mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF WACO DINER
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2024-4-11

in April of 1924, Nelson Watts and Ralph Colwell combined forces and syllables from their last names and opened the WaCo Diner in Eastport, ME. One hundred years later, the WaCo is still going strong as the oldest diner in the State of Maine, proudly serving great food and friendship in America's easternmost city. prgtoken The WaCo began life as a lunch wagon converted from a traveling photographer's studio. With Eastport hosting more than a dozen sardine factories, a deepwater seaport, and visitors arriving by sea and rail to enjoy the very best of Maine's rocky coast, the new establishment thrived, the wheels were removed, and the wagon was boxed in to make a permanent structure. prgtoken Under a succession of owners over the years, the WaCo has expanded from a narrow lunch counter to a lovely restaurant with a spacious dining room. From the outdoor deck overlooking Passamaquoddy Bay, patrons enjoy beautiful views of Canada's Campobello Island and a passing parade of marine activity, from cargo vessels, cruise ships, and fishing boats to whales, porpoises, and seals. prgtoken The current owners, Mike Del Papa and Matt Boyle, bought the WaCo in 2022, after Mike's dad Bob retired at the age of 83 after many years of operating and growing the business. Mike and Matt both brought restaurant operations, general business, and customer service experiences with them, and have invested significant money, time and energy into the equipment and facilities to enhance the atmosphere and efficiency, while continuing to offer amazing meals and a great customer experience, led by server Tammy McPhail, a 20-plus-year veteran, and chef Steve Sonner. In addition to providing good jobs year-round, the WaCo brings back summer staff each tourism season. prgtoken The WaCo is a mainstay, not only in Eastport but also throughout the Downeast region, welcoming locals and visitors alike. Among the many themed evenings featuring special creations, a local favorite is the ``Dry Fish Dinner--prepared Robert Patterson's Way,'' a tribute to the late, beloved owner/chef of the New Friendly Restaurant in the neighboring town of Perry. prgtoken The WaCo is dedicated to supporting other Maine businesses. When possible, they source seafood locally. All draft beers are from Maine breweries, and potato chips are from Maine's Fox Family in Mapleton. Several recipes utilize Raye's Mustard, made in Eastport at the last remaining traditional stone-ground mustard in North America, while others use Wyman's wild Maine blueberries, harvested from the barrens of the surrounding countryside. prgtoken In addition to dedication to excellence, the WaCo carries on another great tradition of our State's small business community: giving back. Last year, the WaCo served a free Thanksgiving dinner to more than 150 people from the Downeast community and, at Christmastime, a free pancake breakfast with Santa for children. Through charitable events
MAKING FORESTS SAFER
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2024-4-11

we will soon be heading into fire season, unfortunately, in the West. What does that mean? Each year, hundreds of thousands, even millions, of acres of forestland are lost due to wildfire due to the nonmanagement of these lands. prgtoken The U.S. Forest Service needs to increase its pace and scale dramatically to get the work done out there that will make a forest safer and also use the product that we grow in this country. Since China is now buying a little less materials these days, the U.S. has gone from number two to number one as a wood importer. prgtoken Why in the heck are we importing wood products when we have the timber in our Western lands, which we have to instead watch burn year after year? prgtoken We could be putting jobs back in this country in these rural communities that have been boarded up in so many cases. prgtoken We are losing lumber mills every day because the Forest Service is not acting quickly enough or with the pace and scale that needs to be done. We need to have the jobs and harvest here and the healthy forests and much less wildfire that comes with all that. prgtoken It is a win-win-win. Let's get to work.
MORNING BUSINESS
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2024-4-11

