mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
UDALL FOUNDATION REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2023
Tammy Baldwin (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2024-3-22

I am going to start where my vice chair left off by thanking and appreciating our incredible staff for the hard work and the long hours that they contributed to this product. prgtoken Then I want to join my vice chair in appreciating the heroic work of Patty Murray, our committee chair, and Susan Collins, our committee vice chair, for their leadership in ushering all 12 appropriations bills to the finish line. prgtoken I also want to thank Senator Capito for her approach and cooperation on the Labor-HHS-Education bill this year. prgtoken We started the fiscal year 2024 appropriations process nearly a year ago, including marking up 12 appropriations bills in an overwhelmingly bipartisan process last summer. The Labor-HHS-Education bill was reported out of committee 26 to 2, and I am very proud of that. The goal then was to produce bills free of extreme and partisan policies that could pass the House, pass the Senate, and be signed by the President, and that is what we are here to finish today. prgtoken The Labor-HHS-Education bill that is included in this package addresses some of our country's most pressing issues. It invests in our workers, our families, and our economy--from substance use and mental health programs to childcare, to biomedical research, to education programs and workforce training. This bill delivers for the American people. This year, we received 9,185 programmatic appropriations requests from Senators for important programs throughout this bill. prgtoken To Senators who might claim they didn't have a say in what is included in this bill, our doors have been open since the process began last year. We have tried to reflect the priorities of every Senator who has engaged in the appropriations process. Balancing the many competing priorities throughout the Labor-HHS-Education bill is difficult in any year, but this year was especially challenging because it includes less overall funding than it did last year. Consequently, this isn't the bill I would have written alone, but it honors the terms of the debt limit deal that was agreed upon last spring. prgtoken The Labor-HHS-Education bill included in this package is very much of a compromise, but despite the challenges we faced over many months in writing this bill, I am really proud of our finished product. It rejects proposals included in the House Labor-HHS-Education bill to completely eliminate critical programs. We saved programs such as those that are working to end HIV, ensured initiatives that increase access to contraceptives stay alive and well, and we kept programs in place that deliver support for moms and babies. prgtoken It rejected devastating cuts found in the House bill that would have gutted funding for educators and schools, gutted funding for biomedical research, gutted funding for Head Start, and gutted funding for Federal financial aid for college students and public health programs. So we rejected those devasta
Nomination of Leon Schydlower (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-3-22

today, the Senate will vote to confirm Judge Leon Schydlower to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. prgtoken Born in Long Beach, CA, Judge Schydlower received his B.A from the University of Texas at Austin and his J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law. After completing law school, Judge Schydlower began his legal career in the U.S. Navy, first as an assistant staff judge advocate, then as a military prosecutor. Thereafter, he joined the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Hawaii as a special assistant U.S. attorney, where he handled Federal law enforcement cases at the trial and appellate levels. prgtoken After leaving government service, Judge Schydlower practiced commercial litigation and medical malpractice defense at Kemp Smith, P.C. He later operated his own firm, where he handled Federal criminal defense cases and various business litigation matters. In 2015, Judge Schydlower was appointed to serve as a U.S. magistrate judge for the same district to which he is nominated. On the bench, he has issued more than 34,000 orders, reports and recommendations, opinions, and orders on motions. prgtoken The American Bar Association has unanimously rated Judge Schydlower ``well qualified'' to serve on the district court, and he has the strong support of his home State Senators, Mr. Cornyn and Mr. Cruz. prgtoken Taken together, Schydlower's service to his country in the military and as a prosecutor, as well as his courtroom experience both on and off the bench, make him well-suited to serve on the Federal bench with distinction. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support his nomination.
BUDGETARY REVISIONS
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2024-3-22

