mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Unanimous Consent Request--S. 1669 (Executive Calendar)
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-12-5

there is a certain amount of irony in seeing s come to the floor proposing mandates on business to s picking winners and losers. Mandating that all cars have AM radio is antithetical to any notion of limited government and has nothing to do with the debate over free speech. prgtoken The debate over free speech is whether or not government can place limitations on speech. It has nothing to do with whether or not you have a right to have your opinion in the New York Times or whether you get to listen to radio. It really has nothing to do with the debate over free speech. prgtoken The debate over free speech, as listed in the First Amendment, is that government shall pass no law. It has nothing do with forcing your manufacturers to have AM radio. This legislation attempts to insert Congress's judgment into a question best decided by American consumers. This isn't about consumers turning on or off the radio; this is about consumers deciding which car they want to buy, what they want to pay for it, and what they want as the extras in the car. prgtoken American families are already struggling, and this bill is yet another private sector mandate that would cost car buyers even more money. This bill mandates that AM radio be included in vehicles manufactured in the United States, imported into the United States, or simply shipped in interstate commerce. prgtoken What happens when government places mandates on the private marketplace? Consumers pay more. To provide AM radio in electric cars, manufacturers must include equipment to counteract the electromagnetic interference between the battery and the AM radio waves. The equipment necessary to fix this problem, at a minimum, costs several hundred dollars per vehicle. prgtoken According to the Consumer Technology Association, even a small automotive production line would incur costs above $15 million to comply with this mandate. The sponsors of this legislation know this bill will increase costs for car buyers. That is why they included a provision that also prohibits carmakers from charging a fee or an additional payment for access to AM broadcast stations. prgtoken So it is not just a mandate that you have to have AM; it is a mandate that you can't charge for AM radio. It is more than one mandate on car manufacturers, and it will add to the cost of the car. prgtoken Well, that sure is an interesting thought. They think they are going to prevent this by saying that the car manufacturer can't charge for AM radio, but people will still pay more for their cars. If the mandate is imposed, one way or another, people will pay for this cost. It just doesn't disappear. prgtoken When angry consumers then complain about the ever-increasing cost of cars, the proponents of this bill will inevitably shrug their shoulders and say: Don't blame us. We passed a bill to force car companies to incur an additional cost, and then we told the
PROTECTING OUR ELECTIONS
Laurel M. Lee (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-12-5

I rise today in support of the American Confidence in Elections Act, the most transformative election integrity bill to be considered in the House in decades. prgtoken Over the summer, the American Confidence in Elections Act, or ACE Act, passed out of the Committee on House Administration. prgtoken The ACE Act equips States with election integrity tools, implements key reforms in D.C and protects political speech. prgtoken In examining history, precedent, the Framers' words, debates concerning ratification, the Supreme Court, and our Constitution, we know the division of power between States and the Federal Government provides Congress with a limited oversight of Federal elections. prgtoken With this responsibility, we created the American Confidence in Elections Act to help ensure that States are best equipped with the tools they need to perform successful election administration. prgtoken As Florida's former secretary of state, I oversaw elections as our State's chief election official. prgtoken I know firsthand just how important efficient and effective election administration measures are in ensuring that Americans continue to cast their ballots and participate in our democracy. prgtoken As chair of the House Administration Subcommittee on Elections, one of my top priorities is to share insight into the policies that lead to stronger elections across our Nation. prgtoken This is exactly what the ACE Act will do. prgtoken My colleagues and I have worked in collaboration with secretaries of state, local election officials, legislators, and voters across the Nation to craft this legislation--in true ``by the people, for the people'' fashion. prgtoken Our ACE Act leaves the primary responsibility for administering elections to the States while recognizing the important role that Congress plays as a resource and a partner. prgtoken Election officials have a saying: Elections are partisan. Election administration is not. prgtoken The American Confidence in Elections Act is a strictly commonsense measure that protects our voting processes and makes it easier to vote and harder to cheat. prgtoken , 90 percent of Americans agree that only Americans should vote in American elections. A majority of Americans support photo voter ID provisions. prgtoken The ACE Act encourages States to adopt strong voter ID laws and provides best practices and technology standards to ensure that every State in our Nation has the tools needed to conduct secure and efficient elections. prgtoken I look forward to bringing this commonsense election integrity measure forward to both strengthen and safeguard our elections. prgtoken I thank Chairman Steil for his leadership on this bill, and I look forward to seeing it brought to the House floor for final passage.
RECOGNIZING HNI CORPORATION
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-12-5

