mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO ROBERT SCULLEY
Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2023-10-31

I rise today to salute Robert ``Bob'' Sculley for his many years of dedicated service at the New Hampshire Motor Transport Association, NHMTA. Bob is retiring from his longtime role as president and CEO of an association that represents multiple occupations and hundreds of members across the Granite State, and he leaves a legacy worthy of our praise and our gratitude. prgtoken Bob draws on decades of experience and in-depth knowledge in his advocacy for the motor transport industry. After earning a bachelor of science from the University of Rhode Island in 1977, Bob started a career with Federal Express that brought him around New England to posts in Rhode Island, Vermont, Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire. His quick rise in the ranks--from his first role as courier to his last as station manager--is a reflection of his work ethic, his sound judgment, and his eagerness to learn the nuts and bolts of an industry that is vital to our American way of life. prgtoken When he was hired as the president and CEO of the New Hampshire Motor Transport Association in 1989, Bob assumed leadership of an organization with 110 members and 2 employees. He was responsible for growing the trade association and enriching the programs and services that it provides to its members. In addition to increasing membership among New Hampshire truck owners and operators, Bob also entered into agreements to represent the interests of the Energy Marketers Association of New Hampshire and the Vermont Truck and Bus Association under the NHMTA umbrella. Thirteen employees now provide advocacy and services within an association that boasts a combined membership of approximately 700 members. Each employee and each member of NHMTA knows Bob Sculley as a knowledgeable resource, a skilled advocate, and a good and generous man. prgtoken Throughout his tenure as president and CEO, Bob established programs that simplified operations and offered a variety of benefits to members. He kept truck owners and operators aware of government regulations, and he created a drug and alcohol testing consortium and clearinghouse compliance program to ensure drivers meet Federal and State requirements. He moved NHMTA to a new 10,000-square-foot facility in Concord, NH--named the Robert J. Sculley Building in his honor--that offers ample workspace for staff and in-house training opportunities for members. He launched a self-insured workers compensation fund that comprises nearly 100 small businesses, improves the safety of their operations, and ensures prompt care for employees who need it. The program is administered at NHMTA's Concord facility and has returned more than $19 million in dividends to members. He started a voluntary dental program that pools purchasing power to allow small businesses to access volume discounts not otherwise available to them. Bob's achievements over the years have reinforced an industry that plays a pivotal rol
Nomination of Matthew James Maddox (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-10-31

today, the Senate will vote to confirm Judge Matthew James Maddox to the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. prgtoken A native Marylander, Judge Maddox received his B.A. from Morgan State University and his J.D. from Yale Law School before clerking for Judge Gerald Bruce Lee on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Following his clerkship, Judge Maddox worked as an associate at Holland & Knight LLP, where he primarily represented business clients in civil litigation, regulatory compliance, and risk management matters. He then completed a second clerkship with Judge Andre Davis on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Judge Maddox spent the bulk of his legal career working in public service as an assistant U.S. attorney in the District of Maryland. Last year, he was appointed by the judges of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland to serve as a magistrate judge. The American Bar Association unanimously rated Judge Maddox as ``well qualified,'' and his nomination is strongly supported by his home state Senators, Mr. Cardin and Mr. Van Hollen. prgtoken With significant experience in both criminal and civil matters and a proven dedication to equal justice under law, Judge Maddox will serve the District of Maryland with distinction. prgtoken I am proud to support his nomination.
Introductory Statement on S. 3169
Alex Padilla (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-10-31

I rise to speak in support of the University Centers for Growth, Development, and Prosperity Act, which I reintroduced today. prgtoken The U.S. Economic Development Administration created the University Center Program to allow institutions of higher education and consortia to establish and maintain university centers, with the understanding that our higher education institutions play a critical role in our Nation's economic growth. prgtoken University centers are Federal partnerships that leverage the assets of higher learning institutions to strengthen regional economic growth by promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation. They encourage economic development in economically distressed regions, which prgtoken helps spur job growth, high-skilled regional talent pools, and business expansion. prgtoken Despite EDA's important work, many communities across the country have yet to benefit from the Agency's programs, including smaller communities, communities of color, and rural areas experiencing higher rates of poverty. prgtoken Despite being one of EDA's most successful economic development initiatives, the current University Center Program is not officially authorized by Congress and is currently administered under EDA's Technical Assistance Program. That is why I am proud to reintroduce legislation that would codify and expand the University Center Program, leverage more resources for minority-serving institutions, and support a greater diversity of innovation and entrepreneurship in their communities. prgtoken California has several thriving institutions, including Cal State Chico, Cal State Bakersfield, and University of Southern California, that will be able to scale their impact as a result of these new resources. By prioritizing the establishment of new university centers at colleges and universities that serve significant populations of underserved students, we can further strengthen regional economies and help close the racial wealth gap. prgtoken Specifically, the bill establishes an EDA University Center Program to help universities collaborate with economic development districts, trade adjustment assistance centers, and other economic development technical assistance and service providers to develop and implement comprehensive economic development strategies and other economic development planning at the local, regional, and State levels, with a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce development. prgtoken It also prioritizes the participation of minority-serving institutions as part of the University Center Program. Minority-serving institutions provide incredible opportunities for so many low-income and first-generation students. I am proud that my State of California is home to 174 Hispanic-serving institutions and 51 emerging Hispanic- serving institutions, the highest amount in the country. prgtoken As a Senator representing one of the most diverse States i
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2023-10-31