the Senate will soon consider H.R. 2882, the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024. The legislation contains funding eligible for allocation adjustments including appropriations designated as emergency funding. Today, I am adjusting the allocation to the Committee on Appropriations, colloquially known as the 302(a), consistent with those appropriations. prgtoken Section 314(a) of the Congressional Budget Act allows the chairman of the Budget Committee to revise budget allocations, aggregates, and levels consistent with pending legislation. This bill contains $2.5 billion of emergency-designated discretionary funding, a decrease from the $20 billion that was contained in the versions of this bill originally reported out of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Together with the $10 billion of emergency funding in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 that was enacted earlier this month, these bills comply with the January agreement between the Senate majority leader and the of the House. prgtoken Division G of the bill contains several authorizing provisions, such as a further extension of the nuclear reactor liability policy known as the Price-Anderson Act and as called for by my nuclear bill, the ADVANCE Act, that are paid for over 10 years. prgtoken I ask unanimous consent that the accompanying tables, which provide details about the adjustment, be printed in the Record.
Introductory Statement on S. 4063
Brian Schatz (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2024-3-22

earlier this week, some s--I think the Study Committee, 170 House Members--released their plans for governing next year. Here are some of the things on their healthcare wish list: ending Medicare as we know it, which would drive up costs and threaten care for seniors; trying again--I think we are now on 50 attempts--to gut the Affordable Care Act, leaving tens of millions of Americans without coverage overnight and punishing people with preexisting conditions; and banning abortions, IVF, and contraception in every single State through bills ``designed to advance the cause of life.'' prgtoken If budgets are statements of a party's value, then s are making no secret of theirs: less access to quality healthcare and less control over their personal health. prgtoken And there is no reason not to take them at their word, other than that, if we take them at their word, you sort of sound like you are exaggerating. That is the problem. It is that what they are proposing is so outlandish, that it sounds like, you know, a and someone who wants my point of view to win the day. It sounds like I am exaggerating their point of view. prgtoken I actually had to read this stuff from the study group, and they are way out of the mainstream--way out of the mainstream. Again, there is no reason not to take them at their word because, in Congress and in Statehouses across the country, s say what they want to do, and then they do it. It doesn't matter how cruel these policies are, how unpopular their positions are. They have not been able to show any restraint whatsoever when it comes to enacting this extreme agenda. prgtoken And it is extreme. Millions of Americans are left to endure the disastrous consequences of this crusade every day. If s have their way, millions of people will lose their healthcare. Seniors and people with preexisting conditions will be forced to pay outrageous out-of-pocket costs, just to get lifesaving procedures and medications. And young people will be kicked off of their parents' plan immediately. And women across the country will be forced to carry doomed pregnancies to term. Families trying to start a family prgtoken will have one less option, at least, with IVF not even available to them. prgtoken This is not what we should be fighting for. We have to work to get more people covered, because high-quality, low-cost healthcare should not be a luxury available to some, and, frankly--and I believe this-- there is going to be a point where we don't fight about healthcare anymore. There is going to be a point at which s realize that taking away people's healthcare, taking away people's autonomy as it relates to their own bodies, is just an electoral loser. prgtoken We are getting there on care. I thought we had kind of gotten there after multiple attempts to repeal it, but here they are again, trying to start
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-3-22

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate consider the following nominations en bloc: Calendar Nos. 553 through 568 and all the nominations on the Secretary's desk in the Army, Marine Corps, and Navy; that the nominations be confirmed en bloc; that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate; that no further motions be in order to any of the nominations; and that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's actions.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Danny K. Davis (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-3-22

I was unable to cast votes on March 11, 12, 13, and 19. Had I been present, I would have voted Aye on the following Roll Call votes: prgtoken Roll Call No. 79, March 11, 2024: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended--H.R. 1752, E-BRIDGE Act; Roll Call No. 80, March 11, 2024: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended--H.R. 886, Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act; Roll Call No. 83, March 12, 2024: On Motion to Recommit, H.R. 6276--USE IT Act; Roll Call No. 87, March 19, 2024: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended--H.R. 4723, Upholding the Dayton Peace Agreement through Sanctions Act; and Roll Call No. 88, March 19, 2024: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree-- H. Res. 149, Condemning the illegal abduction of children from Ukraine to the Russian Federation. prgtoken I would have voted No on the following Roll Call votes: prgtoken Roll Call No. 81, March 12, 2024: On Ordering the Previous Question-- H. Res. 1071, Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6276) USE IT Act, and providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 1065) denouncing the administration's immigration policies; Roll Call No. 82, March 12, 2024: On Agreeing to the Resolution--H. Res. 1071, Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6276) USE IT Act, and providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 1065) denouncing the administration's immigration policies; Roll Call No. 84, March 12, 2024: On Passage--H.R. 6276, USE IT Act; Roll Call No. 85, March 12, 2024: On Agreeing to the Resolution--H. Res. 1065, Denouncing the administration's immigration policies; and Roll Call No. 86, March 13, 2024: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as amended H.R. 7521--Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.
REPEALING OF GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION FUND
Frank Pallone, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2024-3-22

