mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO VETERANS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-11-9

I rise to pay tribute to all the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States and risked their lives to defend our freedoms and way of life and took and lived the oath to ``support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.'' prgtoken Our Veterans have borne ``true faith and allegiance to the same, an obligation they took freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion.'' prgtoken Veterans are truly heroes walking among us. prgtoken I want to thank all of our armed servicemen and women for their selfless dedication to our protection every day. prgtoken Veterans Day is a reminder to all of us who live in freedom that as President Kennedy said, ``The price of freedom is high, but Americans have always paid it.'' prgtoken This Veterans Day is a welcome opportunity to remember the fallen who gave the last full measure of devotion to their country on battlefields around the world--in places whose names may be unforgettable--or locations that have slipped into the pages of history. prgtoken We will never forget: Revolutionary War--Valley Forge; York Town; Civil War--The Battle of Antietam; The Battle of Gettysburg; World War I--The Battle of Argonne; Flanders Field; Verdun; World War II--Pearl Harbor; Battle of Bataan; The Battle of Midway; D-Day; Battle of the Bulge; Battle of Anzio; Battle of Corregidor; Korean War--Inchon; Heart Break Ridge; Pork Chop Hill; Vietnam--Tet Offensive; Battle of Hue; Desert Storm--September 11, 2001; Pentagon Attack (125 killed); Operation Enduring Freedom; Battle of Kandahar; Operation Iraqi Freedom; Second Battle of Fallujah; Operation Allies Refuge; Operation Allies Welcome. prgtoken The memory of the fallen is never forgotten. prgtoken , each Veterans Day, Americans come together to remember those who have served our country around the world in the name of freedom and democracy. prgtoken The debt that we owe to them is immeasurable. prgtoken Their sacrifices, and those of their families, are freedom's foundation. prgtoken Without the brave efforts of all the soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and Coast Guardsmen and women and their families, our country would not live so freely. prgtoken I offer my deepest gratitude to our nation's 1.4 million troops and reservists, their families, and the 16.2 million veterans, including 22,809 here in the 18th Congressional District. prgtoken 16.2 million brave men and women are veterans of our nation's military service. prgtoken This includes more than 1.7 million women, 2.7 million African American men and women, 1.32 million Hispanic men and women, 342,000 Asian American Pacific Islanders, and 113,000 American Indians. prgtoken Of the veteran population in the country, 1.5 million veterans call Texas their home. prgtoken We use Veterans Day to show our veterans and military families
ECU PIRATE MARISSA
Donald G. Davis (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2023-11-9

. Madam , I am thrilled to introduce to the American people Lady Pirate Marissa, Pirate Nation's latest sensation. prgtoken She is not just any pirate, mind you, Madam , she is the first female live pirate mascot at East Carolina University. prgtoken Pirate Marissa's presence has helped to enhance the game day experience by helping to pump up the crowd and keeping everyone excited. I believe Pirate Marissa will provide Pirate Steve with all our university needs to win every sword fight. prgtoken Pirate Marissa not only makes her daughters, Rachel, Raelyn, and Ryliegh proud; she makes us all proud. prgtoken A big shout-out to East Carolina University marketing department. I am prgtoken grateful they have kept the passion and excitement alive in Pirate Nation and honoring the rich legacy of our official mascot, PeeDee the Pirate. prgtoken People love pirates. No quarter. Go Pirates. prgtoken Aargh.
INTRODUCTION OF THE SERVICE ACADEMIES DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA EQUALITY ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2023-11-9

today, I introduce the Service Academies District of Columbia Equality Act, which would give the District of Columbia the same number of appointments and nominations to the U.S. service academies as states. Currently, each Member of the House and each senator is allocated five appointments to each service academy-- the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy--and each Member of the House and each senator is allowed 10 nominations for each appointment. Therefore, since D.C. has no senators, D.C. is deprived of 10 appointments and, assuming all appointments are vacant, 10 nominations to each service academy. I am pleased Senator Tim Kaine has introduced the companion bill. prgtoken This bill would provide equality for D.C. residents who choose to serve their country by applying to a service academy. It is remarkable that D.C. residents volunteer to serve a country that denies them statehood, congressional voting rights and full home rule. D.C. residents have fought in every American war, and D.C. residents, who pay all federal taxes, including paying more federal taxes per capita than the residents of any state, deserve the same opportunity to attend our prestigious service academies as residents of states. prgtoken D.C.'s population (690,000) is larger than that of two states and is in line with the six states that have a population under one million. D.C. servicemembers have helped secure voting rights for people around the world, yet have always been denied those same rights when they returned home. D.C. residents deserve equality at the service academies. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this important bill.
HAPPY DIWALI
Jim Costa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-11-9

