mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Sensible Classification Act (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-6-7

when it comes to safeguarding the American people, the United States has multiple layers of defenses. prgtoken We have, of course, the world's most powerful military, whose ranks are filled with courageous and dedicated servicemembers. Our military is equipped with cutting-edge technology, whether it has to do with weapons systems, aircraft, ships, submarines--all the tools necessary to defend our country and our country's freedoms. prgtoken But an important part of our defenses is our intelligence community, the 17 Agencies that make up what is known colloquially as the intelligence community. It is the intelligence community that collects and analyzes information from around the world to make sure that we can always remain at least one step ahead of our adversaries. prgtoken This information gathering is an invaluable part of our national defense, and that critical national security information is, of course, carefully safeguarded under what is known as the classification system--secrets. Classification gives us an invaluable edge when it comes to the ability to plan and prepare for threats over the horizon. It strengthens our relationship with our allies around the world, with whom we share much of this information, and it prevents consequential information from falling into the wrong hands. prgtoken It also protects--and these are the keys to the kingdom, when it comes to classified information--the sources and methods. In other words, the way that our intelligence community collects information and the people from whom that information is acquired are among the most important secrets maintained by the government, because, many times, if that were revealed, either our adversaries would be able to cut off that access to information or, frankly, maybe even go so far as to kill the sources of that information in the case of human intelligence. So protecting sources and methods is absolutely critical. prgtoken Closely guarded intelligence information is vital to our national security, but there is a very fine line between strategic classification and excessive secrecy. If too much information is withheld from the public, it can sow distrust. People let their minds run away with them. They wonder what is going on--conspiracy theories and the like. But, more fundamentally, the American people will question what their government is actually doing and how it is using the vast powers that they have delegated to the government. prgtoken Consent of the governed has always been the foundation of our democratic system of government and the legitimacy of government action, and, of course, the people cannot consent to something that is withheld from them. So there is a very fragile balance here from what is necessarily kept classified and secret and the information that should be made public, because without prgtoken transparency, there is no political accountability. Without accountability, there is no conf
Introductory Statement on S. 1855
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2023-6-7

I rise today to introduce the Special Diabetes Program Reauthorization Act of 2023 with Senator Jeanne Shaheen, my colleague from New Hampshire and cochair of the Senate Diabetes Caucus. Our bipartisan bill would reauthorize and strengthen vital type 1 diabetes research happening at the National Institutes of Health and renew critical treatment, education, and prevention programs for at-risk populations, specifically Native American and Alaska Native communities, who experience type 2 diabetes at nearly three times the national average. Together, these programs have become the Nation's most strategic and effective effort to combat diabetes and its complications, but, without an extension, both programs are at risk of expiring on September 30, 2023. prgtoken For more than 25 years, the Special Diabetes Program--comprised of the Special Statutory Funding Program for Type 1 Diabetes Research and the Special Diabetes Program for Indians, SDPI--has delivered meaningful resources and research breakthroughs for those with type 1 diabetes and also for Native Americans and Alaska Natives. This research has also led to advancements to the broader community, including the 37 million Americans with diabetes and 96 million with prediabetes. Our bill would continue these investments in the research aimed at developing a cure for diabetes and support the programs that help prevent and treat the disease and its complications. prgtoken In one of my very first meetings as a new Senator, I met a young Mainer with type 1 diabetes. I will never forget this 10-year-old boy looking up at me and telling me that he wished he could take just 1 day off from having diabetes--his birthday or Christmas--but of course he could not. This meeting led me to start the bipartisan Senate Diabetes Caucus and to begin fighting for a cure for this devastating disease. prgtoken Since then, we have made tremendous progress thanks to investments like the Special Diabetes Program. From new technologies that are making these children's lives easier to manage to treatments that can potentially delay the clinical diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, this program has generated a strong return on investment. Renewal of the SDP is absolutely critical to accelerating the progress we have made over the past two decades to treat and one day cure type 1 diabetes. Today's research represents tomorrow's cure. prgtoken As the cochairs of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, Senator Shaheen and I recently led a letter signed by 60 Senators advocating for the program's reauthorization and outlining why investing in the Special Diabetes Program is a cost-effective investment toward improving lives and reducing healthcare expenditures. The driving force behind this program is curing one of the United States' most costly diseases in both human and economic terms. prgtoken Our bill would reauthorize both components of the SDP through December 2025 at an annual funding
Rural Programming (Executive Calendar)
Deb Fischer (Republican, NE) \u2014 2023-6-7

