mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
National Defense Authorization Act (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-12-11

this week, at long last, the Senate will vote on the National Defense Authorization Act conference report. prgtoken Each year, the Defense Authorization Act is how we demonstrate our support for the men and women in uniform--how they are paid, how they are equipped, how they are trained--and how our alliances are strengthened. prgtoken Given the incredible number of threats that exist in today's world, preserving our military readiness has never been more important. There is a war in the Middle East, a war in Europe, and growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific. I was reading this morning there are more wars and conflicts today than there have been literally at almost any time in history. We live in a dangerous world, and maintaining our paramount strength and the deterrence that flows from that is absolutely imperative. prgtoken That is why the Defense Authorization Act is so important. Each year, it allows us to take stock of the evolving threat landscape and to take corrective actions. This year's Defense bill prioritizes long-term strategic competition with China. It will help replenish our defense stockpiles from the weapons that we have been supplying Ukraine so that they can defend themselves against unjustified Russian aggression, and it will help us maintain our own state of readiness and the deterrent effect that goes along with it. This bill will also support modernization efforts across the board, from the nuclear triad to next- generation weapons. prgtoken This year's NDAA also authorizes military construction projects across the country, including $230 million for military construction projects in Texas alone. That includes $48 million for a cyber operations center and $20 million for a child development center at Joint Base San Antonio. It is really important to understand that in an All-Volunteer military, it is important not only to view this as service by just the member who wears the uniform but also the entire family. So trying to make sure that we take care of things like a child development center at Joint Base San Antonio ensures our ability to continue to recruit and retain highly qualified individuals to serve in our All-Volunteer military. prgtoken This bill also has $20 million for barracks improvements and nearly $6 million for tactical equipment maintenance facilities at Fort Cavazos. It has $74 million for a new rail yard spur at Fort Bliss. This is so, should troops need to be deployed from Fort Bliss, they can almost immediately be loaded onto a rail and then sent to the port at Beaumont and other ports for disembarkation. prgtoken And this is just scratching the surface. So, simply put, the NDAA will support our troops, strengthen our military readiness, and implement a raft of reforms to strengthen our national security. prgtoken Included in this bill is the Intelligence Authorization Act, which includes the Sensible Classification Act that I introduced with Senator
LOWER COSTS, MORE TRANSPARENCY ACT
Jason Smith (Republican, MO) \u2014 2023-12-11

the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act empowers patients and will lower healthcare costs for millions of Americans. prgtoken This bipartisan bill has been a collaborative effort, and s on the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Education and the Workforce Committee for their partnership. prgtoken American families have struggled for far too long to afford the cost of their healthcare. What is worse is they have been unable to anticipate those costs because our current system makes it nearly impossible to figure out the actual price for almost any type of treatment, medicine, drug, or procedure. prgtoken The legislation before us would ensure timely and accurate details about the cost of care, treatments, and services are available and accessible before a patient goes into the doctor's office or hospital. prgtoken Hospitals, insurance companies, labs, imaging providers, and others would be required to publicly disclose their prices, creating incentives to lower prices across the board. This bill would increase access to care by combating healthcare consolidation, which reduces options and drives up costs. prgtoken It also would take an important step to address the soaring costs of prescription drugs by requiring health insurers and PBM middlemen to disclose negotiated drug rebates and discounts. It would ease the financial burden on our seniors, widen access to more affordable generic drugs, and arm employers with vital drug price information. prgtoken This bill would make important investments in training programs for new doctors to help address the healthcare workforce shortage and further invest in hospitals that serve high Medicaid populations. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this bill to deliver a healthcare system that is more accessible and affordable for the American people.
Border Security (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-12-11

