mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
250TH ANNIVERSARY OF WALDOBORO
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2023-6-6

I rise today to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the town of Waldoboro, ME. Waldoboro was built with a spirit of determination and resiliency that still guides the community today, and this is a time to celebrate the generations of hard-working and caring people who have made it such a wonderful place to live, work, and raise families. prgtoken The year of Waldoboro's incorporation, 1773, is but one milestone in a long journey of progress. For thousands of years, the land where the Medomak River meets the Atlantic Ocean was the home of the Abenaki Tribe, who hunted and fished in the abundant region. The reverence the Abenaki had for the natural beauty and resources of the area is upheld by the people of Waldoboro today. prgtoken Waldoboro's roots run deep into American history. It originally was part of the lands granted by the British Crown to the Plymouth Colony in the early 1600s but remained unsettled frontier for more than a century. In 1729, a portion was acquired by General Samuel Waldo of Boston and a village called Broad Bay was established. Ongoing conflicts between England and France for control of the region stifled settlement until a peace treaty was reached in 1748. prgtoken In order to stimulate growth, General Waldo visited his family's ancestral home in Germany in 1752 and recruited about 1,500 immigrants. The industrious settlers created productive farms, saw mills and grain mills, churches, and a school to build a true community. On June 29, 1773, the settlement was incorporated as Waldoboro in honor of its founder. prgtoken The arrival of the railroad in the 19th century spurred greater development, including ironworks and textile and furniture mills. As Maine became a shipbuilding center, Waldoboro was at the forefront. On December 1, 1888, the first five-masted schooner and the largest cargo vessel in the world at the time, the Governor Ames, was launched at the Leavitt-Storer Shipyard in Waldoboro. Today, Waldoboro proudly cherishes its role in creating the pinnacle of wooden shipbuilding as ``The Home of the Five-Masted Schooner.'' prgtoken The German influence in Waldoboro is evident in such cottage industries as cheesemaking and brewing. The town is known for its contributions to the fabric arts, and the luxurious ``Waldoboro Style'' of hooked rugs is a favorite among collectors. Among Waldoboro's architectural treasures is the well-preserved 1772 Old German Meeting House. prgtoken The cemetery of that historic Lutheran church is the final resting place of Conrad Heyer, a Revolutionary War veteran who possibly crossed the Delaware with General Washington in 1776. In 1852, he posed for a photograph at age 103 and is believed to have been the earliest born person ever to have been photographed. prgtoken Today, visitors and residents alike enjoy Waldoboro's thriving arts community, beautiful historic buildings, and exciting outdoor recreation opportunities. The energ
Business Before the Senate (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-6-6

last week, the Senate passed an agreement that preserved America's full faith and credit and began to rein in ' runaway spending. But the Senate's work is far from over. Today, with the threat of economic crisis behind us, it is time for the Senate to focus its full attention on some of the most basic responsibilities we are sent here to fulfill: keeping America safe, keeping America fed, and keeping the lights on. prgtoken First, we have a little less than 4 months left in the fiscal year. Our colleagues, Appropriations Chair Murray and Vice Chair Collins, have expressed a shared goal to fund the Federal Government through regular order. That means 12 full-year funding bills processed, passed, conferenced, and signed into law before the end of September. I think all 100 of us agree that we should not be funding the American people's government through one big omnibus at the end of the year, but achieving that is going to require hard work and incredible cooperation. prgtoken To produce funding bills that can pass the House and become law, we will have to build on the progress we made last week. After 2 years of taxing, spending, and runaway inflation, the American people chose to elect a divided government. In the coming weeks, that divided government has an opportunity to restore stability to the appropriations process and deliver more of the fiscal sanity they expect, but only if the ic majority lets the process actually work. prgtoken This year, we also have the responsibility to deliver a farm bill. A full 10 percent of the American workforce depends on agriculture. The Commonwealth of Kentucky is home to nearly 75,000 farms, and, in the past 5 years, since the last farm bill was passed, farming hasn't gotten any easier. Neither has ranching or forestry. Small businesses and farm families across the country will be watching the Agriculture Committee's work especially closely. Chair Stabenow, Ranking Member Boozman, and our colleagues are already hard at work producing legislation that delivers the certainty and support they need to continue innovating, supporting rural jobs, and feeding America. prgtoken And Chair Cantwell, Ranking Member Cruz, and the Commerce Committee are working on another measure that will require our attention before the end of the fiscal year--reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration. Reliable and affordable air travel for both people and cargo is important to the prosperity of communities and industries across our country. prgtoken So on behalf of Kentucky growers and the entire country, I hope each of these measures receives swift consideration here on the floor.
RECOGNIZING THE 2023 IOWA TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Zachary Nunn (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-6-6