I rise today to celebrate the beginning of Diwali. Diwali is an anniversary of lights for the Sikhs, Jains, and Hindus here in our country and around the world. It represents times for new beginnings, and what a joyous occasion it is for new beginnings. We certainly reflect upon that. prgtoken Families will light dozens of candles in their homes and streets to light up the dark night. prgtoken It reminds us that light always triumphs over darkness, as Dr. Martin Luther King was reminded as a follower of Gandhi. It is about good over evil. prgtoken I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing a resolution recognizing the historical and cultural significance of Diwali for all of those who celebrate it throughout the world. prgtoken , may the festival of lights inspire us to lift up our communities, to live with hope instead of despair, and to stand up for what is right. prgtoken Happy Diwali.
Unanimous Consent Requests--Executive Calendar (Executive Session)
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-11-9

before returning to Calendar No. 113, I want to respond briefly to my colleague from Alabama. prgtoken His position on abortion and reproductive rights is well known, but his claim that the Pentagon policy is unlawful is incorrect. In fact, there has been a policy in place since the Reagan administration that impacts directly upon the policy in the Pentagon. prgtoken The Senator from Alabama is correct that, except for limited exceptions, Federal funds may not be used to pay for abortions. That is true. We commonly call it the Hyde amendment, and I am a Hyde amendment supporter. prgtoken But, in the 1980s, the Reagan administration was confronted with an issue: What if women in prison--in the Bureau of Prisons--become pregnant and want to terminate a pregnancy? Could Federal funds be used to allow that pregnancy to be terminated? prgtoken The Reagan administration's Solicitor General analyzed the situation and said that the Hyde amendment would prohibit funding to procure the abortion, but Federal funds could be used to enable a prisoner to travel to medical care where she could make the choice to terminate a pregnancy. prgtoken Later administrations grappled with the same question with respect to Peace Corps volunteers. If a Peace Corps volunteer in a country that does not have reproductive rights access gets pregnant and wants to terminate a pregnancy in a way that is lawful in the United States but not where she is deployed, would the Hyde amendment allow Federal funds to be used? prgtoken And consistent with the Reagan administration's ruling, Federal policy has been that Federal funds can be used to enable this Peace Corps volunteer to travel, but the payment for the abortion itself would have to be done privately. prgtoken When the Dobbs decision was handed down by the Supreme Court in the summer of 2022, you suddenly had a whole variety of States eliminate a right that women had been able to count on for half a century--that in the early phases of pregnancy, they could terminate a pregnancy without intrusion by the State. prgtoken I have a kid in the military. He didn't get to decide where he went. The women who are in the U.S. military don't get to choose where they are deployed, and so now, huge numbers of women who serve this country are deployed either in nations or in States within the United States where they are no longer able to make their own reproductive choices because of where they are deployed--possibly against their will. We want people to be deployed where the military thinks it is best for them to go. We don't want soldiers to have a veto over where they should go. They should go where the mission demands. prgtoken But in the aftermath of the Dobbs decision, the Pentagon grappled with the same question that and ic administrations had grappled with respect to women in Federal prisons and Peace Corps volunteers: Should you be able to travel to seek medical car
Introductory Statement on S. 3273
Alex Padilla (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-11-9

I rise to speak in support of the Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act, which I introduced today. prgtoken America's truckdrivers are on the frontlines of keeping goods and our economy moving. More than 70 percent of goods across the United States are shipped by truck. prgtoken Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting supply chain crisis exacerbated longstanding challenges for truckers, including long hours away from home and time spent waiting--often unpaid--to load and unload at congested ports, warehouses, and distribution centers. prgtoken As our Nation makes historic investments in our port and supply chain infrastructure through the bipartisan infrastructure law, we should also improve wages and working conditions for essential workers and ensure they are paid for all of the hours they work. prgtoken However, for more than 80 years, Federal law has denied truckers guaranteed overtime pay benefits that are afforded to nearly all other professions. This means that if a truckdriver experiences delays due to congestion or weather, they are often not paid even though they are working. Requiring overtime will create an incentive for the shippers, receivers, and carriers to get cargo loaded and unloaded--keeping truckers and our supply chain moving. prgtoken The motor carrier exemption exacerbates trucking workforce challenges. In fact, a February 2022 freight and logistics supply chain assessment by the Department of Transportation urged Congress to repeal this exemption. Additionally, research suggests that when truck labor rates are fair, there is less driver fatigue, fewer regulatory violations, and lower crash rates. prgtoken That is why I am proud to introduce this bill to repeal the overtime exemption for motor carriers. prgtoken I want to thank Senator Markey for coleading this bill with me, and I hope our colleagues will join us in support of this bill that will ensure that trucker compensation reflects the fact that these jobs are essential.
Recognition of the Majority Leader (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-11-9

