mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024--CONFERENCE REPORT--Resumed
Josh Hawley (Republican, MO) \u2014 2023-12-12

I want to add a few words to my friend Senator Lujan's eloquent statement of the need to do justice to these good Americans who have--let's just tell it like it is--been poisoned by their own government, who have been exposed to nuclear waste, nuclear radiation by the U.S. Government, by the U.S. Defense Department. prgtoken These Americans are happy to do their part for national security. They are proud of what they have done for their country. But they deserve to be recognized, and they deserve to be compensated. prgtoken And so I want to add again my voice in support of justice for these Americans. And I want to say again to this body that it is wrong--it is wrong--to turn our backs on these tens of thousands of Americans who have given their health and, in many cases, their lives for their country and not been recognized for it; in many cases not been compensated for it. And now they are told that because of the actions of this body, because of the conference report, because of a backroom deal struck in conference, this program that compensates victims of nuclear radiation will soon expire. And tens of thousands of Americans who have relied on this program for 30-plus years for lifesaving health and treatment will get nothing. The lights will go dark, and these Americans will be turned out into the cold. And thousands more--like the residents of my State and New Mexico and other States around this country who deserve compensation--will get nothing. prgtoken That is not acceptable to me. It is not right. And I want to take a moment now to tell a story or two from the victims who are affected, just to help everybody understand what is at stake here because I know this is the national defense bill, and if I have learned one thing about this bill, it is, the suits always get paid. The corporations, they always get paid. The defense contractors, they always get paid. They come out great in the end. It is amazing. It is a law in Washington, ironclad. If you are a big corporation, you do defense work, you are going to be fine. This body will take care of you. prgtoken But will we take care of the men and women who don't otherwise have a voice in this body? Will we take care of the men and women who don't pay DC lobbyists, who don't work for the Raytheon Corporation? Will they be taken care of? That is the question. Let's meet a few of them. Let me introduce you to Claire. prgtoken Claire's parents grew up near Weldon Spring in my State, in Missouri. Weldon Spring is the site of a Manhattan Project uranium refining site. That site sat untouched from the Manhattan Project era until 2001, more than 50 years after it was contaminated. prgtoken In 2020, Claire was diagnosed with lymphoma. She was 2 years old. Let me introduce you to Veda, Claire's cousin. Veda, her mom and dad, they all lived together right near that same site where nuclear waste has been dumped, not adequately cleaned up or dealt wit
National Defense Authorization Act (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2023-12-12

this week, the Senate will vote on the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, which is one of the most important bills we consider each year. prgtoken We had a robust floor debate on the Senate version of this bill in July featuring the kind of open amendment process we should be using on a regular basis to debate important legislation. All told, more than 900 amendments were considered, and 121 amendments were adopted during floor consideration, making this the most open NDAA floor debate in years. I wish we had been able to take up a final version of this legislation earlier, but I am glad we are on track to finally pass it this week. prgtoken I have said it before, and I will say it again. If we don't get national security right, the rest is conversation. The security of our Nation is the precondition for everything else--for the continued enjoyment of our freedoms, for a flourishing society, for a healthy economy, for government's ability literally to do anything. So there is no time when we can afford to let our readiness slide or to take the security of our Nation for granted. prgtoken But the unfortunate truth is that we have some catching up to do when it comes to military preparedness. We have military services that are well below their recruitment targets. We are behind on shipbuilding and ship maintenance. There is a persistent pilot shortage, and in a number of cases, we have too few mission-capable aircraft. We are not doing an adequate job of maintaining the kind of supply we need of certain munitions. And the list goes on. prgtoken This is not an acceptable situation, and it could have very serious consequences. To give just one example, recent war games envisioning a U.S.-China conflict following an attack on Taiwan have had grim results, showing enormous military and economic costs to both sides. One story on these war games noted: And while the ultimate outcome in these exercises is not always clear--the U.S. does better in some than others--the cost is [clear]. In every exercise the U.S. uses up all its long-range air-to-surface missiles in a few days, with a substantial portion of its planes destroyed on the ground. In every exercise the U.S. uses up all its long-range air- to-surface missiles in a few days, with a substantial portion of its planes destroyed on the ground. prgtoken Well, needless to say, we have some serious work to do, and I am pleased to report that this year's NDAA does make some genuine progress on the readiness front. The bill expands the Pacific Deterrence Initiative and deepens our ties with our ally Taiwan to help detour Chinese aggression. It rejects the President's dangerous plan to shrink the U.S. Navy and authorizes investment in new ships. It contains multiple measures to increase our supply of munitions, including the addition of six critical munitions to the Pentagon's mul
CONGRATULATING CAMPBELL STEWART
Juan Ciscomani (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2023-12-12