I rise today to recognize Krystal Colbert who was selected as the 2023 Iowa Teacher of the Year. prgtoken Currently, a second-grade teacher at Mitchellville Elementary School, Krystal has 16 years of successful teaching experience, 14 of those years devoted to the Southeast Polk School District. Krystal embodies what it means to be a life-long learner and educator. She is a model teacher in the classroom and serves as a mentor for aspiring educators. prgtoken Krystal continues to put her students first by prioritizing collaboration and problem solving in her classroom. These skills undoubtedly set her students up for bright, successful futures. prgtoken I could not be prouder of Krystal, the work she has done, and the influence she will continue to have on students and educators alike. She has undoubtedly shaped the next generation of Iowans and serves as a beacon of light in the classroom and beyond. prgtoken I congratulate Krystal and thank her for exemplifying the power of education and support through her work.
APPRECIATING INDIA
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2023-6-6

later this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India will return for a state visit to Washington. prgtoken As the son of a World War II Army Air Corps Flying Tiger who served in India, I grew up with an appreciation of the hardworking people of India. prgtoken The existing U.S.-India partnership has been highlighted by Prime Minister Modi being warmly welcomed here in the House Chamber, Madison Square Garden, and ``Howdy, Modi'' in Houston. prgtoken The 4-million-strong Indian-American community has achieved the highest per capita income of all immigrant populations in America, with political success symbolized by Governor, Ambassador, and Presidential candidate Nikki Haley of South Carolina. prgtoken With India as the largest democracy and America as the oldest democracy, both have shared values of democracy with rule of law opposing authoritarians with rule of gun. India is well represented by Ambassador Taranjit Sandhu and Atlanta Consul General Dr. Swati Kulkarni. prgtoken Congratulations Houston Zachary Wilson graduating today from Beaufort High School, South Carolina, to attend Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.
Nomination of David Crane (Executive Session)
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2023-6-6

I come to the floor today to rise in opposition to the nomination of David Crane, who has been nominated to serve as the Under Secretary of Energy for Infrastructure. It is a job that involves sending taxpayer money to energy companies. Mr. Crane has no business at all deciding how to spend taxpayer money on energy. prgtoken Mr. Crane spent 12 years--a dozen years--as CEO of NRG Energy, a job from which he was fired. It is not hard to see why he was fired. In his own words, he explained it. He said: We were taking the profits from the coal plants and plowing it into solar development . . . that got to be annoying to the shareholders and to the board of directors of the company. prgtoken According to the Wall Street Journal, investors were very unhappy with Mr. Crane's investments in renewable energy. His strategy at the company led to a 59-percent drop in the company's share price the year before his departure. Once he was gone, the company's stock reversed course, with a long and sustained rebound. prgtoken Mr. Crane has significantly focused his career on combating climate change, which he has called the ``moral imperative of our time.'' He has called for ``name and shame'' activism against companies that do not share his extreme vision. prgtoken He once wrote that his ``green dream''--he said--included being considered ``the Mother Teresa of clean energy.'' prgtoken Mr. Crane is welcome to spend his own money however he wishes, but he should not be permitted to waste hundreds of billions of dollars in taxpayer money in his effort--and it is a delusional effort--to be the next Mother Teresa. prgtoken America needs proven, reliable, cost-effective energy--affordable, available, reliable. We must unleash American energy production and therefore promote energy security for our Nation. prgtoken With our grids stressed and blackouts coming this summer, Mr. Crane has absolutely no interest in reliable energy. Instead, he wants to spend taxpayer money on sources of energy that make us more dependent on our adversaries, like China. prgtoken David Crane's record is that of a climate zealot. It is not what we need in this important post at the Department of Energy. We need someone who is dedicated to promoting affordable American energy, reliable American energy, available American energy. David Crane is clearly not that person; nor is he Mother Teresa. prgtoken So I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing this terrible nomination. prgtoken .
VOTE EXPLANATION
Mark R. Warner (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-6-6

