mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Remembering Herb Kohl (Executive Session)
Amy Klobuchar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2024-1-8

I would like to thank our colleague from Wisconsin for her beautiful words, her heartfelt memories. prgtoken And, mostly, I know personally how proud Senator Kohl was that you, Senator Baldwin, got elected and serve your State so well. You are truly a tribute to your State but also to Herb's memory. prgtoken I am here as the neighbor, the Senator next door, the one who got to know Herb Kohl, because Minnesota and Wisconsin, despite our rivalries--as the Presiding Officer knows, when it comes to the Vikings and the Packers and the Badgers and the Gophers--we actually have a lot more in common than what divides us. prgtoken In fact, my mom grew up in Milwaukee. I talked to her many times. She also was the daughter of immigrant parents. In her case, her dad worked at the Porth Pie Company, which Herb was aware of, and came from humble roots. prgtoken Senator Kohl's life was really as American as they come. He was born, as we noted, in Milwaukee to immigrant parents. He learned the value of hard work, as Senator Baldwin discussed, as a bag boy at his dad's market. He attended public high school and the University of Wisconsin before earning his MBA. From there, he and his brother worked to build their family's business into an iconic department store chain, Kohl's, of course. I can't tell you how many times, visiting my grandma in Milwaukee, we would be like: We can get that at Kohl's. We can go to Kohl's. prgtoken They were so proud of the work that he did. prgtoken Later, when his beloved Milwaukee Bucks almost left Wisconsin, it was Herb who bought the team just so he could keep them there. I know that Senator Baldwin is proud of the Bucks' 2021 final win, and we all know it would never have been the Milwaukee Bucks without Herb Kohl. prgtoken After working his way up from a bag boy to a basketball team owner, Herb didn't have to seek public office, but he loved his State and its people too much to rest on his laurels. To him, running for office was not in any way a path to personal gain. It was a moral obligation. prgtoken After winning election to the Senate in 1988, he got to work right away for the people of Wisconsin, and, as Senator Baldwin noted, he worked to expand the supply of affordable housing for elderly Americans, crack down on corporate espionage, expand safe and affordable childcare, and secure critical medical training investments in the Affordable Care Act. How proud I know he was of Senator Baldwin's--then-Representative Baldwin's--important role in making sure that older kids were able to be covered under their parents' policies under the Affordable Care Act. prgtoken But he took as much pride in making sure of the big things, as how a single dairy farmer could stay afloat in a low-producing season. prgtoken On a personal note, I was lucky to call Herb a mentor and a friend. We worked together during my early years in the Senate, including on ending 30 years of delay so that the co
ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2024
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-1-8

a very quick one tonight. I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 9; that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; that upon the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Kazen nomination, postcloture, and that all time be considered expired at 11:45 a.m.; further, that if any nominations are confirmed during Tuesday's session, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
Remembering Herb Kohl (Executive Session)
Debbie Stabenow (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-1-8

I rise today to pay tribute to someone I was honored to work alongside, and I know that many other Members on both sides of the aisle feel the same way. prgtoken Herb Kohl wasn't the most outgoing Senator. Some people might have called him quiet or even shy. But he was never quiet about fighting for the people of Wisconsin. And he was never shy about standing up for the things he believed in. He was absolutely passionate about protecting our Great Lakes, our land, and the people in Wisconsin and across the country who depend on them for their livelihoods. Wisconsin's dairy farmers and rural communities had no greater champion, and they are so fortunate that Senator Baldwin has carried on Senator Kohl's good work. prgtoken He was also a champion for American families and for ensuring that they have access to fresh, healthy food. As chairman of the Agriculture Appropriations panel, he fought to expand nutrition programs for children and to fund the WIC Program, which helps make sure American moms and babies have the food they need to thrive. And as chairman of the Special Committee on Aging, he was laser-focused on the needs of older Americans, including through improving the quality and safety of nursing homes. prgtoken Of course, we all know what a huge sports fan he was as the longtime owner of the Milwaukee Bucks and a member of the team that brought the Brewers to Wisconsin. It was wonderful that he was able to watch his beloved Bucks win the NBA title in 2021, and he even rode in the championship parade. prgtoken Perhaps he will be most remembered for his generosity. His Herb Kohl Educational Foundation has provided more than $34 million to support Wisconsin schools, teachers, and students since 1990. And he made a lasting impact at his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where the Kohl Center Arena and the Herb Kohl Public Service Research Competition still carry his name. prgtoken But beyond the sports teams and beyond his legislative legacy, Senator Kohl was kind. He was humble. He believed in treating everyone with respect. He knew how fortunate he was, and he spent his life ensuring that as many other people as possible could share in his good fortune. I firmly believe that the Senate--and our country--would be a kinder, better place if more of us would follow his lead. Senator Kohl was a statesman, and he was my friend. I am grateful for the time we worked together in the Senate. prgtoken I want to offer his family, friends, and the entire State of Wisconsin my deepest condolences. prgtoken .
Business Before the Senate (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2024-1-8