I rise today to congratulate the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Southern Arizona as they mark four decades in operation. prgtoken NAMI of Southern Arizona was founded in 1983 to focus on bringing awareness to mental health while providing invaluable assistance to individuals struggling with their mental health. Their mission is to educate and support anyone affected by mental illness. prgtoken In February 2021, a staggering 40 percent of Arizonans reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, with 27 percent unable to access the help they needed. On a bigger scale, one in five people across the United States face challenges to their mental health. prgtoken NAMI provides an array of support groups in both English and Spanish that focus on almost every area of mental health, from postpartum depression to teen and adolescent concerns. prgtoken NAMI of Southern Arizona has been a beacon of hope, helping individuals in managing their mental health effectively. We need more nonprofit organizations like this in the world. The impact of NAMI's efforts over the past four decades is truly remarkable. I am honored to highlight all the good work they do to help our community thrive today.
TECHNOLOGY REVOLUTION HAPPENING AROUND US
David Schweikert (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2023-12-12

. Madam , last week I promised I was going to do something a little more positive tonight. It is complicated because I basically have a compulsion. Being from Arizona, I sit on an airplane 10 hours a week; 5 there and 5 back. prgtoken I use these news aggregators, and I collect articles. Afterwards, my staff and I do follow-up and research. I just gathered up some of them the last couple days. These are positive things happening in our society, but one of the number one reasons I am going to show them is they are things that actually could make our lives better, make us healthier as a society and assist with, as you know, my fixation on the debt. prgtoken Before we start to actually focus on the debt and deficit--and I am going to try to minimize my sarcasm, but you have got to give me a moment here--we should be very proud of ourselves. We did something very special today that we have never done before other than in the middle of COVID. prgtoken Over the last 2 months, our borrowing has increased so much that we are at $80,600 a second. We did it. I am so proud of us. I knew we could actually spend ourselves into oblivion. We did it, we crossed $80,000. We are at $80,000 a second, and we are only a few ticks away from getting to $7 billion a day. prgtoken When I think about the fussing that goes on here on the floor where we are knifing each other for this or that, unless it is covering almost $7 billion in savings, that day we actually went negative. Just a point. prgtoken Interestingly, the data shows since the beginning of the fiscal year--we are 2 months and a week or so into it--Social Security is number one. Social Security is always going to be number one. prgtoken I have gotten picked on a little bit for bringing my charts showing that we are going to have $1 trillion this year in gross interest. Some folks say, well, that is not fair, you are paying interest to the Social Security trust fund. Okay. prgtoken Well, guess what? Even if I use what they call net interest, which is only the interest we pay out to people who bought U.S. bonds, interest is still, so far this fiscal year, the second biggest expenditure in this government. Social Security is first, interest is number two, then defense, then Medicare, then Medicaid. Just a little bit of fiscal housekeeping there. prgtoken All right. As a body, as Members of Congress and our staff, I need all of us to start thinking. We live in a time where there is a technological revolution happening around us. How do we use that technology to make people's lives easier, better, and give them more time? prgtoken I am going to start with one example that I think is so incredibly obvious. I chair the Oversight Subcommittee for the Ways and Means Committee, so I have the IRS. We have come up here a number of times just enraged that during the Inflation Reduction Act moved an additional $80 billion to the IRS. They tell us, well, it is for collection and
HONORING CHARLES STEWART
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2023-12-12

I rise today to commemorate Wade Benson as he retires after 27 years as a Young College chief financial officer. prgtoken Wade began at Young College in 1986, coming to the college as an prgtoken auditor with his father's accounting firm. He joined the Young College administration in 1996 and has had various titles, including business manager, vice president for finance, chief financial officer, and board treasurer. prgtoken The business office at Young has been renamed The Benson Business Center in honor of Wade's career and service to the institution. prgtoken Wade oversaw a number of areas in the institution and acted as his project manager for the many construction projects on campus. He balanced operating budgets, reconciled financial statements, and always worked with integrity and accuracy. prgtoken Wade Benson was the go-to person, but most importantly, Wade exhibited a true love for the college, its staff, faculty and students, and always performed his duties in the best long-term interest of these constituents. prgtoken I congratulate Wade on a great career. Enjoy your retirement. Recognizing Glynn County School System
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2023-12-12

