mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO TRINA JO BRADLEY
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2023-3-30

today I have the distinct honor of recognizing Trina Jo Bradley of Pondera County for her lifelong commitment to preserving and promoting Montana agriculture and her tireless advocacy for common sense grizzly bear management. prgtoken Trina Jo grew up on a ranch on the East Front of Montana's Rocky Mountains, where she received a unique, hands-on introduction to the rich fulfillment that can be earned through a life in ag. She went on to earn an associate of science degree in agri-business, was then married to her husband Peter, and finally returned to the land she's always known to raise their daughter Kadence, on the edge of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. The Bradley family run Angus cattle and Quarter Horses amongst some of the most beautiful foothills featured throughout the Treasure State. prgtoken In addition to her tireless work on the ranch, Trina Jo maintains an esteemed record of service to Montana's agricultural community through various leadership roles in organizations such as the Marias River Livestock Association, Montana Cattlewomen, North Country Cattlewomen, and the Rocky Mountain Front Ranchlands Group. In 2019, Trina Jo was appointed to the State of Montana's Grizzly Bear Advisory Council to apply her firsthand accounts with these apex predators in pursuit of sensible grizzly bear conservation practices. prgtoken Much of Trina Jo's time is spent educating people on the dynamics of working and living with a grizzly bear on personal property, including the threat this species inflicts upon livestock and how families can best protect children. She has been an outspoken advocate for grizzly bear management to be returned to the State of Montana, with hopes that the species will finally be delisted in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem--NCDE--in northwest Montana. prgtoken It is my distinct honor to recognize Trina Jo Bradley for her commitment to preserving our Montana way of life through her extensive work in the agricultural sector and her leadership in the ongoing discussion surrounding grizzly bear management. Keep up the great work, Trina Jo. You make Montana proud.
LOWER ENERGY COSTS ACT
Bruce Westerman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2023-3-30

. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of this amendment. As we know, this bill is about permitting streamlining, including for domestic mineral projects. prgtoken The underlying bill allows for mining projects that have received funding under the Defense Production Act to be placed on the existing FAST-41 permitting dashboard. prgtoken My colleague's amendment states that mineral projects that contribute to certain technologies, such as electric vehicles, cannot be placed over and above other mined projects. prgtoken This amendment also supports responsible deployment of funds under the Defense Production Act. prgtoken Mineral production is vital to our national security, and H.R. 1 creates multiple opportunities to streamline the process for mineral development. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I recognize at this time the Natural Resources Committee staff who worked tirelessly to advance H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act. prgtoken I thank Ashley Nichols, Rebecca Konolige, Rob MacGregor, Tom Connally, Chris Marklund, Rebekah Hoshiko, Madeline Bryant, Kiel Weaver, Aniela Butler, Murray Miller, Sophia Varnasidis, Will King, Nancy Peele, and Vivian Moeglein. prgtoken I also thank the Members of the Conference and their staff for all the work that they have put into this legislation. This has really been a team effort to get this bill to the floor in a record amount of time to address an issue that is very prevalent in our country: to lower energy costs, to make America energy independent, to increase our national security, to break supply chains on China, and to make America be the leader of the world in the future. prgtoken H.R. 1 is the first step to that, and we should be proud to have put it on the floor. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and to support the underlying bill.
Amendment No. 35 Offered by Mr. Smith of New Jersey
Christopher H. Smith (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2023-3-30

. Mr. Chair, like canaries in coal mines, the recent spate of tragic whale and dolphin deaths and a well-founded suspicion that geophysical surveys, including the use of sonar may be a contributing cause, has brought new light and increased scrutiny to the fast-tracking of approximately 3,400 offshore wind turbines covering 2.4 million acres by 2030, more after that by 2040--all embedded into the ocean floor by massive pile drivers--in the North Atlantic Planning Area that includes New Jersey's coast. prgtoken The offshore wind industrialization approval process has left unaddressed and unanswered numerous serious questions concerning the potentially harmful environmental impact on whales, marine life, and the ecosystems that currently allow all sea creatures great and small to thrive. prgtoken Cindy Zipf, executive director of Clean Ocean Action, pointed out in testimony at a field hearing chaired by my good friend and colleague, Jeff Van Drew, that the National Marine Fisheries Service has said, ``Offshore wind is a new use of our marine waters, requiring substantial scientific and regulatory review.'' prgtoken So she asks: So, where is the substantial review? prgtoken My amendment, Mr. Chair, requires the U.S. Government Accountability Office, or GAO, to investigate the sufficiency of the environmental review process for offshore wind projects of the Marine Fisheries Service, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, and any other relevant Federal agency.
KIDNEY CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Young Kim (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-3-30