I rise today to shed light on achievements made by Iowa's very own HNI Corporation located in Muscatine, Iowa. prgtoken HNI is one of the largest office furniture manufacturers, and they lead in production of products such as gas, electric, wood, and biomass burning fireplaces. prgtoken Recently, HNI was recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy for reaching reduced emission goals as a partner in the Better Climate Challenge. prgtoken By implementing various renewable energy and energy efficiency efforts, HNI was able to reduce emissions by 64 percent. prgtoken We congratulate HNI on this achievement. prgtoken I also take this moment to let Carol Crane of Davenport, Iowa, know as she is battling cancer that we are all praying for her, and we all support her.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 4468, CHOICE IN AUTOMOBILE RETAIL SALES ACT OF 2023; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 5933, DEFENDING EDUCATION TRANSPARENCY AND ENDING ROGUE REGIMES ENGAGING...
Erin Houchin (Republican, IN) \u2014 2023-12-5

I would just like to note that the criticism that this bill does nothing to address the spiraling cost of education is just not true. The cost of higher education always rises in connection with the availability of student loans. prgtoken Making student loans widely available with government backing has caused this wild cost increase in higher education, which has increased 4.6 times the rate of inflation since 1971. prgtoken Canceling student loan debt will not lead to reductions in the cost of higher education. It will, instead, likely have the opposite effect, encouraging colleges and universities to raise tuition and other fees, knowing full well that the cost of these items will ultimately be borne by the taxpayers. prgtoken , I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Roy).
TRIBUTE TO DR. THOMAS DAVIS
Eric Schmitt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2023-12-5

I rise today to recognize an outstanding Missourian, Dr. Thomas Davis. Dr. Davis is an internal medicine physician with the Veterans' Affairs Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Marshfield, MO. prgtoken Recently, Dr. Davis announced he would be retiring at the end of the year, closing out a distinguished medical career that spans 46 years. The last 20 of those years have been spent caring for our Nation's heroes at the Department of Veterans' Affairs. For the last 10 years, Dr. Davis has been at the Marshfield clinic, which is one of eight outpatient veterans clinics connected to the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital in Columbia, MO. Dr. Davis serves approximately 800 veterans in Marshfield and the surrounding area. prgtoken Dr. Davis graduated from the St. Louis University School of Medicine in 1977 and completed his residency in internal medicine at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis in 1980. He has been a board-certified physician in the State of Missouri for 46 years. In his retirement, Dr. Davis looks forward to spending time with his wife, two daughters, and three grandchildren. prgtoken I applaud Dr. Davis for his 46 years of commitment, dedication, and selfless service to medicine and caring for his patients, especially American heroes he has cared for over the years. I ask my Senate colleagues to join me in honoring his impressive career and wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement.
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF LAURA LYNN McCORKLE MILLER
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2023-12-5

I rise today in remembrance of Hubert Ginn, who passed away on September 21 at the age of 76. prgtoken Hubert played college football at Florida A&M University, and after a successful career was drafted into the National Football League. He was a two-time Super Bowl champion, playing as a running back for the legendary 1972 undefeated Miami Dolphins as well as the Baltimore Colts and Oakland Raiders. prgtoken His family and friends remember him as an amazing father, brother, son, and man with so much love for his community and people around him. Hubert will be remembered by many for being an upstanding role model and for his talents on and off the football field. prgtoken My deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends. Guyton Elementary Awarded Literacy Leader Banner
END HUNGER NOW
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-12-5

while s continue to fight amongst themselves, remain united in working for the American people. prgtoken I rise to applaud the USDA Food and Nutrition Services' efforts to give more of America's students access to universal free school meals. prgtoken A new final rule published by USDA makes more schools eligible for Federal funds to cover the costs of healthy, nutritious breakfasts and lunches for all students. prgtoken This Federal program, called the Community Eligibility Provision, eliminates school meal debts, minimizes shame in the lunch line, and reduces paperwork for school nutrition staff and families. prgtoken It will hopefully encourage more States to adopt permanent universal free school meals as my home State of Massachusetts recently did. prgtoken , this is a big deal. Thank you to President , Vice President , Secretary Vilsack, and Deputy Under Secretary Dean for delivering on commitments coming out of the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. prgtoken I am thrilled that in the richest country in the world, we are making progress to ensure that all kids have access to nutritious food as part of their school day. prgtoken Together, we can continue this progress, and together, we can end hunger now.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 4468, CHOICE IN AUTOMOBILE RETAIL SALES ACT OF 2023; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 5933, DEFENDING EDUCATION TRANSPARENCY AND ENDING ROGUE REGIMES ENGAGING...
Teresa Leger Fernandez (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2023-12-5

the Senate rejected this same proposal last month. prgtoken Let's address the student debt crisis at its roots. Let's get back to lowering costs for working families and putting people over politics. prgtoken s seem to always want to make it more costly and more expensive for people to get along. I am so pleased that don't and that they stand for the working family.
Mexico (Executive Session)
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-12-5

