mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CELEBRATING INDEPENDENT HIP-HOP FESTIVAL CHREECE
André Carson (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2024-1-9

I rise today to celebrate Indianapolis' independent hip-hop festival Chreece. Founded in 2015, Chreece celebrates and honors local talent across Indiana and beyond. It's a vibrant display of the culture and diverse artistry of the genre. prgtoken After a three-year break, Chreece came back in December bigger and better than ever by partnering with Indianapolis-based creative advocacy firm GANGGANG to showcase the best and brightest talents. Over 80 local hip-hop artists, DJs, and producers took the stage across eight different venues this year to spotlight Black culture, creativity, ingenuity, and artistry. It has become a rite of passage for any artist wanting to express themselves, and a way to highlight Indianapolis' growing creative community. prgtoken Festival founder Oreo Jones, and his team of organizers, understand the impact this festival has had on Indiana, the country, and the global hip-hop community. It is only fitting to honor this festival this year which marks the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. As a former artist, I'm always honored to recognize the artistic talent of and from the Midwest. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Oreo Jones and his team for celebrating independent artists and recognizing Chreece for its impact on Indianapolis and beyond.
Business Before the Senate (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-1-9

as the Senate begins our work in 2024, three things are true. First, there is a lot we have to do at the start of the year, including funding the government, working towards a national security supplemental, confirming more nominees through the Senate, and much more. prgtoken We made good progress on many bipartisan bills last year, which we would like to bring to the floor this year. prgtoken Second, the only way we are going to get anything of consequence done is through bipartisan cooperation. prgtoken Third, the Senate is off to a good start. prgtoken A few days ago, I announced, alongside Johnson, that congressional leaders have reached a significant milestone for government funding. We have agreed to top-line funding numbers for fiscal year 2024. This now clears the path for appropriators to begin drafting the 12 appropriations bills. prgtoken Yesterday, I spoke with Chairman Murray, and then I met in my office with Leader McConnell, and we are all on the same page that we want to move as quickly as we can to finish the appropriations process. prgtoken We have only 10 days until the first deadline on January 19. So both parties must continue working together to minimize the risk of a government shutdown. prgtoken Now, it wasn't easy to come to an agreement on top-line numbers, but are very pleased with the ultimate outcome. From the beginning, had one goal in mind, our North Star, to keep nondefense funding levels at $772.7 billion, the exact same number we agreed to in June of last year when we avoided default. prgtoken Many on the hard right, particularly those in the Freedom Caucus, wanted to see that number brought down significantly, and that would have made certain devastating cuts to all sorts of programs that help millions of Americans. But , who control the Presidency and have a majority in the Senate, said no, no, no to draconian cuts. We told the hard right that they cannot bully or threaten their way to getting the kind of draconian cuts that the vast majority of Americans and many, many s oppose. prgtoken You hear it when s go home to their districts and brag about prgtoken some of the very things that these hard-right people want to cut. prgtoken So we held the line, and, as a result, we have successfully protected vital priorities, like housing programs, veterans' benefits, healthcare, nutrition, small business support, the NHS, and funding for Federal law enforcement. prgtoken Hard-right s wanted to use the appropriations process to gut ' clean energy investments that we passed in the IRA. Those too will be absolutely protected. And even though the hard right is always obsessed with starving the IRA of resources, this agreement protects important funding the IRS needs to hold ultra-rich tax evaders accountable. prgtoken This work will not be undermined. The IRS has made great progress, brought in lots of money that
VISIT TO EAGLE PASS, TEXAS
Donald G. Davis (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2024-1-9

my second trip to the southern border as a Member of Congress was to Eagle Pass, hosted by the gentleman from Texas, Mr. Tony Gonzalez. prgtoken While there, we met with local border community elected officials who expressed how an influx of migrant crossings overwhelmed their communities. We toured the Eagle Pass Port of Entry, where I saw firsthand field operations and the economic impact of the international rail bridge closure: a daily revenue loss of about $50 million. prgtoken Del Rio Sector statistics reveal over 90,000 encounters, 39,000 known got-aways, 250 criminal arrests, and 30 migrants on the terror watch list. prgtoken There is only one way to address this evolving situation: bipartisanship. prgtoken Our southern border situation is not a ic or a issue, but an American issue. We must find common ground for Eastern North Carolinians and the American people.
Unanimous Consent Request--S. Res. 169 (Executive Calendar)
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2024-1-9

