mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
SATELLITE AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS STREAMLINING ACT
Cathy McMorris Rodgers (Republican, WA) \u2014 2023-7-25

I rise in support of H.R. 1338, the Satellite And Telecommunications Streamlining Act that I am proud to lead with Ranking Member Pallone. prgtoken The SAT Streamlining Act is the first legislation in over two decades to update our laws governing how communications services using satellite technologies are licensed by the FCC. prgtoken Satellite communications systems play a pivotal role in closing the digital divide. Yet, the legal framework for licensing new and innovative satellite technologies has not kept pace with the 21st century. prgtoken Other adversaries, like China, seek to overtake our lead in developing these next-generation technologies. The SAT Streamlining Act would reform and improve the FCC's process to make the United States the destination of choice for licensing satellite communications systems without expanding the FCC's authority. prgtoken Our goal today is to ensure that the FCC does not become a space traffic cop and try to manage space traffic management functions or provide space situational awareness information. We added rules of construction to clarify the FCC does not have the authority to be the space traffic cop and affirm that nothing in H.R. 1338 would expand the existing authority of the FCC currently regarding orbital debris and space safety. prgtoken I will read the Rules of Construction. If you look at the Rules of Construction--this is section 3(A). ``Space Situational Awareness Services and Information. Nothing in this subsection, including the rules issued pursuant to paragraph (1)(A), shall be construed to grant the Commission authority to carry out the functions provided under section 2274 of title 10, United States Code . . . '' prgtoken Then you go to section B: ``Space Safety and Orbital Debris. Nothing in this subsection, including the rules issued pursuant to paragraph (1)(A), shall be construed to expand the authority of the Commission to establish requirements for or regulate space safety and orbital debris.'' prgtoken Subsection C. ``Authority of Commission Under This Act. Nothing in subparagraph (A) or (B) shall be construed to limit the authority of the Commission with respect to space stations licensed under this Act.'' prgtoken Those are the Rules of Construction. prgtoken This legislation today is to provide certainty to satellite operators by setting out clear performance objectives for satellite communications systems. prgtoken These changes will ensure that as satellite operators choose a venue for licensing their global systems, the United States' regulatory process is more appealing than other nations. prgtoken The SAT Act would establish an expedited review process for approving minor modifications to satellite communications systems, which will get new technologies into space sooner. prgtoken Second, the legislation would promote competition among satellite communications providers. prgtoken Spectrum access is a necessary component of global satellite
NEVER FORGET THE DEBT OF GRATITUDE THAT WE OWE OUR NATION'S HEROES
Nicholas A. Langworthy (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-7-25

we must never forget the debt of gratitude we owe to our Nation's heroes. prgtoken This year's Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies appropriations bill does just that. prgtoken First and foremost, this bill ensures that veterans' healthcare programs receive full funding. We have an obligation to provide them with the best medical care and support they deserve without compromise. prgtoken This initiative also aims to make the VA more efficient, which will give our prgtoken veterans improved access to the care and resources they need to lead fulfilling lives after their service. prgtoken Beyond funding, we recognize the need to address the challenges our veterans face as they transition back to civilian life. Our focus remains on preserving and strengthening programs that assist veterans in finding meaningful employment, educational opportunities, and mental health support. prgtoken In conclusion, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation to show our veterans the same unwavering dedication that they have shown to us.
FBI FORM 1023
Marjorie Taylor Greene (Republican, GA) \u2014 2023-7-25