today, a joint session of Congress welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Kishida to the Capitol. prgtoken The importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance is front-and-center at a critical moment. As I said earlier this week, Japan is an essential partner in the security of the Indo-Pacific. prgtoken But its leaders also understand the global nature of the threats facing sovereign states, free societies, and free markets today. As the Prime Minister's office put it ahead of this week's visit, today's security environment is, ``as severe and complex as it has ever been'' and that ``from the Japanese viewpoint, Russia's invasion of Ukraine is not a faraway European question.'' prgtoken In other words, Japan understands that the challenges we face can't be dealt with one at a time. Last year, Japan approved the largest ever budget for its own self-defense forces. And it is in the process of acquiring nearly 150 fifth-generation F-35 fighters and investing in long-range counterstrike capabilities to enhance deterrence. prgtoken Meanwhile, Japan also provides significant economic assistance to countries across Asia who may otherwise be vulnerable to the PRC's coercion or aggression. prgtoken And at the same time, Japan was the third largest financial contributor to Ukraine last year. prgtoken Our ally is facing linked threats simultaneously. But Japan is not an anomaly. Across the region, America's closest regional allies like Australia and South Korea understand the PRC poses the greatest long- term strategic threat to a free and open Indo-Pacific. But they also understand that what happens in Europe or the Middle East in the near- term matters an awful lot to Asia. prgtoken To meet these growing security challenges, our Indo-Pacific allies are making substantial commitments to grow their defense budgets. prgtoken Similarly, as our European allies grow increasingly concerned about the PRC, their combined spending rose by 9.5 percent. prgtoken This is encouraging progress. But our allies still look to America to lead. And our own defense spending is not keeping pace. prgtoken Four times, President has submitted defense budget requests that would have amounted to net cuts after inflation. And even if Congress prevails in passing an emergency national security supplemental, a 1 percent growth cap on next year's spending will still constrain our ability to meet growing threats. prgtoken We have to be honest about the urgent requirements of replenishing stockpiles, expanding defense industrial capacity, and modernizing our forces. prgtoken Deterring linked threats isn't a task America has to face alone. But as we encourage our allies to continue their own modernization efforts, we have to lead. prgtoken That means deepening technology cooperation and trade with our most advanced allies--similar to what we have promised to do with AUKUS, an agreement that we must implement with urgency and sincerity. prgtoken It also means
RECOGNIZING FAITH MONTH
Mary E. Miller (Republican, IL) \u2014 2024-4-11

tonight, I am incredibly privileged to join the patriots at Concerned Women for America for the third year in a row by recognizing April as Faith Month. It is a time when we can set aside our differences and talk about the most important aspect of our lives: our faith. prgtoken Since our founding, in America, we have believed that God governs in the affairs of men. Actually, every day here in Congress, we acknowledge God by opening Congress with daily prayer. prgtoken It was my faith in God that first inspired me to run for public office. As a Christian, my faith is at the heart of everything I do. Before any major decision and during moments of conflict, I ask for God's guidance and wisdom to guide me in accordance with his will. prgtoken For my husband, Chris, and I, our Christian faith was central to raising our seven children. Now, they are making faith a central pillar for the upbringing of our 20 grandchildren. We also put our Christian faith first in running our family farm, seeking to honor God as stewards of the land and everything he has blessed us with. prgtoken Faith was key to our Nation's founding. In fact, the Pilgrims came to the new world in search of religious freedom, making the voyage across the Atlantic to the shores of Massachusetts. The right to publicly express their faith was so important that they risked their very lives. prgtoken Contrary to public opinion, our Founders did not believe America should be an atheistic society that shuns God. Benjamin Franklin called for prayer at the Constitutional Convention when it seemed destined for failure. The convention then proceeded smoothly, and a few weeks later, the delegates adopted the Constitution that endures to this day. prgtoken John Adams believed that our Republic could not function without faith. In fact, he said: ``Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.'' prgtoken Thomas Jefferson attended and promoted a church service in this very building every Sunday. prgtoken Our Founders never meant for faith to be separate from public life. Quite the opposite, they intended for faith to play a central role in our Nation. prgtoken In Matthew 17:20, Jesus said: ``If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, `Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.'' prgtoken I believe faith is what is needed in this body today. We need faith to overcome our mountains of division so we can do what is right for our country and the American people. prgtoken I am humbled to share my faith on the House floor and recognize that this sacred right has been preserved by those who have selflessly laid down their lives for our freedom. prgtoken I am honored to share this Special Order with several other friends and colleagues in this body. prgtoken , from Alabama (Mr. Aderholt).
ADDITONAL COMMENTS
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2024-4-11

I rise today to congratulate the Tennessee National Guard on the opening of the Major General Terry M. Haston National Guard Armory in Morrison, TN. prgtoken Since its founding in 1887, the Tennessee National Guard has upheld the Volunteer State's distinguished record of military service, fighting to preserve our Nation's security, and aiding our State in times of emergency. The Major General Terry M. Haston National Guard Armory--with over 30,000 square feet of space dedicated to administrative, training, supply, and storage functions--will do so much to honor this tradition by strengthening the Guard's capabilities for Federal missions and bolstering their capacity to respond effectively to local emergencies and disasters. prgtoken This facility honors a great Tennessean and a great guardsman. For nearly a decade, MG Terry M. Haston served as the 75th adjutant general for the Tennessee National Guard, strengthening the Guard's military readiness and operational efficiency. Among his many honors, General Haston received the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal.
CALLING FOR THE IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF RYAN CORBETT
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-4-11

