mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
AMERICA'S DAMS ARE TICKING TIME BOMBS
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2023-10-2

we are going to pick up where we left off over the weekend, sort of the high school drama about governing the House of Representatives. prgtoken We have some people who are playing with fire. We have watched them work to the brink. It happened earlier in the spring where we were dealing with the debt ceiling, and we are back at it now, dealing with what we are going to do in terms of funding the government going forward. prgtoken We know where this ends. There will be an agreement in November or December or January that largely follows the outline of what we all agreed to do in the spring s, and President had an agreement that set the top-line numbers to be able to move forward with the budget. prgtoken Ultimately, I think the governing wing of the Party will come around and work with a unified ic Caucus to be able to fulfill the commitment that we made in the spring. Whether or not Kevin McCarthy is or not is largely irrelevant in terms of this larger issue. The governing wing of both parties will come together and, I think, will do what is right for the American people based on what we agreed to do months ago. prgtoken In the meantime, we actually have work to do. There are issues that need our attention. In The New York Times 2 days ago: ``It's Only a Matter of Time Before More Dams Fail.'' We watched two dams in Libya collapse, killing more than 11,000 people. This should be a wake-up call for those of us in the United States. prgtoken There are more than 91,000 dams in the United States. The average age is 61 years. For about one-third of those, the failure would result in loss of life and significant economic loss and environmental damage. prgtoken The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act included hundreds of millions of dollars for dam safety, which was welcome, but a minuscule amount of what we need to do when there is about $76 billion of immediate need dealing with dam safety. prgtoken There are some very cost-effective solutions. One of them we pioneered in the Pacific Northwest, which is just removing the dam. In 2012 and 2014, we transformed the ecosystem of the Elwha River in Washington, the largest dam removal in American history, and we are currently working on an even larger project, with four dams being removed on the Klamath River in southern Oregon and northern California. prgtoken Dam removal is much more cost-effective. I have worked on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to try to have a system where anytime a dam removal was more cost-effective than trying to renovate it that it would be authorized. prgtoken We are looking at the changing landscape, the problems with the Colorado River, where the dams no longer have intakes where they will be able to get the water out. We are looking at dead pools being formed along the Colorado River. prgtoken We have to rethink the way that hydrology works, the dam works. Climate change ha
INTRODUCTION OF THE COMMISSION OF FINE ARTS DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA RESIDENCY ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2023-10-2

today, I introduce the Commission of Fine Arts District of Columbia Residency Act. This bill would require that a majority of the members of the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) be District of Columbia residents. prgtoken Under federal law and presidential executive orders (EOs), the CFA has review authority for federal property in D.C certain military property, certain coins and medals, D.C.-owned parks and buildings and certain private land in D.C. Under the relevant EOs, CFA has review authority for the design of D.C.-owned parks and buildings. Under the Shipstead-Luce Act, CFA has review authority for the design of private buildings in D.C. ``adjacent to public buildings and grounds of major importance,'' such as Rock Creek Park and the Potomac riverfront. Under the Old Georgetown Act, the CFA has review authority for the design of private buildings in the part of Georgetown referred to as ``Old Georgetown'' in the act. prgtoken Residency requirements for certain government positions are found in federal, state and D.C. law, including for members of the National Capital Planning Commission. The primary reason such laws exist is so that government officials have a connection to the residents they serve and in-depth knowledge of the unique issues and challenges faced by residents. prgtoken I have also introduced the Commission of Fine Arts District of Columbia Home Rule Act, which would remove the authority of the CFA over non-federal real property in D.C. However, while the CFA maintains that authority, a majority of the members should be D.C. residents. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
LIFESAVING MEDICAID EXPANSION TAKES EFFECT
Donald G. Davis (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2023-10-2

today is the day lifesaving Medicaid expansion takes effect as the State budget of North Carolina becomes law. prgtoken After more than a decade of waiting, in some cases, dying, without access to lifesaving healthcare, nearly 95,000 eastern North Carolinians trapped in the Medicaid coverage gap now have a lifeline. prgtoken Medicaid expansion will be formally launched in North Carolina on December 1, 2023. As co-chair of the State Medicaid Expansion Caucus, I want to emphasize my unwavering commitment to this cause. I pledge to work closely with my former colleagues in the State legislature to ensure Medicaid expansion is implemented effectively and we address the unacceptable health disparities that have persisted in the East for far too long. Let us stand together and make the delivery of healthcare a reality.
DONALD TRUMP'S CIVIL FRAUD TRIAL
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-10-2