I join my friend and colleague from Tennessee who, in addition to being on the Foreign Relations Committee, has background in the private sector as an economic development official for the State of Tennessee and also as a diplomat in his service as Ambassador to Japan. prgtoken The issue that we are talking about is one about the economy and the economic relations between the United States and Mexico; but also, it is about diplomacy. prgtoken We are here to speak about the Mexican Government's unfair targeting of this one business, Vulcan Materials Company, but they can stand as an example for many others. prgtoken Vulcan is headquartered in Alabama, but they employ more than 1,000 people in the Commonwealth of Virginia at more than 70 facilities, and they have been legally operating this construction material facility and port in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico for more than 30 years. prgtoken The Mexican Government in recent years, under the direction of the President of Mexico, has taken a set of actions, to include the recent filing of a regulatory notice that they intend to take over Vulcan's property in the Yucatan. This is a matter about trade; but to be sure, it is also a matter about the rule of law. prgtoken Last December, we celebrated the bicentennial of diplomatic relations between the United States and Mexico. Our two countries share a 2,000- mile border, extensive trade, security, and economic relations. The relationship, as my colleague shared, is a consequential one. But that relationship will suffer unless Mexico chooses a different direction with respect to foreign investment. prgtoken Mexico is a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, OECD. That is the international forum designed to promote sustainable economic growth. prgtoken The OECD membership is made up of 38 democratic countries with market-based economies, countries as small as Iceland and as large as the United States but who share a commitment to democracy, rule of law, trade, and economic growth. prgtoken If you are a member of the OECD, you rest pretty comfortable in the fact that 80 percent of global trade, by many estimates, come through these 38 countries, and nearly 60 percent of the world's GDP are through OECD nations. prgtoken The OECD's last economic survey of Mexico pointed out some trouble signs. They indicated that investment in Mexico has been weak for the last 9 years since 2015. And they made a key recommendation that if Mexico wants to be stronger in the OECD pillar values, they should provide investors with certainty and regulatory stability. prgtoken The report notes that ``with appropriate policy settings,'' Mexico could ``reap further benefits from the strong recovery in the United States and the ongoing reorganization of global supply chains closer to consumer markets.'' In other words, Mexico has a huge upside in an economy that is globally coming out of COVID. prgtoken B
Nomination of Loren L. AliKhan (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-12-5

today the Senate will vote to confirm Loren L. AliKhan to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. prgtoken Born in Baltimore, MD, Judge AliKhan earned her J.D magna cum laude, at the Georgetown University Law Center. She also received her B.A summa cum laude, and A.A with distinction, from Bard College at Simon's Rock. After law school, Judge AliKhan completed clerkships on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. She then served as a Bristow Fellow in the Solicitor General's Office at the U.S. Department of Justice. Judge AliKhan then worked as an associate and later counsel at O'Melveny & Myers LLP. There, she represented companies in matters involving contract interpretation, statutory interpretation, class certification, antitrust, patent infringement, and products liability. prgtoken From 2018 to 2022, Judge AliKhan served as solicitor general in the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia after previously serving as acting solicitor general and deputy solicitor general. In that role, she was responsible for the District's litigation in local and Federal trial and appellate courts on issues including constitutional law, criminal law, employment discrimination, tax, and torts. In 2022, Judge AliKhan was confirmed to the DC Court of Appeals, where she has heard approximately 100 prgtoken appeals as a member of a merits panel and has issued 200 decisions as a member of a motions panel. prgtoken The American Bar Association rated Judge AliKhan as ``well qualified,'' and her nomination is strongly supported by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. prgtoken The Senate Judiciary Committee also received several letters of support for Judge AliKhan's nomination to the Federal bench, including from a bipartisan group of current and former State solicitors general across the country. prgtoken Judge AliKhan's qualifications, including her judicial and litigation experience, make her exceptionally qualified to serve on the Federal bench. I am proud to support her nomination and urge my colleagues to do the same.
Unanimous Consent Request--S. 1669 (Executive Calendar)
Edward J. Markey (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-12-5

