mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE AND LEGACY OF AMBASSADOR JAMES A. JOSEPH
Terri A. Sewell (Democrat, AL) \u2014 2023-3-1

I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Ambassador James A. Joseph, who passed away on February 17, 2023, at the age of 87. Although originally from Louisiana, Ambassador Joseph had ties to Tuscaloosa, where he helped lead local civil rights efforts in the 1960s. prgtoken Ambassador Joseph served with distinction in under several Presidents, including as Under Secretary of Interior under President Carter and as our Ambassador to South Africa for three years during the Clinton Administration. The only U.S. Ambassador to present his credentials to President Nelson Mandela, he was awarded the Order of Good Hope by the Republic of South Africa in 1999, the highest honor bestowed on a citizen of another country. prgtoken Under President Clinton, Ambassador Joseph also served as the founding chair of the Commission on National and Community Service that established AmeriCorps. Reflecting the high regard in which he was held, Ambassador Joseph served under President Ronald Reagan on the Advisory Committee for the prgtoken Agency for International Development and on the Board of Advisors for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and as an Incorporating Director of the Points of Lights Foundation under President George H.W. . In 2010, he was honored by the United States Peace Corps for his life-long contributions to voluntarism and civil society. prgtoken From 1982 to 1995, Joseph was President and Chief Executive Officer of the Council on Foundations, an international organization of more than 2,000 foundations and corporate giving programs, which changed communities and lives on five continents. He served as a Vice President of Cummins Engine Company, the world's largest producer of heavy-duty diesel engines, and President of the Cummins Foundation from 1971 to 1977, where he was a pioneer in corporate social responsibility and helped fund a broad array of civil rights and civil society organizations. prgtoken Ambassador Joseph's journey was historic, having started life on a family farm in Southwest Louisiana, spending his early years in segregated Opelousas, Louisiana--the state headquarters of the Ku Klux Klan--and rising to the heights of achievement and contributions in academia, public service, civil society, and the private sector. My House colleagues may be interested to learn that in high school, he won the state oratory competition and placed second in the national competition to one of my predecessors and role models, the future Congresswoman Barbara Jordan (D-TX), the first Southern African- American woman elected to the United States House of Representatives. prgtoken Ambassador Joseph was a leader in the fight for civil rights. After graduating from Southern University in 1956 and obtaining a master's degree from Yale Divinity School in 1963, he taught at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, the national headquarters of the KKK. While at Stillman, Joseph cofounded the local c
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Sharice Davids (Democrat, KS) \u2014 2023-3-1

I rise today to share my support for four important bills that were considered by the House on Monday: H. Res. 132, a resolution responding to the earthquakes in Turkiye and Syria on February 6, 2023; H.R. 538, Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act; H.R. 1059, the SECURE Notarization Act of 2023; and H.R. 1108, To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to extend the authority of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to grant a license or construction permit through a system of competitive bidding. prgtoken Regrettably, I was unable to cast my votes for this legislation, but had I been able to, I would have voted to pass all four. prgtoken I had the pleasure of voting for the SECURE Notarization Act when this bill passed the House in the 117th Congress, and I would have gladly voted for it in the 118th Congress as well. prgtoken I regret having missed the vote on H.R. 1108, to extend the FCC's spectrum auction authority. In the 117th Congress, I introduced legislation to extend the FCC's spectrum auction authority through March of 2024, which passed the House in July 2022. However, only a short-term extension was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, and this bill would push that deadline back to May of 2023. This will give the FCC confidence to host upcoming auctions and to raise revenues for the federal government while Congress debates long-term action.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Elizabeth Warren (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-3-1

