mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ENTREPRENEURS WITH DISABILITIES REPORTING ACT OF 2024
Marcus J. Molinaro (Republican, NY) \u2014 2024-4-29

I rise today in strong support of H.R. 7985, the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Reporting Act, which I am very proud to co-lead alongside my colleague, Representative McGarvey. I am grateful for his leadership and commitment to move the legislation forward and also to address an important need in our communities across this country. prgtoken This bipartisan bill will provide much-needed clarity for our entrepreneurs with disabilities as they navigate the SBA's complex maze of over 50 different programs geared to support individuals with intellectual, physical, and developmental disabilities as they start a business. prgtoken As of April 2022, 74 percent of adults with disabilities work outside the traditional workforce. Approximately 1.8 million of these adults with disabilities were businessowners themselves. prgtoken From limited access to affordable capital to a scarcity of supports and services tailored to their unique needs, the SBA needs to step up and, frankly, provide much greater support in working to consolidate this fractured and complex system. prgtoken Entrepreneurs of every ability should have a fair shot at pursuing their passion. As chair of the Small Business Subcommittee on Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development, I remain committed, as I know my colleague, Mr. McGarvey, does, to empowering our entrepreneurs with disabilities to contribute more to Main Street and lead more independent lives. prgtoken The absence of adequate reporting data on entrepreneurs with disabilities renders this eager and highly competent community to the sidelines. The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Reporting Act would provide a comprehensive assessment of the needs of our entrepreneurs with intellectual, physical, and developmental disabilities and help inform lawmakers of legislative solutions to address the challenges these individuals face in order to break down barriers so they can pursue their own employment options and create opportunities to owning their own businesses. prgtoken , again, I thank Representative Morgan McGarvey for his partnership on this bill. I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense, bipartisan legislation, and I look forward to continuing to show America what it means to think differently, breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for every individual of every ability.
WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING INNOVATION REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2023
Randy Feenstra (Republican, IA) \u2014 2024-4-29

I thank Chairman Lucas for yielding. prgtoken This past Friday, horrible tornadoes struck parts of my district in southwest Iowa. Minden, Iowa, a community of approximately 600, felt the worst of these storms. Roughly 180 homes and businesses were either devastated or destroyed, and a community member, sadly, passed away. prgtoken Even in our grief, Iowans are resilient. These tornadoes are a tragic reminder that we need to use every tool available to keep our communities safe. prgtoken I am glad that two of my bills are part of this package. My bills help ensure that our weather radar can better detect serious storms, especially low-hanging tornadoes, and the National Weather Service can disseminate information more quickly. prgtoken These reforms will save lives, keep Iowans informed, and deliver accurate and timely updates during storms. prgtoken When it comes to severe weather, seconds can make the difference between life and death. That is why I urge my colleagues to support this legislation so that we can protect our families and our communities.
PRIVACY ENHANCING TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH ACT
Thomas H. Kean, Jr. (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2024-4-29

I am proud to be the co-lead on H.R. 4755, the Privacy Enhancing Technology Research Act of 2023, with my colleague, Congresswoman Stevens. prgtoken , I have had many conversations about data privacy concerns with parents and constituents in the Seventh District in New Jersey. Ensuring their specific needs and concerns are met for safeguarding their privacy rights online is a top priority. I am pleased that the House is considering this critical piece of legislation to improve personal data protections for all Americans and to commit to enhancing individuals' privacy and security online. prgtoken In an increasingly interconnected world where digital technologies touch every aspect of our lives, safeguarding personal privacy has become a critical concern for all Americans, especially during a time when vast amounts of personal data is collected online. prgtoken As we navigate through a landscape of evolving cyber threats, data breaches, and the development of artificial intelligence, the need for cutting-edge, privacy enhancing technologies has never been more pressing. prgtoken Recognizing the significance of these challenges and the threats we face online, this legislation directs the National Science Foundation to support competitive, fundamental research on privacy enhancing technologies. Our goal is to enhance user safety and provide safety measures for how our data is collected and used. prgtoken This legislation also directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to facilitate the development of voluntary consensus standards to better integrate privacy enhancing technologies into public and private sectors. This is a key step toward mitigating risks and promoting trustworthiness. prgtoken The Privacy Enhancing Technology Research Act represents a promising opportunity to prioritize protecting an individual's data privacy in our ever-growing interconnected world. prgtoken Additionally, the bill will not only facilitate crucial research efforts but also contribute to the development of a skilled workforce and foster effective government coordination to ensure an impactful implementation of these technologies. prgtoken Advancing our legislation will support the development of robust safeguards for how people interact online and how their data is collected. This legislation seeks to empower individuals with greater control over their personal information, mitigating the risks of unauthorized access and misuse and maintaining trust in our digital ecosystem. prgtoken Through cutting-edge research and technologies, we will develop innovative solutions to not only shield sensitive data from malicious actors but also establish robust standards for data collection and sharing practices, fostering a more transparent and secure online environment. prgtoken , again, I thank Congresswoman Stevens for her extraordinary leadership in this regard and the chairman and the ranking member for helping advance th
WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING INNOVATION REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2023
Stephanie I. Bice (Republican, OK) \u2014 2024-4-29