I rise today to honor the achievements of Jeremy and Magen Allen who have been recognized as the 2023 Arkansas Farm Family of the Year. This award reflects the dedication of the Allen family to farming and its contribution to the top industry in Arkansas. prgtoken As owners of JA Farms, Jeremy and Magen care for a 300-head of cow- calf herd and run their own hay operation. In addition to their farm, they oversee a diverse enterprise that includes JA Farms Feeds, a custom livestock feed business, and JA Farms Trucking, which facilitates transportation of their products. The Allen family's presence in Hot Springs County has proven vital to the community. Just one example of this was, when the sole Bismarck hardware store closed last year, the Allen family was quick to action, further expanding their enterprise to include JA Farms Feed & Mercantile, a retail storefront, in order to incorporate supplies and necessities utilized by farm families and others in the community. Since 1947, the Arkansas Farm Bureau's Arkansas Farm Family of the Year Program recognizes outstanding farm families throughout the State for their contributions to the industry and their communities. prgtoken I am proud of the Allen family's embodiment of this mission. Jeremy and Magen are driven and hard-working, and this recognition is the fruit bore of that effort. As Arkansas Farm Family of the Year, JA Farms will be competing with nine other State winners to vieuie for the Sunbelt Age Expo Farmer of the Year Program in Moultrie, GA, where I and their fellow Arkansans will be wishing them the best of luck. prgtoken Congratulations to Jeremy, Magen, and their children Lane, Brody, Evelyn, and Eli for their outstanding accomplishments in agricuture. I wish them continued success in the future of their operation.
Ukraine (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-12-12

this morning, the Senate welcomed Ukraine's inspirational and determined President Zelenskyy to the Capitol. prgtoken For nearly 2 years, the people of Ukraine have defied the world's expectations. They have ground down the world's second most powerful military, and they have confounded Putin's aggressive, imperialist aspirations. At every step of the way, America's commitment and support has provided critical fuel for Ukraine's resistance and helped European allies wake up from a holiday from history. prgtoken Now, our allies are awake. They are investing in collective defense, and clear majorities of Americans understand the importance of America's continuing to lead as the arsenal of democracy. prgtoken I have been a staunch supporter of Ukraine's fight to take back its land, liberate its people, and restore its sovereignty since the beginning of Russia's invasion way back in 2014. Our Ukrainian friends' cause is just, and if the West continues to stand with them, they can win. prgtoken But let's be absolutely clear: Ukraine's cause hasn't always been popular here in Washington. prgtoken In 2021, s recommended that the administration step up assistance to help Ukraine deter renewed Russian threats, and the administration seemed to think Ukraine was a frozen conflict and a distraction from other priorities. In early 2022, as the gravity of Putin's plans came into focus, s urged the President to expedite shipments of critical weapons systems to stop Russia's advance, but his administration's unfounded fear of escalating the conflict repeatedly kept decisive capabilities out of Ukrainian hands at critical moments. prgtoken When Russian troops crossed the border and the administration first came prgtoken to Congress for assistance, it was s who demanded we use emergency funds to pay for the cost of deploying U.S. forces to Europe rather than forcing our military to take those costs out of hide. prgtoken And it was s who demanded that our supplemental appropriations bills include funding to replenish and modernize the stockpiles we were drawing down to support Ukraine. prgtoken Perhaps, they expected the war to be over quickly, but the administration requested neither of these things. In fact, when the Senate received the President's first supplemental request, I called the ic leader and said: ``Double it.'' He agreed with my suggestion, and that is precisely what we did. prgtoken s on the Armed Services, Foreign Relations, and Appropriations Committees have worked overtime to help equip Ukraine for victory. We have pushed relentlessly for investments that strengthen our Armed Forces, degrade our adversaries, and stand firmly with a sovereign democracy against authoritarian aggression--all while expanding our defense industrial capacity and creating American jobs at the very same time. prgtoken We have done it because we know that Ame
RECOGNIZING THE FALL INTERNS
Pete Ricketts (Republican, NE) \u2014 2023-12-12

today I stand before you to express my gratitude and admiration for the exceptional students who joined our team as fall interns in 2023. These talented young women and men brought a unique blend of enthusiasm, dedication, and a passion for making a difference to my offices in Washington, DC, office and across the State of Nebraska. prgtoken Our interns have consistently shown a motivation to learn and a strong commitment to our State. Their presence has not only enriched our workspace, but also inspired my team and me. As the torchbearers of the next generation, their spirit and determination fill us with anticipation for what the future holds. prgtoken As they leave our office, I want to take a moment to extend my sincerest thanks to: Sarah Gregory, Johnathan Smith, Stephen Trainer, and Kayla Fink, who served in my Washington, DC, office; Abbie Russman, and Ava Verzani, who served in my Omaha office; and Reagan Connelly, who served in my Lincoln office. prgtoken Your dedication and contributions have truly made our team stronger. I hope you will carry the lessons learned here into your bright futures. Congratulations and best of luck.
NATIONAL WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA DAY
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-12-12