. Madam , March is also Kidney Cancer Awareness Month, so I rise in support of all Americans suffering from kidney disease and to highlight the importance of regular cancer screenings and learning about their risks. prgtoken According to the CDC, about 37 million adults are estimated to have kidney disease. Unfortunately, kidney disease is among the 10 most common cancers in both men and women, and 1 out of 3 Americans are at a heightened risk for kidney disease. prgtoken I also take this opportunity to honor and remember one of our former colleagues and friends, Representative Jim Hagedorn of Minnesota, who tragically lost his life last year due to kidney cancer. prgtoken Coincidentally, just recently, I found a letter he sent me just before he passed. As Jim used to say, ``Please visit your doctor regularly and get those annual cancer screenings. Early detection could save your life.''
HONORING MADELINE PUMARIEGA
Mario Diaz-Balart (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-3-30

in honor of Women's History Month, I rise today to recognize Madeline Pumariega whose lifelong dedication toward serving our students and her community has had a resounding impact on South Florida. prgtoken A cherished friend and brilliant leader, Madeline Pumariega may have inherited her passion for academics and service excellence from her mother, a Miami-Dade County Public School teacher. Pumariega's enthusiasm only grew while attending Miami Dade College as a student. She is devoted to ensuring that students have a path toward upward economic mobility through educational opportunities. This commitment led her to serve as President and CEO of Take Stock in Children, a statewide nonprofit focused on breaking the cycle of poverty by helping students complete their high school education and advance into postsecondary education and careers. prgtoken Her drive to serve and excel was exemplified in her appointment as the first female Hispanic chancellor of the Florida College System (FCS). In that role, she improved several Florida College System schools, helping them to rise in the rankings of U.S. News & World Report and other national measures. During her tenure, Florida was named No. I in higher education by U.S. News. In 2019, she became the executive vice president and provost of Tallahassee Community College, where she dutifully and successfully led the school during the unprecedented challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic. prgtoken A true trailblazer in academia, Madeline Pumariega's hard work and dedication has culminated in her current role as the President of Miami-Dade College. Under her leadership, Miami-Dade College has flourished, as Madeline has prioritized working with business partners to identify the skills needed by key industries, while tailoring higher education programs to match those needs. This intentional formation of strategic alliances and job pathways between companies and MDC students actively accelerates each graduate's ability to enter the workforce immediately. Her relentless drive to develop leaders and build thriving communities has contributed to numerous successes for students in South Florida and my district. prgtoken , as a commendable leader in academia, Madeline has proven her unwavering commitment through the success of each student she encounters. It is a privilege to honor this outstanding individual for her service, dedication, and invaluable contributions to the South Florida community today. We all benefit from the successes of the educators in our communities, and I thank Madeline for her work in advancing the futures of thousands of Floridian students.
VETERANS' COMPENSATION COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT ACT OF 2023
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2023-3-30

I rise today to join the chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs in asking that the Senate pass the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment--COLA--Act of 2023. prgtoken This is not the first time we have done this. This is an annual occurrence, and it is good to be back and suggesting to my colleagues that this nonpartisan bill--that we once again come together to pass it this year, 2023. prgtoken This legislation makes certain that the VA's compensation benefits, which millions of veterans--thousands of Kansans--receive and which their survivors rely on, keep pace with Social Security and are adjusted to match the Consumer Price Index. prgtoken As we enter another year of crushing inflation--as we unfortunately enter another year of crushing inflation--this commonsense legislation is necessary so that veterans and survivors are able to keep pace with rising costs, make ends meet, and continue to receive the support they have earned and deserve. prgtoken Yesterday, March 29, was National Vietnam War Veterans Day and the 50th anniversary of the last combat troops leaving Vietnam. This is an opportune time for us as a Senate, us as a Congress, us as a country to once again commit to making certain that veterans and their survivors receive the due support, the due respect, and the due recognition they deserve. prgtoken I want to take a moment to address a concern that veterans have brought to me regarding a December 22 report from the Congressional Budget Office and a proposal that was put forth to means test veterans' disability benefits. I do not support this idea, nor am I aware of any Member of Congress who is pursuing that idea, but it is running around on social media. If we can assure our veterans that is not a likelihood, that is a valuable thing to do and provide them some certainty and eliminate some fear they and their families may have. prgtoken Let me assure veterans and their loved ones right now I would oppose any legislation to enact that proposal. prgtoken As ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I know it is our responsibility not only in our committee but within this Senate Chamber to take care of our veterans--many of whom rely upon the Department of Veterans Affairs for financial support. This bill once again this year will help do that. I appreciate the cooperation from the chairman of the committee. prgtoken With that, .
LIEUTENANT COLONEL BILL WHEELER'S 105TH BIRTHDAY
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2023-3-30

