mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Welcoming the Guest Chaplain (Executive Session)
Raphael G. Warnock (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2023-12-12

it is my honor and joy to join you in welcoming our good friend Rabbi Peter Berg to the U.S. Senate today. prgtoken Rabbi Berg, thank you so very much for your inspiring prayer. It lifts, before all of us, our highest ideals and reminds us of the important work that we are called to do together. prgtoken It is always great to see you. As I often say, every Baptist preacher needs a rabbi. And Peter Berg is not only the rabbi at The Temple; he is my rabbi. And he is my friend. prgtoken For more than 15 years, Rabbi Berg has led The Temple, Atlanta's largest and one of its most historic synagogues. Its history is so very important not just for Atlanta's Jewish community but for my own church, the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King served and, indeed, for the entire city of Atlanta. You are such an important leader in our country. prgtoken For more than 50 years, Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church, led by Dr. King, has had a special relationship with The Temple. After Dr. King won the Nobel Peace Prize, some folks in Atlanta didn't want to celebrate it. They weren't certain that that was worthy of recognition. But it was Rabbi Jacob Rothschild, The Temple's then-senior rabbi and a champion for civil rights himself, who helped to bring the city together to commemorate that important moment in the movement for Georgians. It was an interracial dinner, and that, in and of itself, was a movement forward at a time of deep divisions and some of the darkest hours of our country. prgtoken And the special relationship has sustained to the present day, where Rabbi Peter Berg, who is the fifth senior rabbi in The Temple's history, and I, the fifth senior pastor in the history of Ebenezer Baptist Church, have carried on that tradition of ecumenical, spiritual friendship. And that friendship is genuine. prgtoken As you know, Rabbi, we have done a lot of important work together, and I am so grateful for the long history of friendship between our two congregations. This past March, I was honored to have you to serve as the guest preacher for Ebenezer's 138th anniversary, and you preached with all the fire of any Baptist preacher I know. prgtoken In fact, every year, our congregations come together to observe the MLK holiday, and we worship and we work together as one beloved community. prgtoken But beyond the doors of your congregation, Rabbi Berg has been a stalwart champion for change in Georgia. He and I have served together on too many occasions to count--from the Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students to Faith in Public Life, Faith Forces Against Gun Violence, the Georgia Interfaith Public Policy Center; our work together addressing the issue of mass incarceration in our country; standing up against bigotry, racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia. Wherever hatred rears its ugly head, we have spoken time and time again together, as one voice. And because of that intersection of faith and justice, yo
ENSURING ACCOUNTABILITY IN AGENCY RULEMAKING ACT
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-12-12

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , the so-called Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act is a misguided proposal that will ensure that the process of confirming nominees to administrative agencies is even more politicized and onerous than it is today, while also blocking the regular work of our executive branch agencies. prgtoken This bill would require any agency rule promulgated under the Administrative Procedure Act to be issued and signed by someone who was appointed to their position by the President and confirmed by the Senate. This requirement, on its face, may seem innocuous, but it provides Congress with a weapon it can wield to prevent ongoing work of agencies by blocking a President's nominations and leaving an agency without an eligible person to issue regulations. prgtoken In the past few decades, the process for Senate confirmation has lengthened considerably. Although we have passed measures like the Federal Vacancies Reform Act to ease this burden, there are still over 1,000 executive branch roles that would require Senate confirmation, and far too many go unfilled for years at a time as it is. prgtoken By requiring that rulemaking must be initiated and signed by a Senate-confirmed leader, this bill will make the confirmation process even more politicized, and it could give individual Senators even more incentive to block nominations for the sake of a partisan goal. prgtoken This would add unnecessary delay in the creation, promulgation, and implementation of critical new rules, rules that serve to protect the public's health, safety, and security. prgtoken The bill's sloppy drafting also adds ambiguity to the process. For example, the bill requires that any rule must be ``initiated'' by a senior appointee, but what action qualifies as ``initiating'' a rule? prgtoken Is it when it is first raised in a meeting at the agency? prgtoken Is it when staff starts drafting a notice of proposed rulemaking? prgtoken Is it when a proposed rule is put out for notice and comment? prgtoken Is it something in between? prgtoken We do not know. prgtoken Determining the answers to these questions will only lead to years of litigation and yet more delay. prgtoken To the extent that the bill's sponsors are concerned about transparency and accountability in the regulatory process, Congress already has many ways to exercise its authority over the administrative process. For example, Congress can disapprove regulations under the Congressional Review Act, a power this majority has not been shy in using. It can limit agencies' rulemaking authority, it can restrict the use of funds to implement regulations, and it can conduct oversight of agency activity, among other powers. prgtoken Madam , this legislation is just the latest effort by s to undermine the regulatory process, a process that protects our health and safety each and every day. Regulations ensure that we have clean ai
CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF THE TRENTON BRANCH OF GIRL FRIENDS INCORPORATED
Bonnie Watson Coleman (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-12-12