I rise today to recognize a very special tradition taking place this Saturday, December 16. prgtoken Every year on the third Saturday of December, thousands of volunteers set out across the country and the world in a coordinated wreath-laying ceremony. prgtoken This ceremony is known as National Wreaths Across America Day. prgtoken In 1992, Morrill Worcester from Harrington, Maine, noticed he had an abundance of holiday wreaths and decided to take the opportunity to honor our country's fallen soldiers. prgtoken After contacting his Senator, arrangements were made for the wreaths to be placed at Arlington in an older section of the cemetery. This tradition would quietly continue until 2005 when a photo of the tombstones decorated with wreaths and covered with snow went viral. prgtoken From there, this quiet annual tribute to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice transformed into a mission to remember, honor, and teach. prgtoken Since the viral photo, Wreaths Across America continues to grow. This Saturday volunteers will lay wreaths at more than 2,500 locations in the United States, abroad, and at sea. This simple gesture is a way for all of us to express our appreciation during the holiday season. prgtoken Earlier this week, what has become known as the country's longest veteran's parade, Wreaths Across America's annual Escort to Arlington kicked off. prgtoken The official route will travel down the East Coast, stopping at schools, memorials, and other locations along the way to remember the fallen, honor those that serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom. prgtoken Stops with public events will be held in Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Washington, D.C before arriving at Arlington National Cemetery on the morning of Saturday, December 16, National Wreaths Across America Day. prgtoken This pilgrimage to Arlington National Cemetery represents the very best of our Nation. Tractor trailers will haul more than 250,000 wreaths to their destination. prgtoken , as many Americans will volunteer this weekend, it is a reminder that our freedom is not free. These men and women paid the ultimate sacrifice, and this small gesture is one of the many ways we are able to thank them for their service. prgtoken If you are interested in volunteering, please visit wreathsacrossAmerica.org.
BORDER SECURITY IS NATIONAL SECURITY
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-12-12

it should be obvious and common sense, but border security is national security. President 's open border policies have incentivized this historic surge in illegal immigration at our southern and northern borders. prgtoken Since taking office, over 6.4 million illegal crossings have happened at our southern border; 1.7 million known got-aways have evaded U.S. Border Patrol and are now in our country. prgtoken Every State is now a border State. Every town is now a border town. They are living in New York. are proposing that our national parks be used not for people to enjoy but to house illegal immigrants, which will only further encourage this crisis. prgtoken s and alike have condemned 's border crisis, but we must stop incentivizing further waves of illegal immigrants by providing them with free housing. prgtoken House s will continue to fight to secure our border and eliminate the financial burden illegal immigrants are putting on American taxpayers and our institutions, our towns, our States. That is why we passed H.R. 2 to secure the border, which is the strongest border security package in American history.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024--CONFERENCE REPORT--Resumed
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-12-12

Leader Schumer is blocking us from having an important and timely debate on 's unlawful, immoral policy to use tax dollars intended for our national defense to pay for abortions. prgtoken The world is imploding because of 's failed leadership and weakness, and our country is under greater threat than it has been in years. Meanwhile, the Department of Defense is waging a war on the unborn. prgtoken I never back down from a fight, and ' tactics will not deter my work to stop from forcing the Pentagon to provide transportation tourism for abortion with taxpayers' hard-earned money. prgtoken As a mom, soon-to-be grandma, and 23-year combat veteran and retired lieutenant colonel of our great U.S. Army, I firmly believe the Pentagon should be focusing on protecting innocent life, not destroying it. That is why I have led the legislation to overturn this abhorrent policy and why I am here today to continue my fight for life. prgtoken Congress has been clear for nearly half a century: The Hyde amendment protects taxpayers from being forced to fund abortions, and that includes the Department of Defense. prgtoken Senator Schumer should stop obstructing the world's greatest deliberative body from debating this important, longstanding issue. prgtoken A ``yes'' vote on this motion would allow me to offer the House- passed, pro-life provisions similar to my own bill. Including these protections in the Defense bill would restore the DoD's mission integrity by preventing any taxpayer funding for 's radical abortion tourism, including travel costs. prgtoken America is being threatened by adversaries at home and abroad. Why are President and Leader Schumer dividing us with their radical abortion agenda? prgtoken This is a moment where we should all stand united in the defense of our Nation. Let's do so today. prgtoken I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote yes to defeat Schumer's gross attempt to silence our voices and those of the unborn. Motion to Table Amendment No. 1373 prgtoken , I move to table the Schumer amendment No. 1373 for the purposes of offering my amendment numbered 1376, and .