mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO CHARLES C. OWEN, JR.
Edward J. Markey (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-11-6

today I recognize Charlie Owen, as he concludes his remarkable tenure as president of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees--AFSCME--Council 93. prgtoken Charles C. Owen, Jr was born on January 29, 1950, a son of the tightly knit Irish community in South Boston, MA. In 1968, he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany before heading to Vietnam, where he fought for his country. He returned to the United States with an honorable discharge in 1971. In 1975, he went into the public service, securing a job working as a mechanic in the city of Boston Police Department, repairing police cars. He went on to serve the city of Boston for 46 years. prgtoken Charlie almost never worked just one job. Like many people in this country, he had to work multiple jobs to support his family. He worked as an emergency medical technician, and for 20 years, he was a day-of- game employee for his beloved Boston Red Sox. He was a part of the Red Sox operation not just for the storied--and curse-breaking--2004 championship season, but also for the 2007, 2013, and 2018 World Series winning seasons. And, typical of Charlie, he didn't just work the games. For over a decade, he ran his own charitable golf tournament, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Jimmy Fund, the Red Sox charitable foundation that fights both childhood and adult cancer. prgtoken But it was as a city of Boston employee that Charlie really found his niche as a union activist. He got involved in his local and eventually became the president of AFSCME Local 804, which represents supervisors and managers across the city of Boston. To this day, he remains a loyal, dues-paying member of Local 804. Across decades of union activism, Charlie learned to negotiate contracts, to stand up for his members at work, to work with management to solve complicated workplace problems, to figure out which political candidates would stand up for workers, to help elect those candidates to office, and to persuade elected officials to pass laws that would help working families. In 2011, he ran for the vice presidency of AFSCME Council 93, the umbrella organization for all AFSCME Locals in Northern New England. He won his election and, in 2012, ascended to the presidency of the council. prgtoken He has travelled all over New England, and indeed all over the country, talking to workers in Tennessee, Texas, Colorado, and elsewhere about standing together to have a voice at work. He has spoken with elected officials at every level about the concerns of workers--the need for a living wage, decent health insurance, and a dignified retirement. This includes three American Presidents-- President Bill Clinton, President , and President --as well as any number of Presidential candidates. prgtoken In short, Charlie Owen is a great American. He has served his country from almost the moment he turned 18, as a member of
ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2023
Jeff Merkley (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2023-11-6

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, November 7; that, following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be deemed expired, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; that upon the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Bertagnolli nomination, post-cloture; further, that all time on the nomination be considered expired at 11:45 a.m and that following the cloture vote on the Kato nomination, the Senate stand in recess until 2:15 p.m. to allow for weekly caucus meetings; further, that if cloture has been invoked on the Kato nomination, all time be considered expired at 2:15 p.m.; and that if cloture has been invoked on the Kobick nomination, all time be considered expired at 5:30 p.m.; finally, that if any nominations are confirmed during Tuesday's session, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
HONORING COLONEL GLEN T. HELBERG
Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-11-6

I am honored to recognize my constituent, Colonel Glen Helberg, whose dedicated service as a military officer for 20 years exemplifies courage and outstanding leadership throughout a distinguished career. prgtoken COL Helberg's journey began when he was commissioned as an Infantry Officer after graduating from the United States Military Academy in 1999. His first assignment was with the 2nd Battalion, 187th Infantry, 101st Infantry Division, Ft Campbell, KY, from 2000 to 2002. There, he served as a rifle platoon leader and scout platoon leader and was later deployed to Afghanistan to support Operation Enduring Freedom. He eventually returned to Afghanistan on deployment twice in 2010 and 2012. After his command, COL Helberg's leadership was called on for various Joint Special Operations Task Forces. prgtoken Throughout his extensive career, COL Helberg has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Bronze Star Medal (2nd Award), Defense Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Award), Meritorious Service Medal (4th Award), Army Commendation Medal (4th Award), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, and Valorous Unit Award (4th Award), among others. prgtoken In addition to a remarkable career and extensive service to his country, I would also like to recognize COL Helberg as a beloved friend, father, and husband to Colonel Shannon Helberg. For over two decades, the Helbergs have exemplified the sacrifice of what it means to be a military family. Through numerous household moves across the country, changing schools for the Helberg children, and deployments to dangerous places for both Glen and Shannon, the Helbergs have remained steadfast in their dedication to our great nation and to each other. prgtoken I wish Glen and the Helberg family good luck in their future endeavors and thank them for their untiring service to this country.
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2023-11-6