according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service, 46 million Americans live in rural areas. This includes 35 percent of the residents in my home State of Nebraska. prgtoken Often, in the government, we focus on the majority of Americans living in urban population hubs, but we have just as much of an obligation to the millions of rural citizens in our country. prgtoken Communications access is foundational to our quality of life, especially in rural areas where the closest neighbor can be many miles away. And that is what I want to focus on today. prgtoken As a member of the Senate Commerce and Agriculture Committees, I have the privilege of regularly advancing communications policy that benefits all Americans, including those in rural areas. prgtoken I have led multiple pieces of legislation to improve broadband mapping to benefit unserved rural areas, including the broadband funding map that the President signed into law as part of the bipartisan infrastructure package. It is vital that every last mile and acre of our country has access to reliable internet, whether for telehealth appointments or to make use of the more efficient agricultural technologies. prgtoken But broadband isn't the only type of communication rural communities rely on, especially for households without internet service. They rely on television programming to keep updated about the world around them. The well-being of rural Americans and a robust media made up of diverse viewpoints are important to me, and they are important to Nebraskans throughout the State. And access to rural and agricultural programming benefits all Americans. prgtoken Farmers and ranchers in Nebraska depend on this content for relevant news, information, and lifestyle programming. We are talking about everything from in-depth reports on weather patterns, agribusiness news, and commodity market swings, western sports, and a lot more. prgtoken This programming delivers essential information to producers that directly impacts the way that they manage their operations and the way they plan for the future. prgtoken At the same time, Americans on the coasts and in major urban and suburban areas also benefit from programming that helps them understand major issues affecting the country that originate in the heartland. And we both know that rural programming doesn't mean old reruns of ``Green Acres'' or of ``The Beverly Hillbillies.'' prgtoken Rural and agricultural programmers are in a unique position to educate the public and what it means to be a family farmer or a rancher, on how producers are some of the best stewards of our natural resources, and on what the future of agriculture and producing the food that we all need looks like. prgtoken This is one reason that I was pleased, as ranking member of the Rules Committee, to recently approve RFD-TV to be added to the Senate TV network. RFD-TV is one of the preeminent sources of rura
Nomination of Dilawar Syed (Executive Session)
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-6-7

I rise today as the ranking member of the Senate's Small Business Committee in opposition to the President's nomination for Mr. Dilawar Syed to serve as the Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration. prgtoken The Deputy Administrator is often referred to as the COO of the SBA, with the critical job of overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Agency. From addressing fraud and recouping funds to improving the Agency's responsiveness, to ensuring small businesses are not drowning in unnecessary redtape, there is a lot of work that needs to be done to improve the SBA's most basic functions. Unfortunately, following Mr. Syed's appearance before the Small Business Committee, I do not believe he is the right person for the job. prgtoken This nomination was delayed last Congress due to the nominee's failure to voluntarily disclose his company's PPP and EIDL loans from the SBA. prgtoken As the nominee to help lead the Agency responsible for small business pandemic relief funding, I believe Mr. Syed should have been forthcoming in disclosing his interest in an SBA program. Unfortunately, there were false statements and errors in the applications and disclosures signed by Mr. Syed on behalf of his company, which further delayed the committee's consideration of his nomination. The lack of transparency and the resistance in providing requested information to the committee do not inspire confidence that he will be transparent and forthcoming with Congress about the SBA's programs and ongoing challenges. prgtoken Based on the track record of this nominee, it is not clear he would reverse the SBA's failure to give committee members details on key policy matters squarely in the committee's jurisdiction. The Agency's continued lack of responsiveness under the administration is a key part of why I stand before you in opposition of this nominee. prgtoken I recently questioned Mr. Syed on whether he believes that overregulation stifles innovation and entrepreneurship. He could not give me a direct answer. This is unacceptable to Iowa's entrepreneurs, who are struggling in 's economy and drowning in ever-changing regulations. As I am crisscrossing Iowa, small businesses continuously list Washington redtape and regulation as a top issue keeping them from growing and, in too many cases, simply surviving. prgtoken I am not convinced Mr. Syed is ready and willing to change the SBA's culture and bring much-needed accountability to the Agency. It is estimated by the investigative community that there is more than $100 billion in suspected fraud in PPP and EIDL. Addressing this abuse by holding individuals accountable and recovering taxpayer dollars provided to ineligible businesses must be a top priority for this Agency. I have received commitments from Mr. Syed that he would make every effort on fraud recovery and prevention. He also informed me that he believed SBA Administrator Guzma
Senate Legislative Agenda (Executive Calendar)
Shelley Moore Capito (Republican, WV) \u2014 2023-6-7