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the 105th birthday of Lieutenant Colonel Bill Wheeler, which was on March 24. prgtoken Mr. Wheeler joined the U.S. Army in April 1941, during the buildup to U.S. involvement in World War II. He was eventually selected to be a member of the Army Air Corps, where he was commissioned as a second lieutenant. prgtoken Mr. Wheeler then went on to earn his pilot's wings in 1942, 1 year after the attacks on Pearl Harbor. prgtoken After serving in World War II, Lieutenant Colonel Wheeler left Active Duty to serve with a Reserve unit at Scott Field, Illinois, but his stay was short-lived as he commissioned back into the U.S. Army Air Forces a year later. prgtoken Mr. Wheeler continued to serve in the Air Force up until his retirement in 1970. Throughout his career, he flew multiple planes, such as the B-47, PT-19, and AT-6. prgtoken Mr. Wheeler's commitment to his country and his community serves as a testament to his character and the type of American we should all strive to be. prgtoken Again, I congratulate Lieutenant Colonel Bill Wheeler on his 105th birthday, and I wish him many, many more.
Amendment No. 35 Offered by Mr. Smith of New Jersey
Garret Graves (Republican, LA) \u2014 2023-3-30

such time as I may consume. Let me again clarify. The ranking member's comments, while clearly concerning, do not apply to this amendment. prgtoken , let me read from the amendment. ``The Administrator is authorized,'' it doesn't say, ``they shall.'' It says, ``is authorized.'' The second section says, ``The Administrator may require.'' prgtoken These are discretionary terms. There is nothing in here that is mandatory. It creates the ability of the Administrator to offer a general permit. prgtoken Most importantly, let's keep in mind, this doesn't waive any environmental laws or anything along those lines. What this does is, it simply says that if a permit has been issued and the agency is not fast enough in re-upping the permit, then what happens is that you continue operating under the previously approved permit. prgtoken Now, if the agency wants to reject a permit, if they want to take an action, all of that discretion is still retained by the Administrator. prgtoken , I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Scalise), the distinguished majority leader and the sponsor of this legislation.
VETERANS' COMPENSATION COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT ACT OF 2023
Roger F. Wicker (Republican, MS) \u2014 2023-3-30

I come to the floor today to discuss, again, a key constitutional duty to provide for the common defense. The Constitution lays this weighty task at the feet of Congress. We hold the purse strings, and today our task is to provide for sustained growth in the capacity and capability of our Armed Forces. For 30 years, we have lived off the military investments of the eighties and these investments have kept China and Russia and others from attacking us. They have kept us safe. prgtoken Today, those investments have largely expired, and both Beijing and Moscow are acting increasingly adversarial. In particular, China's military is growing so quickly that we will not long deter them unless we invest more in our military too. It will cost a lot to deter Beijing, but it will cost a lot more if we do not. prgtoken In February, I delivered a speech on our most dire national security challenge: preventing the Chinese aggression against Taiwan. Defending our security and prosperity means defending Taiwan. If the island falls, the global balance of power tilts for decades. Our children and grandchildren would then not live in an American-led 21st century. prgtoken Today, I will focus on the Chinese Communist Party's rapid military buildup and the U.S. ability to boost our military capability. I will show how both demand sustained real growth in our defense budget alongside increased reform and prioritization. Inexplicably, in the face of these facts, the President has proposed another military cut. Twice now, he has proposed cuts and twice Congress has replied with an emphatic and bipartisan no. Instead, Congress has added, over the last 2 fiscal years, $70 billion of targeted investments to our military to help us catch up with China. I am confident, on a bipartisan basis, again, we will do this for the next fiscal year. prgtoken Let's begin by outlining the rising threat of the Chinese Communist Party. As Congress considers this year's military spending commitments, we need to consider what we are up against. The U.S. military investment must counter Chinese military investment. If we do not, history may one day bestow on our moment--on this time--the ignominious title of a ``prewar period.'' I hope we are not in a prewar period. If we are prepared, there is a much greater chance that we can avoid a war in the future. prgtoken We know China intends to dominate the Pacific. They boast about it in public speeches, and they are building a military capable of turning their rhetoric into reality. We have debated what year we should be worried about. Some say 2023, 2025, 2027; some say 2035. Secretary Blinken says China wants to seize Taiwan on a much faster timeline than we have previously thought. The 2027 date, what some call the Davidson window, is based on Xi Jinping's orders to his military about when he expects them to be ready. We would all do well to remember that dictators start wars of aggression
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2023-3-30