I would like to begin by wishing our colleagues a very happy new year and welcoming everyone back to begin a new session. prgtoken There is a tremendous amount on the Senate's plate, beginning with the unfinished business of the year that just ended. prgtoken Yesterday, negotiators announced they had agreed on a path to completing full year appropriations for the fiscal year that began 3 months ago. Delivering on this basic governing responsibility in a timely manner has proven a tough row to hoe, and building broad recognition of the most urgent priorities facing our Nation remains difficult. prgtoken Here is the truth. Threats to U.S. national security are growing, and the administration's habit of proposing real-dollar cuts to defense funding is a streak that must end at three. With its forthcoming budget request for fiscal year 2025, the administration needs to finally start taking the long-term needs of America's national security seriously. prgtoken But Congress's most immediate opportunity to address urgent national security priorities will be supplemental legislation in the coming weeks. I was encouraged to see that Senator Lankford and our ic colleagues made progress toward an agreement to put meaningful border security policy at the heart of this supplemental. prgtoken As negotiations continued over the holiday break, Customs and Border Protection reported that December set a new, alltime monthly tally for southern border apprehensions. The administration's border crisis is not going to fix itself, and the status quo is unacceptable. The answer, as s have been saying, literally for years, is to restore meaningful border enforcement and fix the broken policies that the cartels are exploiting to devastating effect. And I am grateful to Senator Lankford for continuing to insist on such commonsense steps at the negotiating table. prgtoken The stakes here are quite high. We have an opportunity to make the most comprehensive headway on border security in a generation. prgtoken But our national security challenges don't end at our own borders. The threats we face are intertwined, and the coming days will show the world whether America is willing to treat them accordingly. Allies and adversaries alike will be curious what we do with news that Russia is now attacking targets in Ukraine with ballistic missiles supplied by the rogue Kim regime in North Korea, following the suicide drones provided by Iran. Yet again, it is abundantly clear that authoritarians support authoritarians--as if our clear-eyed Pacific partners like Japan, South Korea, and Australia needed more evidence that what happens in Ukraine matters in their own neighborhood; as if we needed yet another reminder that facing down an expanded industrial base in Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea will require America and our allies and partners to invest more seriously in our own defense production ca
RECOGNIZING THE JACKSONVILLE-ONSLOW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Ted Budd (Republican, NC) \u2014 2024-1-8

I rise today to recognize the Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce on their 80th anniversary. prgtoken Since being established in 1944, the Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce has been a staunch advocate for area businesses and the Marine Corps community at Camp Lejeune. Jacksonville is well-known for being the home of Camp Lejeune. Its community is also deeply entrenched in supporting small-business owners. prgtoken Chambers of Commerce play a pivotal role in areas around workforce development, tourism promotion, connecting business owners, and advocating for issues that are important to their members. The Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber routinely performs all of these duties and has consistently gone the extra mile to help build new partnerships in the area. prgtoken A strong chamber oftentimes requires a visionary and bold leader at the helm. Laurette Leagon has over 25 years as a chamber professional and is widely recognized in Southeastern North Carolina as an innovative thought leader. At her core, she has never forgotten what one of the most important functions of a chamber is: to do what is best for membership. prgtoken , I congratulate the Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce on their 80th anniversary. I have no doubt that this organization will continue to advocate and advance the interests of small businesses, non-profits, and other industry members for decades to come.
Business Before the Senate (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-1-8