I was absent on Wednesday May 31, 2023, for rollcall vote No. 134. Had I been present, I would have voted nay on the motion to proceed to H.J. Res. 45, providing for the congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to ``Waivers and Modifications of Student Loans''. prgtoken , I was absent on Wednesday May 31, 2023, for rollcall vote No. 135. Had I been present, I would have voted nay on H.J. Res. 45, providing for the congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to ``Waivers and Modifications of Student Loans''.
CELEBRATING CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-6-6

s of the Congressional Black Caucus for holding this special order today to give recognition and to celebrate National Caribbean American Heritage Month. prgtoken National Caribbean American Heritage Month was officially signed into law in 2006 to help create and disseminate knowledge about the rich culture and contributions of Caribbean people to the United States. prgtoken This is a special time when we honor the achievements and dreams of the millions of people of Caribbean origin now living in the United States, while also giving life and remembrance to the shared history of joy and perseverance that has united and enriched lives throughout and across the United States and the Caribbean for centuries. prgtoken Since our Nation's founding, generation after generation of immigrants have helped build this country, and the prosperity and opportunity that draw so many immigrants to America would not be possible without the contributions and legacies of Caribbean Americans. prgtoken Today, millions of Caribbean Americans strengthen our country through their vibrant cultures, traditions, languages, and values. prgtoken Yes, Caribbean American entrepreneurs, scientists, medical professionals, teachers, artists, police officers, athletes, and contributors in every field have left a lasting impact on our society and continue to greatly impact our nation's growth and development as a global mecca for advancement and opportunity. prgtoken Approximately 4.5 million Caribbean immigrants resided in the United States in 2019, representing 10 percent of the Nation's 44.9 million total foreign-born population. prgtoken Close to 90 percent of immigrants in the United States from the 13 Caribbean countries and 17 dependent territories come from one of four countries: Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Haiti. prgtoken The Caribbean is the most common region of birth for the 4.5 million Black immigrants in the United States, accounting for 46 percent of the total. Jamaica (16 percent) and Haiti (15 percent) are the two largest origin countries for Black immigrants. prgtoken Although Caribbean Americans continue to succeed in the United States, we must acknowledge the barriers and disparities that they continue to face. prgtoken And as members of the Congressional Black Caucus, we must look to address all barriers for Black immigrants and protect Caribbean Americans, including but implementing comprehensive immigration reform. prgtoken America's strength is rooted in its diversity, which is why it is of incredible importance to honor Caribbean Americans not just this month, but every month.
RECOGNIZING MAJOR GENERAL TIMOTHY P. WILLIAMS
Abigail Davis Spanberger (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-6-6

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Major General Timothy P. Williams. prgtoken For the last 9 years, Major General Williams has served as the 28th adjutant general of Virginia, displaying an unparalleled dedication to the men and women of the Virginia National Guard, the Virginia Air National Guard, and the Virginia Defense Force. prgtoken He has built a reputation of steady leadership in a time so often marked by turbulence. prgtoken His soldiers and airmen were on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis, completing more than 1,100 missions in response to the pandemic. prgtoken During his tenure, the Virginia National Guard deployed to the U.S. Capitol following the January 6 insurrection. Later that year, his servicemembers helped to evacuate thousands of our Afghan allies to safety. prgtoken Under the leadership of Major General Williams, Virginia soldiers have also deployed to Kuwait, the Horn of Africa, Iraq, Syria, Kosovo, and many more places. prgtoken While Major General Williams will officially retire on July 1, I am confident that his service is not done, and I am confident that his resiliency, his devotion to duty, and his fervent patriotism will continue to inspire generations of brave Virginians who wish to lead from the front as he continues his service to our Commonwealth and the country. prgtoken Madam , please join me in extending our country's gratitude to Major General Timothy P. Williams for his service.
HONORING MOTHER ROSA PARKS
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-6-6

