mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CELEBRATING THE 246TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CREATION OF THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES AND EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Ted Cruz (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-6-14

this week the Senate unanimously passed my bipartisan legislation to rename the street in front of the Cuban Embassy in Washington, DC, ``Oswaldo Paya Way.'' prgtoken Oswaldo Paya was a dissident and a fighter for freedom in Cuba of unrelenting passion and dedication. He was someone who stood up against the Castro regime. He had incredible courage. He spoke up for human rights. He spoke up for free speech. He spoke up for democracy. And 11 years ago, Oswaldo Paya was murdered by the Cuban communist government. prgtoken On July 22, 2012, Paya left his house with three other people, including Harold Cepero, to go visit friends. From the start of the journey, their car was followed. On the way, the Cuban security services drove Paya's car off the road, killing both him and Cepero. prgtoken There has never been any doubt about who was responsible for these murders. Indeed, just this week, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights released its long-awaited report on the case. The determination was clear and conclusive in confirming what we have known all along. prgtoken Paya had long been a thorn in the side of the Castros and the regime, even from a young age. He was the only person at school who refused to join the Communist Youth. As a teenager, he publicly opposed the communist crackdown on protesters in Czechoslovakia who were fighting for freedom, and he was punished with 3 years in prison. prgtoken Paya went on to found the Varela Project, which sought a referendum on Cuba's communist system. Their demands were simple: democratic government, religious liberty, freedom of expression, and the economic freedom to start businesses. Paya managed to get 11,000 signatures to support the Valera Project to petition the regime to hold a referendum. And, eventually, over 20,000 people supported the cause, but the Cuban regime refused to hold it. prgtoken Paya's fight for freedom made him a target of the Communist Party in Cuba. They harassed him. They tried to intimidate him. They arrested him numerous times and, ultimately, they murdered him. prgtoken Paya's friend and the driver of the car said that when he awoke after the crash, he was confronted at the hospital by a regime operative, and the hospital was flooded with uniformed military personnel. Under extreme duress, drugged, and threatened with death by regime officials, he signed a document falsely exonerating the regime. prgtoken That is how important it was to the communists to immediately try to hide their crimes and avoid accountability. It is imperative that they fail in this task. prgtoken I am heartened that, yesterday, the Senate unanimously passed this bipartisan legislation that I led to rename the street in front of the Cuban Embassy here in Washington, DC, after Paya. prgtoken I want to thank Senator Durbin, who led this effort with me, along with Senator Rubio, Senator Menendez, Senator Rick Scott, and Senator Cardin--all who joined with
Broadband (Executive Calendar)
Ted Budd (Republican, NC) \u2014 2023-6-14

over the last several years, much has been made about the digital divide that exists here in America. The more digital the economy becomes, the bigger the divide between big cities and small towns. prgtoken As someone who still lives on a family farm in Davie County in North Carolina, I have always made it a priority to stand up for North Carolinians who don't have the advantage of large population centers. Rural Americans across our State and our Nation shouldn't have their economic opportunities diminished because of their ZIP Code. prgtoken One of the biggest challenges we face in bridging the digital divide is politicalization. An example of this is the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment--or BEAD--Program. This program provides ``over $42 billion to expand high-speed internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment and adoption programs'' across the country, but once the administration got a hold of this funding, they began funneling it toward their liberal wish list instead of toward commonsense broadband deployment. prgtoken Another example is the administration's Notice of Funding Opportunity, which gives favorable treatment to government-owned networks over private ones, and they load up that funding with climate mandates that drive up costs for these communities. This is fundamentally the wrong approach. prgtoken At the end of the day, what rural Americans are looking for is pretty straightforward: They want the highest quality internet for the most affordable price as quickly as possible. prgtoken This is not the time or place for social agendas or for partisan distractions. We have to keep our eye on bridging the digital divide so that rural Americans have a fair shot at opportunities where they can achieve their God-given potential. This is just one more way we can build a strong nation. prgtoken .
Broadband (Executive Calendar)
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2023-6-14