today's elections were another horrible defeat--sorry--Tuesday's elections--maybe today's, too, who knows--but Tuesday's elections were another horrible defeat for MAGA extremism and another affirmation for the democratic agenda of jobs, infrastructure, and lowering costs for the middle class. prgtoken By now, s need to admit there is a pretty clear pattern at play: Ever since was elected President, the MAGA agenda has led to failure in big elections, in small elections, in red State elections, in blue State elections, and everything in between. And it shouldn't be any big mystery why MAGA candidates and MAGA issues keep turning out to be duds. Americans don't want hard-right extremists and the chaos they bring to govern this country. Americans don't support a MAGA agenda that has, at its bedrock, radical attacks on women's healthcare. prgtoken Americans want their elected leaders to choose bipartisanship, to focus on people's lives instead of cable news shows. Sadly, s seem mightily impervious to the obvious truth that MAGA equals disaster for America and for their party.
WELCOMING HIS HOLINESS ARAM THE FIRST
Adam B. Schiff (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-11-9

today we welcome His Holiness Aram the First, Catholicos of the Holy See of the Great House of Cilicia, who graced us with an opening prayer. prgtoken His Holiness Aram the First, a true beacon of faith, holds a special place in the hearts of countless Armenians in my community and around the world. His unwavering commitment to the values of faith, community, and compassion embodies the spirit of our vibrant Armenian community. prgtoken His support for humanitarian issues, advocacy for human rights, engagement in several educational and cultural initiatives, and promotion of interfaith understanding have left an indelible mark, making the world a better place for all. prgtoken His Holiness Aram the First's prayer has not only enriched our proceedings, but also reinforced our commitment to working together in the service of our shared values.
JOHN GIBSON, DAN JAMES, WILLIAM SAPP, AND FRANKIE SMILEY VA CLINIC
Julia Brownley (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-11-13

I, too, support the renaming of the VA outpatient clinic in Hinesville, Georgia, after the four servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country in Vietnam. Like a majority of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, I will support this bill because it is the right thing to do. prgtoken This weekend, so many of us returned to our districts to honor the men and women who have served our Nation in uniform in theaters and eras from World War II to our veterans who served multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. We recognized every man and woman who has answered the call to duty because it is the right thing to do. prgtoken However, it is incumbent upon all of us in this Chamber to do more and to do better. Our words ring hollow if we don't do our part to fulfill our Nation's solemn promise to serve our veterans and their families as well as they have served our country. These words cannot only be spoken, but we must act upon them, live upon them. prgtoken While I believe it is important that we recognize John Gibson, Dan James, William Sapp, and Frankie Smiley, I ask myself how do we best serve the next generation of our Nation's veterans? How do we show them the respect that they have shown us? How do we let them age with as much dignity as they deserve and as much as possible? prgtoken Long-term care is one of the biggest challenges facing our aging population and their families. That is why I am calling on Johnson to bring before the House my bill, H.R. 542, the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act, for a vote. This bill, which has overwhelming bipartisan, bicameral support and passed out of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee unanimously almost 4 months ago, would be a fitting honor for the service and sacrifice of the Vietnam veterans advocating for this bill. prgtoken It would be the single largest expansion of long-term care services at VA in decades. It would impact nearly every veteran living with catastrophic disabilities or living with the effects of aging. prgtoken Currently, every veteran enrolled in VA has the right to nursing home care if clinically eligible, but it is important to note that nursing homes are not where veterans want to live their golden years. They want to be home. They want to be with their families. They want to be in their communities and with their communities. I doubt there is a person here today who has not grappled with how best to care for an aging or disabled loved one. Every veteran should have the right to dignity in their later years. prgtoken VA home- and community-based services enable veterans to do just that. However, these services are not available at all VA medical centers, and my bill changes that. prgtoken In addition to listening to what veterans want, home- and community- based services are also a far less expensive option for taxpayers and an investment in the elder care infrastructure this country so desperately needs. Even more important is
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Catherine Cortez Masto (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2023-11-13