. Madam , the balance of my time for the purpose of closing. prgtoken My colleague from Florida referred to this week as dirty energy week, and I think that really kind of sums it up. It is not energy week. It is dirty energy week. prgtoken I think that maybe I can best describe why this bill is so bad and contributes to dirty energy week by quoting parts of the Statement of Administration Policy that was submitted by the White House, by President in saying that he would veto this bill which, of course, means that what we are doing here today is a complete waste of time. prgtoken In his Statement of Administration Policy, the President says: ``This bill would eliminate two key provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Through the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act, the administration is making unprecedented progress in protecting America's energy security and reducing energy costs for Americans--in their homes and in their communities. ``H.R. 1023 would do just the opposite, repealing programs that provide nonregulatory incentives that help address climate pollution and provide consumer savings. The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund will provide $27 billion for the deployment of clean energy technologies that will cut energy costs and drive economic development in communities across the country and in various sectors of our economy, including in the power and transportation sectors. ``The Methane Emissions Reduction Program provides $1.55 billion in investments to identify and help industry curb methane leaks from oil and natural gas production, helping to prevent energy waste and reducing harm to surrounding communities, including communities that are overburdened by pollution. ``The administration wants to work with Congress to lower energy costs, deploy clean energy technologies, and create jobs. H.R. 1023 would take us backward and repeal important programs that help achieve those goals.'' prgtoken Now, again, the s call this week energy week. It is, in fact, dirty energy week. With House s at the helm, we have seen nothing but chaos, efforts to push failed bills again and again-- this is the third time we have voted on this bill--and attempts by the s to rob American families of energy savings, security, and peace of mind. prgtoken leadership has resulted in the least productive Congress since the Great Depression, and, unfortunately, this bill is more of the same. While and the administration are making great progress toward protecting America's energy security and lowering energy costs for families, s continue to push their polluters over people agenda. Polluters over people. That is what they are all about. prgtoken This bill endangers Americans' health and safety. It will do nothing for American families. It is a complete waste of taxpayer dollars and our time. I mean, we keep doing this over an
FURTHER CONSOLIDATED APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2024-3-22

. Madam , 1 minute is too little time. prgtoken The Financial Services bill is a good bill. It is the responsible alternative. prgtoken It is ironic that the group that has made compromise the most difficult over the last year continues to oppose compromise. Legislative action is about compromise. This is a responsible compromise. prgtoken As so many of the chairs of the subcommittees on the side have said, the alternative is the least responsible action that we could take. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to vote for this bill as the responsible, effective alternative, notwithstanding the fact that the operations up to this point of the Appropriations Committee have not been what they ought to be, and we all understand that. prgtoken It is our collective failure caused, as I said, by a group who does not want compromise. prgtoken Pass this bill. prgtoken America needs this bill. prgtoken It is a shame it is not going to be followed by passing aid for Ukraine.
CENTER FOR SECURITY STUDIES IN IRREGULAR WARFARE
Mark Kelly (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2024-3-22