I rise this afternoon to discuss, along with a number of my other colleagues who share the understanding, the importance of broadband access, especially to rural America. prgtoken A recent study by the University of Kansas found that up to 1 million Kansans live in regions that lack access to high-speed broadband services. Often, rural areas have the worst quality broadband or, as is too often the case, they have no access to broadband. prgtoken The benefits of access to high-quality broadband are clear. They are known. We have worked hard to be in positions here in the U.S. Senate in which we are fully engaged on the issue of making sure that all Americans have access to this service. Broadband access is correlated with more jobs, greater economic growth, better healthcare outcomes, and increased educational performance. prgtoken This means our country will be weaker as we confront the economic and security challenges we are facing, including labor shortages, STEM education shortcomings, and the lagging American leadership in key technology areas. When millions are without broadband, we limit our potential as a nation. prgtoken Lack of access or lack of access to good-quality broadband is certainly a local issue. It is an individual issue. It is a local business, a local family, a local school, a local library issue. But the consequence of those individuals, those families, those schools being absent broadband service is a detriment to our Nation. prgtoken Recognizing the importance of access to high-quality broadband, Congress has allocated significant resources to help bridge the digital divide, but the first step in appropriately allocating those resources is knowing where the money needs to go. prgtoken I sponsored the Broadband DATA Act, which was enacted in 2020, to require the FCC to use granular data to create a more accurate and refined broadband map to better target areas so we know where the new investments are needed. Getting these maps right is critical and has not been easy. The first time I saw the maps that were developed, it was like, this doesn't reflect at all what I know about my home State of Kansas. prgtoken Congress has devoted significant resources. We were involved in the effort to allocate additional dollars so that broadband maps could be updated and the data could be improved and hopefully get the information correct. We have been working on this since 2020. prgtoken If the FCC maps aren't accurate, a large portion of funding will be poorly used, and areas in need won't get the resources required to increase access to broadband. Millions of dollars in new resources for Kansas rely upon the accuracy of the maps. It would be poor government and a waste of taxpayer dollars if the outcome is that we are only providing money to places that already have broadband service or have quality broadband service and once again forgetting, forgoing those that don't. prgtoken The FCC
Broadband (Executive Calendar)
Shelley Moore Capito (Republican, WV) \u2014 2023-6-14

I rise to talk about something that is unseen but really impacts every aspect of our daily lives, something that has major implications on the future of my State and many rural States just like the Presiding Officer's rural areas, and that is reliable broadband connection and the implementation of service in our unserved and underserved areas. prgtoken Internet connection is something that we often take for granted, certainly in the DC area we do--especially in our cities and urban communities. It is a mainstay of so many facets of our life. prgtoken So just think about it. We rely on internet connection for our communication with our family and friends, our emergency services, obtaining information. I have already done that about five times today, getting some additional information--banking, conducting business, and as we experienced firsthand during the pandemic, essential aspects of our workforce participation, the education of our children, and I would add in healthcare here. Even as we transitioned back to in-person work and school post-pandemic, these capabilities are so essential and greatly beneficial. prgtoken In West Virginia, our State is the only State entirely encompassed by Appalachia, and we are recognized across the world for our mountainous terrain. So we love our mountains in West Virginia, but our topography in West Virginia has dealt us a challenging hand when it comes to adopting needed advancements to connect people to the internet. prgtoken So we know one thing: It is expensive, and it is a lot easier said than done. But this lack of broadband connectivity and reliability is one of the biggest concerns that I hear every time I travel in the State. That is because our homes, our schools, our hospitals, our health clinics, our churches, our businesses, if they lack the appropriate level of connectivity or lack it entirely, you are behind. You are behind. You are not participating. You can't get the help that you need. You can't communicate the way you want to. And in a lot of cases, you are not going to live in a place that doesn't have connectivity. So this is something that must change and something that I am committed to changing. prgtoken So one of my first initiatives as a U.S. Senator was launching my Capito Connect Plan to help bridge this digital divide that we see in the country. The plan served as a roadmap for bringing affordable, high-speed internet connection and access to our homes, our businesses, and our classrooms throughout the State. Since launching this initiative, we have made a lot of progress--we have--connecting our communities in our State. We have had a lot of conversation, and, really, we have kind of bridged a lot of what we thought would be the impossible. prgtoken We have expanded cellular service in Paw Paw, a very remote area, and in Lincoln County, a very rural area, by initiating searches for providers. We have secured millions of dollars
HONORING THE LIFE OF OTTO WARMBIER
Young Kim (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-6-14

. Madam , I rise to honor the life of Otto Frederick Warmbier, who died at the hands of the North Korean regime 6 years ago, on June 19, 2017. prgtoken Otto was a dedicated young man. He was a salutatorian of his high school and attended the University of Virginia. He was imprisoned and tortured by the brutal North Korean regime during a school tour. prgtoken He died just a few days after his release. prgtoken Otto experienced what no human being should ever have to go through. While he is no longer with us, his family carries on his legacy with their advocacy and strength. prgtoken As a proud Korean American and as chairwoman of the Indo-Pacific Subcommittee, I will always be a loud voice for global human rights and hold violators accountable. prgtoken Madam , we remember and honor Otto always. In Korean: ``uli- neun Otto-leul yeong-wonhi gieok-hal geos-ibnida.''
CELEBRATING THE 246TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CREATION OF THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES AND EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mike Braun (Republican, IN) \u2014 2023-6-14