I rise today to discuss the presumptive nominee for President. prgtoken Today, that presumptive nominee, , was in a New York courtroom to face fraud charges for lying about his wealth. The $250 million lawsuit accuses the leader of inflating the value of his assets. He did it to get better deals on at least $300 million in loans and insurance policies. Loans, I might add, that he refused to pay back. prgtoken even claims that his $18 million Mar-a-Lago estate is worth $1.5 billion. The trial could force the leader to pay millions of dollars in fines. I remember when the Party used to fight for fiscal responsibility. Now, they bow to a man who cheats on his taxes, steals from banks, fails to pay subcontractors, and defrauds investors. That does not sound responsible to me, and it is disgraceful behavior from a Presidential candidate.
MODERNIZING THE ACQUISITION OF CYBERSECURITY EXPERTS ACT OF 2023
Katie Porter (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-10-2

I thank Chairman Comer and Ranking Member Raskin for recognizing me. prgtoken I rise today in support of legislation that I partnered on with Congresswoman Mace to modernize hiring guidance for Federal cybersecurity security jobs. She and I both agree that government employees should be the best in the business. Taxpayers deserve nothing less from the people we employ. prgtoken How do we get the best of the best into our Federal jobs? Just like in any market, it all comes down to one thing: fostering competition. prgtoken For too long, overly restrictive Federal hiring guidance has stifled competition and prevented Federal agencies from being able to hire the best applicants for cybersecurity jobs if they don't meet all of the stringent educational requirements. prgtoken If who gets hired for our Federal jobs always comes down to just one credential, our government is going to miss out on some great employees. prgtoken No part of the Federal Government should disqualify an individual from winning the competition for a Federal job based on whether they have one type of educational credential. We are only going to figure out who is best to fill a role if we let all qualified candidates show us all their qualifications. prgtoken The truth is, there is not one type of educational experience that is always going to make a cybersecurity professional the best of the best. I am a former college professor, and I know that a lot of people will learn skills in their college degree programs that prepare them to be a Federal cybersecurity professional. At the same time, I also know that college isn't affordable and accessible for everyone, and the reality is that many people gain the skills necessary to succeed at Federal cybersecurity jobs through other life experiences. prgtoken The door must be open to both types of qualified candidates, and the Federal Government should then be able to pick who is most prepared to do the job based on a holistic view of the candidates. prgtoken The Modernizing the Acquisition of Cybersecurity Experts, MACE, Act stops the Federal Government from ruling out people without a specific educational credential. Instead, it lets all qualified applicants compete and gives the Federal Government more choices. This is something we should be able to agree on regardless of party. prgtoken This bill mirrors an executive order that was issued under President and President has chosen to keep it on the books today. It has worked under administrations of both parties, and now we need to make it permanent in our law. prgtoken , I urge my ic and colleagues to support this bill. We can only have the best Federal cybersecurity professionals when we have had the chance to consider all of the qualified candidates, and the MACE Act will give us this chance.
DR. RUDY LOMBARD POST OFFICE BUILDING
Troy A. Carter (Democrat, LA) \u2014 2023-10-2

I thank the chairman for the opportunity to speak. prgtoken , I rise today to recognize a true American hero, a Louisiana legend, Dr. Rudy Lombard. prgtoken My bill, H.R. 996, would designate the post office located at 3901 MacArthur Boulevard in New Orleans, Louisiana, in the heart of Algiers, where the Lombard and Carter families grew up for multiple generations, as the Dr. Rudy Lombard Post Office. prgtoken This is a testament to the unforgettable legacy Dr. Lombard left on our city and our Nation. Born in my hometown of Algiers in 1939, Rudy Lombard was known for his determination to make a difference. prgtoken As a young college student at Xavier University, Dr. Lombard was a pillar of strength during the height of segregation. His leadership was evident when he fearlessly commanded the CORE Four in a sit-in at McCrory's Five and Dime, challenging the unjust shackles of Jim Crow laws. prgtoken Their journey to the Supreme Court in 1963 in the landmark Lombard v. Louisiana case was not just a legal triumph but a pivotal movement in the fight against segregation, setting precedents that broke down discriminatory practices. prgtoken Dr. Lombard's commitment to equality extended far beyond those early years. Decade after decade, he stood in the forefront addressing inequities in civil rights, challenging economic and cultural empowerment, and tirelessly advocating for public health. prgtoken His life was a testament to the power of one individual to spark change and to build coalitions to stand against injustices. prgtoken Today, we are not just bestowing an honor on a distinguished individual, we are cementing a legacy, recognizing a man whose life exemplified leadership by example. prgtoken Dr. Lombard was not only a standard-bearer, but he was also a force for positive change, a catalyst for movements that brought people together. prgtoken In leading this bipartisan initiative, I am honored to stand beside the entire Louisiana Congressional Delegation who recognize the importance of preserving Dr. Lombard's memory. prgtoken I personally thank my colleagues for standing with me. I pray this serves as a reminder to future generations that the struggle for justice is, in fact, real and the impact for one's personal commitment can resonate across the ages. Yes, one person can make a difference. Dr. Rudy Lombard certainly has done just that for generations and generations to come, with his courage, his leadership, and his commitment. prgtoken This honor today is a small token to recognize and pay homage to his great leadership. prgtoken , may we all strive to emulate the spirit of Dr. Rudy Lombard in our service to the American people. I urge a favorable passage.
RECOGNIZING INTERNATIONAL PLASMA AWARENESS WEEK
Doris O. Matsui (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-10-2