on January 21, 2021, I introduced Articles of Impeachment against , and less than 2 weeks later, I was kicked off all of my committees by House Nancy Pelosi. They said it was for Facebook comments and replies and likes, but we all know the truth. It was because my Articles of Impeachment on were correct. He was indeed abusing his power as Vice President of the United States. prgtoken Now we have more information to prove that not only was I right then, but it was more damning than we already knew, but I will roll back. President was wrongfully impeached twice, and both of these impeachments must be expunged by the House of Representatives. prgtoken , what I would like to talk about is the difference in the type of information we have. The brought out the Steele dossier. The Steele dossier was written as a political opposition research paper. The information was written by a contractor, and it was fed to the FBI with no transparency on sub sources. The contractor had no primary source information, and the FBI operationalized uncorroborated claims to secure FISA warrants on political campaign officials of the opposing political party. prgtoken Information was later debunked by Congress, the Inspector General, and special counsel investigations; but the mainstream media won Pulitzer Prizes on the bogus Russian narrative, and then they led the witch hunt leading to impeaching President over a phone call with the President of Ukraine. prgtoken , let me tell the House what type of information we actually have. We have an FBI form called an FD-1023 form. Here is the difference for the public listening. On the FD-1023 form, the information originated from an FBI informant who had been relied on for many years and was considered the FBI's top informant and was also paid roughly $200,000 over multiple years by the FBI. prgtoken Information was written by the FBI agent on the official FBI form and relied on with no additional sub sources. The FBI informant was a direct ear- and eyewitness to the information provided. prgtoken The FBI apparently took no action to further the investigative claim. The FBI has refused to describe any investigative steps to assess the investigative information; therefore, it has not been debunked despite the White House's lies and false claims. prgtoken The mainstream media has largely ignored the story or parroted the White House false claims. prgtoken What does the FD-1023 form tell us? prgtoken I will tell you exactly what it says, , because not only have I read it, but I also have it in my possession right here. prgtoken This is a form that the American people and the entire public should have because it is unclassified. Nevertheless, Christopher Wray, the Director of the FBI, forced us to read it in a SCIF and would not hand it over to us. prgtoken Thankfully, Senator Chuck Grassley released this form because it was provided to him by
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2023-7-25

this month, millions of Americans received a very rude awakening as they saw the horrors of human trafficking playing out on the big screen. prgtoken I say that they had a rude awakening because until very recently, the fight against modern-day slavery has been an uphill battle on multiple fronts. prgtoken Transnational criminal organizations have turned the buying and selling of human beings into a $150 billion-a-year enterprise, and current policy has made it almost impossible to catch them. prgtoken Of course, the work being done on a Federal, State, and local level to help trafficking victims hasn't been made any easier by the astonishing number of people who insist that human trafficking is a myth or that things aren't nearly as bad as advocates make it out to be. prgtoken That is some truly impressive spin. It is really quite disgusting. And right now, the American people are wondering why that is the message that, apparently, is driving this administration and, unfortunately, some of my Senate ic colleagues when we have so much evidence to the contrary. prgtoken Human trafficking is an epidemic. Tennesseans have asked me, and they want to know, how could this happen in this country? How could this human trafficking issue have gotten to be so bad, and what are we going to do to stop it? prgtoken I will tell you, the data does not lie. In the interest of setting the record straight, I want to start by offering to my colleagues a few statistics showing us just how bad things have gotten for the victims of human trafficking. That $150 billion-per-year figure that I mentioned a few moments ago doesn't come from me; it doesn't come from a nonprofit. This comes from this administration's Department of Homeland Security. That is their assessment. That is their number. prgtoken If you want to look it up, I encourage you. Go to the report that DHS issued in January; you are going to find that stat on page 2 of that report. Yes, indeed. Selling of human beings, trafficking of human beings is, indeed, $150 billion-a-year business. And it is happening right here, every community, every State, all across this country. Should we accept that? Absolutely not. prgtoken Here is another one for you: DHS also estimates that there are--get this number--30 million victims of sex trafficking and forced labor around the world. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation estimates that, on average in the United States, a child is bought or sold for sex every 2 minutes. Think about that. Every 2 minutes a child--a child--is bought or sold for sex every 2 minutes. prgtoken This is what is going on. This is what is happening right here: modern-day slavery. You better believe it is modern-day slavery. prgtoken In fiscal year 2022, DHS alone--just DHS--helped 765 confirmed victims of human trafficking. They initiated another 1,373 cases and made 3,655 arrests. As of this January, they had convicted 638 traffickers and ind
NATIONAL HIRE A VETERAN DAY
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-7-25

. Madam , I rise to honor today as National Hire a Veteran Day. prgtoken This day is crucial to the spirit and health of both America's veterans and our communities. Set aside to raise awareness to the unique skills and useful abilities of servicemembers after military service, we must use this day to recognize the sacrifice and the strength of our veterans. prgtoken In America's private and public sectors, qualities like dedication, determination, and tenacity are highly valuable. These are features fostered during military service and can be even more useful in nonmilitary employment. As 200,000 military members retire and become veterans each year, more and more qualified potential employees are eligible to join the greater American workforce. prgtoken Madam , as employers look to hire, they must value the talent present amongst our American troops. Each and every servicemember deserves the opportunities to create unique and positive impact after they have made sacrifices to defend our great Nation.
HONORING CATESBY WOODFORD CLAY
Andy Barr (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-7-25