I want to make clear that I also worry about the influence of Chinese entities, but this amendment is not the answer. This amendment could have far-reaching, unintended consequences that would affect our Agencies' ability to fulfill their missions and serve people. prgtoken If this amendment passed, the VA could face challenges in obtaining products for essential mission needs, like pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and IT. prgtoken This amendment could negatively impact the procurement of meat for the school meals programs. For example, Smithfield is owned by a Chinese company. This amendment would actually prohibit the USDA from purchasing hogs from any U.S.-based farmers owned by Smithfield. Is that what we want? prgtoken It could also prevent Americans from understanding the security challenges related to Chinese-made drones because this amendment would mean the FAA would no longer be able to purchase drones made by Chinese entities to conduct critical counter-UAS research, testing analysis, or training. prgtoken We should have more time to carefully consider the impact of this amendment and the serious, unintended consequences it could have before adding it to this legislation. prgtoken I urge a ``no'' vote.
STRENGTHENING COASTAL COMMUNITIES ACT OF 2023
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2023-10-31

on September 27, the Environment and Public Works Committee favorably reported the Strengthening Coastal Communities Act of 2023 as an original bill by voice vote. This bill, S. 2958, expands and improves the Coastal Barrier Resources Act, also known as CBRA. I would like to formally recognize the colleagues who have worked with me on this bill and share some thoughts on its significance. prgtoken According to Senate procedure, original bills are considered a product of the committee and do not have sponsors or cosponsors. With this in mind, I wish to acknowledge for the record that Senators Graham, Whitehouse, and Tillis assisted in authorship of the Strengthening Coastal Communities Act of 2023. While these colleagues cannot be formally added as cosponsors, I want to thank them for their participation in developing this bipartisan legislation and note that I consider them to be cosponsors. prgtoken I would also like to ask our colleagues across the Senate for their support to pass this bill. CBRA was originally enacted in 1982, and it protects sensitive habitats along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coasts by restricting Federal investment within designated areas. In doing so, CBRA has saved billions of Federal tax dollars since enactment, while simultaneously protecting hundreds of thousands of acres of coastal wetlands from development. In 2019, a scientific study found that CBRA had saved the Federal taxpayer roughly $9.5 billion since its passage and is projected to save up to $108 billion over the next 50 years. Coastal wetlands that CBRA protects continue to provide key habitat areas for commercial and recreational fisheries, migratory birds, and endangered species. prgtoken Importantly, the areas protected under CBRA play a crucial role in coastal resilience by mitigating hurricane and flood damage. A 2023 study found that CBRA provided $112 million per year in prevented National Flood Insurance Program claims, a 7-percent savings in annual claims. prgtoken Given this broad range of benefits, CBRA has enjoyed strong bipartisan support since its inception. CBRA was developed and introduced on a bipartisan basis in 1982, with 58 cosponsors in the Senate led by sponsor Senator John H. Chafee of Rhode Island. CBRA's co-author, Representative Thomas B. Evans from my home State of Delaware, said CBRA was needed because ``the U.S. taxpayer should not subsidize and bear the risk for private development on coastal barriers.'' President Ronald Reagan signed the bill into law, noting that CBRA adopts a ``sensible approach'' to conservation that also saves taxpayer dollars. CBRA has continued to enjoy strong bipartisan support in subsequent improvements, map enactments, and reauthorizations in 1988, 1990, 2000, 2006, and 2018. prgtoken The areas protected under CBRA are identified in official maps that must be authorized by Congress and have not been comprehensively revised since 1990. The 19
Business Before the Senate (Executive Session)
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2023-10-31

