mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CHINA EXCHANGE RATE TRANSPARENCY ACT OF 2023
Daniel Meuser (Republican, PA) \u2014 2024-1-10

. Madam , I thank Chairman McHenry very, very much. I appreciate his leadership on our committee and on this bill. prgtoken I do rise in support of my legislation, the China Exchange Rate Transparency Act, H.R. 839, a bipartisan initiative supported by Representatives Donalds, Loudermilk, Nickel, Lawler, Lee of Nevada, and De La Cruz. prgtoken This legislation confronts the People's Republic of China's often deceptive and autocratic exchange rate policies and regular disregard for financial transparency on the international stage. prgtoken With this legislation, we are directing and challenging China's opaque and often manipulative practices in foreign exchange markets, including their policy of accumulating massive foreign currency reserves and depreciating their currency, which undercuts the competitiveness of U.S. exports. By mandating the U.S. executive director at the IMF to use the voice and vote of the United States to advocate for increased exchange rate transparency from China, we are not just advocating for fairness--we are fighting for the integrity of the global economy. prgtoken The Department of Treasury's reports from November 2022 to 2023 lay it out clearly: China's exchange rate practices are too often shrouded in secrecy, undermining not just the U.S. but the entire global trade system. It is time we confront China's persistent gaming of international norms. They have been playing by their own rules for too long, and it is detrimental to global economic fairness and stability. prgtoken This legislation is not about only singling out China. It is about ensuring that all IMF members, including China, adhere to the rules that they have agreed to. China has promised to maintain orderly exchange rate arrangements without manipulation. It is our job to hold them to that promise and to ensure they do not continue to exploit the system to their advantage. prgtoken We are taking a firm, no-nonsense approach to a complex issue, emphasizing our commitment to fair trade and a transparent global economic system. prgtoken I strongly urge my colleagues to support the China Exchange Rate Transparency Act of 2023, H.R. 839. This legislation stands for accountability in international finance, fair trade practices, and the stability of our global economy.
TAIWAN NON-DISCRIMINATION ACT OF 2023
Patrick T. McHenry (Republican, NC) \u2014 2024-1-10

I would just reiterate that Mrs. Kim's bill is critical to strengthening both our national security and the global economy. I think it is important that we state clearly as the United States Congress our support for Taiwan. prgtoken Taiwan has one of the world's most advanced and innovative economies and should be included under the IMF's activities. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this bill and thank my ic colleagues on the House Financial Services Committee for working with committee s on supporting this bill. prgtoken , .
CONGRATULATING THE SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY JACKRABBITS ON WINNING THE 2024 NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION DIVISION I FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SUBDIVISION TITLE
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2024-1-11

winter in South Dakota can be tough going, but no matter how low the temperatures go or how high the snowbanks rise, you can count on South Dakota sports fans coming out to support local athletes. After all, there are games, tournaments, and trophies on the line this time of the year. For sports fans like me, there is no better place to be than on the sidelines cheering for South Dakota's athletes. prgtoken This year, we have not been disappointed. On Sunday, the South Dakota State University football team won its second consecutive national title. That is right--the Jackrabbits are back-to-back FCS champions. prgtoken This Jacks team has a lot of talent and an awful lot to be proud of. Sunday's win closed out SDSU's first undefeated season as a Division I program. They now boast a 29-game winning streak--the third longest in FCS history. prgtoken Their defense was impenetrable this season, allowing an average of just 9.27 points per game and allowing just 15 points to be scored against them in four postseason games. I want you to think about that. When you get into the postseason, these are the playoffs. These are the best teams. In the four postseason games that they played, including the national title game, they gave up a total--total--of just 15 points. prgtoken I think that record of accomplishment this year was perhaps best personified in the title game, when Montana was driving the ball in the first quarter down in SDSU territory, and they had a fourth and goal at the 1-yard line, and the SDSU defense made a stand. In an iconic play, linebacker Adam Bock stopped the Montana ball carrier at the 1-yard line, stood him up, and took him down before the ball could cross the end zone and give them a touchdown. The Jacks got the ball back, and from then, it was on to a 23-to-3 victory. prgtoken Jacks quarterback Mark Gronowski won the Walter Payton Award for outstanding offensive player--the first SDSU player to win this award-- and I don't believe there was a close second. He was richly deserving of it. Gus Miller, center, from Brookings, SD, won the Rimington Award for best FCS center--also incredibly well-deserved. prgtoken As one reporter put it, ``This team is just dynamite.'' I couldn't agree more. Their hard work and commitment to each other and to the team has brought them success this year, and Jacks nation is incredibly proud of them. prgtoken I want to congratulate the Jackrabbits players, coaches, and staff on this incredible championship season. There is much to celebrate now, but I am sure Coach Rogers will soon have the team working hard again to keep that winning streak going. prgtoken , at this point, I want to recognize the South Dakota State University Jackrabbits football team by entering a resolution into the Congressional Record. prgtoken I would ask, as in legislative session, unanimous consent the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 519, which is at th
National Security (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2024-1-11