I rise today to honor the life of an exceptional man, Catesby Woodford Clay, of Paris, Kentucky, who today is celebrating his 100th birthday and a lifetime of leadership in the fields of natural resources and Thoroughbred racehorses. A staunch philanthropist, Mr. Clay has devoutly practiced his Catholic faith with his wife, Elizabeth ``Biz'' Clay, while raising 8 children and shepherding 15 grandchildren into the future. prgtoken Although known by friends for his mischievous levity and penchant for boldly-colored clothes, Mr. Clay has been a most serious achiever. For over 73 years, he served Kentucky River Coal Corp, and its successor, Kentucky River Properties, in many roles, including president and board chairman. Kentucky River Properties has risen as a major regional operation with extensive coal reserves and more than 140,000 acres of Appalachian hardwood forests. prgtoken Yet it is the welfare of people that has always been a top priority for Mr. Clay. He championed corporate charitable efforts that resulted in millions of dollars in contributions and scholarships for Kentucky colleges and public school systems, in addition to the establishment of an endowment fund for nursing scholarships and funding for drug addiction treatment. prgtoken As the scion of a prominent family whose roots extend throughout the annals of Kentucky, he was the third generation to run historic Runnymede Farm, birthplace of 4 Kentucky Derby winners including this year's victor Mage. Mr. Clay bred top racehorses over 7 decades that won major races in Europe and Asia in addition to North America. prgtoken Beyond forging an international reputation for elite horses, Mr. Clay served as a member of the Kentucky Racing Commission and as a 45-year stalwart on Churchill Downs' board of directors. He was feted as the 2009 Honored Guest by the Thoroughbred Club of America. prgtoken A graduate of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, Mr. Clay has generously supported Catholic missions from Kentucky to Africa and Asia. His son, Catesby ``Chris'' Jr followed his spiritual path to become an ordained priest. prgtoken Thus, I am honored to recognize Catesby Woodford Clay on his 100th birthday for his gentlemanly stewardship of a unique family heritage, his devotion to charitable causes, and his lifetime of success while committed to faith and family.
MIFEPRISTONE IS A DEADLY DRUG
John W. Rose (Republican, TN) \u2014 2023-7-25

as a Christian, a father, and conservative Member of Congress, I make no secret about it. I am absolutely 100 percent, unapologetically pro-life. I believe life begins at conception, and I believe that we must do everything we can to protect the innocent children living in their mother's wombs who are unable to protect themselves. prgtoken This week, House s and the House will be considering H.R. 4368, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies appropriations bill for fiscal year 2024. This bill not only funds many valuable programs on which our farmers and families rely to get food and fiber to our tables, but it also funds the Food and Drug Administration which plays a vital role in the food and drug safety of our country. prgtoken Recently, under President , the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, has done the unthinkable: It has approved and expanded the use of mifepristone--a drug that induces a chemical abortion--for delivery by mail. prgtoken This is wrong on so many levels. For starters, let me be clear: this is a deadly drug not only for the baby in the womb, but it can also be deadly for the expectant mother taking it. prgtoken According to a scholarly article in ``Issues in Law and Medicine'' titled: ``Deaths and Severe Adverse Events after the use of Mifepristone as an Abortifacient from September 2000 to February 2019,'' out of 2,660 codable adverse reactions, 20 resulted in deaths, 529 were life-threatening to the mother, and 1,957 were severe adverse reactions. prgtoken Given the potentially deadly side effects, what possible justification does the FDA have to approve such a dangerous drug for distribution through the mail, allowing patients to self-administer it without close medical supervision given the potentially dangerous side effects? prgtoken Giving a political payback to the abortion industrial complex is not a justification. In fact, there is no justification whatsoever, in my view. Regardless of where you stand on the debate about abortion, this is truly abhorrent. prgtoken I don't believe anyone in their right mind would say that this drug is safe prgtoken for human consumption. We already know for sure that consuming this drug ends one human life and it has the potential to actually end two lives every time a pregnant woman takes it. prgtoken That is why s have included language in the appropriations bill that funds the FDA that prohibits the use of this dangerous and deadly mail-order chemical abortion drug. I hope my colleagues on the other side of the aisle can recognize the clear and present danger this FDA policy represents and make the commonsense decision to support this provision rather than trying to strip it out in the amendment process. prgtoken We can only hope for a future where these practices finally come to an end. Until then, conservatives like me will continue fighting to rein in the FDA's re
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-7-25