for the information of the Senate, when the Senate resumes consideration of H.R. 4366, the following amendments are expected to be made pending, as provided under the order of October 24: Hawley No. 1200, Cruz No. 1296, Blackburn-Warner No. 1349, and Budd No. 1243. prgtoken I further ask unanimous consent that there be up to 10 minutes debate, equally divided, prior to the vote on amendment No. 1296, with all previous provisions remaining in effect.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Brian Schatz (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2023-10-31

this is a personal attack on a public servant, and it should be rejected. prgtoken To be clear, Ann Carlson is legally authorized to serve as the Acting Administrator of NHTSA under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act. But what this amendment would do is set an alarming precedent in the Senate that, if you have a political or policy disagreement with a particular administration policy, you can take the public servant who is in charge of implementing it and take their salary hostage. prgtoken And if the issue is that she hasn't been confirmed by the Senate, let's remember that in the last administration we had two different Acting Administrators working for months without being Senate confirmed, and it is no surprise that the ranking member of the Commerce Committee didn't object to them because he agreed with their policy. prgtoken It is fine for you to disagree with fuel efficiency incentives. It is fine for you to never want to move on from the internal combustion engine and to oppose the electric vehicle revolution. That is fine. What is not OK is the U.S. Senate coming in and defunding a position of an Administrator with whom you disagree. prgtoken And I want you all to think about this, s. I want you all to think about this, . There will be times, as Claire McCaskill used to say, that ``the door swings both ways in Washington.'' So let's think very carefully about whether we want to set a precedent where the U.S. Senate defunds public servants with whom we disagree. prgtoken This amendment should be rejected. Vote on Amendment No. 1296
RECOGNIZING THE RANKING ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE
Andy Harris (Republican, MD) \u2014 2023-11-1

I rise today to recognize the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) for receiving its highest ranking for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) according to U.S. News & World Report. prgtoken Under the leadership of UMES President, Dr. Heidi M. Anderson, U.S. News ranked UMES in the top 6 of public HBCUs, number 200 among all public colleges and universities, and number 14 among 78 HBCUs in their 2023-2024 report. UMES ranked two spots higher than last year's report and is the university highest ranking since U.S. News created its HBCU category in 2007. prgtoken As the representative of Maryland's Eastern Shore, it is my distinct honor to recognize UMES for its remarkable achievement and I look forward to seeing the university continue to shape the minds of our Nation's future. Congratulations to UMES and Go Hawks.
BEIRUT VETERANS PROCLAMATION
Chuck Edwards (Republican, NC) \u2014 2023-11-1

the United States of America has always been a symbol of peace and freedom and has achieved this stature throughout the world because of the selfless service of our veterans. From those who fought in the Revolutionary War to those serving in harm's way now, our country's armed forces have given up the comforts of home, the company of loved ones, and--for some--even their own lives to secure the blessings of liberty for many in our world. prgtoken Today, we honor those who served our country as peacekeepers in Lebanon between 1982 and 1984, with courage, honor and valor. prgtoken It has been just over 40 years, on October 23, 1983, since the deadly bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, where 241 United States Marines, Navy and Army personnel lost their lives to a deadly terrorist bomb. Many consider that horrific episode to be the beginning of America's war on terror and set the precedent for how our country's military approaches conflict in the Middle East. Almost three dozen more lost their lives as part of this mission. prgtoken We will always remember them. prgtoken This terrorist attack took the most lives of U.S. military servicemen since the Tet offensive in the Vietnam War and more lives of United States Marines since the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. prgtoken This act has now faded into the obscurity of textbooks, university lectures and most Americans' memories. The Beirut Veterans of America have a motto: ``The First Duty is to Remember,'' to memorialize those brothers who lost their lives and the families who have endured the last 40 years of sacrifice, separation, anguish and loneliness to keep our world free from the tyranny of bullies, thugs and terrorists. prgtoken These men ``Came in Peace'' and gave the ultimate price of freedom: their lives. prgtoken Be it proclaimed that this past October 23 and each one to come is dedicated to honoring and recognizing the memory of these souls who shall never be forgotten.
GAO LEGAL DECISION REGARDING SEC STAFF ACCOUNTING BULLETIN 121
Cynthia M. Lummis (Republican, WY) \u2014 2023-11-1