in reserving the right to object, I want to thank my colleague, who has joined me here on the floor this evening, for his service to our country. prgtoken Like him, I was just a pup. I was 17 years old when I raised my right hand and took an oath to defend our country and Constitution as a midshipman in the Navy; and there were lots of midshipmen at the height of the Vietnam war. I went on to repeat that oath, gosh, a dozen or more times in Active Duty and in Reserve duty through the heart of the Cold War and right up to today. I took the same oath here not too many years ago. It is an oath I take seriously, and I know my colleagues do as well. prgtoken I have had the opportunity to travel to the borders of our country south of us and to any number of countries south of Mexico, all the way down to Colombia. And I have a pretty good idea why people, especially from that part of the world, have come here or have sought to come to this country in enormous numbers. Among the reasons they come here is that we are addicted to drugs--drugs that are, in many cases, trafficked to countries to the south of us. People end up living lives of misery because of our addiction to drugs, illegal drugs. The folks who live down there want to live in a place where they can have their children get an education and have access to healthcare and freedom from crime and corruption. That is what they are interested in, and because of our addiction to drugs, we have helped to make the situation worse for them. prgtoken On top of that, the poverty that is facing a bunch of places down in Central America, especially, is made worse because of drought--drought which has been caused, as our Presiding Officer knows, because of the reliance in this country on greenhouse gases, on creating greenhouse gases, which have put so many other places, including countries south of us, in harm's way. prgtoken But the challenges at our border today are the results of any number of things: the global pandemic, increased violence, corruption, authoritarian government rule, and on and on. These are issues that we have sought to help address for as long as I can remember. prgtoken Under numerous Secretaries of Homeland Security and administrations of both parties, I have had the privilege of serving on the Committee on Homeland Security for the 22 years that I have been in this Senate. I have had the privilege of leading the committee as chairman of the committee for a number of years, and I have led congressional delegations, bipartisan congressional delegations, to the areas south of us. This illegal immigration that we are seeing in the south of our country is unacceptable and unsustainable. And anyone who says it is otherwise, I think, is mistaken. The question is, What do we do about it? prgtoken I have known Ali Mayorkas for the better part of a dozen years. He is a good and decent man with a wonderful family--a wife, children--and is s
COMMENDING DHL SUPPLY SIDE IN MEMPHIS
Steve Cohen (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2024-1-9

I rise today to commend DHL Supply Side, a leader in logistics, which has had its warehouse facility in Memphis recognized as a Global Lighthouse by the Geneva, Switzerland based World Economic Forum. The Global Lighthouse Network is a prestigious community of 153 manufacturing facilities and value chains that are implementing Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies to increase operational performance and environmental sustainability. Twenty-one facilities were given the designation this year, and DHL Supply Chain is the first ever contract logistics company to have a warehouse receive the award, and the only facility in the U.S. this year. The site has integrated robots, analytics and a flexible staffing solution to reduce overtime by 50 percent, and shipment cycle time by 57 percent, while increasing capacity by 290 percent, DHL Supply Chain has 54,000 employees in the United States, including more than 2,500 in Tennessee's 9th Congressional District. I commend the DHL Supply Chain operation in Memphis for this prestigious, international recognition by the World Economic Forum and appreciate its leadership in the logistics and delivery industry.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Michael F. Bennet (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2024-1-9

I rise today to recognize GEN James Henry Dickinson of the U.S. Army for his extraordinary dedication to duty and service to our Nation. General Dickinson is retiring from Active service after serving for 3 years as the commander of United States Space Command--and after more than 37 years of service in the U.S. Army. prgtoken General Dickinson was born in Boulder, CO, and raised in Estes Park, CO. He is a graduate of Colorado State University, having earned a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering in 1985. General Dickinson also holds an M.S. in operations research and systems analysis from the Colorado School of Mines and an M.A. in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. prgtoken General Dickinson has commanded at every level in the U.S. Army, from platoon to combatant command, and is the senior space and missile defense officer at the Department of Defense. General Dickinson previously also served as commanding general of the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command at Fort Shafter, HI; the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command at Fort Bliss, TX; the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command; and Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense at Redstone Arsenal, AL. prgtoken General Dickinson has dedicated his life to the service of our Nation and to furthering our country's ability to deter aggression in space. On behalf of a grateful Nation, it is my honor to recognize the selfless service and sacrifice of General Dickinson, his wife Angela and their children Deborah, Henry, Olivia, and Joseph. I wish them the very best as they continue their journey in civilian life.
CELEBRATING THE APPOINTMENT OF HAMDI MOHAMED AS PRESIDENT OF THE PORT OF SEATTLE COMMISSION
Pramila Jayapal (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2024-1-9