I rise today to share a resolution of support for the Pledge of Allegiance as an expression of patriotism and to honor the 246th anniversary of the creation of our U.S. flag. prgtoken Today, we celebrate Flag Day. As we pause to recognize all that our flag represents, let us also honor those who have sacrificed everything to defend it. prgtoken In 2002, Senator Tom Daschle raised a similar resolution with unanimous support from the Senate. It passed on the floor uneventfully. Today, I ask this body to reaffirm our support of the Pledge of Allegiance. prgtoken I rise today also to honor a Hoosier who understood the innate value of the Pledge of Allegiance to our civic education. In 1969, Red Skelton, the American entertainer who was well known for his program ``The Red Skelton Hour,'' wrote a speech on the importance of the pledge. Reflecting on his time in Vincennes, IN--not many miles from where I was born and raised in Jasper--he spoke about the values instilled in the students by one of his high school teachers. After the performance of the speech, CBS received 200,000 requests for copies. The speech would go on to be sold as a single by Columbia Records and performed at the White House for President Nixon. To honor Mr. Skelton's memory and the importance of the pledge, I will recite his speech today on the Senate floor. prgtoken In the words of Mr. Red Skelton, as applicable today as it was many years ago: When I was a small boy in Vincennes, Indiana, I heard, I think, one of the most outstanding speeches I ever heard in my life. I think it compares with the Sermon on the Mount, Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, and Socrates' speech to the students. We had just finished reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and he [Mr. Lasswell, the Principal of Vincennes High School] called us all together and he says: `[Uh] boys and girls, I have been listening to you recite the Pledge of Allegiance all semester, and it seems it has become monotonous to you. Or, could it be, you do not understand the meaning of each word? If I may, I would like to recite the pledge and give you a definition for each word. I--Me; an individual; a committee of one. Pledge--Dedicate all of my worldly good to give without self-pity. Allegiance--My love and my devotion. To the Flag--Our standard. ``Old Glory''; a symbol of courage. And wherever she waves, there is respect, because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts, ``Freedom is everybody's job.'' ``Of the United''--That means we have all come together. States--Individual communities that have united into 48 great States; 48 individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose; all divided by imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common cause, and that's love of country-- prgtoken And, of course, 48 States dates w
Broadband (Executive Calendar)
Tommy Tuberville (Republican, AL) \u2014 2023-6-14

I join my colleagues on the floor today in support of expanding broadband access across rural America. prgtoken I recently had the honor of becoming ranking member of the Agriculture Committee's Subcommittee on Rural Development and Energy, which has jurisdiction over the U.S. Department of Agriculture's broadband programs. My top priority as ranking member is expanding broadband access to unserved populations that need it most so our rural communities are not left behind. prgtoken In today's economy, people need fast and reliable internet to work, to go to school, have virtual meetings, and even see their doctors through telemedicine. Our farmers need an internet signal to operate their farms, their facilities, drive tractors, irrigate crops, apply pesticides, and implement precision agriculture technologies. Without it, they do not have an opportunity to compete. prgtoken Recently, the USDA increased the requirements for sufficient broadband access from speeds of 25 over 3 megabits per second to 100 over 20 megabits per second download and upload speeds. Yet 1 out of 10 people in my State of Alabama didn't even meet the previous 25-over-3 threshold. So why change it? Either don't change it or build better broadband. prgtoken I am grateful to the chairman of the Rural Development Subcommittee, Senator Welch of Vermont, for his hard work and partnership on this bipartisan issue. The subcommittee recently held our first meeting, and it was a success. It was exactly what we needed. We had a great discussion with witnesses and colleagues on the importance of broadband. prgtoken Later this year, we will have a farm bill coming up in Congress--very important. We need to ensure that expanding rural broadband is included in this year's farm bill. prgtoken Also, earlier this year, I was proud to join a bipartisan group of my colleagues to introduce the Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act. This bill would amend the Tax Code to ensure that Federal grant funding for broadband isn't considered taxable income. It just doesn't make sense to fund broadband and then tax broadband users for using it. prgtoken I want to thank my colleagues who are here on the floor today for their support, and I want to encourage all of my colleagues to join us in this effort. Rural broadband is vital for the success of our rural communities and for the entire economy. prgtoken .
CONGRATULATING CAPTAIN MIKE LAWHORN
Bob Good (Republican, VA) \u2014 2023-6-14