for all of its flaws, the supplemental request the administration submitted to Congress did correctly identify four especially urgent national security priorities: defeating Russian invasion in Europe, countering Iran-backed terror in the Middle East, deterring Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific, and securing America's southern border. prgtoken Late last week, President said he was willing to make ``significant compromises'' on policy changes designed to restore real border security. prgtoken And across the country, elected are emphasizing just how urgent this progress is. The Governor of Arizona reported over the weekend that her State is ``at a breaking point'' and that it needs Washington to ``step up, do its job, and bring security and order to our border.'' She is a . prgtoken At the frontlines of the crisis that has unfolded on President 's watch, the mayor of Nogales, AZ, put it this way: I think it's time to say enough is enough. . . . I'm a , a registered , but I run this city as a human being. prgtoken I know many of my colleagues here in the Senate share that frustration. Many of them recognize the urgency of the situation. Just over the weekend, in the time since Senator Lankford presented Senate with this latest opportunity to help fix America's broken asylum and parole system, the crisis at the southern border has actually gotten worse. prgtoken With average daily border crossings near 10,000--10,000--CBP is now saying it is releasing 6,600 illegal aliens into the interior every single day. The backlog of asylum cases sits at 3 million--3 million-- and counting. And officials have reported arrivals from more than 150 countries just since October 1. prgtoken This is what a crisis looks like. This is what the ic leader spent last week insisting was ``extraneous'' to America's national security. prgtoken Well, when it comes to keeping America safe, border security is not a side show; it is ground zero. prgtoken Senate s have no more spare time to explain this basic reality. prgtoken We cannot convince anyone who doesn't want to acknowledge the glaring facts on the ground. The Senate has to act.
LOWER COSTS, MORE TRANSPARENCY ACT
Larry Bucshon (Republican, IN) \u2014 2023-12-11

I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5378, the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act. prgtoken This bill, which was a product of thorough bipartisan work across three committees, is one of the strongest healthcare bills I can remember voting on since coming to Congress in 2011. Honestly, it really is. I want to say that again: It is one of the strongest healthcare bills I can remember voting on since coming to Congress. prgtoken I thank Chair Rodgers, Ranking Member Pallone, and the members of the other two committees for their hard work on getting this bill to the floor. prgtoken At nearly $13,000 per person, or about 18 percent of the GDP, U.S. national health expenditures far exceed other high-income countries, and they continue to rise at unsustainable rates. prgtoken Congress must enact serious reforms that spur competition and show taxpayers where all of these healthcare dollars are going. They are certainly not always going to them. prgtoken The problem is not limited to one part of our healthcare system, and so prgtoken the solution must also reach across the entire system. This legislation seeks to increase transparency and lower costs related to hospital care, outpatient services, and prescription drugs, among other things. It also reauthorizes community health centers and supports disproportionate share hospitals. prgtoken Finally, we cannot get control of our national debt and deficit unless we first have transparency in our healthcare system, one of the largest expenditures that the Federal Government has. This bill is a tremendous step in that direction. prgtoken , I am proud to support this legislation, and I urge all my colleagues to support it.
AMENDING THE FEDERAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN ACT OF 1971 TO EXTEND THE ADMINISTRATIVE FINE PROGRAM FOR CERTAIN REPORTING VIOLATIONS
Bryan Steil (Republican, WI) \u2014 2023-12-11

1 minute. prgtoken , Mr. Morelle, the ranking member on the Committee on House Administration, for his work in this regard. prgtoken As noted by my colleague, sometimes we disagree on elections administration. We have had those debates in our committee. This piece of legislation is a true nonpartisan opportunity for us to come together to provide more transparency for the American people, in particular, to make sure that this important program continues in place at the Federal Election Commission. prgtoken , .
RECOGNIZING ARMY CAPTAIN KIRK R. PROCTOR, JR.
Darrell Issa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-12-11

today I take a moment to recognize Army Captain Kirk R. Proctor, Jr an exceptional Officer, leader and public servant. prgtoken Cpt. Proctor has concluded a year as a member of my legislative team, and within this duration, he has made a real impact on a multitude of defense, national security, and foreign affairs policy initiatives. prgtoken His on-the-ground perspective bolstered by my team's analysis--from how the industrial base ties into the operational force, to explaining the evolution of military medicine, and how readiness initiatives intersect with military family quality of life. Furthermore, Cpt. Proctor has inspired colleagues to learn more about the defense industry through his application of institutional knowledge and hard- earned experiences. prgtoken Cpt. Proctor's unwavering dedication to my office and contributions to Congress have not gone unnoticed. His commitment to the American people and passion for public service is admirable, and I hope he is offered the most unique opportunities and enriching assignments as he continues his career as an Army Officer. I wish Cpt. Proctor and his wife Sabia the best of luck as he begins his next assignment as a legislative liaison, and I look forward to seeing him lead in the years to come. prgtoken On behalf of the U.S. Congress and a grateful Nation, I extend my deepest appreciation to Captain Kirk R. Proctor, Jr and I congratulate him as he continues a career of public service within the U.S. Army and to our Nation.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-12-11