my friend from Kentucky is attacking a bipartisan bill with overwhelming support on both sides of the aisle. When I started in the U.S. Congress, one of the main operating principles under which we were able to make progress upon big issues-- and it went back to President Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson and Sam Rayburn--was the Austin-Boston connection working together, Texas and Massachusetts, to make progress where we could. That is what this legislation is today. Senator Cruz and I agree that we have to ensure that, for public safety reasons, AM radio stays in the vehicles that Americans drive. And, as Senator Cruz said, 80 million Americans a month use AM radio. prgtoken And not only is the Senator from Kentucky proposing to strike our bill but also to actively harm American drivers and American workers. We are going from win-win to lose-lose for American drivers. prgtoken The electric vehicle tax credit helps Americans drive cheaper cars while driving manufacturing. Electric vehicle sales are soaring. Investments in new manufacturing capacity related to the electric vehicle supply chain also increased by more than 100 percent. It reached $35 billion in a single year since the passage of the tax credit. In total, since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, more than 84,000 new jobs have been announced in the EV sector. prgtoken In fact, most of the largest single Federal investment in the auto industry is going to Senator Paul's State of Kentucky. New Federal loans for three battery manufacturing plants are expected to create 5,000 construction jobs and 7,500 operations jobs--all to build batteries for Ford and Lincoln electric vehicles. My friend, I would hope, would want Kentucky to be the home of those new jobs, new opportunities, and new economic energy driven by the electric vehicle tax credit, and I am sure other States would be interested in stepping in. prgtoken We have union workers who have secured a historic victory over the Big Three with their recent strike. They have been clear that the electric vehicle revolution, which is kick-started by the tax credit, can be an engine for good-paying union jobs. So let's not pump the brakes on giving drivers the freedom to buy cheaper, cleaner vehicles. Let's not pump the brakes on new jobs in States across the country, including Kentucky. And let's not pump the brakes on ensuring that drivers and passengers can receive alerts during emergencies. prgtoken AM radio is the backbone of FEMA's emergency response system. It allows emergency responders and, if necessary, the President of the United States to communicate with the public during the most dire of circumstances. prgtoken In just the past 5 years, FEMA has invested more than $150 million to harden 77 radio stations across the country to withstand natural disasters, emergencies, and even a nuclear electromagnetic pulse. These stations are equipped with backup generators and other tool
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF FORMER FIRST LADY ROSALYNN SMITH CARTER
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2023-12-5

it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a former First Lady of the United States, a former First Lady of the State of Georgia, a great wife, a loving mother, a doting grandmother and great-grandmother, a dedicated servant leader, and a friend of longstanding, Mrs. Rosalynn Smith Carter. prgtoken Sadly, Mrs. Carter transitioned from this life on November 19, 2023. Her funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at the Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia. prgtoken Rosalynn Smith Carter was born and raised in Plains, Georgia, to the union of Wilburn Edgar Smith and Frances Allethea ``Allie'' Murray Smith. She graduated as valedictorian from Plains High School and attended Georgia Southwestern College, now Georgia Southwestern State University, in Americus, Georgia, where she served as vice president of her class and graduated in 1946. prgtoken In 1945, she began dating James Earl ``Jimmy'' Carter, Jr also from Plains and whose family farmed peanuts. Jimmy was attending the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, at the time. They were married in Plains on July 7, 1946, and they would go on to spend 77 cherished years together. prgtoken Following the death of her father-in-law, James Earl Carter, Sr in 1953, Rosalynn, Jimmy, and their three sons returned to Plains, Georgia, from Norfolk, Virginia, where he had been stationed in the Navy as Jimmy was now tasked with running the family business. prgtoken Rosalynn took over its bookkeeping and proved herself a formidable business partner. prgtoken After her husband was elected to the Georgia State Senate in 1962, her role on the peanut farm grew, especially while he traveled to Atlanta for legislative sessions. prgtoken In 1970, Senator Jimmy Carter launched his campaign for Governor, and Rosalynn took a leading role on the campaign trail. In addition to handling most of her husband's political correspondence and meeting with constituents, Mrs. Carter began to travel prgtoken across the State of Georgia to campaign on his behalf. prgtoken Following Jimmy Carter's election as Governor, Mrs. Carter served as Georgia's First Lady from 1971 to 1975, where she would take on the role of Governor Carter's trusted adviser and confidant. She was appointed to the Governor's Commission to Improve Services for the Mentally and Emotionally Handicapped, where she formally began working on one of her foremost initiatives: improving and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. prgtoken In 1972, Governor Carter gave me, a young, beginning lawyer, my first political appointment, a seat on the Governor's Advisory Council on Drug Abuse. prgtoken Governor Carter completed his term in January 1975. Georgia's Constitution then banned its Governors from serving successive terms. prgtoken Prior to moving back to Plains, Governor Carter had already announced his intention to run for Pre