mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Permitting Reform (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-5-4

in the teeth of the Great Depression, America built the tallest structure in the world, the Empire State Building. And we did it in 13\1/2\ months. Today, major infrastructure projects wait an average of 4\1/2\ years just for an environmental impact statement before they can break ground. prgtoken Beginning in the middle of the civil war, the transcontinental railroad took 5 years and 7 months to build from first rail to Golden Spike--in the middle of the civil war. Today, it can take roughly twice that long just to get the permit to open a mine. prgtoken The American people have heard a lot of talk from Washington about permitting reform. But our Nation's builders, refiners, miners, and job creators know what they need is a lot less Washington getting in the way. America is facing down strategic competition with major rivals like China that will shape the next centuries of world history. We are in a race for security, prosperity, and influence. prgtoken But even as Washington say they want to help America build things, make things, upgrade our infrastructure, and win that competition, they keep making it harder to do exactly that. prgtoken After the bipartisan infrastructure bill became law in 2021, the administration had unelected bureaucrats at the Federal Highway Administration urging States--listen to this--not to spend infrastructure funding on commonsense things like expanding highway capacity and focus on equity and sustainability sideshows instead. prgtoken After the CHIPS Act passed in 2022, the administration's Commerce Department tried to rewrite parts of the law, after the fact, to maximize the benefits for ' Big Labor allies. Secretary Raimondo marketed the bill as an urgent national security priority, securing supply chain for microchips. But the left wants to turn it into a Trojan horse for miscellaneous leftwing demands related to workplace H.R. prgtoken By one measure last year, the number of natural gas pipeline projects that were canceled dwarfed the number that were completed. On the administration's watch, we are canceling more gas pipelines than we are building--in this administration, canceling more pipelines than we are building. prgtoken Last April, the Council on Environmental Quality issued a rule that would open new infrastructure projects--listen to this--to even more frivolous litigation from radical activists by redefining whole categories of potential and environmental effects. prgtoken , this week, the ic leader announced he wants the Senate to pass even more legislation related to competition with China. But our ic colleagues gave the game away when they continually obstruct real honest-to-goodness commonsense reforms to our permitting process. We cannot and we will not outcompete China by rewarding radical activists' bad behavior. We will outcompete China if and when we decide we are going to help builde
HONORING CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER 3 CHRISTOPHER ROBERT ERAMO, CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER 2 KYLE D. McKENNA, AND WARRANT OFFICER 1 STEWART DUANE WAYMENT
Lisa Murkowski (Republican, AK) \u2014 2023-5-4

I come to the floor this afternoon to speak to a tragedy that we saw this past week, just a week ago today. Two Army AH-64 Apache helicopters were making their way back to Fort Wainwright. Fort Wainwright is an Army post in interior Alaska. They had been training in the Donnelly Training Area. They tragically collided and crashed. prgtoken Three soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment from Alaska's 11th Airborne Division were killed, and I have come to the floor this afternoon to honor their lives and express my deepest condolences to their families. prgtoken CW3 Christopher Robert Eramo of New York was 39 years old. He had deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He had served in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and most recently in Kuwait. prgtoken CW2 Kyle D. McKenna of Colorado was just 28 years old. He also had deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and had served in both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. prgtoken And WO1 Stewart Duane Wayment of Utah was 32 years of age. According to an AP article, it said that he was ``excited to be stationed in Alaska, to fly over rugged landscapes and see the northern lights and wildlife.'' His mother, Stacie Weaver, is quoted in that article as saying that ``family was everything to him.'' prgtoken From basic training to Warrant Officer Candidate School to the Apache pilot pipeline, these men truly dedicated their lives to the service of our Nation; and, in doing so, they added to one of the proudest traditions in America while exemplifying the best of it, and that is the brave men and women who stand ready to protect and to defend us every day. prgtoken As we acknowledge the sacrifices that are made by the men and women in uniform, we have to remember that those sacrifices don't always come at times of war and times of combat. This accident, as I mentioned, came after a 2-week training exercise. Training exercises themselves can be dangerous, and for the individuals who take part in them, we recognize that they face challenges daily. prgtoken We also must remember, though, the tremendous sacrifices that are made by our military families. Theirs, too, are significant and placed upon them by circumstances that are beyond their control. When something bad happens, when some tragedy occurs, they lose husbands, wives, fathers, and mothers. prgtoken Many have never had to worry about that. prgtoken But, today, we are grieving with the Eramo, McKenna, and the Wayment families. All three soldiers were married. Mr. Wayment also had three young children that he leaves behind. prgtoken Scripture tells us that ``the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.'' prgtoken And to the families, I know no words can lessen your grief, but I hope you will find some small measure of comfort in knowing that Christopher, Stewart, and Kyle were heroes and that they will always be remembered as such. prgtoken I know that the F
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-5-4