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
AMERICAN BATTLEFIELD PROTECTION PROGRAM ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2023
Gerald E. Connolly (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-11-6

I rise today to speak in support of the American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act, a vital piece of legislation that I had the privilege of introducing with my fellow Congressional Battlefield Caucus co-chair Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. This bill builds upon the success of the American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP), which has played a crucial role in preserving our Nation's hallowed battlegrounds associated with the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War. Since its inception in 2002, the ABPP has helped conserve over 35,000 acres of historic battlefield land across 42 States. prgtoken The American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act proposes several important improvements to further enhance the effectiveness of ABPP. prgtoken It would allow non-profit organizations and tribes to apply for ABPP grants directly. Currently, only government entities are eligible to seek these grants. This change will expedite the preservation of endangered battlefields by broadening the pool of eligible applicants and harnessing the commitment and expertise of nonprofit organizations and tribal nations. prgtoken Additionally, the bill clarifies the scope of ABPP's restoration grants. Currently, these grants can only be utilized on land preserved using ABPP program funding. This proposed change will extend the use of restoration grants to other priority battlefields identified in the 1993 Civil War Sites Advisory Commission Report and in the 2007 Report to Congress on the Historic Preservation of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites. This will ensure that their historical significance can be maintained and restored. prgtoken This legislation also clarifies the eligibility of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 sites for Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants. By codifying that these grants are solely intended for battlefield sites as identified in the Congressionally authorized reports on these two conflicts, we will uphold the original intent of ABPP and ensure the protection of these historic battlegrounds. prgtoken Finally, the bill introduces a much-needed process for updating battlefield boundaries. Despite decades of new research and archaeological discoveries, the National Park Service currently lacks a method to modify and update the battlefield maps they use. Without a systematic process for modifying boundaries, we risk losing portions of battlefields whose importance has been revealed through ongoing research. Our bill would require the National Park Service to periodically update the battlefield reports to Congress. prgtoken The American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act is a critical step in our ongoing efforts to protect our Nation's heritage by building a rich educational experience for students and visitors alike. By allowing non-profits and tribes to apply for ABPP grants, clarifying the scope of restoration grants, ensuring eligibility for Revolutio
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 4664, FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024
Teresa Leger Fernandez (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2023-11-7

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , first, I will touch on the idea that the tax cuts are suddenly the Pelosi tax cuts. That is ridiculous. We know the tax cuts. They claimed them. They want to extend them. In fact, they have already been working on a bill in the Ways and Means Committee that would increase tax cuts for the wealthy, but let's put that aside. prgtoken , let me talk about something else that is in this bill that is very problematic. We know that we are in a period when elections are so key, and preserving the integrity of our elections and making sure that those who work on the democratic process, the day-to- day process of making sure that our elections work, have all the help that they can get. prgtoken Right now, State and local election administrators are working hard to make sure that is possible, but they are afraid. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent to include in the Record the 2023 Brennan Center poll analysis about the high turnover of election officials amid safety threats and political interference.
Unanimous Consent Request--H.R. 6126 (Executive Session)
Amy Klobuchar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2023-11-7