I rise today in support of the Weather Act Reauthorization Act. prgtoken Over the weekend, we saw the terrible effects that weather can have on our communities and States. Throughout the heartland, there were more than 50 confirmed tornadoes, which left many injured and, sadly, took the lives of four Oklahomans. This is why the Weather Act Reauthorization Act is so important. prgtoken We must ensure that Americans have the resources they need when critical weather events strike. This includes having access to accurate weather forecasting and other necessary resources to protect life and property. prgtoken I was pleased to see that my legislation, the NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act, the National Mesonet Authorization Act, and the WING Act were included in this package. prgtoken The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio Modernization Act will help save lives by updating our emergency alert system. Specifically, it paves the way for future development and provides fail-safe options so that the national weather radio is never down for an extended period and that outages will be less frequent. Over the weekend, there were issues with receiving and transmitting alerts from the national weather radio. My bill will help address the aging infrastructure in these systems and prevent outages like these from occurring in the future. prgtoken The National Mesonet Authorization Act will work to increase the overall coverage and accuracy of the National Mesonet Program, which provides reliable, real-time data and observations for weather prediction, severe weather warnings, and emergency response. prgtoken , I thank Chairman Lucas for his leadership on this legislation and for his focus on protecting Oklahomans. I urge my colleagues to support the legislation.
VETERAN FRAUD REIMBURSEMENT ACT
Mike Bost (Republican, IL) \u2014 2024-4-29

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , I rise today in support of H.R. 4016 as offered by Representative Connolly. This bill would ensure that VA's fiduciary program is managed effectively so that our Nation's most vulnerable veterans receive the benefits they earned. prgtoken The VA appoints fiduciaries for veterans who are unable to manage their VA benefits. A fiduciary misuses a veteran's VA benefit when they spend a veteran's benefit on anything other than the veteran's care and welfare. However, before a veteran who is a victim of misuse can be made financially whole, the VA is required to determine whether the misuse was as a result of VA negligence, but VA does not monitor whether these negligence determinations are being made in a timely way. This bureaucratic red tape has resulted in long wait times for veterans to recoup their misused benefits. Some veterans have passed away before recouping their misused benefits. We must ensure the VA promptly makes whole any veteran who was a victim of misuse by a fiduciary. prgtoken H.R. 4016 would ensure just that. It would prohibit VA from withholding repayment of misused benefits because the VA is still working on a negligence determination. prgtoken It would also require the VA to establish methods to ensure that negligence determinations are made in a timely way. Veterans deserve to receive their benefits without bureaucratic hurdles and unnecessary delays. prgtoken Madam , I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 4016, and .
INVESTING IN ALL OF AMERICA ACT OF 2023
Daniel Meuser (Republican, PA) \u2014 2024-4-29

I thank our chairman, Mr. Roger Williams from the great State of Texas, for yielding and for his leadership. prgtoken , I rise today during National Small Business Week in support of H.R. 5333, the Investing in All of America Act of 2023, introduced by myself and Representative Scholten. This legislation aims to incentivize greater private capital investments in small businesses located in rural or low-income areas, and those operating in the national security sector by providing additional bonus leverage for funds participating in the SBA's SBIC program. prgtoken The Small Business Investment Companies are privately owned companies that are licensed and regulated by the SBA. SBICs raise private capital that is matched with leverage by the SBA, currently capped at $175 million for individual licensees. SBICs then deploy these private funds, along with the SBA-guaranteed funding, to invest directly in small businesses. prgtoken It is important to note that the SBIC leverage operates at zero subsidy cost to the American taxpayer. In other words, taxpayer funds are not utilized for the credit extended in SBIC investments. prgtoken Throughout the last two decades, SBIC-backed businesses have created 5 million new jobs and supported an additional 10.5 million jobs. Last year alone, SBICs invested over $8 billion in small businesses across America, including $412 million in small businesses located in my home State, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. prgtoken Though, the SBIC program has been very successful in responsibly deploying capital to small businesses, recent studies have shown that close to 20 percent of the SBIC investment reaches only 20 percent of low- to middle-income communities, but with this legislation this number will significantly increase. prgtoken The Investing in All of America Act would incentivize the deployment of additional capital to small businesses located in rural or low- income areas as well as small businesses, again, in the national security technology sector. prgtoken Dollars invested in these areas will not count against individual SBIC's $175 million leverage cap. By creating this incentive, the Investing in All of America Act will increase investment for these underserved communities. prgtoken It is important to note that the bonus leverage included in this legislation does not change the cost or risks of the SBIC program. The existing successful private capital ratio to SBA leverage that has kept the program operating at no subsidy will remain the same. prgtoken This legislation would also adjust the SBIC leverage caps to account for inflation. SBIC leverage caps have not been adjusted since 2015 for single licensees and since 2018 for a family of funds. Since the last adjustment, as we know, inflation has risen rapidly. As we continue to deal with increasing inflation, reinstating the inflation adjuster for the leverage cap is necessary to ensure the investment power of the SBI
HONORING MR. ANTHONY DeWAYNE BAKER, SR.'S LIFE AND LEGACY
Marc A. Veasey (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2024-4-29