we are back in the Senate and kicking off a new year, which will undoubtedly be busy and certainly challenging. There is a lot of work for us to do, and one of our most crucial tasks is to address the national security supplemental appropriations bill that President has requested. prgtoken As you know, that bill includes relief for not only Israel but also additional prgtoken assistance to Ukraine and provides additional money for the Indo- Pacific--hopefully to deter potential Chinese aggression in that region--and, of course, the border, which is another story for another day. prgtoken But today, I would like to talk about the challenges we face in the Middle East. Today, the global threat environment is unlike any we have seen in recent memory, perhaps in our lifetime. prgtoken I just returned from a trip to the Middle East with a bipartisan group of colleagues from the Senate Intelligence Committee. We had an extremely busy schedule, but it was very productive. We had 22 separate meetings with leaders across the region, from Jordan to Saudi Arabia, to Israel. prgtoken We also had the opportunity, as I indicated, to travel to Israel to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Minister of Defense, Galant, and also members of the intelligence community there in Tel Aviv--the Shin Bet, which is responsible for domestic security, and, of course, Mossad, the legendary intelligence agency of the Israeli Government. prgtoken We all know that on October 7, the world shifted and changed in a dramatic way in Israel when Hamas entered Israel by air, land, and sea. They committed horrific acts of murder of babies and children and innocent civilians. They raped and tortured and beheaded innocent people--beheaded innocent people. They dismembered the bodies of their victims and captured hostages to use as human shields and bargaining chips. It was a day of infamy that will live in the minds of Israelis for the rest of their lives, and it should be a warning again--if we need another warning--to the rest of the region and the rest of the world. prgtoken For the people of Israel, this was not unlike our experience on September 11, 2001, when nearly 3,000 Americans were killed by a terrorist attack here in Washington, DC, and, of course, the plane lost in Pennsylvania when brave passengers on that plane prevented an attack, perhaps on the very Capitol Building here in Washington. Of course, on September 11, thousands of families lost husbands, wives, parents, and children because of evil terrorists in pursuit of a fanatical ideology. That is what Israel experienced 3 months ago. prgtoken Compared to the United States, of course, Israel is a very small country. It is home to roughly 9.3 million people. I represent a State of 30 million people. So Israel has roughly about a third of the population of the State of Texas. But in Israel on that day, October 7, the lives of 1,200 people were lost. Based on t
Cloture Motion (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2024-1-8

. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Wyoming (Mr. Barrasso), the Senator from Arizona (Mr. Boozman), the Senator from Louisiana (Mr. Cassidy), the Senator from Arizona (Mr. Cotton), the Senator from South Carolina (Mr. Graham), the Senator from Kansas (Mr. Moran), the Senator from Idaho (Mr. Risch), the Senator from Florida (Mr. Rubio), and the Senator from South Carolina (Mr. Scott).
RECOGNIZING FAMILY FOODS
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2024-1-8

as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week it is my privilege to recognize Family Foods of Tipton, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. prgtoken Family Foods was founded by Don Goetz in 1964 under the name Don's Big Value after purchasing the building location from his then- employer, the Benner Tea Company grocery store. Don started working at Benner Tea Company at the age of 14 and became the store's manager at the age of 18. From 1952 until 1954, Don served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean war. In its early history, the store's name was changed from Don's Big Value to Giant Foods until 1976, when the business adopted the Family Foods name. In 1985, Family Foods moved from its original location to 610 Cedar Street in Tipton. The store has seen two major renovation projects over the years, one in 1990 and the other in 2015. prgtoken Family Foods is an exemplary family business. In 2010, Don's son Mike Goetz purchased the store. Three generations of the Goetz family have worked at the Family Foods in Tipton, with Mike's son Brad now serving as co-owner. Many associates at the store have been part of the team for decades. Don Goetz passed away in 2017, leaving behind a legacy of service, hard work, and dedication to his community. prgtoken The Family Foods team is actively involved in the Tipton community and have been recognized for their service. Brad previously served on the Tipton Community School District Board, and Mike served as the Tipton Chamber of Commerce president. Brad currently serves on the Tipton School Foundation Board. prgtoken In 2017, Brad was nationally recognized for his community service as the Eastern Iowa representative at the Jefferson Awards in Washington, DC. The Jefferson Awards are a national awards ceremony held annually celebrating community service and the people prgtoken helping their communities. While they were in Washington, Senator Grassley and I had the opportunity to meet Brad and the Goetz family. Family Foods is also actively involved in the Tipton Rotary Club and has supported both the fine arts and athletics programs in Tipton. Family Foods celebrated its 59th business anniversary in 2023. prgtoken Family Foods' commitment to providing quality groceries is clear. I want to congratulate Mike Goetz, Brad Goetz, and the entire team at Family Foods for their dedication to providing groceries and serving the Tipton community. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.
HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF JOHN A. SCHWAMM
Paul A. Gosar (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2024-1-9