I rise today to bring attention to the issues that Americans are facing at home--the problems that I see and hear from my constituents in West Virginia, and I am sure the Presiding Officer hears many of the same in your home State. I want to raise the question as to why the Senate is not bringing some of the solutions to the floor. prgtoken As you know, I am a lifelong West Virginian. I care deeply about and understand the concern of our residents and the difficulties that our families are facing. Our families, our veterans, our small business owners, our manufacturers, law enforcement, and communities--they are struggling--what they are struggling with. prgtoken I was initially inspired to get involved in public service when I saw these local issues arising, and many of those I have tried to help face in my own home community of Charleston, WV. Later on, as the passion in me sort of grew, I decided to seek a bigger platform in the House of Representatives and, now, here in this esteemed body, the U.S. Senate. As public servants, it is our responsibility to not only put forth but to take action on issues that Americans are facing. We can do that to improve the lives of those we serve. prgtoken But it seems to me and it pains me that so many of the legislative solutions that we have come to work to craft--some of which are bipartisan--collect dust on the majority leader's desk. In fact, that, to me, is very unacceptable. prgtoken Let's start with the issue that touches so many lives--the issue of addiction. Our country is in a deep and continued battle with an addiction crisis, something I raised multiple times on this Senate floor and something that I am committed to curbing and stopping. With the data available from the CDC--the latest report on drug overdose deaths--it is obvious that fentanyl, our clear and common enemy, is fueling the highest overdose rates we have seen for individuals between 25 and 44. prgtoken CDC provisional data released on May 17 also revealed that more than 100,000 Americans--100,000 Americans--died from drug overdoses in 2022, becoming the most deadly year on record. And some of those, I think-- some of us in the Chamber tonight might know one or two people or at least families who are affected. prgtoken My colleagues and I have introduced legislation that will further coordinate efforts to disrupt the distribution of fentanyl, to block efforts to ship illicit drugs into the United States, and to improve law enforcement training to crack down on drug trafficking tactics. prgtoken In a crisis this deadly and urgent, time is of the essence, and these bills deserve the time to be considered. Yet, despite these alarming statistics and the commonsense solutions that we have put forward, the majority leader has refused to take any of these bills up on the Senate floor. prgtoken Regarding law enforcement, over the weekend we had one of the saddest things happen in our State
HURRICANE SEASON HAS BEGUN
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2023-6-7

as of June 1, hurricane season officially began. prgtoken According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, last year there were 14 named storms, of which eight reached hurricane level. prgtoken These potentially deadly storms put lives at risk and cause destruction in their paths. A particularly devastating 2022 hurricane, Ian, which also hit South Carolina, caused damages of more than $112 billion dollars. prgtoken As a coastal state, South Carolina is ready to assist families. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division, led by Kim Stenson in Pine Ridge, serves as the coordinating agency for the preparation and recovery from emergencies and disasters. prgtoken I am also grateful for the leadership of Governor Henry McMaster and Major General Van McCarty, the Adjutant General of South Carolina. prgtoken In conclusion, God Bless our troops, who successfully protected America for 20 years, as the Global War on Terrorism continues moving from the Afghanistan safe haven to America with open borders.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2023-6-7

today it is my pleasure to recognize the 100th anniversary of Laconia, New Hampshire's Motorcycle Week. Over the last century, riders from New Hampshire and across the country have gathered in Laconia--the heart of New Hampshire's beautiful Lakes Region--to gather with friends, celebrate their shared passion for motorcycles, and ride together. prgtoken Many consider Laconia's Bike Week to be the oldest national motorcycle rally in the country. For decades, it was the largest motorcycle rally in the United States, and it still draws more than 300,000 people a year, which helps support the economy of the Lakes Region and the rest of New Hampshire as Bike Week participants patronize our small businesses. Laconia Bike Week is a well-known and beloved tradition for countless Granite Staters and bikers near and far. For many, just the name Bike Week evokes fond memories of Laconia rallies from past years, from cruising New Hampshire's highways and scenic byways, to spending time with friends, old and new. prgtoken Bike Week, of course, does not happen without effort; it takes time and dedication from the event organizers, who each summer come together to make this week possible. Nor is it by chance that this event takes place in New Hampshire; Bike Week is a part of the very fabric of the Granite State. Bike Week shows off our State's natural beauty; a ride through Laconia, with an open road ahead and a breeze from Lake Winnipesaukee blowing by, reminds us of why Granite Staters are always proud to call New Hampshire home. For bikers and nonbikers alike, the roar and thunder of engines, the thrill of zooming down a highway, the dazzling tricks and stunts performed at rallies--summon up our State's spirit. prgtoken One of the many pieces that makes Bike Week special is that riders have also regularly used the event as a means to raise awareness and support for critical issues facing New Hampshire and our country. In 1957, riders raised money to help fund polio research and support families who were grappling with that disease. This year also marks the 35th anniversary of the Meredith POW/MIA Awareness Vigil and the 30th anniversary of the Freedom Ride to honor American POW/MIA servicemembers, spearheaded by the Northeast POW/MIA Network. Over the past few years, more than 2,000 motorcyclists have joined the Freedom Ride to commemorate the sacrifice of POW/MIA servicemembers and raise awareness for the missing servicemembers who have not been found. The Freedom Ride reminds servicemembers, their families, and all Americans that POW/MIA servicemembers--both those who have returned and those who remain missing--will never be forgotten. prgtoken These acts of recognition and service have helped make Bike Week into a New Hampshire and American institution. For 100 years in Laconia, Americans from all backgrounds and walks of life have come together-- united by their shared enthusiasm and their deep love f
LEAD IN CHILDCARE CENTERS
Katie Porter (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-6-7