I rise today to commemorate the life and accomplishments of Mr. Anthony DeWayne Baker, Sr.--a pillar of our Dallas community. prgtoken Mr. Baker was a graduate of David W. Carter High School in Dallas, Texas before rising through the ranks of Airbus helicopters. Anthony then went back to school, graduating from Dallas Baptist University with a Bachelor's Degree in Business in 2005. Anthony's first job was employment at Walls Services delivering sheet rock and in 1991 his career in the aerospace industry began when he landed a job working in the Bond shop at Vought Aircraft, formerly known as LTV. However, after 3 years with his newfound skills he accepted a temporary position as a blade repairman at American Eurocopter (Airbus), and due to his hard work and determined mindset he was later offered a permanent position. Mr. Baker eventually capped off his illustrious career as Vice President for Customer Support at Airbus Helicopters, the first African-American to hold the position. prgtoken Throughout his lifetime he overcame many barriers both personally and professionally, while always looking for ways to help others. He was a man of faith who proudly served our community for many years in his capacity as a Deacon, a member of the Cedar Hill Volunteer Fire Brigade; he was the current President of Summit at Lake Ridge HOA; he served on the UTA Engineering Board of Advisors; a member of the Grand Prairie United Charities Board of Directors, and was involved in countless other charitable endeavors. prgtoken My thoughts and prayers are with all those who knew and loved Anthony, particularly his wife, Stacie, and his two children, Anthony DeWayne Baker, Jr. and Avery Alexander Baker. May his memory last forever.
PRIVACY ENHANCING TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH ACT
Haley M. Stevens (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-4-29

I have no further speakers. the balance of my time to close. prgtoken , I continue to call on my colleagues to join me, Congressman Kean, the chairman of the Science Committee, and the ranking member of the Science Committee in passing H.R. 4755. This certainly will mark a very important moment in time when the United States chooses to lead on privacy enhancing technologies for the betterment of all. prgtoken , .
RECOGNIZING PASTOR GEORGE W. WADDLES, JR., FOR HIS DECADE OF SERVICE
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-4-29

I rise today to recognize Pastor George W. Waddles, Jr on the occasion of his 10 years of service to the Second Baptist Church of Ypsilanti, Michigan. His significant service to his congregation and community is worthy of commendation. prgtoken Pastor Waddles received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Truman State University, a Master of Theology with a concentration in Pastoral Leadership from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a Master of Educational Administration from Texas A&M. In 1984, he was licensed to preach at the Ninth Street Baptist Church in Lawrence, Kansas and was also ordained at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church on December 1, 1995. After serving Sunset Missionary Baptist Church of Texarkana in Texas for over ten years, Pastor Waddles began his service as Pastor of the Second Baptist Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan, in March 2014. Under his leadership, the Second Baptist Church has become a pillar of Ypsilanti, and continues its important mission of serving the community. prgtoken Pastor Waddles has led by example and embodies the mission of the church: Connection, Commitment, and Community. During his decade of service, Pastor Waddles has been deeply involved with ministry teams to better serve his community, and the church continues to make a positive impact by promoting the Making Strides Cancer Walk, participating in the Ypsilanti 4th of July Parade, and collecting backpacks and school supplies to help students. Pastor Waddles has also been a lecturer and instructor in the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education and the Wolverine State Convention and Huron Valley District Association. He has served as Dean, and currently is the President of the Huron Valley District Congress of Christian Education. Across all these roles, Pastor Waddle has remained committed to serving his community and uplifting all those within it. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Pastor Waddles for his decade of public service in Ypsilanti. His commitment to his faith, community, and mission is truly inspiring. I join Pastor Waddle's family, friends, and congregation in extending my best wishes to him during this time, and I am sure he will continue to serve his community far into the future.
ENTREPRENEURS WITH DISABILITIES REPORTING ACT OF 2024
Morgan McGarvey (Democrat, KY) \u2014 2024-4-29