as I noted earlier this week, the Senate's first major business of the year is addressing a historic array of national security challenges. For the first time since 1945, there is a land war in Europe. A Russian imperialist is deploying North Korean and Iranian weapons in his assault on Ukraine, with additional support from the People's Republic of China. prgtoken After the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust, there is a land war in the Middle East. Iran, the world's most active state sponsor of terror, is living up to its title, underwriting multiprong aggression against Israel, brazen attacks on U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria, and a growing war on the global commerce in the Red Sea. prgtoken And just today--just today--Iran itself has reportedly hijacked an international oil shipment on the high seas, a further reminder that the administration's failure to impose serious costs and restore credible deterrence is emboldening Tehran. prgtoken Our single greatest strategic adversary is supporting this worldwide challenge to the West, interfering more aggressively with peaceful neighbors and investing relentlessly in the capabilities to outcompete us. prgtoken Meanwhile, record-setting illegal arrivals have rendered America's own southwest border functionally nonexistent. prgtoken This is the most serious crisis of America's credibility in decades, and I don't use the word ``crisis'' lightly. It implies that a situation requires urgent action. prgtoken Of course, that is exactly why the administration spent years twisting itself in knots to avoid acknowledging the record-shattering humanitarian and security crisis that unfolded on their watch and because of their policies at the southern border. Remember how the White House engaged in damage control back in 2021 when the President himself slipped up and called the situation facing CBP and ICE a crisis. It was a big deal because a crisis is something that requires action. prgtoken Well, right now, the Senate is very close to an opportunity to finally do something meaningful to address the administration's border crisis. Thanks to our colleague Senator Lankford, we are inching closer to a chance to restore sanity, commonsense enforcement mechanisms, and the rule of law. Our colleague's efforts are the foundation of supplemental legislation to address each of the glaring national security challenges that we face: securing America's sovereign borders, investing heavily in American leadership and strength, and equipping America's military with critical capabilities and expanding our defense industrial capacity to deter threats from major adversaries like China. These requirements go hand in hand, and the world is watching to see whether we are willing to meet them. prgtoken With an arsenal stocked by North Korea and Iran, Russia, literally, mocks Western hesitation. With brazen terrorist aggression, Iran defies American streng
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSING
Roger Williams (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-1-11

I rise today to stress the importance that Congress address section 174 of the Tax Cuts and Job Act and continue to allow immediate and full research and development expensing by American small businesses. prgtoken Not allowing for full expensing would devastate small businesses across the country, resulting in layoffs, increased debt, and likely forcing thousands of businesses to close their doors for good. prgtoken The looming January 15 deadline highlights the growing need for Congressional action to provide continued tax relief to millions of small businesses and hardworking Americans. prgtoken As chairman of House Committee on Small Business and owner and operator of a small business in Texas for over 52 years, I am uniquely aware of the relief full expensing has provided to small businesses. prgtoken In 2017, s led the way on once-in-a-generation tax reform in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and provided much-needed relief to the American people. prgtoken Amid historic inflation and increasing rates, we must continue to build on it. We can start by making the tax cuts prgtoken permanent and ensure that pro-growth policies such as full R&D expensing are included. prgtoken In God we trust.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION RELATING TO "WAIVER OF BUY AMERICA REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGERS"
Stephanie I. Bice (Republican, OK) \u2014 2024-1-11

since President took office, he has not only waged a full-scale assault on American energy production but also on widely used gas-powered automobiles in order to cater to electric vehicles. prgtoken Despite EVs accounting for only 14 percent of all vehicles sold in 2022, this administration is proceeding forward with its goal to install 500,000 EV chargers by 2030. prgtoken While I oppose the continued push toward electrification, especially when America's baseload power is unable to keep pace with current demands, I was at least pleased that Congress put in place requirements for the IIJA that we ``Buy American.'' prgtoken However, even this is now being ignored. The Federal Highway Administration is attempting to issue new waivers to bypass the mandate. prgtoken Instead of upholding the safeguards that are critical to protect taxpayer dollars, the administration decided to increase our country's reliance on bad actors like China, who already control the EV sector. prgtoken Communities are already struggling with electric transformer shortages. Our grid is in need of major upgrades, and the last thing we should do is empower our adversaries by issuing these waivers to build charging stations for vehicles whose battery components primarily come from China. prgtoken I find it incredible that President , who pushed so hard for this legislation, now wants to completely ignore a key provision that was added to safeguard our Nation from China and protect American jobs. prgtoken This is wrong. prgtoken I call upon the Federal Highway Administration to rescind this onerous rule, and I urge my colleagues to support the resolution of disapproval.
ISSUES OF THE DAY
Andy Biggs (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2024-1-11

