mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-7-19

later this morning, it will be my honor to join congressional leaders in welcoming President Isaac Herzog of Israel to the Capitol for a joint address to Congress. prgtoken Since the founding of the Nation of Israel 75 years ago, he has been one of America's most important allies and fiercest friends. The United States was the first country to recognize Israel as an independent state; and to this day, our bond remains strong, our partnership essential. prgtoken While we have our differences, the United States and Israel are united in the most profound ways that two nations could be. America's support for Israel must never waver because Israel will be an essential partner for the United States in the 21st century. prgtoken I look forward to meeting with President Herzog this morning, and I join congressional leaders in welcoming him to Congress.
HONORING THE LIFE OF CHRISTOPHER RAKER
Jared Huffman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-7-19

I rise today to honor Christopher Raker who passed away at the age of 78 on July 5, 2023. Christopher was a longtime resident of Mill Valley and beloved member of the community. prgtoken Born in San Francisco to John and Elda Jane Raker, Christopher, nicknamed Chris, lived in the Palace Hotel where his grandfather was a general manager. The family later moved to Concord, Massachusetts and Chris enrolled at Columbia University before joining the Navy and serving as a lieutenant during the Vietnam War. After his military service Chris earned a master's degrees in English Literature from the University of Virginia, and a master's degree in architecture from Harvard University. He settled in Mill Valley, California in 1975. prgtoken In 1989, Chris opened Raker Architects in Mill Valley. The firm contributed to key modernizations in Southern Marin, including the Corinthian Yacht Club, Mill Valley Lumber Yard, and most notably, Mill Valley Miller Avenue Precise Plan, which resulted in the development of a pedestrian-friendly reconfiguration prgtoken of the prominent and highly trafficked Miller Avenue. Beyond his architectural profession, Chris made notable contributions to the town as a Planning Commissioner. After 2 years, he served on the Mill Valley City Council from 1996 to 2007, including as its mayor. prgtoken Chris also served as president of the American Institute of Architects San Francisco chapter and board president of the Corinthian Yacht Club. In his free time, he was active in the performing arts and enjoyed skiing, swimming, and time spent as a soccer coach. prgtoken Chris was known by his colleagues on the Planning Commission and City Council for his direct and open-minded approach to difficult issues and great sense of humor. He was a respected mentor to many. He is survived by his daughter Bianca Raker, wife Donna Raker, brother Edmond Raker, and 3 nephews. prgtoken , Christopher Raker was a dedicated public servant and active community member who was committed to improving the quality of life for Mill Valley residents. I respectfully ask that my colleagues join me in extending condolences to Chris's family and friends and in expressing my appreciation for his decades of good work.
SECURING GROWTH AND ROBUST LEADERSHIP IN AMERICAN AVIATION ACT
Joaquin Castro (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-7-19

I urge this Congress to support amendment No. 71 to H.R. 3935. prgtoken My city of San Antonio is known as Military City USA. It is home to tens of thousands of soldiers, airmen, intelligence professionals, and cybersecurity experts who need direct access to Washington, D.C. prgtoken I hope that Members will support this amendment and support our airmen and our soldiers and support national security.
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LOS ANGELES MEMORIAL COLISEUM
Alex Padilla (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-7-19