I rise today to recognize and support International Plasma Awareness Week (IPAW), October 2-6, both in the United States and around the world. Patients across the globe rely on medicines made from donated human plasma to lead productive, healthy lives. The need for plasma donation is ongoing--plasma is the starting ingredient for numerous lifesaving therapies to treat individuals living with rare diseases. This week, patients, plasma donors, and plasma donation centers will join together to raise global awareness of the crucial need for plasma, recognize the contributions of plasma donors, and call attention to the many rare diseases treated with plasma protein therapies. prgtoken Donors and patients alike will observe IPAW through a range of events seeking to enhance awareness of plasma-derived therapies and recombinant analogs, collectively known as plasma protein therapies. These are unique biologic medicines that are either infused or injected to treat a variety of rare, life-threatening, chronic, and genetic diseases. This includes bleeding disorders, hereditary angioedema, immune deficiencies, pulmonary disorders, neurological disorders, and infectious diseases such as tetanus, hepatitis, and rabies. prgtoken Plasma protein therapies have significantly improved the quality of life, markedly improved patient outcomes, and extended the life expectancy of patients across the country. Healthy, committed donors provide the human plasma essential to manufacture these lifesaving therapies. There are now over 1,100 plasma collection centers in the U.S. that have demonstrated their commitment to donor safety and quality by earning International Quality Plasma Program (IQPP) certification. prgtoken As the co-chair of the Rare Disease Congressional Caucus. I understand that hundreds of thousands of Americans with rare diseases rely on plasma protein therapies that are only available because of the commitment of dedicated plasma donors. For example, Americans living with primary immunodeficiencies (PI) require intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatments derived from plasma donors. Without timely care, even the most common infections can present the risk of serious illness or death for these patients. That is why I introduced the PI Post Acute Access Act, which would expand access to IVIG treatment for Medicare beneficiaries with PI in skilled nursing facilities. I have long advocated to ensure access to IVIG treatments, and I will continue to fight to ensure all Americans, including rare disease patients, have access to the innovative treatments they need. prgtoken I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me and rise in commemoration of International Plasma Awareness Week, honoring those committed donors and donation centers that make and collect needed and lifesaving contributions.
WILLIAM L. REYNOLDS POST OFFICE BUILDING
Jamie Raskin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2023-10-2

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in support of H.R. 292, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 24355 Creekside Road in Santa Clarita, California, as the William L. Reynolds Post Office Building. prgtoken William Reynolds, better known as Bill, was brought up in the San Fernando Valley. He was the son of a World War I veteran. prgtoken Following high school graduation and just before his 20th birthday, he followed in his father's footsteps and enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war. He served in the 9th Infantry Division and is recalled as one of the few surviving servicemembers of the Charlie Company's ``Boys of `67.'' For his heroic service, Mr. Reynolds earned a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. prgtoken After receiving an honorable discharge, Mr. Reynolds moved to the Santa Clarita Valley in California with his wife, Meg. He spent the remaining years of his adult life as an influential supporter of veterans. prgtoken In addition to his military accolades, he is remembered for single- handedly organizing a local effort to construct a memorial wall at the Veterans Plaza to honor Santa Clarita Valley veterans from World War I to the present day. prgtoken He also traveled to Da Nang, Vietnam, with a veteran delegation led by a former President to honor the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam war. As a passionate advocate for Santa Clarita Valley's local veteran community, he became a high-profile historian as director of veterans affairs for two Santa Clarita-based news journals, publishing more than 100 different biographies of local veterans in his community. prgtoken On January 11, 2021, Mr. Reynolds passed away. I encourage my colleagues to join me in honoring the distinguished life of Mr. Reynolds by naming a post office in Santa Clarita, California, after him. prgtoken , .
GOVERNMENT FUNDING
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-10-3