reserving the right to object, I rise today to implore my colleagues to pass a national security supplemental in line with what Senator Shaheen, the great Senator from New Hampshire, just outlined: yes, to stand up to the Hamas terrorists but also to stand up for an open and free Indo-Pacific, to stand up for humanitarian aid, and to stand up to Vladimir Putin and his barbaric invasion of our ally Ukraine. prgtoken That is what I am going to focus on today because I have seen many of our colleagues on both side of the aisle standing proudly with President Zelenskyy. The rhetoric of standing up for democracy has to be matched by what happens in this bill. Just as Putin has shown his true colors--intentionally bombing apartment buildings, capturing cities, and slaughtering innocents, abducting Ukrainian children--the Ukrainian people have shown theirs in bright blue and yellow against all odds. prgtoken Since the invasion last February, Ukraine has reclaimed 50 percent of the territory that Russia unlawfully seized from them. prgtoken As the Ukrainians advance, Putin--what has happened? He tried to capture Kyiv, but he failed. He tried to wipe Ukraine off the map, but he failed. He tried to drive a wedge between the United States and our allies, but he failed. He tried to topple the Ukrainian Government, but he failed. prgtoken Putin tried to break the Ukrainian spirit, but he has made it stronger. He tried to break NATO, but NATO added member states. prgtoken Our Ukrainian allies have persevered against all odds. When Putin tried to weaponize winter, Ukraine kept the lights on. When he tried to stop them from producing and selling grain, Ukraine found a way forward. prgtoken In his visit to Washington, DC, in September, President Zelenskyy made it clear: Ukraine as we know it depends on the support of its allies--not just the United States but countries in Europe, countries like South Korea, countries like Japan. To abandon our allies now would be a dereliction of duty. prgtoken We will not abandon our allies. As Americans, we believe in government based on the principles of democracy and decency at home and abroad. After World War II, we made it clear that big countries can't invade little countries. Our fight is not only a fight for Ukraine; it is a fight for protecting democracy across the globe. prgtoken As President Zelenskyy said at the U.N. earlier this year, if we allow Ukraine to be carved up, is the independence of any nation secure? prgtoken We know what Putin has done--bombed hospitals, schools, apartment buildings; continues to weaponize food and energy. We cannot let our Ukrainian allies succumb because the United States just decided, eh, we said we were going to do this before, but now, we don't think so. That is not standing up for democracy. As my colleagues have so well pointed out, other tyrants in the world are watching. They are watching to see if we keep our covenants. They are
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 4664, FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024
Adriano Espaillat (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-11-7

. Madam , I rise in opposition to the lack of resources for safe and affordable housing in the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development funding bill. prgtoken Sadly, it does nothing to address the significant housing and community development needs of our constituents. prgtoken Across the country, Madam , more Americans than ever are cost burdened with the price of rent. Parents are worried about whether they can keep a roof over their families' head. Frankly, Madam , the rent is too damn high. prgtoken This bill rescinds $560 million from accounts that would address the current harmful conditions of the housing that residents currently face. prgtoken The New York City Housing Authority has revealed that over the next 5 years, to address the current and future capital needs, the agency will need $60 billion. These needs will only continue to compound. prgtoken Instead of helping make these investments, the bill funds the public housing fund at a $150 million below last year's fiscal budget. prgtoken Americans deserve to live in safe, reliable, and dignified housing, Madam . The bill does nothing, absolutely nothing, to accomplish this, and I urge my colleagues to vote against its final passage.
Unanimous Consent Request--H.R. 6126 (Executive Session)
Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2023-11-7