Officer John A. Schwamm was the U.S. Customs and Border Protection area port director for the San Luis Port of Entry in my state of Arizona. After nearly 50 years of work in law enforcement. John decided to bring his 47-year career to an honorable conclusion on December 31st of prgtoken 2023. Thirty-eight of those years were in service to the great state of Arizona. He started his law enforcement career in 1977 in Nogales, Arizona and worked at the local police department for 9 years. He started work for the U.S. Customs Service in 1985, then transitioned to the CBP in 2003. prgtoken During his 20 years in CBP, Officer Schwamm overcame many challenges and loyally served his Nation. During the COVID pandemic, he kept a cool head and faithfully did his duty in the middle of the chaos. He also frequently helped my team by hosting briefings and personal tours for myself and my staff so we could better combat the border crisis and the COVID pandemic. Officer Schwamm has earned a long retirement, and I wish him the absolute best.
SOUTHERN BORDER
Glenn Grothman (Republican, WI) \u2014 2024-1-9

during the last few weeks when we were back in our district, I had time, along with about 50 other Congressmen, to visit the Eagle Pass entryway at our southern border. From what I saw down there, that should be the number one issue this body tackles in January. It is more important than even our annual budget. prgtoken We saw a room in which 300 unaccompanied minors were at one time without either parent being allowed in the country. We heard guards talk about what it was like to work in December. We believe when the final numbers came out, over 300,000 people came here from other countries and crossed our southern border. Remember, , it wasn't that long ago--3 years ago--that that number was more like 10,000. So we have gone from 10,000 to 300,000. prgtoken I watched and as I heard in this, which is one of only nine sectors down there, in the last 33 days prior to that, people came here from 61 different countries. We have the whole world coming here as the Mexican drug cartels charge people $5,000, $10,000, and $12,000. I heard of somebody being charged $70,000 to come here from India. prgtoken , Congress needs to wake up. The President needs to bring that number back down to 5,000 or 6,000 from the 300,000 he is letting into America today.
MATH-FREE ZONE
David Schweikert (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2024-1-9

I wanted to do a little bit of an update, and I apologize for the three or four people who actually pay attention to the math. They will have seen some of this. Nevertheless, I have a point I want to try to make tonight. I am going to work on this over the next couple of weeks because I have to find a way to do this better because, apparently, I am not breaking through. prgtoken I tease a lot that this is a math-free zone, but I brought the boards to walk through the economic studies that basically show you can tax the rich and get about 1\1/2\ percent of GDP if you tax everything. Over here, when we are talking about doing cuts, we could probably get a point of GDP when you consider that, , all nondiscretionary might be 2\1/2\ to 3 percent of GDP. prgtoken So the understanding thing is to say: What we are talking about is cutting on our side; they are taxing on that side. You might get 3 percent of the economy. prgtoken Since this fiscal year, so we are a little over one quarter in this fiscal year, I think if you add up everything, , we are borrowing about 9.6 percent of the economy. In the last 365 days, we borrowed 8.4 percent of the entire GDP. prgtoken Does anyone see a math problem? prgtoken This is my frustration. The border is incredibly important, and getting these budget bills done is incredibly important, but the house is burning down around us. prgtoken One of the things we started about 6 weeks ago--and it has taken off--is to sign up on our website, and every single day I am going to send you the daily debt text. Yes, , you are out of your mind if you care enough about the math to want to get it. It tells a very powerful story. prgtoken , this is what you are going to get every day: a text from me. We have built a system of grabbing off the Department of the Treasury's website and saying: Hey, this is what we borrowed this fiscal year, here is what we borrowed in the last 365 days, and here is what we are borrowing per second. prgtoken , this is from, I think, yesterday. Yesterday, over the last 365 days, we are borrowing $83,377 every second. We borrow over $83,000 a second. If you do just this fiscal year, --and there are some timing effects. Remember, we take in some tax receipts in April, we pay Social Security interest twice a year, and that can be $25, $30 billion in interest. Nevertheless, , if you do just this fiscal year, $99,480 per second is our borrowing. It is not spending, it is borrowing if you are interested in this, sign up. prgtoken I have been trying to make the point that the world changed when interest rates started to go up. The world changed over the last couple of years when healthcare costs went up fairly dramatically. They continue to, and most of that is demographics. We like to pretend, oh, it is things we can control. Unless we have a magic way for baby boomers not to get older, then we need to deal with the reality of our demographics. prgtoken , Social