in 2018, a State law required licensed childcare centers to test their water for lead every 5 years. Last month, we got the results and they are grim for California's children. prgtoken One in four California childcare centers has dangerously high levels of lead in their drinking water. Lead exposure seriously harms children's health, damaging their brains and nervous systems. prgtoken Frighteningly, children exposed to elevated levels of lead are often asymptomatic, but the damage is irreversible. Many of the worst facilities for lead levels are in low-income areas or communities of color. prgtoken Congress took a step in the right direction when we passed the bipartisan infrastructure law, which invested $15 billion to remove and replace lead service lines. But there is more work to be done. prgtoken Children are our future, and we owe it to every American to protect all kids' safety and well-being. Honoring the Service of Randy Cammack
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF KIKKOMAN FOODS, INC.
Tammy Baldwin (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2023-6-7

today I rise to recognize Kikkoman Foods, Inc on its 50th anniversary. I am proud to honor this organization and the ongoing international exchange of food culture from Japan to Walworth, WI. prgtoken What began in 1973 as the first U.S.-based plant for the manufacturing of soy sauce has now become a strong part of the Walworth community. The Mogi family soy sauce recipe dates back over 300 years and was first introduced in the United States at a Navy Pier global business showcase. Crowds present in Chicago tried Kikkoman soy sauce for the first time. It was such a big hit that Kikkoman created a committee to investigate production in the United States. The committee settled on Walworth, WI, because they saw great potential in the proud tradition of Wisconsin agriculture and a midwestern work ethic. In addition, the Midwest region provided an optimal climate for the production of soy beans and wheat, essential components of soy sauce. prgtoken Soon, Kikkoman's plant in Walworth aided the fusion of American and Japanese cuisine. In Walworth, soy sauce became a kitchen staple. Kikkoman continues to advance their mission of expanding the use of soy sauce as a ``versatile flavor enhancer.'' I appreciate the continued fusion of these two cultures and the partnerships of Kikkoman in the Wisconsin community. Together, Japanese technology and American agriculture blend to create a successful overseas expansion for Kikkoman. prgtoken Today, the plant in Walworth is Kikkoman's North American production headquarters and produces an estimated 34 million gallons of soy sauce annually, more brewed soy sauce than any other facility around the world. Since its introduction to Wisconsin, Kikkoman has been an essential contributor to the Wisconsin economy and shares the same commitment to the development of Wisconsin businesses, suppliers, service providers, and contractors. Ultimately, the Walworth Kikkoman production facility serves as an important example of the coprosperity and success of American and Japanese partnerships. prgtoken We in Wisconsin are grateful to Kikkoman for sharing the vibrant tradition and well-respected values of soy sauce brewing and the Japanese culinary tradition. I am honored to recognize the 50th anniversary of Kikkoman Foods, Inc and look forward to their continued success in Wisconsin for years to come.
CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
Sydney Kamlager-Dove (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-6-7

June is Gun Violence Prevention Month. June is Gun Violence Prevention Month. June is Gun Violence Prevention Month. So why, in this full body, are we not talking about the gun violence epidemic that has taken hold of this country? prgtoken Why is the Party punting on this issue and continuing to blame gun violence solely on mental health and ignorantly say that the answer to gun violence is more guns? prgtoken The parents of the children killed by mass shootings, the survivors of these mass shootings don't want or deserve to continue to hear that. They deserve acknowledgment, honesty and, most of all, they deserve action. prgtoken They deserve a Party that cares as much about this issue as they do stove tops which, when you think about it, is incredibly painful and disrespectful. prgtoken s seem to want to talk about everything except gun violence, everything except gun violence, everything except gun violence, and that silence, that silence on this issue is tantamount to blaming the victims. That failure to act is equivalent to disregarding these victims' lives and dismissing their deaths. prgtoken , June is Gun Violence Prevention Month. June is Gun Violence Prevention Month, so let's act like it.