Deng Xiaoping often repeated a Chinese proverb: Hide Your strength. Bide your time. Never take the lead. prgtoken As a result of that strategy, which worked beyond anybody's imagination, whether by the People's Republic of China or the Chinese Communist Party, America slumbered during the economic rise of the People's Republic of China. American companies invested. Chinese students studied here and then went home to use their new education to compete against us while intellectual property theft, forced technology transfers, and cyber crime emanating from the People's Republic of China have become rampant. prgtoken Well, I think it is fair to say that the colossus that is America has finally awakened from its slumber and realized what a challenge China is to us and to world peace. prgtoken Today, the market value of American investments in the PRC numbers in the trillions of dollars. Those are American companies that invested in China that helped them to grow their economy. It is no exaggeration to say that we have helped to build their economy into a near-peer status and helped them to finance a military that threatens us and our allies in the Indo-Pacific. prgtoken What this amendment does that Senator Casey and I have been pursuing is to seek transparency. We need to understand as policymakers exactly what is going on. We are not asking for any sort of limitation on investments in the PRC. It just makes sense to me that we should know what is going on so that we can consider whether there are any policy options that we ought to embrace. prgtoken We policymakers need to know what American companies are doing to help finance an aggressive, authoritarian adversary. What we do know about this and what we do about this is a debate for another day. First, we need to know the facts. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join us in supporting this commonsense amendment. Vote on Amendment No. 931
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2023-7-26

in 1793, in his annual address to Congress, George Washington noted: If we desire to avoid insult, we must be able to repel it; if we desire to secure peace, one of the most powerful instruments of our rising prosperity, it must be known that we are at all times ready for war. prgtoken Or in the words of another President nearly 200 years later: We maintain the peace through our strength; weakness only invites aggression. prgtoken The United States has a well-deserved reputation for strength, and aggressors think twice before tangling with the U.S. military. But strength has to be maintained, and we have not done a good job, or good-enough job, of that lately. prgtoken Five years ago, the bipartisan National Defense Strategy Commission released a report warning that our readiness had eroded to the point where we might struggle to win a war against a major power like China. While we have made some progress since then at rebuilding our readiness, we are still a long way from where we need to be. prgtoken Recent U.S. war games envisioning a United States-China conflict following an attack on Taiwan have had grim results, showing enormous military and economic costs on both sides. One news story on these war games noted: And while the ultimate outcome in these exercises is not always clear--the U.S. does better in some than others--the cost is [clear]. In every exercise the U.S. uses up all its long-range air-to-surface missiles in a few days, with a substantial portion of its planes destroyed on the ground. prgtoken Let me just repeat that last line: In every exercise the U.S. uses up all its long-range air- to-surface missiles in a few days, with a substantial portion of its planes destroyed on the ground. prgtoken I don't need to tell anyone that that is a profoundly concerning position for us to be in. China is growing increasingly aggressive in the Indo-Pacific and has also adopted an increasingly aggressive posture toward the United States, and it is investing heavily in its military. prgtoken If we want to deter China aggression, we have to ensure that our military is strong enough to make China want to avoid challenging us. We can't accomplish that if we would run out of key munitions in a few days of combat. prgtoken While China has to be a major focus when it comes to our defense policy, it is far from the only threat out there. Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine is all the reminder that we need that Russia is not a peaceful nation. North Korea launched two missiles just this Monday. Iran continues to pursue its aggressive nuclear agenda, threaten Israel, and attempt to seize ships in the Persian Gulf. And the list goes on; which brings me to this year's National Defense Authorization Act, which the Senate expects to wrap up this week. prgtoken I am pleased to report that this year's NDAA makes real progress