now on another matter, last week, the Senate voted to prevent a domestic budget dispute from shutting down the Federal Government. Now, with straightforward, short-term funding in place, it is time for Congress to redouble our efforts on a number of unfinished priorities. prgtoken In the coming weeks, the Senate needs to continue making progress on full-year appropriations. And we will begin by funding important resources for military construction, veterans services, agriculture, housing, and transportation infrastructure. prgtoken But our work does not stop there. The Senate also needs to address urgent supplemental funding needs and continue our work to bring the administration's reckless spending and radical regulations to heel. prgtoken Many of our colleagues are particularly keen to deliver additional relief to communities rebuilding after devastating national disasters-- from hurricanes on the gulf coast to wildfires in Hawaii, to flooding in Kentucky. prgtoken Bipartisan majorities in both Chambers continue to recognize that providing additional lethal assistance to Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression is in the United States' direct interest. prgtoken Across the country, as historic inflation continues to wreck household budgets, millions of working families are ready to turn the page on omics. prgtoken After three record-setting years of functionally open borders, folks in every State are eager for Congress to force the administration to start cleaning up the southern border crisis. The fiscal year that just ended saw apprehensions at the southern border exceed 2 million for only the second time in history. The first time was just last year. Some reports expect that the last month's total could clock in as the highest on record. On President 's watch, illegal border crossings and asylum claims have stretched Border Patrol and ICE personnel to their breaking point. prgtoken Authorities are seizing hundreds of millions of lethal doses of fentanyl, although they also estimate that they are apprehending just a fraction--roughly a quarter--of all the fentanyl that is smuggled at the border. prgtoken Frankly, this is less about providing border personnel with new resources than it is about giving them the authority and direction to actually enforce the law. It is certainly not about bailing out blue State sanctuary cities while the tsunami of illegal immigration continues unabated. It is about the administration finally taking commonsense steps to end their wrongheaded policies that have encouraged illegal immigrants to cross our borders in the first place. prgtoken Every State is now a border State. Major cities like New York and Chicago are being overwhelmed by arrivals from the southern border. Finally, even blue State mayors and Governors are joining the chorus calling out the administration for its utter failure on border security. prgtoken Of course, across the
COMMEMORATING BROOKSHIRE'S GROCERY COMPANY'S 95TH ANNIVERSARY
Lance Gooden (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-10-3

I rise today to congratulate Brookshire's Grocery Company on its 95th anniversary and commemorate its service to the Texas community. In 1928, Wood T. Brookshire and his wife founded their grocery company at a small store in Tyler, Texas. The store began with four employees and has grown to over 200 stores across several other states. To this day, Brookshire's is led by the founder's grandson, Brad Brookshire. prgtoken Brookshire's has grown from its humble beginnings into a thriving enterprise known for its philanthropic efforts and dedication to its local community. Brookshire's has consistently led hunger relief efforts across the South, among other important initiatives. I extend my gratitude to Brookshire's not only for its commitment to excellent customer service, but consistently going above and beyond to deliver the best experience for its customers. I have no doubt Brookshire's stores across Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma will continue to prosper and serve as an inspiration for entrepreneurs. Texans certainly look forward to its positive impact on the community for many years to come.
BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-10-3

. Madam , this morning, 40 million Americans will begin their day without access to broadband internet. These high-speed broadband connections, which were once a luxury, have now become essential tools for students, businessowners, farmers, and patients. prgtoken Last year, historic BEAD funding was disbursed to the States. Today, it is critical that these funds are used efficiently, not to gold-plate the infrastructure in our cities, but to finally connect our rural communities to fast, reliable, high-speed internet. prgtoken Recently, I was proud to introduce the 5G SALE Act to require the FCC to release previously auctioned spectrum in order to expand access to 5G internet for communities across central and western Pennsylvania. prgtoken Bridging the digital divide has never been more important as we fight to ensure that our students can learn from home, that small businesses can operate from home, and that patients can heal from home. Enacting s' Commitment to America