I rise today to congratulate the Trenton Branch of Girl Friends Incorporated on their 60th Year of serving the Capital City. prgtoken Girl Friends Incorporated is one of the oldest social organizations of African American women in the United States. prgtoken For nearly 100 years, the Girl Friends have exemplified Dignity, Service, Graciousness and Conviviality, performing civic services in 48 locations throughout the country. prgtoken Through their charitable giving, Girl Friends Inc. has supported the United Negro College Fund, the Children's Defense Fund, the Flint Water Crisis, and student scholarships. prgtoken I thank Girl Friends for serving the people of the Greater Trenton area with dignity and selflessness for over 60 years.
ENSURING ACCOUNTABILITY IN AGENCY RULEMAKING ACT
Frank J. Mrvan (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2023-12-12

. Madam , I thank Ranking Member Nadler for the time. prgtoken Madam , I rise today in opposition to H.R. 357. As a Member of the legislative branch, I take very seriously our responsibility to provide oversight of the executive branch. We must always look to utilize the tools that we have available to us, including through the appropriations process, to ensure accountability and provide the appropriate scope and direction to our Federal agencies. prgtoken I also believe that elections matter, and that we in the legislative branch should do our utmost to find common ground and advance policies and programs that promote the best interests of our communities. prgtoken Unfortunately, I believe that this measure goes too far to deliberately hinder Federal agencies from advancing their priorities. For this reason, at the appropriate time, I will offer a motion to recommit this bill back to committee. If the House rules permitted, I would have offered the motion with an important amendment to this bill. In addition to exceptions for rules that impact public safety and national security, my amendment would also provide exceptions for rules related to veteran health benefits. prgtoken As the ranking member of the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation, I believe we must continue to do all we can to work together and advance initiatives that ensure our veterans receive the care and benefits that they have earned. prgtoken Madam , I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of my amendment in the Record immediately prior to the vote on the motion to recommit.
Welcoming the Guest Chaplain (Executive Session)
Jon Ossoff (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2023-12-12

thank you for the recognition this morning. prgtoken It is a pleasure to be with you, , here this morning as we, together, represent the State of Georgia, an obligation that we both cherish, an obligation I cherish sharing with you. And it is a pleasure to be with you here, , this morning to open the Senate, having heard such a moving prayer and such words of wisdom from Rabbi Peter Berg of The Temple in Atlanta, GA. prgtoken Rabbi, on behalf of the U.S. Senate, we thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule tending to your congregation and providing light and inspiration to our constituents in Georgia to provide such wisdom and a blessing to those of us here in this Chamber who labor each day to do the work of the people and to advance the interests of the United States. prgtoken I thank you, Rabbi Berg, for your leadership at this moment of trial for Jewish Americans in Georgia, across the country, and for Jews around the world at this moment that frays the bonds between faith communities. I thank you for your interfaith leadership, for your consistent calls for solidarity, compassion, and mutual love and respect between all people of all faiths. prgtoken It is particularly fitting, Rabbi, that you joined us during Hanukkah. And, , to have Rabbi Berg here as we approach the sixth night, during this moment when so many Jews feel such anxiety and fear amidst the overt expression of anti-Semitism such as we have not seen for a generation, we draw upon the Hanukkah story--one of endurance and resilience and survival--for inspiration, a story that can inspire all people of all faiths. prgtoken Finally, , I would note, as you and I together represent the State of Georgia--for the first time in prgtoken its history represented by a Black man and a Jew--that to have Rabbi Berg here representing The Temple's civil rights commitments in history--The Temple, which in 1958, as you know, , was bombed by White supremacists in an attempt at vengeance for Rabbi Jacob Rothschild's alliance with civil rights leaders and Dr. King in the American South--it is particularly powerful to have Rabbi Berg here with us this morning. prgtoken He leads, of course, the congregation where I was bar mitzvahed. We are grateful for Rabbi Berg's spiritual leadership. prgtoken .
Ukraine (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-12-12

