district. I will not stand by and let harm come to our Nation, seniors, and disabled people. I urge my colleagues not to draw out this debt crisis and instead return to our focus of lowering the costs for working families.
58TH ANNIVERSARY OF HEAD START
Raphael G. Warnock (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2023-5-31

I rise today to commemorate and extend my heartfelt congratulations to Head Start on its 58th anniversary to celebrate the program's 58 years of providing early learning to more than 30 million children since 1965. As the only Head Start alumnus along with Senator Ben Ray Lujan serving in the U.S. Senate, I am proud to honor this transformative program that has made a significant and positive difference in the lives of millions of children and families across our great Nation. prgtoken Head Start's legacy is one of hope, opportunity, and equity. Since its inception in 1965, this comprehensive early childhood education program has been a beacon of support for vulnerable children and families, helping break the cycle of poverty and providing a strong foundation for success. By prioritizing the educational, health, and developmental needs of low-income children, Head Start has been instrumental in leveling the playing field and ensuring that every child has an equal chance to thrive. prgtoken My personal experience as a Head Start alumnus fuels my unwavering commitment to championing policies that strengthen early childhood education and invest in the future of our Nation's youth. I understand firsthand the profound influence that Head Start can have on a child's life, setting them on a trajectory towards academic achievement, social-emotional growth, and lifelong success. By nurturing the whole child and fostering a love for learning, Head Start equips children with the tools they need to reach their full potential. prgtoken Head Start has demonstrated its ability to adapt and evolve with the changing needs of our society. Over the past 58 years, the program has expanded its reach, providing comprehensive services to millions of children and families. Head Start has embraced innovation, incorporating evidence-based practices, and leveraging community partnerships to ensure that children receive the highest quality early education and support services available. prgtoken I applaud Head Start's ongoing commitment to inclusivity and diversity, recognizing that every child brings unique strengths and experiences to the classroom. By embracing cultural competency and promoting bilingual education, Head Start celebrates the rich tapestry of our Nation and prepares children to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. prgtoken As we celebrate this important milestone, we must also acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. Access to high-quality early childhood education remains a critical issue for many families, especially those living in underserved communities. As Head Start continues to grow and evolve, we must redouble our efforts to ensure that all children, regardless of their ZIP Code or socioeconomic background, have access to this life-changing program. prgtoken Head Start's success is a testament to the power of investing in our children and communities. The return on investment in ear
RECOGNIZING ELBIT SYSTEMS OF AMERICA--30 YEARS OF SERVICE, PERFORMANCE, AND INNOVATION
Marc A. Veasey (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-5-31

I rise today to recognize the 30th anniversary of one of America's critically important defense technology companies--Elbit Systems of America, of Fort Worth, Texas. I congratulate the company and its 3,400 employees nationwide for their three decades of service and performance. prgtoken The men and women of Elbit Systems of America embody the spirit of innovation and have made invaluable contributions to our national defense and the welfare of our communities. prgtoken Founded in 1993, Elbit Systems of America has become a beacon of success within the defense industry. Over the past three decades, the company has continuously embraced innovation and leveraged cutting-edge technology to deliver superior defense capabilities to our aimed forces. prgtoken As a leading provider of innovative defense solutions, Elbit Systems of America has consistently demonstrated its commitment to excellence and has played a vital role in ensuring our national security. Through its unwavering dedication, Elbit Systems of America has established itself as a trusted partner in equipping our military with the tools they need to safeguard our nation. prgtoken Beyond its impressive track record in defense technology, Elbit Systems of America has also exemplified a deep sense of corporate social responsibility. The company's commitment to giving back to the community is commendable, and its charitable contributions have had a profound impact on numerous organizations and causes. prgtoken I must also acknowledge the hard work and dedication of its employees, many of whom have worked there from the company's modest beginnings, accumulating decades of expertise while simultaneously supporting key charitable organizations. As a Fort Worth native, I have known a number of Elbit Systems of America employees for many years. They are my neighbors, fellow parishioners, and friends. I can attest that they are joined together by a shared commitment to the company's mission to create and deliver innovative prgtoken solutions that protect and save lives. It is because of their expertise, creativity, and tireless efforts that the company has achieved its remarkable success. prgtoken Through initiatives such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Habitat for Humanity, and the Tarrant Area Food Bank, Elbit Systems of America employees have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars and tens of thousands of service-hours. By investing in these important areas, the company has helped improve the lives of countless individuals and strengthened our society as a whole. prgtoken Please join me in congratulating Elbit Systems of America on this significant occasion and wishing them continued prosperity in all their future endeavors.
I AM HERE FOR STRUGGLING FAMILIES
Delia C. Ramirez (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-5-31