I rise as a proud Angeleno to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. prgtoken Few stadiums in the world have such a storied history and such a lasting cultural impact, as the LA Coliseum. Since opening in 1923, it has served as a living memorial to those who bravely fought in World War I, and it has endured as a landmark for generations of Angelenos. prgtoken The Coliseum remains the only stadium in the world to have hosted two Summer Olympics. The first games, held in 1932, helped revolutionize the format for the modern Olympic Games and displayed America's resolve through the Great Depression. The second, held in 1984, was highly regarded as a financial success and a masterclass in hosting and showcasing the Olympic Games. As a boy, I remember watching in awe as Olympic legend and California icon, Rafer Johnson, ran up the steps of the Coliseum and lit the Olympic cauldron. With plans to once again welcome athletes from around the world and showcase Los Angeles as a world-class city in 2028, the Coliseum will soon break its own record as a third-time host for the Olympic Games. The Coliseum also hosted the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games to showcase the skills and accomplishments of athletes with intellectual disabilities. prgtoken Many iconic sports teams have called the Coliseum home over the years. The USC Trojans' and the UCLA Bruins' athletic programs shared the stadium for over 50 years. Today, the Coliseum's timeless white arches provide the backdrop for thousands of loyal USC fans waiting to erupt each time their team plays a home game. In the National Football League, the Rams, the Raiders, and the Chargers have all called the Coliseum home at one point, and the stadium hosted three NFL championship games in 1949, 1951, and 1955, as well as the very first Super Bowl in 1967 and Super Bowl VII in 1973. prgtoken As a point of personal privilege, my Los Angeles Dodgers called the Coliseum home for several years when they first moved out west, and they would host the first World Series played on prgtoken the west coast at the Coliseum on their way to winning the 1959 World Series. prgtoken For decades, the Coliseum was where leaders would go to speak to large masses of Southern Californians. The stadium has hosted Presidents Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Reagan, as well as notable dignitaries and civil rights leaders, such as Martin Luther King, Jr Nelson Mandela, Cesar Chavez, and the Dalai Lama. It has also hosted decades of legendary concerts from greats like the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Bruce Springsteen, Van Halen, and more. Since 2022, NASCAR has hosted the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum, which is the first exhibition race of the NASCAR Cup Series season each year. prgtoken As we recognize 100 years of memorable events and historic firsts, I join all of Los Angeles in celebrating a century of competition, camaraderi
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024--Continued
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-7-19

just about every week now, we learn something new and deeply troubling about the Justices serving on the Supreme Court, the highest Court in the land in the United States, and their conduct outside the courtroom. From unreported luxury getaways with billionaire benefactors who have business before the Court to donor-funded teaching positions that double as all-expense-paid vacations, to a political megadonor buying a home that belongs to a Justice's relative and then allowing that relative to continue living there rent-free--we have learned all of this in just a few months. prgtoken And, last week, another troubling report: According to the Associated Press, Justice Sotomayor used her taxpayer-funded Court staff to help sell copies of her book, in particular by pressing libraries, community colleges, and other public institutions to buy additional copies of her memoir and children's book in conjunction with her speaking engagements. prgtoken Let me tell you, if I or any Member of the Senate failed to report an all-expense-paid luxury getaway or if we used our government staff to help sell books we wrote, we would be in big trouble. The same would be true for Members of the House or Cabinet officials in any Presidential administration. That is because all of us are subject to enforceable codes of conduct that prohibit us from using taxpayer funds for personal gain. prgtoken But the same, sadly, is not true for the nine Justices across the street. Unlike every other Federal official, Supreme Court Justices are not bound by a code of ethical conduct. prgtoken Let me repeat that. Unlike every other Federal official, the nine Supreme Court Justices are not bound by a code of ethical conduct. prgtoken They are the most powerful judges in the entire Nation, and yet they are not required to follow even the most basic ethical standards. It is time for that to change. The highest Court in the land should not have the lowest ethical standards. prgtoken Tomorrow, the Senate Judiciary Committee, which I chair, will consider legislation I have joined Senator Whitehouse in introducing known as the Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act, or SCERT Act. Our legislation would require the Supreme Court to adopt an enforceable code of conduct. It would also add new recusal and transparency requirements to Federal law. And these requirements would apply to every Justice, no matter which President of which political party appointed them, or their ideological views notwithstanding. prgtoken I wish this legislation were unnecessary. The fact is, the Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, John Roberts, could clean up the Supreme Court's ethical challenges on his own, and for prgtoken years I have encouraged him to do just that. It was more than 11 years ago--more than 11 years ago--when I first urged the Chief Justice in writing to adopt a binding code of conduct, but he didn't accept my suggestion. prgtoken A
SECURING GROWTH AND ROBUST LEADERSHIP IN AMERICAN AVIATION ACT
Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2023-7-19

. Mr. Chair, it is ironic that today we talk about wokeness, and we talk about including a word, ``social,'' in the impacts that would be studied by the BEYOND program. prgtoken The truth of the matter is that the BEYOND program is a administration program, and the language that the gentleman seeks to eliminate from this authorization bill is the same language that was proposed, introduced, and passed under the administration. There was no harm then, but now we have got a problem, because everybody is anti-woke.
ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023
John W. Hickenlooper (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2023-7-19