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
CONFIRMATION OF WESLEY L. HSU
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-5-4

yesterday the Senate confirmed Judge Wesley Hsu to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. prgtoken Born in St. Louis, MO, Judge Hsu received both his bachelor's degree and J.D. from Yale University. prgtoken Judge Hsu began his career in private practice as an associate and contract attorney at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, LLP, where he worked on a range of intellectual property matters. prgtoken After working in private practice, he served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the same district to which he is now nominated. In this role, he gained significant litigation experience in both criminal and civil proceedings. prgtoken During his time at the Department of Justice, Judge Hsu successfully prosecuted a defendant who trafficked computer networking equipment, which the Department named as one of its most significant intellectual property operations to date. prgtoken In 2017, Judge Hsu was appointed as a Superior Court Judge for the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Since his appointment, he has presided over more than 200 criminal and civil cases that have gone to verdict or judgment. prgtoken The American Bar Association rated Judge Hsu unanimously ``well qualified,'' and he has the strong support of Senators Feinstein and Padilla. prgtoken Judge Hsu's deep ties to the California legal community, combined with his significant courtroom experience, will make him an excellent addition to the Federal bench. prgtoken s for confirming his nomination.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2023-5-4

I rise today with a heavy heart to pay tribute to Stew Leonard, Sr a visionary entrepreneur and Connecticut icon, who passed away on April 26, 2023, at the age of 93. He will be remembered for creating Stew Leonard's, a beloved chain of grocery stores. prgtoken A lifelong Connecticut resident, Stew graduated from Norwalk High School and the University of Connecticut's School of Agriculture and went on to work for his family's dairy business. At the time, the family farm--Clover Farms Dairy in Norwalk, CT--was known for its state-of-the-art operation with a pasteurizing and bottling plant and delivery trucks outfitted with plastic cows that ``mooed'' for the neighborhood children. prgtoken By the late 1960s, Stew had the insight to recognize that the milk delivery business was waning. When a new highway was being built with Clover Farms Dairy in its path, Stew made the bold decision to transform the family business. He decided to build a dairy store, with a farmer's market atmosphere and opportunities for children to watch milk being bottled while their parents shopped. prgtoken In December 1969, Stew opened a 17,000-square-foot store, carrying only eight items. Through his ingenuity, inventiveness, and determination, Stew Leonard's grew from its humble beginnings into a lasting, beloved Connecticut institution. The flagship store in Norwalk, CT, was named the World's Largest Dairy Store, according to Ripley's Believe It or Not, and also earned a Guinness World Record for having the highest sales per square foot of selling space. Now a chain of seven stores across three States, Stew Leonard's has retained its family-friendly atmosphere, focus on freshness and quality, and reputation for superior customer service. prgtoken Ultimately, Stew Leonard's is a family business, run today by Stew's son Stew Leonard, Jr with support from his siblings and five of Stew's grandchildren. Collectively, the Leonard family maintains Stew's commitment to excellence and service, gaining generations of loyal customers and friends. prgtoken The company has a long track record of charitable endeavors, from hosting community food and clothing drives, to Stew's ``Wishing Wells.'' Placed at the entrance to every store, the wells collect change that is donated to a local charity at the end of every month, matched by a donation from the store. For more than 50 years, Stew Leonard's stores have become deeply engaged in their communities, a testament to Stew's generous spirit. prgtoken I was privileged to know the Leonard family and to attend many events with them over the years. I have also been a long-time customer, enjoying visits to the Norwalk store with my four children decades ago when they would marvel at the mooing cow and other attractions. Stew's entrepreneurial spirit, work ethic, and dedication to the people of Connecticut were inspiring, and he will be deeply missed. My wife Cynthia and I extend our deepes
Debt Ceiling (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-5-4