earlier this morning, Senator McConnell and I welcomed Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to the U.S. Senate, his third visit to the U.S. Capitol. It was a very powerful, enlightening, and positive meeting. prgtoken President Zelenskyy's message was direct: Ukraine will win the war against Russia if more aid is approved. But his message to the contrary was also true: If no more aid is approved, Putin will win. prgtoken It is that simple. Ukraine, the West, the U.S. strength as a credible ally are all hanging in the balance right now. Also, President Zelenskyy urged that we need to pass this aid quickly because if we don't pass it quickly, it will send a signal to the whole world that we are abandoning Ukraine and could start a snowball cascading to Ukraine's detriment and to our detriment. prgtoken If Ukraine falls, it will be a historic and colossal tragedy. If Russia is victorious, future generations will remember this as a moment of shame for the West, for the United States, and for those in the Senate who sought to block it. prgtoken This is a moment when a friend in need called on our help. We must rise to the occasion. If we abandon Ukraine to the dark forces of autocracy, we will all pay a price. The price won't be tomorrow, meaning next week, but it will be in the months and years ahead but will be an awful price. And everyone who voted against aid to Ukraine will have to live with it. prgtoken This is a time for s to be serious about reaching an agreement. ``Serious'' is the word we are saying to our colleagues. It is not a time for one side to demand maximalist, fringe policies that they know are unrealistic and then say ``our way or the highway.'' prgtoken If our colleagues want an agreement on the border, they must meet us at the middle. They need to show us they are serious. So far, when they just ask for H.R. 2--or something like it--they are not showing seriousness. prgtoken There are two words to describe right now. Just like the word should be they need to be ``serious,'' the two words that describe right now: ``still trying.'' We are still trying to find a good-faith compromise with s, but they must do the same. prgtoken Now, last night, I got on the phone with Johnson and urged him to keep the House in session to give the supplemental a chance to come together. I told him that the House should stay in session because over the past 24 hours, I have been alarmed to see some of the same s in the House--and now a good number in the Senate--who had previously demanded action on the border are now suggesting there is no urgency to act before Christmas. After months of saying the border is a crisis, that we must get something done yesterday, many s now seemingly prefer to go home rather than pass a bill. prgtoken If s are serious about getting something done on the border, then why are s
DASH Act (Executive Session)
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-12-12

I rise in support of Harry Coker's nomination to be the National Cyber Director. The National Cyber Director is responsible for driving cyber security policy and strategy all across the Federal Government. prgtoken The Office of the National Cyber Director was established by Congress in 2021 to foster a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to cyber security. Harry Coker is an accomplished leader and a dedicated public servant who is well qualified to lead this important office. prgtoken Mr. Coker has over four decades of national security and cyber security experience. He served as a naval officer and in senior leadership roles at the National Security Agency and the Central Intelligence Agency, where he worked to combat cyber and national security threats. His nomination received bipartisan support from the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and he has been endorsed by a wide range of bipartisan cyber and national security experts. prgtoken During the 2 years since the Office of the National Cyber Director was created, the office has done impressive work, including developing an ambitious national cyber security strategy and national cyber workforce and education strategy. The Office of the National Cyber Director has been without a confirmed leader for almost 10 months. A dedicated, Senate-confirmed leader is critical to building upon these efforts and continuing to grow and mature the Office of the National Cyber Director. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to join me in confirming Mr. Coker to this very important role. prgtoken .
RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT OF MAYOR FRED YATES
Donald G. Davis (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2023-12-12