I would like to highlight an important provision, which Senator Sinema and I worked to secure within division A of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024. Within the budget for Defense-Wide Operations and Maintenance, $5 million is provided for the establishment of a permanent Center of Excellence for the John S. McCain III Center for Security Studies in Irregular Warfare. prgtoken This Center, named in honor of the late Senator John McCain, would serve as a central hub for developing knowledge and understanding of irregular warfare through research, education, and external engagement across government, civil society, and foreign partners. Congress authorized the establishment of the Center in 2021. prgtoken Both Senator Sinema and I have had regular conversations with the Department of Defense leadership about the need to establish a permanent Center of Excellence, which by law, must be located at an institution of higher education that has a proven course curriculum and existing research functions focused on irregular warfare, competition, and asymmetric challenges in statecraft and has an established network with other academic institutions to enhance such functions. We have been assured that, as soon as Congress provided dedicated funding to enable the Center of Excellence to be established, the Department would begin the process of selecting the site of the permanent Center of Excellence. The Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 provides this funding. prgtoken Therefore, we hope and expect that the Department of Defense will act, within the next 30 to 45 days, to begin the process of selecting a permanent Center of Excellence. We appreciate the attention the Department has paid to this important project, and look forward to receiving regular and positive updates as this process continues.
FURTHER CONSOLIDATED APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2024-3-22

as a senior member of the Committees on the Budget, Judiciary, and Homeland Security, I proudly rise in support of H. Res. 1102--Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (Approps Minibus No. 2) which will provide funding to continue the operations of the federal government through September 30, 2024, enhance supportive services to the American people, and avoid a wasteful and irresponsible shutdown. prgtoken After multiple Continuing Resolutions and threats of a government shutdown, I am relieved that an agreement has been reached between the bicameral, bipartisan leadership, and produced a second minibus spending package that keeps our remaining federal agencies funded. prgtoken This bipartisan legislation, which represents a compromise between s and that adheres to the Fiscal Responsibility Act, would fund the remainder of the Federal Government through the end of the fiscal year, while investing in key priorities for the American people. prgtoken Specifically, the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024, provides full-year funding for the six remaining FY24 Appropriations bills: prgtoken Defense; prgtoken Financial Services and General Government; prgtoken Homeland Security; prgtoken Legislative Branch; prgtoken Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; and prgtoken State and Foreign Operations. prgtoken The 2024 funding bills invest in America's future and deliver for the American people by: prgtoken Helping with the high cost of living, reducing drug costs, and prioritizing childcare and Head Start; prgtoken Siding with hardworking Americans by supporting education, job training, and placement programs that help Americans find high paying jobs, defending robust worker protection agencies that ensure Americans are safe and properly compensated at work, and by ensuring billionaires and wealthy corporations pay the taxes they owe; prgtoken Protecting women's rights by blocking attempts to limit women's access to reproductive health care (including the elimination of Title X Family Planning and Teen Pregnancy Prevention Grants) and supporting the reproductive health of women overseas; prgtoken Reinforcing America's global leadership by strengthening defense capabilities, ensuring America can respond anywhere in the world where freedom and democracy are under attack, amplifying American diplomacy, and reaffirming our global commitments to fight climate change and reinforce global health; and prgtoken Helping our communities be safe and secure by funding border security, preventing the trafficking of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs, bolstering cyber security, protecting consumers from scammers, fraudsters, and dangerous products, and enabling robust and immediate responses to natural disasters. prgtoken Like the first Appropriations minibus, the bill rejects nearly all House riders. prgtoken It also includes $1,383,069 in Community Project Funding that will be going d
HONORING THE SERVICE OF DR. CYNTHIA BAMBARA
David J. Trone (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2024-3-22

today, I rise to honor the remarkable tenure of Allegany College of Maryland President, Dr. Cynthia prgtoken Bambara and celebrate her well-earned retirement. For over four decades, Dr. Bambara has dedicated her career to the advancement of higher education, enriching the lives of students and bolstering local communities through her unwavering dedication. prgtoken Her leadership as the first woman to serve as President of Allegany College of Maryland has proved transformative. Under her stewardship for the past thirteen years, the Allegany College of Maryland has flourished, expanding its academic programs, strengthening community partnerships, and enhancing student support services. Through collaboration with faculty, staff, and administrators, she led the college to achieve numerous milestones, making ACM a place of opportunity for all. The legacy she leaves behind is a testament to her leadership and the collective achievements of the college community. prgtoken It is a privilege to acknowledge Dr. Cynthia Bambara's service and dedication as she embarks on her next chapter. Her legacy will undoubtedly inspire future leaders and continue to benefit ACM students and the state of Maryland for years to come.