last week, House s rammed through a nakedly partisan bill to default on America, without taking even a moment to explain how their bill would wreak havoc on our country. That, of course, was by design. prgtoken s have known for years that their agenda is horribly unpopular with the American people. So the MAGA part of the GOP has used this default crisis to sneak their radical proposals through the back door. prgtoken Since MAGA s--and House s, in general--have refused to level with the American people, Senate have been doing their work for them: exposing how ``Default on America'' will crash the economy, raise costs, and kill millions of good-paying jobs. prgtoken Yesterday, at an Appropriations subcommittee hearing with Administrator Regan, Chair Murray and Subcommittee Chair Merkley showed how ``Default on America'' would devastate clean water and cut programs that protect kids from harmful PFAS chemicals. prgtoken Chair Murray and Senator Heinrich also met with Deputy Secretary Turk and showed how ``Default on America'' would slash scientific research and cripple American competitiveness, just as both parties passed CHIPS and Science. prgtoken Here we have finally passed good, strong bipartisan legislation that will help us compete against the Chinese Government. And what do the House s, led by the MAGA group, do? They cut so much of that out. The American people don't want that. And they don't even want the American people to know what they are doing. prgtoken Today, the Senate Budget Committee is hearing from experts like Mark Zandi of Moody's Analytics--hardly a liberal stalwart--to show how ``Default on America'' would lead to hundreds of thousands of job cuts and diminish economic prosperity. And ``Default on America,'' as you know, is the plan. That is what we are calling it, and that is what America knows. prgtoken And we won't stop there. Senate committees will continue, next week, showing how the MAGA ``Default on America'' plan utterly wreaks of MAGA extremism. And it is not a plan at all. It is just a rightwing wish list thrown together in the House. The stench is foul. prgtoken Just look at the way the bill treats our seniors. One million seniors will lose access to Meals on Wheels if s' ``Default on America'' becomes law. These are seniors who often can't leave their homes by themselves to get groceries and need a hand from others. prgtoken It is incredible--tell seniors who are homebound they can't get meals so that some rightwing billionaires don't have to pay taxes? prgtoken That is the way these MAGA s think, and that seems to be where House s are following. prgtoken Or look at the way ``Default on America'' turns its back on our Nation's veterans. If s get their way and ``Default on America'' becomes law, up to 80,000 jobs at the Veteran
Nomination of Geeta Rao Gupta (Executive Calendar)
Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2023-5-4

I rise today to express my excitement and support that the Senate voted to take another step closer to confirming Dr. Geeta Rao Gupta to serve as Ambassador at Large for Global Women's Issues. prgtoken Today's vote has been a long time in the making, but it moves us one step closer to ensuring that we have a functioning Office of Global Women's Issues that has a Senate-confirmed leader. This is really critical, particularly right now given what is happening around the world, because around the world, women are under attack. prgtoken In Iran, thousands of girls and young women have been the victims of chemical attacks in classrooms. We still don't know what the cause of those attacks are, but we do know who has been at risk and who has been suffering, and that is, girls and young women--girls and young women who are the future of Iran, and they are forced to go to school worrying about their safety. Their families are forced to consider if their education is worth risking their lives, and their communities are forced to reckon with a government that is unmoved by the senseless attacks on its girls. prgtoken In the Ukraine, Russian forces have used mass rape as a weapon of war in their unprovoked war on Ukraine. Children and their mothers have been reported to be sexually assaulted while their family members are forced to watch. prgtoken In Latin America, a woman is killed every 2 hours because of her gender. That is 12 women a day dying simply because they are women. prgtoken In Sudan, we see another disturbing but sadly expected pattern. Women are disproportionately affected by the conflict there. They are forced from their homes. They are forced to share their homes with soldiers. They face sexual and gender-based violence and human trafficking. As violence shutters hospitals across that country because of the civil war, roughly 219,000 pregnant women are at risk for lack of medical care. prgtoken And, of course, in Afghanistan, the situation is maybe even worse. The de facto Taliban authorities have normalized the systematic violation of the rights of women and girls, to the point that the United Nations warns that ``discriminatory denial of women and girls' fundamental human rights may amount to gender persecution, a crime against humanity.'' prgtoken These horrible examples humanize the plight that women around the world are facing, but another troubling set of statistics underscores why this plight is not isolated to one country. It is a global challenge that does not stop at the border of one nation. prgtoken Thirty percent of women and girls 15 and older have experienced physical or sexual violence at the hands of a partner. The majority of the world's poor are women, who globally earn 24 percent less than men and who face some form of job restrictions--so some form of job discrimination--in 84 countries. prgtoken It is a sad reality that in 2023, there is not really a single country that ha
EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE DESIGNATION OF THE WEEK OF APRIL 30, 2023, THROUGH MAY 6, 2023, AS "NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK"
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2023-5-4