. Madam , I rise today to recognize one of Campbell County, Virginia's, finest: Captain Mike Lawhorn. prgtoken On May 30, Rustburg High School's faculty and staff named Captain Lawhorn the winner of this year's Hugh D. Pendleton Award of Leadership, which recognizes exceptional community leadership. prgtoken As a graduate of Rustburg High School, a lifelong resident of Campbell County, and a veteran of the United States Air Force, Captain Lawhorn has dedicated his life to bravely serving his Nation and his community. prgtoken Captain Lawhorn has climbed the ranks in the Campbell County Sheriff's Office, beginning as a school resource officer at Rustburg High School in 1998, and now serving as captain of the administrative services division where he has been dedicated to ensuring school and court safety since 2018. prgtoken Captain Lawhorn participated in the FBI National Academy in 2022, becoming the first only Campbell County Sheriff's employee to complete this distinguished and challenging program. prgtoken I am honored to represent such an outstanding member of the Campbell County community, and I thank and congratulate Captain Lawhorn for his lifetime of service. prgtoken NCAA DIII Men's Baseball Championship Winner--University of Lynchburg
CALLING ATTENTION TO RISE OF ANTI-SEMITISM
George Santos (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-6-14

. Madam , I rise to call attention to the concerning rise of anti-Semitism that is proliferating nationwide. prgtoken Last weekend, in Plainview, New York, my constituents were subjected to the intimidation of the Goyim Defense League, aka the GDL, a growing hate organization that propagates anti-Semitic rhetoric. prgtoken It pains me to report that the henchmen of the GDL descended on my district and distributed flyers that featured anti-Jewish propaganda images of the Star of David drawn onto the heads of Federal lawmakers. prgtoken As the Congressman for Plainview, I am speechless and appalled. For me, this is a sobering reminder that even in 2023, anti-Semitic incidents like this happen every day across the country. prgtoken It is critical that this body continues to support and stand with the Jewish community and Israel. I hope my colleagues join me in the fight against anti-Semitism and send a clear message that anti-Semitism will not be tolerated in the United States of America.
Nomination of Patrick Casey Pitts (Executive Calendar)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-6-14

today, the Senate will vote to confirm Patrick Casey Pitts to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. After receiving his B.A. and J.D. from Yale University, Mr. Pitts clerked on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Following his clerkship, Mr. Pitts joined Altshuler Berzon LLP, where he has spent his entire legal career. His practice focuses on advocating on behalf of employees--often from low-income, minority, and underserved communities--and unions in labor disputes. Mr. Pitts has extensive litigation experience, trying one case to judgment and litigating more than 100 matters that were resolved through a decision on the merits. And if confirmed, Mr. Pitts will bring vital demographic diversity to the Northern District of California as the only openly LGBTQ article III judge actively serving in that district. He will also bring professional diversity to the Federal bench as a lawyer who has defended the rights of employees and labor organizations. prgtoken The American Bar Association rated Mr. Pitts ``qualified,'' and he has the strong support of his home State Senators: Mrs. Feinstein and Mr. Padilla. Mr. Pitts is a seasoned litigator whose credentials and experience make him an outstanding addition to the Northern District of California. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support Mr. Pitts's nomination.
CONGRATULATIONS TO STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS
Susie Lee (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2023-6-14

I rise today to congratulate the new Stanley Cup champions, the Las Vegas Golden Knights. prgtoken As many of our local fans know, the story of the Golden Knights starts long before last night's victory. Six years ago, our Las Vegas community was forever changed. On October 1, 2017, a gunman opened fire on the Route 91 concert, killing 60 and wounding hundreds more. prgtoken We were shaken to our core. We were resilient. We were united. We were Vegas Strong. prgtoken Something that captured that spirit so clearly was when, just days later, the Golden Knights stood shoulder to shoulder with the Las Vegas community and honored the victims of this tragedy at their very first home game, showing the true meaning of Vegas Strong. prgtoken With the whole city behind them, the Knights proceeded to win that home opener and became the first expansion team in NHL history to start their inaugural season with a 3-0 record. prgtoken The Golden Knights have always been more than just a sports team for our community. Now, for the first time, they are world champions. prgtoken Our unlikely heroes--6 years ago, a hockey team just getting to know their city--helped us heal in ways we never imagined. prgtoken I congratulate the Stanley Cup's Battle Born champs, the Las Vegas Golden Knights.
REGULATIONS FROM THE EXECUTIVE IN NEED OF SCRUTINY ACT OF 2023
Chrissy Houlahan (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2023-6-14

. Madam Chair, I cannot stress enough that regulations do, of course, have an impact on real American people and real American lives. Once again, I will emphasize that they ensure aircraft safety and food quality and prevent hazardous materials from entering our air and our water. We cannot take unnecessary risks. prgtoken If there is one thing the last several months have taught us about this body and the way that we move, is that we cannot move with expedience and that we definitely take an enormous amount of time to vote on any one piece of legislation. prgtoken The idea that we would be standing here week after week month after month voting on thousands of bills in this way is really a demonstration of the fact that we don't simply understand how this body works. prgtoken So for that reason, I very much urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this commonsense amendment, and .