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 20; 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 Uhlmann nomination; further, that at 12 noon the Senate vote on confirmation of the Uhlmann nomination; further, that upon disposition of the nomination, the Senate resume legislative session for the consideration of Calendar No. 119, S. 2226, and vote on the Cruz amendment, No. 926, with the previous provisions remaining in effect; finally, that if any nominations are confirmed during Thursday'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.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024--Continued
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2023-7-19

for my colleagues who don't know, during World War II, the Federal Government established the Hanford site in Central Washington State to produce the plutonium that our Nation needed for nuclear weapons. prgtoken To this day, workers are on the job in cleaning up that site. It is important but dangerous work. One of those dangers is beryllium exposure that causes serious respiratory diseases. prgtoken Now, Congress passed legislation providing care to those working on our nuclear arsenal, but here is the thing: Not everyone who needs these critical medical benefits for beryllium exposure can get them today. Right now, people have to jump through very costly, unnecessary hoops, and, even then, they could be denied--all because the statute is outdated. prgtoken Right now, a beryllium blood test that is ``borderline'' does not count toward a diagnosis even when you are experiencing the effects of beryllium exposure or when it is your third such borderline result. That is just not right. By the way, it is not consistent with the current science either. prgtoken My amendment simply updates the statute and brings it in line with an OSHA rule that was finalized under the last administration so that more workers can easily get the care that they need. prgtoken And it is a fiscally responsible measure. The CBO estimates it will cost less than $500,000 over 10 years, if anything at all, but it will make a real difference for these workers who have sacrificed so much for our country. prgtoken So I urge my colleagues to vote yes on the amendment. prgtoken . prgtoken .
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2023-7-19

I rise today to recognize Mr. James ``Jim'' Wade, an expert trial attorney, towering figure in Connecticut politics, and dear friend to so many, including myself. prgtoken Born in Staten Island, NY, and raised in Simsbury, CT, Mr. Wade received his undergraduate degree from Yale University in 1959 and his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1962. Upon graduating from law school, Jim served honorably as a lawyer for the Navy's Judge Advocate General's Corps, a testament to his dedication to public service. prgtoken Following his service with the Navy, Jim returned to Connecticut and began a distinguished career as an attorney at Robinson+Cole. He became known for his willingness to take on diverse legal cases, including unpopular clients, but Jim's strong legal principles ensured they all received zealous representation. Jim was well-known for his mentorship of countless young attorneys. Throughout his long career, he was honored with numerous awards, including induction to the American College of Trial Lawyers in 1980 and the Hennessey award, given by the Connecticut Bar Association to an attorney whose career has manifested a dedication to the highest ideals and standard of the legal profession. prgtoken In addition to his love for the law, Jim had a passion for politics and was very actively involved for decades. A lifelong , he started his political career as a selectman in the town of Simsbury. Jim later became a trusted counselor to the ic Party in Connecticut, representing it before the U.S. Supreme Court in a reapportionment case. He was also a longtime trusted advisor to Governors, legislators, and others in public service. Jim's commitment left an indelible mark on Connecticut politics, and our State and Nation are better because of Jim's many contributions and dedication to the law. prgtoken Jim was truly a remarkable person, who upheld the rule of law with energy and intellect and epitomized a dedication to public service. I deeply valued my friendship with Jim and always appreciated his insight and perspective. My wife Cynthia and I extend our deepest sympathies to his family during this difficult time, particularly to his wife Helene, his two children, and his grandchildren. I hope my colleagues will join me in honoring Jim's life and legacy, both large and lasting.
SECURING GROWTH AND ROBUST LEADERSHIP IN AMERICAN AVIATION ACT
Ed Case (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2023-7-19