as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Muddy Dog Market and Grill of Unionville, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. prgtoken Founded by husband and wife duo Regina and Darrell Sarmento in 2023, Muddy Dog Market and Grill offers dine-in and takeout food options, groceries, and entertainment in Unionville. The Sarmentos opened Muddy Dog Market and Grill to provide quality dining and groceries to residents of Appanoose, Monroe, Davis, and Wapello Counties. For dine- in food options, Muddy Dog Market and Grill offers artisanal pizzas, smash burgers, soups, salads, appetizers, and weekly specials. The drink menu at Muddy Dog Market and Grill is unique, with drinks named after the family's ``muddy dogs.'' In addition to the market and grill, they also provide live music events and offer party rental services. prgtoken Muddy Dog Market and Grill is actively involved in the Unionville community. Regina grew up in Iowa but met Darrell in Sacramento, CA, where they both were living at the time. They moved to Iowa in 2009, with Darrell working as executive director of the Newton Area Chamber of Commerce from 2010 until 2014 and the Des Moines West Side Chamber of Commerce from 2017 until 2021. In addition to running Muddy Dog Market and Grill with his wife, Darrell serves as a small business counselor at the Indian Hills Community College Small Business Development Center. In this position, he helps other small businesses grow and develop. Prior to owning and running Muddy Dog Market and Grill, Regina spent years working in restaurants and as a behavioral health professional. The Sarmentos are actively involved in their church, using the proceeds from their recycled bottles to benefit youth services. Muddy Dog Market and Grill actively employs high school students in the Moravia and Moulton-Udell School Districts. The Sarmentos serve as mentors to the students, helping the next generation gain practical skills in the workplace. This Veterans Day, Muddy Dog Market and Grill offered a Vets Dine Free Day, with live music and free meals for local veterans. prgtoken Muddy Dog Market and Grill's commitment to providing quality food and groceries at great prices in Unionville, IA, is clear. I want to congratulate Regina and Darrell Sarmento and the entire team at Muddy Dog Market and Grill for their continued dedication to south central Iowans. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success.
Ukraine (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-12-11

tomorrow morning, Leader McConnell and I will welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the Senate. This will be the third time President Zelenskyy meets with Senators since the start of the war, and it will be his most important visit of all. prgtoken The war in Ukraine stands at a crossroads, with our friends in desperate need of American aid to maintain pressure on Vladimir Putin. The last time President Zelenskyy spoke to the Senate, he warned us that without more aid, Ukraine will lose the war--simple as that. Earlier today, he warned military officers at the National Defense University that ``if there's anyone inspired by unresolved issues on Capitol Hill, it is just Putin and his sick clique.'' prgtoken So if there is a word for what we most need this week, the word is to be serious about the task at hand. If s in the Senate do not show they are serious about finalizing an agreement for the national security package, Vladimir Putin is going to walk through Ukraine and right through Europe. prgtoken Both parties understand that aiding Ukraine and resisting Putin are critical for our national security, but s and only s are holding everything up because of unrealistic, maximalist demands on the border. prgtoken Last week, we put forth a serious bill to address our national security needs. The package included robust border security provisions. s rejected it out of hand, demanding their way or the highway, even though they were offered an amendment of their choosing-- and they only need 11 to go along. prgtoken This posture is unserious. Again, s and only s are holding everything up because of unrealistic, maximalist demands on the border. prgtoken I want to be very clear. very much want an agreement if possible. We talked all weekend with our counterparts to find some kind of agreement. We talked again earlier today. We are not there yet, but as a sign of good faith, are going to keep trying. prgtoken If s keep insisting on 's border policies, then they will be at fault when a deal for aid to Ukraine, Israel, and humanitarian aid to Gaza falls apart. The onus is on s to show they are willing to moderate. prgtoken Let me say that again. If s keep insisting on 's border policies, then they will be at fault when a deal for Ukraine, Israel, and humanitarian aid to Gaza falls apart. s will be giving Vladimir Putin the best gift he could ask for. prgtoken are serious about reaching reasonable, bipartisan compromise to pass this package. The question is if s are now willing to do the same.
PROTECT SMALL BUSINESS AND PREVENT ILLICIT FINANCIAL ACTIVITY ACT
Sylvia R. Garcia (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-12-11