I rise to celebrate the retirement of an incredible human being and leader, Fred Yates, who served as the mayor of Winfall, North Carolina, for more than 30 years. prgtoken He was the first African American to hold this position. His leadership brought transformative projects, including a new town hall, a sewer system, and public safety for the town residents. prgtoken I congratulate Mayor Yates on his well-deserved retirement and thank him for his commitment to making eastern North Carolina better. His impact will be felt for generations to come.
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2023-12-12

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 that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF MR. JOHN McKENZIE
Mark Pocan (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2023-12-12

today I rise to recognize my constituent, Mr. John McKenzie, a Wisconsin business owner who plays a significant role in the revitalization of Dane County through his generous philanthropy. prgtoken Mr. John McKenzie, through his highly successful family business, consistently gives back to his community by maintaining improving, and reinvesting in properties throughout Dane County. prgtoken Beyond his obligation to his business, Mr. McKenzie spent years working with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County because of a heartfelt desire to improve the lives of young people, especially those belonging to underrepresented communities. prgtoken Mr. McKenzie partnered the Madison Area Builders Association with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County to introduce opportunities and careers in the skilled trades to young people looking to better their lives. prgtoken This great idea gained momentum and not long after, with the help of Mr. McKenzie, the National Association of Home Builders and the national Boys and Girls Clubs created their own partnership, extending new opportunities to millions of kids across our Nation. prgtoken Mr. McKenzie not only sought to shrink the racial and gender wealth gap, but also to mentor kids on how to save, invest, and build for the next generation. On July 15, 2023, with $30.4 million dollars' worth of investments and donations, Mr. McKenzie opened the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center, a place where kids of all ages can participate in career introductory programming. prgtoken Mr. John McKenzie demonstrates that business-driven organizations and organizations with a social focus can form partnerships that benefit the entirety of their respective communities. For that, I commend him, and I join his friends, family. and colleagues in offering him best wishes and continued success.
DASH Act (Executive Session)
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2023-12-12

I want to begin by offering my sincere thanks to the chairman of the Finance Committee, my friend Senator Wyden of Oregon. I am honored to be on the floor with him today to talk about these housing issues and this really important bill, the Workforce Housing Tax Credit Act, which, as he already mentioned, is bipartisan and bicameral. prgtoken As Senator Wyden already mentioned, our country is facing a lot of challenges right now: inflation, fentanyl coming through our borders, national security threats all over the place overseas. But it is very obvious, and anyone reading the paper knows, that we are also experiencing in rural and urban America a severe housing crisis. Everywhere I travel in the great State of Alaska, I hear from Alaskans reeling from the scarcity of housing, and it is everywhere--Anchorage, Fairbanks, Sitka, Ketchikan, Kodiak--every single small rural village in my State. It is everywhere. prgtoken I know it is a big challenge in Oregon, but it is a big challenge all over the country, and it is a challenge that impacts low- and middle- income families. It stands as a stark obstacle to getting and keeping jobs, to having a family, to building communities. This is really foundational stuff in terms of what matters in communities--housing. prgtoken So solving this challenge has been one of my top priorities, and I really want to thank Senator Wyden and his team for being so patient in working with us--a really good partner here. This is going to take all kinds of solutions. There is no silver bullet here. It is going to take everybody pulling on the same oar--the Feds, State, private sector, Tribes, nonprofits--but this is an important start. prgtoken I actually hosted the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Marcia Fudge, in Alaska this past August. We held a roundtable and some meetings on urban housing issues and on rural housing issues. It was very well attended. I want to thank all of the Alaskans who took part. They weren't shy with Secretary Fudge--she got an earful--and there is a whole host of things we are going to follow up on with her: challenges dealing with overregulation from HUD, homelessness definitions, housing formulas for cities. But it was progress our getting her up to Alaska. prgtoken So this is progress. This is progress. What Senator Wyden and I have introduced is an exciting and creative bill that will broaden a tried- and-true Federal tax incentive program--the low-income housing tax credit. prgtoken This all started during the 1980s, during the Reagan administration. It is market-based. It is private sector-focused. It is a proven, successful formula that will help catalyze the private sector to build more housing in urban and rural areas for working families. That is why we actually named it the Workforce Housing Tax Credit Act. Teachers, law enforcement, first responders, nurses, healthcare officials, electricians--the backbone of so many commu