I rise today to celebrate the appointment of Hamdi Mohamed as the President of the Port of Seattle Commission. prgtoken Commissioner Mohamed's tenure and appointment are historic. She is the first woman prgtoken of color and immigrant to serve as Commission President. When Commissioner Mohamed was elected to the Poll of Seattle Commission in 2021, she became the first Somali woman elected to public office in Washington State and the first Black woman elected to the Port of Seattle Commission. prgtoken Commissioner Mohamed embodies the values of public service. As the Director of the City of Seattle's Office of immigrant and Refugee Affairs, she helps create pathways to achieving the American Dream for underrepresented and marginalized communities. Her work at the City of Seattle builds on her more than decade of experience fighting poverty and empowering immigrants. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped lead King County's initiatives to invest in small businesses and community organizations while simultaneously working to uphold public health. I am also proud to have worked alongside Hamdi for many years, first when she joined the organization I founded, OneAmerica, as a college intern, and during her time in Congress as my Deputy District Director. prgtoken As a Port of Seattle Commissioner, Hamdi has served as a champion for South King County and communities throughout the Puget Sound region. Her work to spur economic development through increased funding for workforce development, institutionalize equity in budgeting, lead innovative initiatives for climate action, uplift small businesses and enhance regional infrastructure have been integral to the success of the Port of Seattle. prgtoken As she begins her tenure as the President of the Port of Seattle Commission. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Commissioner Mohamed's historic appointment and service to our country.
INTRODUCTION OF THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS VOTING ASSISTANCE ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2024-1-9

today I introduce the Federal Bureau of Prisons Voting Assistance Act with Congresswoman Chellie Pingree. This bill would require the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to provide incarcerated individuals from jurisdictions that allow such individuals to vote, like the District of Columbia and Maine, information on how to register to vote and request an absentee ballot. BOP would be required to provide each BOP prison information on the criteria for voter registration, instructions on voter registration, voter registration forms and prepaid envelopes for voter registration forms, if provided by the state generally. Each prison would be required to post the information in the facility and give it to each incarcerated individual eligible to vote. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
REMEMBERING WILLIAM T. "BILL" MAUGHLIN JR.
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2024-1-9

I rise today to honor the memory of the late William T. ``Bill'' Maughlin, Jr who left an indelible mark on Baltimore City and the great State of Maryland through his lifelong dedication and service. prgtoken Beginning his distinguished 30-year career as an employee of the Maryland Messenger, now Need It Now Courier of Maryland, Mr. Maughlin, affectionately known as ``Chef Bill,'' was constantly evolving in the ways he positively impacted the city and its residents. He then became a fundraiser for the Maryland Committee for Children, which advocated for improved childcare, and later transitioned to a food services manager and events planner for the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. prgtoken Mr. Maughlin remained focused on the growth and joy of his community, establishing several ventures with his partner Kevin Brown throughout the years. Together, they created many prominent Baltimore businesses, providing a second home and community meeting place for many. They cemented themselves as Baltimore business staples, notably including Nirvana, the city's first ``cafetorium'' at 1727 N. Charles St where they hosted a performance by legendary actress and singer Eartha Kitt in 1993. prgtoken In 2006, Mr. Maughlin's passion for community and art coalesced in the founding of the Station North Arts Cafe--SNAC--Gallery. At the suggestion of then-Maryland Institute College of Art President Fred Lazarus IV, it expanded in 2013 with the creation of Nancy by SNAC, a beloved local watering hole. Chef Bill's creative culinary pursuits, including an all-day breakfast menu featuring dishes like pulled pork barbecue and cornbread waffles, were a testament to his innovative spirit, his love for food, and his desire to nourish his community. prgtoken I offer my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Maughlin's family for his service. His life will forever be remembered by his passionate leadership and mentorship of the Baltimore City community. His legacy is etched in the hearts of those he touched, and he will be deeply missed.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 788, STOP SETTLEMENT SLUSH FUNDS ACT OF 2023; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.J. RES. 98, PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER THE RULE SUBMITTED BY...
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2024-1-10