reserving the right to object, I join my colleagues in opposition to Senator Marshall's proposal and in support of a supplemental funding request that prgtoken recognizes the breadth of our national security interests, which should include Ukraine, Israel, and the emerging challenges in the Indo- Pacific region. prgtoken In Ukraine, as we know, Russia's brutal campaign of aggression is threatening the country's freedom and sovereignty, and the horrific events of October 7--1 month ago today--have forced Israel to defend itself in response to the worst terrorist attack that they have encountered. Both nations--both nations--face a similar threat against adversaries that seek to destroy them: Hamas wants to wipe Israel off the map. Putin wants to absorb Ukraine into Russia to recreate the Soviet Union. prgtoken Now, our allies and partners have already contributed a total of $94.1 billion to support Ukraine's war and recovery effort. And we, alongside our international partners, recognize that the Ukrainian people are not only defending their land and freedom, they are fighting for the preservation of liberal democracies around the world. prgtoken What some of my colleagues overlook in their singular campaign in support of Israel is just how closely the fate of Ukraine and Israel are tied together, and there is one country which links both of those countries together. That country is Iran. Iran has been complicit in Russia's actions in Ukraine, exporting weapons and drones which inflict further bloodshed and harm on the Ukrainian people, and Iran is backing Hamas, which is waging war on the State of Israel. prgtoken And what is especially egregious is the blatant display of their malign partnership. Last week, Putin hosted Hamas and Iranian leadership, and Hamas expressed appreciation for Russia's criticism of Israeli sanctions. prgtoken This bill that Senator Marshall is proposing would also cost the Federal government $27 billion--almost double what it provides to support Israel--and Senator Van Hollen has been very eloquent in the reasons why that seems to be in the bill. prgtoken But it also strips out essential funding we need to address: the pacing threat from China in the Indo-Pacific. It ignores the humanitarian needs for both Ukraine and Israel. But most important, we can't pick and choose when the United States stands on the side of freedom and democracy. Do we really want to give a green light to Vladimir Putin to continue his revisionist crusade across Europe? Do we really want to give the impression to the allies and adversaries that the United States can't be depended on as a trusted partner? Do we really want to sow doubt in President Xi's mind that the United States will stand up for a free and open Indo-Pacific? prgtoken Our adversaries want the United States to fall short in standing up for our allies. They want us to be divided. We need to show them that we are united, and I am ver
Unanimous Consent Request--H.R. 6126 (Executive Session)
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2023-11-7

reserving the right to object, at this moment of danger and peril around the world, we, the United States, must support our friends and democracies that are under attack from brutal adversaries. That means ensuring that Israel has the right to defend itself in the aftermath of the brutal October 7 attack of Hamas. It also means ensuring that the people of Ukraine can defend themselves against Putin's rank aggression. prgtoken This proposal on the floor today is tantamount to surrendering to Putin's aggression. This is waving the white flag. prgtoken All of us were gathered in the Old Senate Chamber--most of us-- recently when President Zelenskyy addressed the U.S. Senate. President Zelenskyy was very clear that the Ukrainians would continue to fight on no matter what. But he was equally clear that without the support of the United States and our allies, Putin has the upper hand, and it becomes a matter of time. prgtoken As we speak here, the Ukrainians are shedding blood. They are giving their lives. For God's sake, the least we could do is continue to provide them with the military and other assistance they need to fight off aggression, and time is of the essence in Ukraine. prgtoken And as my colleagues have said, this is not only about defending democracy and sovereignty in Ukraine; it is about the credibility of the NATO alliance and our other European partners who have come together to say to Putin: We stand together against your aggression. prgtoken The United States takes a walk, it sends a terrible signal not just to Ukraine but to all our NATO partners with whom we also say we have shared security interest. They see the United States walk away, it undermines the credibility of the entire alliance, not just with respect to Ukraine but with respect to any further aggression by Putin or others. prgtoken And it is not just about the NATO alliance. As my colleagues have said, this is also about other autocrats around the world who are watching very closely what happens in Ukraine, including what happens with respect to U.S. support in Ukraine. prgtoken President Xi is watching very closely as he keeps one eye on Taiwan. So make no mistake about it, you can't get out here on the Senate floor and say you want to help protect Taiwan, say that you want to be tough on China when you are weak on Ukraine because what happens in Ukraine has a direct bearing on what happens to Taiwan and a direct bearing on Xi's aggression in the Indo-Pacific region. You can't have it both ways. That has been very clear from our allies in East Asia. prgtoken Talk to the leaders of Japan. Talk to the leaders in the Republic of Korea. Talk to other leaders in the Indo-Pacific. They say, if the United States walks on assistance to Ukraine, that our credibility will be totally undermined with respect to our allies in the Indo-Pacific region and that President Xi will have the upper hand there. So let's not pretend we are tou