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of H.R. 5119, the Protect Small Business and Prevent Illicit Financial Activity Act sponsored by the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Nunn) along with the gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. Beatty). prgtoken In 2021, Congress enacted the Corporate Transparency Act, or CTA, establishing America's national Beneficial Ownership Registry. This registry will start collecting information from applicable businesses and their beneficial owners on January 1, 2024, and will crack down on the anonymous shell companies used by terrorists, drug cartels, and other financial criminals. prgtoken The collection of information on beneficial owners of certain corporations, limited liability companies, and other entities registered in the United States will help protect our financial system from illicit use by making it even more difficult for bad actors to disguise their financial activities through entities with complex ownership structures. prgtoken This bill would offer reporting businesses additional time to file their CTA information, pushing back a handful of deadlines in the September 2022 final rule on this issue. Additional time, especially for small, newly formed businesses, would improve the accuracy of the registry and streamline our law enforcement efforts. prgtoken I am pleased to support this bill that will assist with the development of America's sorely needed Beneficial Ownership Registry. prgtoken , at least 30 countries already have some kind of central beneficial ownership registry to improve transparency. It is about time we start our own program, but we need to do it the right way and give small businesses ample time to file their information accurately. prgtoken In closing, , the bill will improve the implementation of a registry that will provide much-needed transparency into business ownership and ultimately help to deter bad actors from abusing our financial system. Providing our Nation's small businesses with sufficient time to comply with the CTA will help FinCEN to develop an effective and meaningful registry. prgtoken I, again, thank Representative Nunn and Mrs. Beatty for championing this important issue. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and .
Nomination of Richard E.N. Federico (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-12-11

today, the Senate will vote to confirm Richard E.N. Federico to the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. prgtoken Born in Richmond, IN, Mr. Federico earned his B.A.J. from Indiana University in 1999, his J.D. from the University of Kansas School of Law in 2002, and his L.L.M. from Georgetown University in 2012. prgtoken Since 2003, Mr. Federico has served the Navy in various positions both in the United States and abroad. More specifically, he has served as: trial counsel in Trial Service Office East of Naval Station Norfolk; director of military justice and trial counsel in the U.S. Regional Legal Service Office of Europe and Southwest Asia in Naples, Italy; defense counsel in the Office of the Chief Defense Counsel in the Office of Military Commissions; executive officer, senior defense counsel, and officer in charge at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, FL; appellate defense counsel in the Appellate Defense Division of the Office of the Judge Advocate General in Washington, DC; military judge in the Navy-Marine Corps Trial Judiciary; and trial counsel for the Navy Reserve Region Legal Service Office Southwest at Navy Base San Diego. prgtoken Between 2015 and 2017, he served as an assistant federal public defender in the Federal Public Defender's Office for the District of Oregon. In 2019, Mr. Federico was designated and certified by the Judge Advocate General of the Navy as a military judge. Throughout his naval career, on Active Duty and in the Reserves, he has also been detailed to serve in a quasi-judicial capacity as a preliminary hearing officer. Mr. Federico has been detailed to preside over 11 court-martial cases. Since 2020, Mr. Federico has served as senior litigator in the Federal Public Defender's Office for the District of Kansas. He previously served the office as an assistant Federal public defender and as a research and writing specialist. Throughout his career, Mr. Federico has tried dozens of cases to verdict in U.S. district courts and in military courts-martial, and he has also filed and argued several appeals. prgtoken The American Bar Association unanimously rated Mr. Federico as ``well qualified,'' and his nomination is strongly supported by his home State Senators, Mr. Moran and Mr. Marshall. prgtoken I am confident that Mr. Federico will serve honorably on the Tenth Circuit. I proudly support his nomination. Vote on Federico nomination.