today, I am very proud that the Senate just passed Leader McConnell's and my resolution calling for Ryan Corbett's immediate and unconditional release. prgtoken By passing this resolution today, the Senate sends a resounding message that it is time to bring Ryan home. This weekend is Ryan's birthday. We are all thinking about him because it has now been 609 days since Ryan, a New York native, was unjustly detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan during a routine business trip. prgtoken I met with Ryan's beautiful family this week, and I told them the Senate is standing with them and has their back. I promised them that as long as Ryan is held by the Taliban, I will never stop fighting to bring him back home and unite him with Anna, his children, and his family as quickly as possible. prgtoken Again, I thank Leader McConnell for joining me in this legislation.
MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS
Jamaal Bowman (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-4-11

we are facing a mental health crisis. Yesterday, I introduced the ACCESS in Mental Health Act to highlight an issue that is critical to our democracy and our collective mental health. prgtoken Everyone deserves access to diverse mental health professionals. That is why I introduced this legislation, which will invest in HBCUs, TCUs, MSIs, and HSIs, to create and expand graduate programs in mental health fields and support students pursuing graduate degrees in mental health at these institutions. prgtoken I am grateful to have the partnership of Maria Alfaro from Que Paso Latinx in Westchester County, New York; the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities; and the American Psychological Association in moving this bill forward. prgtoken As an educator in the Bronx, I saw how powerful it was for students to have mentors that looked like them. Everyone deserves to turn to someone that they can trust who reflects their identities. We need to diversify and expand our mental health workforce to meet the needs of every American, especially our most marginalized communities.
HONORING USC WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM
James E. Clyburn (Democrat, SC) \u2014 2024-4-11

I rise to congratulate the University of South Carolina women's basketball team on winning the 2024 NCAA championship. In a tremendous demonstration of skill, teamwork, and depth, the Gamecocks clinched their third national title on April 7, 2024. It was the cherry on top of an undefeated season. prgtoken Coach Dawn Staley, whom I am proud to call a friend, deserves enormous praise. Despite losing all of last year's starters, Coach Staley built a remarkable and talented team of young recruits and transformed them into a cohesive unit. prgtoken Their dominance wasn't just about individual talent. A 37-point contribution from the bench in the championship game speaks volumes about their teamwork. Undoubtedly, this victory is a celebration of collective strength, sacrifice, and skillful leadership. prgtoken As the confetti settles and the celebrations continue, one thing is certain: The future of South Carolina women's basketball is bright, and we will all gather on Sunday to celebrate more. prgtoken Go Gamecocks.
LEADERSHIP ON UKRAINE AID
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2024-4-11

just hours ago in this Chamber, the Prime Minister of Japan asked this Congress: ``Without U.S. support, how long before the hopes of Ukraine would collapse under the onslaught from Moscow?'' prgtoken The answer is not long. prgtoken It has been 469 days since we last secured aid for Ukraine. That Ukrainians continue to mount a courageous and effective defense despite our inaction is a testament to their skill on the battlefield and their determination and courage to defend democracy. prgtoken They are running dangerously low on ammunition, however. They cannot prevail without our help. prgtoken I echo what Prime Minister Kishida said today: ``The leadership of the United States is indispensable.'' prgtoken Let us not retreat from leadership. Let us not leave our Ukrainian allies without ammunition. America is the world's hope. Let us not fall short.
VOTE EXPLANATION
Mazie K. Hirono (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2024-4-11

I was absent for one rollcall vote April 11, 2024. On April 11, had I been present, I would have voted yea on the motion to proceed to Executive Session for the consideration of Executive Calendar No. 478 Ramona Villagomez Manglona, of the Northern Mariana Islands to be Judge for the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands for a term of ten years, rollcalll vote No. 123.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 7888, REFORMING INTELLIGENCE AND SECURING AMERICA ACT; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 529, EXTENDING LIMITS OF U.S. CUSTOMS WATERS ACT; PROVIDING FOR...
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-4-12