I rise today to recognize Frank Thomas who is retiring as vice president and assistant to the chairman at Stephens, Inc after a long and dedicated career advocating on behalf of Arkansas. In his 27 years at Stephens, Inc he was responsible for a number of duties, including outreach to elected officials as leader of the government affairs office, but his service and impact on Arkansas started long before. prgtoken Frank first pursued a career in journalism while attending the University of Arkansas. He served as the student station manager of KUAF before assuming the role of news director. He went on to work as a reporter at television and radio stations in Michigan and New York. He was called to continue serving Arkansans as an adviser to U.S. Senator David where he served in a number of capacities, including as the Senator's chief of staff. prgtoken In 2019, Frank was inducted into the University of Arkansas's Lemke Alumni Society's Hall of Honor in recognition of graduates who have enjoyed distinguished careers in journalism, brought honor and integrity to their respective communities and contributed to the growth of the school. Frank's expansive career has given him valuable experience and a wealth of knowledge that he was kind enough to share with Arkansas interns interested in serving The Natural State through my office's summer internship speaker series. Throughout his life, he has represented the very best of a public servant. prgtoken I am grateful for the friendship we have built and for his advice. I wish Frank and wife Sylvia much happiness as he begins a well-deserved retirement. I am confident their family, son John, daughter Lauren, and granddaughter Finley are excited for this next chapter.
LOWER ENERGY COSTS ACT
Andrew Ogles (Republican, TN) \u2014 2023-3-30

Amendment No. 30 expresses the sense of Congress that the royalty rate for onshore Federal oil and gas leases be 12\1/2\ percent. This amendment establishes that it is the sense of Congress that the royalty rate of onshore Federal oil and gas prgtoken leases be 12\1/2\ percent, the pre-Inflation Reduction Act level. The so-called Inflation Reduction Act was filled with horrific policy and has only made things worse. prgtoken The Inflation Reduction Act is geared to severely harm American energy independence by, among other things, increasing royalty rates and fees while restricting access to energy resources. prgtoken Our country needs to produce more energy, not less, but designed their extreme climate agenda to restrict oil and natural gas production. prgtoken One measure of the so-called Inflation Reduction Act enabled the administration to raise the oil and gas royalty rate for certain offshore leases from the current 12\1/2\ percent to 16.67. prgtoken This measure will only result in less oil and gas production, harming consumers and our national security. prgtoken The administration doesn't even pretend otherwise. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said, It resets how and what we consider to be the highest and best use of American resources. prgtoken This is about the use of the land, and the administration clearly wants to block all of our lands from the use for oil and gas production. prgtoken My amendment simply returns onshore royalty rates to what it was 2 years ago, before this radical intervention. prgtoken This amendment would affirm the intent of the underlying bill, which would reset the royalty rate for onshore leases to 12\1/2\ percent. prgtoken Mr. Chair, .
VETERANS' COMPENSATION COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT ACT OF 2023
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-3-30

earlier this week, myself, Senator Cassidy, and Senator Cornyn, along with 35 of our colleagues, introduced an effort to block President 's plan to transfer student loan debt onto the back of hard-working Americans. This includes ending the pause on student loan payments, which has been extended six times since the start of the pandemic. prgtoken What might seem like a ``free pass'' in making payments on student loans is, actually, a scheme orchestrated by the administration that could cost taxpayers an estimated $900 billion. prgtoken Let's break it down: $400 billion to cancel student loan debt, $195 billion to pause loan payments and interest accrued during the pandemic, and $200 billion to implement President 's loan repayment rule. prgtoken Folks, $900 billion is more than the Federal Government has ever spent on higher education in our Nation's history. To give you some additional perspective, this radical proposal costs--get this, folks-- three times more than what the government will spend on Pell grants in this decade--in this decade--a program designed to help our neediest students. prgtoken This is not debt cancellation. It is socialism. prgtoken President is rewarding those who chose the path of higher education by strapping their debt onto the backs of those who did not. prgtoken This is a personal issue to me. prgtoken My brother chose to enter the workforce directly out of high school. My brother is a hard-working union laborer. prgtoken My sister worked to put herself through community college. She received an associate's degree in Southwest Iowa. She works for a trucking company and farms. prgtoken Their stories are similar to many Iowans across my home State. Why should countless Americans who made responsible, financial planning decisions be forced to take on the debts of others? prgtoken 's plan is unfair and unaffordable. It is fanning the flames of inflation and is a driving factor in our growing Federal debt. Most importantly, this transfer of student loan debt does nothing to address and may actually be contributing to the real issue of rising costs to attend college. prgtoken What message does this send to veterans who pursue higher education through the GI bill or medical professionals who joined the National Health Service Corps? prgtoken I was able to cover a portion of my college tuition at Iowa State University through an ROTC scholarship. Joining the Army after graduation was a privilege and an honor. I made a commitment to my country, and, in return, they made a commitment to me to help me receive my college degree. prgtoken President 's radical proposal invalidates many other successful loan forgiveness and repayment programs designed to incentivize participation in critical fields, including the military, public service, and medicine. prgtoken Instead of putting a bandaid on the problem and passing the buck, we should be giving stu