. Madam , yesterday, I was honored to join Rosa Parks' family, alongside Senator Gary Peters and local community advocates, to rename the Grand River Post Office near her home in Detroit the Rosa Louise McCauley Parks Post Office. prgtoken I am so proud to recognize the mother of the civil rights movement and a beloved resident of our community in Detroit, Mother Rosa Parks. prgtoken It was truly a personal honor to partner with Mother Parks' family to keep this freedom fighter's legacy alive in yet another powerful way. prgtoken I cannot wait for the child to walk in to see the name on the post office and ask: ``Who was that?'' prgtoken It was a privilege to lead this effort in Congress, with the support of the Michigan delegation, to commemorate this incredible civil rights leader. prgtoken As we know, on December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks refused to surrender her seat on a Montgomery bus to a White passenger. Her refusal was not only an act of courage and a protest against racial segregation and oppression, Madam , it was an assertion that our Black neighbors deserved human dignity. prgtoken Her act of defiance ignited the Montgomery bus boycott, a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement. prgtoken In 1957, Mother Parks left Montgomery, Alabama, to move to the most beautiful, Blackest city in the country, the city of Detroit. She lived there for nearly 50 years and served our community tirelessly as a congressional staff member for the late Congressman John Conyers. prgtoken Despite efforts that we are seeing today around the Nation of those who want to erase history leaders like Mother Rosa Parks, Dr. King, Malcolm X, and so many others, we will continue to uplift those who bent the arc of the moral universe toward justice. prgtoken Today and always, Madam , we stand on the shoulders of Mother Parks and the countless others who fought for equality and justice for all. I am inspired every single day by her bravery and strength. Her legacy serves as a powerful reminder to every single one of us that, with courage and determination, there is power to change the course of our history. prgtoken May Mother Parks always remind us that we cannot remain silent when we encounter injustice, discrimination, or racism, but that we must always take a stand and speak out, even when our voice shakes, to continue to build on her most beautiful movement to build a more equitable, loving, and just world. prgtoken Madam , we know that our struggle against racism and white supremacy is a lifelong pursuit. As Mother Parks wrote: ``Freedom fighters never retire.'' As her memory continues to guide us, may her legacy never die. prgtoken I am so grateful for the opportunity to honor Mother Parks alongside the McCauley and Parks families and hope that the symbol of our appreciation is felt by those who loved her. American Indian Health and Family Services
ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 2023
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-6-6

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 7; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be deemed expired, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; that following the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Crane nomination postcloture; further, that all time be considered expired at 11:30 a.m. and if any nominations are confirmed during Wednesday's session, that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
NATO (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-6-6

the strongest military alliance in the world is the NATO alliance. President has made that alliance stronger than ever since its creation. prgtoken Countries like Finland now want to be part of that alliance for their own safety because they share our values. Countries like Sweden feel the same way. They want to be part of this alliance, which President has supported completely. prgtoken It has never been stronger since its creation, and the contributions made by the alliance members to the war in Ukraine are unprecedented. It has never happened before. Nations from all over Europe and nations that share our values are standing behind the NATO alliance. prgtoken To hear the suggestion on the floor of the Senate that somehow there is a weakness in the administration when it comes to NATO is belied by the facts and the truth. prgtoken The fact of the matter is, as well, that when you look back at the previous President, named , chart what he has to say about Ukraine now. He questions whether we should be helping them at all. He questions whether or not we should make Vladimir Putin angry. prgtoken You all know and remember, as I do, as well, that during the 4 years of the administration, there was this ambivalence, this bromance between Putin and that no one could explain. And now to have someone come to the floor and say isn't strong enough when it comes to standing behind the people of Ukraine, that is just flatout wrong. prgtoken The support for the Ukrainian people against Vladimir Putin is universal across--I shouldn't say ``universal.'' Let me strike that word. It is almost universal and should be universal across all Members of Congress. and s alike in the Senate believe that we are doing the right thing as a nation standing behind the people of Ukraine. prgtoken As a cochair of the Ukrainian Caucus in the U.S. Senate, I believe this in my heart and soul: If the Ukrainians do not prevail over Vladimir Putin, I am afraid we are going to have more wars to fight. I can think of other countries that are vulnerable to his expansionist dreams: Poland, for goodness' sake; the Baltic States; Moldova. The list goes on and on. prgtoken President has made a stand in Ukraine, and it is the right position to take. To suggest that the NATO alliance is not behind him is wrong. They are behind him in a way that is unprecedented in history. prgtoken I am happy to report that I am not only pleased to support the Ukrainians in this effort, but I think we have done everything that we should do. prgtoken Now, remember, President has an important decision to make each time someone suggests a new weapons system: Will this be provocative? Will it lead to expansion of the equipment used in war, even to nuclear weapons? prgtoken That is an important question. I don't know if I could sleep at night if I had to worry about my decision th
Mary Gay Scanlon (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2023-6-6

such time as I may consume. prgtoken My esteemed colleague from Kentucky talked about the popularity of the REINS Act, but I suggest that that popularity is overstated. The REINS Act has been introduced by its extremist advocates for more than a decade without ever being enacted into law, even when s held both Houses and the White House. I would suggest that it is because saner heads have prevailed and understood that enactment of the REINS Act is bad for America. prgtoken , if we defeat the previous question, I will offer an amendment to the rule to provide for consideration of a resolution which states that it is the House's responsibility to protect and preserve Social Security and Medicaid for our future generations and reject any cuts to these essential programs. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of my amendment into the Record, along with any extraneous material, immediately prior to the vote on the previous question.