. Well, so the question is really then are you content with approximately 5 million more people illegally entering the country over the next 12 months or are you going to try to do something about it? Because 302,000 plus at least--they acknowledge 50,000 on the got- aways. They don't know what the unknown got-aways are, but--a lot of people don't this, but I am going to explain it. prgtoken When you have a group that you can't catch up to--and we get that a lot in Arizona. Arizona is the number one known got-away place. Why? Because it is rugged. It is really desolate. If you see a group, and you can't tell how many it is, do you know what you get to mark down? Twenty plus. They count it as 20. It may be 75. It may be 50. It may be 22. But it is inaccurate. And the people I talk to tell me it is at least one for one. If it is 50,000, it is 100,000 because they don't know what the real number is. That is 402,000 last month alone. And do you want to continue that? How can we as a country continue that? And they are coming from 170 different nations.
ISSUES OF THE DAY
Bob Good (Republican, VA) \u2014 2024-1-11

. It was $1.6 trillion, later increased and scored up to $4.6 trillion. And the deal that we heard about announced over the weekend, the deal between Senate and House leadership is $1.66 trillion, $20 billion higher than what the current score is for the omnibus that we appropriately attacked, criticized, and fought against a year ago. prgtoken We are now being ask to vote for an increase in spending for the very policies that we campaign against, Mr. Crane, Mr. Biggs, that we run against, that we rail against, that are destroying the country, and the spending levels that are bankrupting our kids and our grandkids while this border invasion continues.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION RELATING TO "WAIVER OF BUY AMERICA REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGERS"
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2024-1-11

I guess the question here is: Yes, is it going to be buy American or not? prgtoken Now, these components we are talking about are, indeed, being force- fed upon the public with the whole big push for electrifying vehicles. prgtoken As we are seeing, the market has softened dramatically since the additional influx of electric vehicles has been pushed forward. prgtoken We are seeing them sitting on dealers' lots, so chargers probably still need to be made to catch up, to a certain point. prgtoken We don't need to be in such a giant hurry that we have to instead send all this business to the manufacturing leaders in China. Let's let Americans catch up to this. prgtoken Indeed, since we are going to spend the money that is in the trough anyway from the measure I did not vote for--that many of us did not vote for--at least spend it on American jobs and keep the spirit of producing electric vehicle chargers in the United States. prgtoken We can catch up and we will catch up, especially if these artificial mandates to force electric cars are relaxed somewhat. prgtoken Now, we see the administration setting the goal of half a million chargers by the year 2030--and they say that their goal has been met so far--but a recent article says that they have only built one charger under this program in the last 2 years. There is a long way to go to get to half a million. prgtoken Instead of realizing that the goals are unworkable and let the rules be what they have been on keeping Buy America, Make It In America as the priority, they are force-feeding something in such a hurry that hasn't been thought out for a market that is dramatically softening after the initial wave of electric vehicles. prgtoken Instead, let Americans work and not favor the Chinese Communist Party and their workers.
ACCOUNTING FOR TAXPAYER FUNDS
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2024-1-11

this week the EPA inspector general reported that the EPA has failed to accurately report the use of $7 billion in 2022. prgtoken This jarring report is the clearest sign yet that the EPA is unable and unwilling to adequately serve the American people. prgtoken Under President 's leadership, this failure in accountability is what we have come to expect. No one is surprised. prgtoken Whether it is creating burdensome regulations on our Nation's coal- powered generation plants or constructing extreme methane rules for natural gas producers or attempting to ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles, the EPA has repeatedly shown that it is unable to govern effectively. prgtoken The inspector general's report outlines how 99 percent of the EPA's total award-level outlays were not reported in fiscal year 2022. prgtoken If the EPA cannot adequately account for the taxpayer funds that it prgtoken distributes, how can it possibly be relied upon to effectively regulate our energy industry? prgtoken It is time to rein in the out-of-control EPA and hold the EPA accountable to the American people.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2024-1-11