I rise today to recognize Pete Goicoechea for a lifetime of service to Nevada and to congratulate him on his induction into the Nevada Cattlemen's Association Hall of Honor. prgtoken Pete may have been born in Salt Lake City, UT, but he came into his own in Nevada--Eureka to be specific. After attending school in White Pine County and graduating from Eureka High School, he returned to Utah to get a degree from Utah State University and married his wife Gladys ``Glady'' Goicoechea in 1972. Pete's service to Nevada spans the better part of four decades, but before his public life, Pete's primary commitment was to take care of his family and their ranch in Diamond Valley. The family still owns the ranch--Pete runs it with his son, J.J.--and his children and grandchildren are still the center of Pete's life. prgtoken Pete was a leader in Eureka from the beginning as a volunteer firefighter and director of the Eureka County High School Rodeo Club. In 1987, he ran for Eureka County Commissioner, a seat he won and held for 16 years, serving 14 years as chairman. In 2002, he was encouraged to run for the Nevada Legislature and won a seat in the State assembly, where he would serve for 12 years. He moved on to the Nevada State Senate, and when his current term ends, he will term out after serving for 24 years in the Nevada State Legislature. prgtoken During his time as a State legislator, Pete was a powerful voice for rural Nevada and the unique needs of the communities and constituents he served. He has always employed a collaborative approach, working with people from all corners of the State and all walks of life towards common goals. Pete has remained committed to working across the aisle for the benefit of Nevadans. prgtoken Pete filled many roles during his time in the State legislature, including that of chair of the senate committee on government affairs, member of the cowboy caucus, and of the senate committee on finance and governance. He was perhaps most well-known as a long-serving member of the natural resources committee and the public lands committee in every session that he served, utilizing his expertise and experience as a rancher. He has been a strong advocate for the agriculture and mining industries that are the lifeblood of Nevada's rural economies. His tireless dedication to working with his colleagues to address these issues has been lauded by all who have been fortunate enough to work with him. prgtoken Congratulations to Pete Goicoechea on a lifetime of achievement and service. Nevadans across the State owe you their gratitude.
Armenia and Azerbaijan (Executive Session)
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-11-13

throughout my more than 30 years in Congress, I have pushed our Nation to stand up for human rights around the world. Why? prgtoken Because to me it is an essential component of our foreign policy, a hallmark of both ic and administrations, and a cornerstone of American leadership on the international stage. prgtoken Now, some may ask why I do this in the face of pressing global challenges. Why speak out for what is right even when it is not popular? It is simple. When we guard against genocide, when we prevent ethnic cleansing, when we speak out against atrocities, we uphold America's standing as a global force for good. prgtoken And we recognize that countries that observe the human rights of its people are less likely to create conflict with other countries. However, when the United States fails to carry out this responsibility, when we turn a blind eye in order to suit other interests, then we do irreversible damage to our moral authority and our ability to stand up for human rights worldwide. prgtoken Moreover, we allow malign actors like China and Russia, Turkey and Iran to fill the void and expand their influence. What I am describing isn't some hypothetical scenario--no. In fact, it is happening right now. prgtoken As I speak on the Senate floor, the ancient Armenian community of Nagorno-Karabakh has been hollowed out by a brutal Azerbaijani regime, one that is hell-bent on erasing them off of the map. For months, we have seen this humanitarian crisis unfold in slow motion. First, it was the Azeri blockade of the Lachin corridor, a blatant violation of the 2020 ceasefire agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. As the only road in and out of the Karabakh Mountains, Azerbaijan's blockade of Lachin corridor effectively cut off the flow of people, food, medicine, and basic supplies. prgtoken It went on for months, even as Russian peacekeeping forces-- supposedly there to enforce the ceasefire--stood idly by. In this way, Azerbaijan's Government carried out an intention campaign of suffering and starvation in Nagorno-Karabakh. prgtoken With the corridor blocked, shelves cleared out. Fuel shortages prevented ambulances from responding to emergencies. Rolling blackouts kept hospitals from performing basic procedures, and studies found out that 1 out of every 3 deaths in the region was from malnutrition alone, with children waiting in line for bread in order to feed family members who were too weak to leave the house. prgtoken By July, the Azeri Government was denying even the Red Cross from access to the region. And in blatant violation of the Geneva Conventions, Azerbaijan began detaining medical patients who were being transported through the corridor for treatment. Make no mistake, the 10-month Lachin corridor blockade was part of a diabolic plot to force the Armenian enclave to submit. That isn't just my firm belief. It is also the conclusion of the former chief prosecut