I rise today as chair of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee and on behalf of over 33 million small businesses across the country to recognize National Small Business Week. prgtoken When I complete my remarks, I am going to ask consent to pass S. Res. 200, which has been cleared from the hotline, which is sponsored by me, Senator Ernst, and the distinguished Senator from New Jersey and a distinguished member of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, our current Presiding Officer, Senator Booker. This is a resolution that recognizes the contributions of small businesses and entrepreneurs in every community in the United States. prgtoken A lot has changed in the 60 years since the week was first celebrated in 1963, Small Business Week, but today, small businesses are as resilient as ever. They have faced immense challenges like COVID-19 and continue to serve their communities with great commitment and courage. Our small businesses deserve far more than a week of appreciation for all they do, but this week, we look forward to celebrating them and committing our full and unconditional support. prgtoken Small businesses account for 99.9 percent of all U.S. businesses and employ nearly half of all U.S. workers. They are spearheaded by entrepreneurs like Lois Gamerman, from my home State of Maryland, who was hit hard during the pandemic but who pulled her business through to continue serving our great State. Her grit and resourcefulness earned her the 2023 Maryland Small Business Person of the Year. I congratulate Lois on that accomplishment. prgtoken Lois saw an 85-percent loss in sales as the hospitality industry suffered during the pandemic. Her business, Soft Stuff Distributors, received help from the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program and the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program to keep its doors open. prgtoken I thank all of my colleagues for their help in the passage of those two critically important bills--bipartisan efforts to keep our small businesses alive. prgtoken Lois is just one example of many small businesses that are alive today because of the efforts that we did here in the U.S. Senate. Now Soft Stuff occupies 33,000 square feet of space and employs over 50 individuals. prgtoken For Lois and the millions of entrepreneurs who depend on these resources, we must double down and continue to fund the programs that help fuel their success. The ``Default on America Act'' that McCarthy unveiled last week would do exactly the opposite. It would cause the small businesses we love and need, to suffer. America needs to invest in our small businesses, not abandon them. If the ``Default on America Act'' were to become law, accessible capital for many entrepreneurs would diminish, and they would have nowhere to turn for assistance. prgtoken In 2022, the SBA's entrepreneurial development programs served 1.2 million small businesses. The `
RECOGNIZING THE WORK OF THE CHEROKEE HISTORICAL AND PRESERVATION SOCIETY AND THE ADDITION OF THE CHEROKEE COUNTY MUSEUM
Ralph Norman (Republican, SC) \u2014 2023-5-5

I rise today to recognize the outstanding work of the Cherokee Historical and Preservation Society (CHAPS) on the occasion of the grand opening of a new wing at the Cherokee County Museum. prgtoken The CHAPS is a nonprofit organization founded in 1969. Their mission to ``preserve our region's history and cultural heritage'' is imperative. One of its goals from the start was to create a history museum for Cherokee County, South Carolina. prgtoken That goal became a reality in May of 2008, when the Cherokee County History and Arts Museum opened to the public. This May, the organization is excited to open a new wing. The Cherokee County Museum is now home to a vast collection of artifacts presented through interactive exhibits and displays. prgtoken The new wing of the museum offers brand new exhibits that will enrich visitors of all ages. The ``Culture Zone'' houses History Galleries, Arches, and Genealogy rooms. The improved ``Kids Zone'' includes a STEM Lab and Arts Experience. The ``Sports Zone'' has a sports Hall of Fame and training room. In addition, an immersive theater allows visitors to travel through space, into the seas, and through time. prgtoken Through the hard work of its volunteers and supporters, the Cherokee Historical and Preservation Society has established the improved Cherokee County Museum as a major educational institution to South Carolinians and visitors alike. prgtoken From its opening in 2008, to its major expansion today in 2023, thousands of students, community members, and tourists have learned about Cherokee County's unique role in South Carolina's history and culture. prgtoken On behalf of the 5th District of South Carolina, it is my most sincere pleasure to recognize the Cherokee Historical and Preservation Society on its long-lasting impact on the community, and its great service of education to our state. Please join me in congratulating the Society on its opening of the newly expanded Cherokee County Museum.
HONORING THE 2023 OHIO MILITARY HALL OF FAME FOR VALOR INDUCTEES
Jim Jordan (Republican, OH) \u2014 2023-5-5

the Ohio Military Hall of Fame for Valor will hold a ceremony at the statehouse in Columbus today to mark the induction of its 2023 class. Selection for the Hall of Fame is a high honor that has been accorded to only a few hundred Ohioans since 2000. To be considered for induction, individuals must have been decorated for heroic actions in a combat situation. prgtoken I am honored to commend to the House seven inductees from Ohio's Fourth Congressional District: prgtoken Specialist Fourth Class William Arnold, recipient of the Bronze Star with ``V'' Device, Army veteran of the Vietnam war. prgtoken Lieutenant Victor Dodds, recipient of the Navy Commendation Medal with ``V'' Device, Navy veteran of the Vietnam war. prgtoken Specialist Fourth Class Gary Dotson, recipient of the Bronze Star with ``V'' Device, Army veteran of the Vietnam war. prgtoken Private First Class Willard Humphrey, recipient of the Silver Star, Army veteran of the Vietnam war. prgtoken First Lieutenant Roger Leasure, recipient of the Bronze Star with ``V'' Device, Army veteran of the Vietnam war. prgtoken Senior Chief Petty Officer Steven Van Horn, recipient of the Silver Star, Navy veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom. prgtoken Private First Class Ronald Wenger, recipient of the Bronze Star with ``V'' Device, Army veteran of the Vietnam war.