on March 31, 2022, the Securities and Exchange Commission--SEC--issued Staff Accounting Bulletin 121--SAB 121--which purported to address the accounting treatment of crypto assets. The bulletin was not issued as a rule under the Administrative Procedure Act--APA--and was not submitted to Congress as required by the Congressional Review Act. prgtoken On August 2, 2022, I sent a letter to the Comptroller General requesting a GAO legal decision regarding the applicability of the Congressional Review Act to SAB 121. On October 31, 2023, GAO issued a legal decision finding that SAB 121 was a rule under both the Administrative Procedure Act and the Congressional Review Act and that no exception applied. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent that the GAO legal decision regarding SAB 121 be printed in the Congressional Record.
HAMAS AND OTHER PALESTINIAN TERRORIST GROUPS INTERNATIONAL FINANCING PREVENTION ACT
Michael T. McCaul (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-11-1

the balance of my time. prgtoken , I thank Mr. Schneider for his strong, passionate support, as well as Ms. Manning and the author, Mr. Mast. prgtoken , I think the gentleman makes a great argument. Hamas stands between the expansion of the Abraham Accords and the destruction of the Abraham Accords. They are the ones standing between peace in the Middle East and war, a war that they provoked, a war that was barbaric against our friend and ally, Israel. It is impossible to overstate just how violent and horrific the terrorist attacks in Israel were. I have seen it. Don't tell me it didn't happen because it is real. prgtoken We can't underestimate the determination of Hamas itself. Their covenant explicitly states: ``Israel will exist and will continue to exist until Islam will obliterate it, just as it obliterated others before it.'' prgtoken I don't think it can be any more clear about their intent. Hamas has told us who they are and what they plan to do. We need to act here in Congress, and we need to act now. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and .
RECOGNIZING NATIONAL VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES MONTH
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-11-1

I rise today to recognize National Veterans and Military Families Month. prgtoken National Veterans and Military Families Month honors the service and sacrifices of veterans and the crucial role of their families in fostering community support and awareness of their unique challenges. prgtoken As a 24-year Army veteran, and also the daughter of a career military man, I will continue to work tirelessly to support legislation that supports our VA healthcare system, reduces the barriers to healthcare for our veterans, and provides support for our military spouses and families. prgtoken This month is an opportunity for individuals and communities to come together and show their appreciation for the service and sacrifices made by veterans and military families and to support their successful reentry into civilian life. Recognizing Iowa PBS for Receiving Public Media Awards
BLOCK GRANT ASSISTANCE ACT OF 2023
Rick Scott (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-11-1

as we work to get the agriculture community back on their feet, I won't stop fighting to make sure the Federal Government keeps showing up. prgtoken Following natural disasters in prior years, USDA has administered block grants to many of our States. The Block Grant Assistance Act would explicitly give USDA the authority to provide block grants as an option to States and territories to assist agricultural producers with losses due to natural disasters occurring in calendar year 2022. prgtoken Importantly, it provides streamlined relief to growers by freeing up USDA resources at State FSA offices; allowing States to allocate funds directly to growers impacted most by covered disasters; and allowing farmers to perform necessary and time-sensitive tasks on their farms without the danger of forgoing disaster aid. prgtoken This bill does not mandate States to request disaster funding through State block grants; it only opens up this option. prgtoken I have talked to many of you about this bill in the last few days, and I understand that some of my colleagues have concerns about this legislation. I want to address those concerns directly and why we are even talking about this right now. prgtoken First, this bill doesn't take anything away from anyone's State. It creates an option for block grants that help our growers and ranchers who have been impacted by disasters. Again, this bill will not negatively impact any State. I want to make sure that is clear. prgtoken I have also heard some of my colleagues say that this isn't needed because just this week, after refusing to take action for 14 months, 's Ag Department finally opened up the ERP portal for growers and ranchers to apply for assistance just as this was to come to a vote. Our farmers have still not received a dime. prgtoken Here is the deal: I don't trust this process--I know my constituents sure don't--and I don't think the assistance being offered is anything close to what is needed for our farmers to actually recover. prgtoken This bill helps farmers all across the country, but let me speak for Florida. We have been waiting for more than a year--14 months to be exact--and nothing was done by the administration until they knew that the Senate would be voting on my bill, and it is still just an application process. I don't think anyone can blame us for feeling uneasy about this process. prgtoken If we pass this bill today, we can give certainty to growers and ranchers in all of our States that they have a reliable partner in the Federal Government to make sure they can recover from natural disasters. That seems like something we can support. prgtoken Folks across the country who put food on our tables and create jobs in our States are hurting. I have been clear to the ag community in Florida: I won't stop fighting to make sure the Federal Government keeps showing up. prgtoken This is a good bill that helps hard-working people. It h