I thank the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Massie), my friend, for yielding time. prgtoken , I do rise today in support of the rule and the underlying legislation. It is a new day in the House of Representatives, and I intend to make certain that this process works and it works for all of us; that all Members get to be heard and at the end of the day, as Mr. Massie points out; and that after a fulsome debate, we are able to move forward for the American people. prgtoken I will specifically talk today on H.R. 7888, the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act, and H. Res. 1117, Opposing Efforts to Place One-Sided Pressure on Israel with Respect to Gaza. prgtoken s remain concerned about the abuses that occurred under 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act in previous administrations. The rule before us provides consideration for reforms to FISA, including greater transparency and greater oversight for the American people. prgtoken , in total, 56 reforms were made in response to concerns raised by our constituents. These reforms include prohibiting searches by the FBI unrelated to national security and prohibits political appointees from being involved in the FBI's query process. prgtoken The Rules Committee met last night to report this rule out of committee. It was a bit of a process. There are two significant changes to highlight from earlier in the week. The Rules Committee print changes the reauthorization from 5 years to 2 years, which is important. prgtoken The reforms that are now incorporated in the new FISA reauthorization will be reevaluated by the next Congress as to whether or not they are actually working. Therefore, rather than a 5-year reauthorization, we can look again in 2 years to make certain, for our constituents, for the American people, that these reforms are actually working. prgtoken I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Roy), my friend, for bringing that forward. prgtoken There are also changes in the reauthorization that strike section 19(c) from the text altogether. The latter action was taken amid some confusion about whether 19(c) would have unintentionally permanently reauthorized section 702. To help clear up any ambiguity, that section has now been removed. Ultimately, this legislation will ensure that the appropriate guardrails are in place to safeguard Americans' constitutional rights and help keep Americans safe. prgtoken Additionally, , I express my support for H. Res. 1117, offered by Ms. Salazar from Florida. prgtoken Israel has a right to defend itself, especially after the notorious attack by Hamas on October 7. prgtoken On April 4, after a call between President and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the White House released a press release stating that an immediate cease-fire is necessary. prgtoken I would remind the White House that a cease-fire was in existence prior to the attack by Hamas. It is not right for the United States to pressure
REFORMING INTELLIGENCE AND SECURING AMERICA ACT
Andy Biggs (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2024-4-12

. Mr. Chair, I want to just dovetail on that because my friend from the Intelligence Committee keeps talking about us not being able to look at Hamas or any of these nefarious actors. That is simply inaccurate. prgtoken The administration cites multiple examples where using section 702 to monitor foreign targets has provided critical intelligence, but when it comes to warrantless searches for Americans, they can't provide any examples of where they have provided any useful information. Yet, they want to continue to look at U.S. persons' information without a warrant. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge support of my amendment, and .
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 7888, REFORMING INTELLIGENCE AND SECURING AMERICA ACT; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 529, EXTENDING LIMITS OF U.S. CUSTOMS WATERS ACT; PROVIDING FOR...
Victoria Spartz (Republican, IN) \u2014 2024-4-12

I guess under the current version of the bill, Americans should feel better that Congress will be authorizing to spy on them only for 2 years, not for 5, but I really want to bring up some other issues that are the essence of this bill that the bill is not addressing. prgtoken We have been talking about warrants, which is extremely important. This is a search, so government is able to search without a warrant. That is a violation of the Fourth Amendment. It is unconstitutional. prgtoken On top of it, when we are talking about lawfully collected information, in reality, it could be very unlawful information there. We do not know. It is never addressed. We know for a fact that government unlawfully collected information in 2016. We know the government acknowledged that they have a lot of data there. They don't know how much it could be. They call it all incidental. prgtoken There is nothing in this bill addressing actually if this is for lawfully collected information. There is no auditing, no checking, and they want us to trust. If we pass with a warrant, at least we will have a warrant to potentially search unlawfully collected information, but if this bill passes as it is, Congress will be authorizing the government to conduct unconstitutional searches of unlawfully collected information for 2 years. It almost sounds ironic for us, an institution that should be protecting the constitutional rights of Americans. prgtoken , I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle are paying attention to what we will be voting for, and I hope Congress will wake up to start protecting the American people, not playing circuses here.
REFORMING INTELLIGENCE AND SECURING AMERICA ACT
Jim Jordan (Republican, OH) \u2014 2024-4-12

. Mr. Chair, such time as I may consume. prgtoken Before yielding to my good friend, I just want to underscore what the gentlewoman from Washington just described. The Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, created by the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, says that our amendment is consistent with what should happen. Our amendment is consistent with the majority recommendation of that board. prgtoken This was a board specifically created to protect Americans' liberties, looking at how the intelligence community operates by the 9/ 11 Commission Act of 2007. The majority of that board said this amendment is what needs to happen. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Van Drew), a member of our committee.
RECOGNIZING STUDENTS FROM KEYSTONE CENTRAL CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY CENTER
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2024-4-12

I rise today to recognize students from Keystone Central Career and Technology Center who recently attended the SkillsUSA State competition in Hershey, Pennsylvania. prgtoken The SkillsUSA State competition, which took place from April 3 to April 5, is an annual competition that allows high school students to demonstrate their skills in a variety of competitions. Students have the opportunity to compete both individually and as a team. prgtoken Keystone Central had 25 students participate in the event. The students represented different programs, including childcare, drafting and design, health assisting, and precision machining. prgtoken Twelve students won awards, with four coming in first place for Community Service and Related Technical Math, one coming in second place for CTE Demonstration, and seven coming in third place for Architectural Drafting, Career Pathways, Industrial and Engineering Technology, and Career Pathways for Human Services. prgtoken The students who came in first will advance to the national competition in Atlanta, Georgia, in June. I am proud of these Keystone Central students for their hard work and dedication to learning. I wish them the best of luck in their future career paths.