I rise today in support of my bill, the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Reporting Act. prgtoken I think too often the outside focus on this body is on what isn't working. There isn't enough attention paid to when things come together and when it works the way it should. prgtoken I thank Chairman Williams and Ranking Member Velazquez for their support. I especially thank Chairman Molinaro, the chairman of the Subcommittee on Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Workforce, for his courage and compassion in personally navigating the maze of people who face intellectual and developmental disabilities. prgtoken We had a subcommittee hearing, and Chairman Molinaro brought up Maeve, a young woman from New York, talking about her coffee shop. I brought up Cody Clark from Louisville, a truly inspiring young man who not only is an entrepreneur who told us about his experience, but I think he performed the first-ever magic trick in front of the Small Business Committee this year to highlight his point of what we can accomplish. prgtoken This bill helps ensure that every American--every American--has the opportunity to become that type of successful entrepreneur. After all, isn't that the fundamental promise of the American Dream, that any person in this country can work hard, take risks, and hopefully find success? prgtoken What we highlighted in this hearing and through the stories of Maeve and Cody and others is that Americans with disabilities, like other underprivileged groups, see fewer opportunities to make this dream a reality. prgtoken In fact, 74 percent of people with disabilities do not participate in our Nation's labor force. Too many barriers--both physical and intangible--block their way to joining the workforce or starting a business. The Federal Government must do more to help break those down. prgtoken To do that, we have to better understand what these challenges are, and this bill takes a really important first step in that process. It will require the Small Business Administration to submit a report to Congress on the challenges faced by entrepreneurs with disabilities. This report will assess the entrepreneurs' challenges and needs, detail the resources the SBA currently provides, and recommend what actions we can take to improve how the Small Business Administration serves entrepreneurs with disabilities. prgtoken The better Congress understands these challenges, the easier it will be to knock them down to take these barriers away and make sure every American has the chance to succeed. prgtoken I again thank Chairman Williams, Ranking Member Velazquez, Chairman Molinaro, and everyone else involved for their leadership and support of this bill. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 7985.
MOMENT OF SILENCE IN REMEMBRANCE OF CONGRESSMAN DONALD PAYNE, JR.
Frank Pallone, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2024-4-29

Mr. Smith really laid out all the great accomplishments of Don Payne in terms of what he accomplished here, which was so much as a Member of Congress, but I just want to talk a little bit about the man. prgtoken I think that many of us know Don for his trademark bow tie, his big smile, and his friendly demeanor. More than a Member of New Jersey's congressional delegation, he was part of our family, and he affectionately called me ``Uncle Frank.'' prgtoken He used his time here to improve the lives and health of New Jerseyans and Americans with so many things that Chris Smith mentioned, but Don was always struggling with health issues from the day that he came here. I am not sure that many of you knew that, but it never stopped him from his work, from voting. prgtoken So many times in the past year we had very close votes and he would always show up if there was any way possible. I remember him doing Special Orders. He had the record for the most Special Orders for several years. prgtoken If you look over there in seat number one where would sit if they wanted to line up for Special Orders, you see the flowers and the mourning cloak. He was always the first one to come down. prgtoken I think a lot of you maybe didn't realize how uncomfortable he was when he was sick, but he always took the time to ask how you were doing. If I would go up to him and say, Donald, how are you feeling today? He would say, fine and just move on. Then he would say, how are you doing, Frank? How do you feel? How is the family? prgtoken He just made you feel like he was your friend, and it didn't matter whether you were or or where you were from. prgtoken I will join Mr. Smith in mentioning his wife, Beatrice, and his children. He had triplets. I think many of you know Donald III, Jack, and Yvonne. We want to honor his legacy and his service to our State and our country. I will say in closing to Don, Uncle Frank says good- bye, but he certainly will not be forgotten by any of us.
EXTENDING LIMITS OF U.S. CUSTOMS WATERS ACT
Jimmy Panetta (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-4-29

in closing, as you have heard, this legislation has full bipartisan support of the Ways and Means Committee and beyond, and support from CBP's Air and Marine Operations. prgtoken It is critical that we give AMO the authorities it needs to effectively combat transnational criminal organizations. Extending customs waters to 24 nautical miles would allow AMO to exercise its law enforcement authority and both protect human life and our communities by helping AMO secure our borders. prgtoken , I once again encourage my colleagues to support this legislation, and .
RECOGNIZING JOSEPHINE KING
Brittany Pettersen (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2024-4-29

I rise today to recognize Josephine King for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. prgtoken Josephine has overcome many challenges along her journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Josephine, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Josephine's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Drake Middle School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. prgtoken It is my honor to congratulate Josephine King on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.