. Mr. Chair, our national parks are among our most universally supported and treasured institutions, and they cannot survive in an atmosphere of incredible popularity. We simply must find accommodations to protect the basic principles and qualities of those parks for which we treasure them so much. prgtoken One of the areas where we have significant problems is in overuse of our parks by commercial air tour operations, which severely degrade some of our parks and have the risk of degrading all of our parks for a number of different reasons, whether they be environmental, whether they be protection of our natural resources, or whether they be visitor enjoyment. Fundamentally, commercial air tours overflying a national park with noise and other disruption on the ground does degrade the park experience for the many who enjoy them in that way. prgtoken There is no right to overfly our parks. Now, I concede and agree that there is some reasonable area and use for commercial air tours. I certainly want those that cannot experience our parks to experience them in this way, and I certainly believe that they have a place in our parks, but not where they are today and not where they are going. prgtoken We recognized this challenge 23 years ago in this Congress by passing a law which essentially required air tour management plans, which accommodated all interests, and those plans are now coming to fruition. This amendment is on the floor because the sponsor and others do not like the results, which accommodate air tour operations in the vast majority of our parks. prgtoken This process has been a good one, a difficult one, one in which the operators have participated. They will continue to have a place under these plans, a reasoned place. The fact that some of them don't like the outcome does not mean that the process is not a valid process. prgtoken This process should be continued to its conclusion. It should be accommodated. It should be implemented in a way that is reasonable to all. prgtoken This amendment destroys that process and would degrade our parks to the detriment of the vast majority of the people who enjoy our parks. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge opposition to the amendment, and .
SECURING GROWTH AND ROBUST LEADERSHIP IN AMERICAN AVIATION ACT
Dina Titus (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2023-7-19

as a member of the Aviation Subcommittee and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Unmanned Systems Caucus, I support the FAA reauthorization bill that passed unanimously out of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee just weeks ago. It includes provisions that will benefit all the airports in Nevada's First District, and it will remove regulatory hurdles for drones so they can be used commercially, for search and rescue, and for fire detection and suppression. prgtoken Furthermore, my district, which is one of the world's top travel destinations, welcomes visitors from all backgrounds and abilities. I am proud to say that this bill includes provisions from the Air Carrier Access Amendments Act. This was an act previously introduced by my good friend, former Representative Jim Langevin. It will protect the rights of disabled passengers by establishing aircraft accessibility standards and setting a timeline for DOT to investigate and respond to disability-related complaints. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Graves, Ranking Member Larsen, Aviation Subcommittee Ranking Member Cohen, and Chairman Graves for their hard work and cooperation on this bill, as well as Chairman Van Drew, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the airlines for their collaboration on the disability provisions. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge passage of this bill.
HONORING MARCUS MASON
Steven Horsford (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2023-7-19

I include in the Record the following proclamation recognizing Marcus Mason. prgtoken Whereas, Marcus Mason, at the age of 21, worked on a winning Congressional campaign, before beginning his tenure as the youngest Chief of Staff on Capitol Hill. He served the people of California's 37th Congressional District, fighting to save the Long Beach Naval Shipyard and secured federal funding to repair Compton Creek, saving nearby communities from damaging floods. prgtoken Whereas, Marcus Mason served as Legislative Director for the late Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald and to this day continues to serve as a trusted advisor and confidant to elected officials from California, from Sacramento to Los Angeles, and all the way to Washington, D.C. prgtoken Whereas, Marcus Mason led the government affairs office for Amtrak and helped shepherd the company through the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. prgtoken Whereas, Marcus Mason became a senior equity partner at the Madison Group in 2007, where he dedicated his free time to mentoring and growing Black talent in the areas of government policy. prgtoken Whereas, as immediate past president of WGRG, he founded the Tin Cup Awards, which recognize the contributions of Black public policy and government affairs professionals. prgtoken Whereas, he has mentored countless colleagues over the years and provided advice and guidance to new and seasoned professionals alike. prgtoken Whereas, in addition to his mentorship work, he has fundraised and secured millions of dollars in support of Black non-profit organizations, including the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and the Congressional Black Caucus Institute. prgtoken Whereas, Marcus Mason served as an advisor to the campaigns of President and the - White House. prgtoken Whereas, Marcus Mason served as Chairman of President 's African American Leadership Finance Council and serves as a Senior Advisor to the campaign's Co-Chairman and senior leadership team. prgtoken And whereas, President appointed Marcus Mason to serve as a member of the ic National Committee, where he continues to advocate for Black staff. prgtoken Now, therefore, I, Steven Horsford, Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus and Representative of the 4th District of Nevada, do hereby proclaim this official recognition of Marcus Mason for his tremendous work and contributions to government affairs, policy and public service.