the balance of my time. prgtoken , again, this has been the most incompetent, ineffective, and unproductive Congress in the history of the United States of America. The fact that we are here considering these nonsense, do- nothing bills is just the latest example. prgtoken This majority has been a failure and a total embarrassment. I could spend all day comparing our record with theirs. s have had pathetically few bills of substance enacted into law, and on must-pass legislation, every single time it has been who have had to step up to give s the votes that they needed to get things across the finish line. The gentlewoman can't rebut that because there is nothing to rebut. s have done nothing of importance. I don't even know why they want to be in charge, quite frankly, since they have wasted away their time in the majority. prgtoken It is not just me saying that. It is them. Congressman Chip Roy who sits on the Rules Committee said: ``I want prgtoken my colleagues to give me one thing, one thing, that I can go campaign on and say we did. One. Anybody sitting in the complex, if you want to come down to the floor and come explain to me one material, meaningful, significant thing the majority has done. . . . '' prgtoken More recently, Congressman Andy Biggs said: ``We have nothing to go out there and campaign on. . . . It is embarrassing.'' prgtoken Congresswoman Debbie Lesko said: ``We can't get anything done around here. It is very frustrating.'' prgtoken What do s say when they go home and voters ask: What have you done? What have you done? prgtoken What do you tell them? prgtoken What do you say to somebody who asks: Why are you more concerned about Hunter than about our constituents? prgtoken You people need to touch the grass, get a grip, and get some help. s have turned this place into one big SNL skit, except this isn't funny. We have serious business to get done around here, and they are just openly admitting that they cannot govern. prgtoken They have no new ideas or problems that they want to solve. Their whole platform is built around using division and anger to distract from the unmitigated disaster that is this majority. The only hope around this place is that it is an election year and their gross incompetence will probably lose them the House come November. prgtoken , we have to do better, and there needs to be more urgency in this Chamber about making sure that the government doesn't shut down next week. prgtoken The one job, that no matter who is in charge has, is to make sure that the lights stay on here, that we don't stop the functioning of Government, and that we don't turn our backs on the American people. prgtoken Yet, we are getting perilously close to that moment when there could be a shutdown. It is disgraceful that we are here debating these filler bills that are goin
PROTECT AND ENHANCE SOCIAL SECURITY
Susan Wild (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2024-1-10

it is interesting that during this Special Order hour on Social Security, it is only ic Members of Congress who have volunteered to speak. Heck, this GOP-controlled Congress isn't getting anything else done, so why don't we take up Social Security 2100. prgtoken I am proud to be a cosponsor of Social Security 2100 and that I have been every single term that I have been here, because I believe that Social Security is a promise. You spend a lifetime working hard and paying into the system so that you can retire with some dignity and security. It is not just something that seniors depend on, it is something that they have earned. prgtoken They aren't getting rich on it. For most, it gives our seniors a bare-bones economic existence, but it is vital to prgtoken them. That is why I have made it my mission to protect and strengthen this critical program. prgtoken Protecting and strengthening Social Security means standing up to extremist proposals from the GOP, ones that have laid out cuts or privatization proposals that call for sunsetting the programs every 5 years and statements that suggest that we ``pull Social Security up by the roots and get rid of it.'' Outrageous. prgtoken The GOP is hell-bent on destroying the only economic security that is available to most of our retirees. That is why we need Social Security 2100. This bill would increase benefits across the board for Social Security beneficiaries and would improve the cost-of-living adjustment formula for keeping up with inflation. prgtoken Social Security 2100 would provide a tax cut for working- and middle- class beneficiaries; it would end the waiting period for receiving disability benefits; and it would provide caregiver credits for all of those who have had to take time out of their careers to care for a loved one, and so much more. prgtoken It is essential for millions of Americans. In my district, more than 166,800 people depend on Social Security, so I am never going to stop working to protect and strengthen this program.
Introductory Statement on S. 3568
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2024-1-10

today I am introducing bipartisan legislation to protect America's historic battlefields. Specifically, the bill would make updates to strengthen the American Battlefield Protection Program, ABPP, a program within the National Park Service, NPS, which promotes the preservation of significant historic battlefields and sites of armed conflict across the United States. The program has preserved more than 35,000 acres of historic land in 20 States. prgtoken I am pleased that Senator Hyde-Smith of Mississippi is coleading this effort with me, along with Senators Warner, Cornyn, Cardin, Wicker, Van Hollen, and Tillis. prgtoken Protection of America's battlefields is the preservation of our Nation's history. Once these grounds are lost, we will have forever lost the opportunity to tell their unique stories. When preserved and interpreted, these lands serve as outdoor classrooms to educate both current and future generation of Americans about some of the most pivotal moments in our Nation's history. prgtoken Key to the success of ABPP has been its one-to-one matching grants formula, which encourages State, local, and nonprofit investment in the preservation of Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War battlefields. Preserved battlefields are economic drivers for communities, bringing in tourism dollars that are extremely important to the economies of these communities. Over the past two decades, the sense of urgency to preserve these sites has only grown as some of the most historically significant battlefields in the Nation remain unprotected. prgtoken Recognizing the success of the ABPP and the continued need for preserved battlefields to serve as places where visitors can better understand the battles and their consequences, this legislation proposes to make necessary updates that will strengthen the program for years to come. These modifications will help to ensure that these hallowed grounds are preserved forever.