today we will vote on a bill that reflects how little s care about everyday people, even their own constituents. prgtoken We should be voting on a straightforward extension of the debt ceiling, but instead s are more than willing to force our Nation and economy into default just to score political wins. prgtoken They want to increase work requirements on SNAP, a cruel resumption of student loan payments, and more restrictions on TANF. They are clearly not here for families who are struggling. Well, I am. prgtoken I am here for the 1.3 million student loan borrowers in Illinois who are being forced a resumption of payments when people are struggling to keep up with their bills. prgtoken I am here for the 76,836 people across Illinois who are counting on TANF cash assistance. I am also here for the 1.9 million residents of Illinois who all count on SNAP to put food on their table. prgtoken Representing them is my responsibility, and it is why I know that we could have worked on a clean debt ceiling, but this hostage situation is not something I can vote for.
VETERANS GET OUTSIDE DAY
Elizabeth Warren (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-5-31

I want to thank the Senator from Rhode Island for his leadership. He has worked hard to make sure that the Senate Armed Services Committee works in a bipartisan manner to keep our country safe. His steadfast approach has rightfully earned him respect from our colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and I appreciate his being here tonight on this issue. prgtoken , several weeks ago, I came down to the Senate floor to ask the Senator from Alabama to reconsider his unprecedented action of blocking hundreds of promotions earned by our men and women in uniform. He refused, so I am here to ask again. prgtoken As I said the last time I spoke about this, most people are aware that the Senate votes on nominees appointed by the President to occupy top roles in government--Cabinet Secretaries, judges, Ambassadors. Less well known is the fact that the Senate must also vote to approve thousands of military promotions each year. If a colonel has done really well on the job and their services promotion board decides that they are ready to be a brigadier general, the Senate must vote to approve this promotion before it can go through. prgtoken Typically, this vote is a formality. These promotions are processed in big batches rather than one at a time, and they nearly always happen without taking a recorded vote. But right now, the Senator from Alabama all by himself is blocking every single senior military nomination and promotion from moving forward. This means that one Senator is personally standing in the way of the promotions for 221 of our top- level military leaders, holding up pay raises for 221 men and women in uniform, blocking 221 senior military leaders from taking their posts, and jeopardizing America's national security. prgtoken In April, I sent a letter to Defense Secretary Austin asking about the impact of holding up these military promotions. Secretary Austin didn't pull any punches. He said: The longer that this hold persists, the greater the risk the U.S. military runs in every theater, every domain, and every service. prgtoken He went on to point out that these unprecedented and unnecessary holds are creating ``rising disquiet from our allies and partners at a moment when our competitors and adversaries are watching.'' prgtoken There is bipartisan opposition to the Senator from Alabama's actions. Thanks to Chairman Reed, seven former Defense Secretaries, including ones who served under President and President , sent a letter stating that leaving senior positions ``in doubt at a time of enormous geopolitical uncertainty sends the wrong message to our adversaries and could weaken our deterrence.'' prgtoken The Senator from Alabama hurts Active-Duty military. He also hurts their families. In this letter describing the consequences of the Senator from Alabama's hold, Secretary Austin noted that it places an ``unconscionable burden on families that