I rise today to recognize Kathy Webb, who is retiring as chief executive officer at the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance after a tremendous 11 years advocating greater food security for all Arkansans. prgtoken Kathy started her work with the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance as a volunteer in 2006 before serving on the board of directors and ultimately leading the nonprofit as CEO since 2012. She has been a champion of anti-hunger efforts, helping many Natural State residents access nutritious food while partnering with State and Federal lawmakers to enact meaningful policy solutions, as well as increasing awareness and mobilizing others to address this issue. prgtoken Under Kathy's leadership, the Alliance hosted the first legislative SNAP challenge, created the Arkansas Legislative Hunger Caucus--the first of its kind in the country--and organized new partnerships in sectors previously not engaged in fighting hunger. Her leadership was instrumental in successfully expanding access to healthy food and enhancing State and Federal nutrition policies to help hungry kids. With a common goal of improving child nutrition programs, I was proud to collaborate with Kathy on a landmark measure to ensure children have access to healthy, nutritious meals year-round. prgtoken She is a dedicated public servant whose has spent her career striving to make Arkansas better. As city director and vice mayor of Little Rock, a member of the civic advisory board for the Little Rock School District, a former member of the Arkansas House of Representatives, and volunteer at Susan G. Komen for the Cure events, her sustained presence and passion have benefited countless lives. prgtoken Kathy exemplifies what it means to give back to her community. I am grateful for all she has contributed locally and beyond to combat hunger over many years with so much important progress achieved. I appreciate our longtime friendship, and I know her impact will continue to be seen for generations to come. I wish her the best of luck in retirement.
COMMENDING TAIWAN FOR ITS HISTORY OF DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS, AND EXPRESSING SUPPORT OF TAIWAN'S DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2024-1-11

we are almost certainly facing a volatile and maybe even dangerous period in the Taiwan Strait because of the Chinese Communist Party. The election is January 13. The inauguration won't take place until May. So what we need to do as a country is to provide steady, unwavering resolve and support of Taiwan's democracy, and, of course, we need to continue to critically enhance cross-strait deterrence. prgtoken I will end with one final thing before my colleague from Virginia, I know, wants to say a few words on this important resolution. But this is also a vulnerability for the Chinese Communist Party and Xi Jinping himself. Think about it. This undermines--this election--all of these elections in Taiwan--undermine the central premise of the Chinese Communist Party's rule that one dictator knows what is best for 1.4 billion people, in perpetuity, for as long as he is alive. prgtoken What I guarantee you the dictators in Beijing are worried about is that people in China are going to look across the Taiwan Strait and go: Wait a minute. How come we can't do that? Chinese democracy, how come we can't do that? prgtoken What we are doing right now is showing commitment and resolve for Taiwanese democracy. prgtoken I am proud to say, many, many years ago, on the eve of Taiwan's first election, the Chinese Communist Party moved its military up. They shot missiles over Taiwan. This is now referred to as the ``Third Taiwan Strait Crisis.'' It was a huge crisis in 1995, 1996. And President Clinton, to his credit, sent two carrier strike groups and a Marine amphibious ready group to show American commitment and resolve. prgtoken I was a young infantry officer on one of those Navy ships during that time in the Taiwan Strait, showing American commitment and resolve, and that is what we are doing with this resolution on now their eighth Presidential election in Taiwan, and I am honored to be here with Senator Kaine to pass this unanimous Senate resolution in support of Taiwan democracy.
RECOGNIZING JUDGE KENNETH SPANAGEL
Max L. Miller (Republican, OH) \u2014 2024-1-11

I rise to recognize Parma Municipal Court Judge Kenneth Spanagel. Judge Spanagel served his community with distinction for 36 years as a municipal court judge. prgtoken After graduating from Northwestern University and Case Western Reserve School of Law, Judge Spanagel ran his own law office until 1988, when he was first elected as Parma's municipal court judge. prgtoken Over his three decades of service, Judge Spanagel has distinguished himself with his kind heart and community outreach, and he has received multiple awards and honors. He leaves a legacy of fairness and justice in northeast Ohio. prgtoken On behalf of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District, I thank Judge Spanagel for his dedication to our community. We all wish him a happy retirement.
RECOGNIZING COLLET'S PUB
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2024-1-11

as a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each month I recognize and celebrate the American entrepreneurial spirit by highlighting the success of a small business in my home State of Idaho. Today, I am pleased to honor Collet's Pub as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for January 2024. prgtoken Collet's opened in 1930 during Prohibition as a pool hall in Firth, ID. Generations of the Collet family owned the smalltown bar before closing for 2 years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In September 2022, Holly and Brian Johnson purchased the business and brought Collet's back to life. Despite much-needed repairs to the building, Holly and Brian's fond memories of eating hamburgers there as children encouraged them to preserve the original look and feel of Collet's, including the iconic teal sign. Customers who have frequented Collet's for 20 or even 30 years still admire the original sketches and engravings etched into the bar by the former owner. prgtoken Collet's was the first bar in Idaho to serve Budweiser Beer on tap, and today, the pub is a family-friendly restaurant known for good food, burgers, and karaoke on the weekends. As the only dining establishment in Firth, Holly and Brian have given the community a place to grab lunch, meet up with friends, play cards or pool, and visit. prgtoken Congratulations to the Johnsons and all of the employees at Collet's Pub on their selection as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for January 2024. Thank you for serving Idaho as small business owners and entrepreneurs. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.