I rise today in opposition to efforts to nullify the Department of Labor's rule that protects retirees and affirms decades of precedent. This rule allows those investing retirees' savings the freedom to direct those funds where the retirees want them to go. It lets them protect those funds from costly risks posed by worsening environmental disasters or unsafe and unfair working conditions and seek out promising, sustainable, long-term investment opportunities. prgtoken s' latest front in their wholly made up culture war is an attack on ``woke capitalism,'' and American retirees are apparently their targets. In particular, s have set their sights on retirees who choose to invest their money with environmental, social, and governance--ESG--factors in mind. prgtoken Now, investors have actually been doing this for decades. The Department of Labor has repeatedly said that under the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, known as ERISA, retirement plan managers may consider all--all--relevant economic factors when making investment decisions if it is in the best interest of the plan's participants. That includes ESG factors, like how a company treats its workers or whether the company is sufficiently protected from climate risks and whether the company respects human rights. prgtoken It turns out, investors really want to know these things. You don't need to be a financial wizard to realize that whether a company invests in its workers or is vulnerable to climate risks might be relevant to the company's long-term prospects and the potential returns on your investment. prgtoken But the administration put blinders on investors when, in 2020, it finalized a rule limiting that and made it harder for retirees to invest with ESG considerations in mind. In 2022, the administration Department of Labor rightfully removed these roadblocks and affirmed that retirement fiduciaries have the option to consider ESG factors when making investments on behalf of retirees. prgtoken Let's be very clear about what this rule does not do. It does not mandate anything. It does not require that fiduciaries invest or not invest in certain funds. It does not tell fiduciaries to consider or not to consider certain factors. There is nothing new here and certainly nothing extreme. prgtoken Let's be clear. By overturning the Department of Labor's rule, s want to tie investors' hands and override the free market. This fight isn't about protecting and strengthening Americans' retirement security. It is not about ensuring that retirement plan fiduciaries are making sound financial investments. And it sure as heck is not about capitalism. It is politics, plain and simple. prgtoken How do I know that? Well, s clearly believe that investment decisions should be made with consideration of ESG factors so long as they are ESG factors that the s support. M
CELEBRATING THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TEXAS RANGERS
Nathaniel Moran (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-3-1

. Madam , I am honored to join Representative Roy and so many from the Texas delegation today to recognize 200 years of history--the 200th anniversary of our most prolific investigative law enforcement agency in Texas, and one of the most prolific law enforcement agencies in this Nation and worldwide, the Texas Rangers. prgtoken In 1823, Stephen F. Austin assembled a small collection of brave men in a call to arms. Over the past two centuries, this small group numbering less than 200 today, has undertaken almost every aspect of law enforcement in Texas. prgtoken Let me pause there and reinforce that, less than 200 Rangers on the job today. By the amount of work that they do, you would think there were hundreds, even thousands across Texas, but indeed it is a small elite force. prgtoken From investigating murder to conspiracy and every crime in between, they have protected our borders, both in the 19th century and here again in the 21st century. They have protected our Governor and our historical Alamo. prgtoken The Texas Rangers are an esteemed symbol of the Lone Star State. They are guardians of the highest order. They are the cream of the crop. Because of that, they have been praised and storied again and again in poem, in song, in movies, and in television--from the Lone Ranger to Walker Texas Ranger. You see replications of these Texas Rangers over and over again because of their unique toughness, but also because of their compassion. They make sure that there is swift and sure justice in Texas, but also fair and impartial justice. prgtoken Like so many other law enforcement agencies, it is not just the possibility of ultimate sacrifice that sets them apart from so many others, it frankly is their daily sacrifice. Each day when they get up, they kiss their kids and their wives and their spouses goodbye, and they head off to work. They set themselves apart by sacrificial service to their communities, putting their life on the line day in and day out for each of us in Texas. prgtoken As I did when I was a county judge in Texas, I am proud to back the blue. I am honored to stand here today in recognition of the Texas Rangers' 200 years of dedication and service to our communities. prgtoken To all of our officers: We honor you, we thank you, and we are indebted to you. This Congress should look at the example of the Texas Rangers and the examples set by so many law enforcement officers across this country, and remind ourselves of what is truly important and who we should indeed support when it comes down to it. We should always back the blue. prgtoken Congratulations, Texas Rangers. Keep leading the way, keep setting the standard, and keep making us proud.
Emissions Regulation (Executive Calendar)
Deb Fischer (Republican, NE) \u2014 2023-3-1

my colleagues are here today to shine a light on the administration's obsession with unhelpful and unnecessary regulations. We know that excessive redtape devastates our economy, and it harms communities. That is why the President's agenda needs to be stopped, and we can do it right here in the U.S. Senate. prgtoken I have introduced legislation this Congress to push back against the administration's misguided rule intensifying emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles. prgtoken In my home State of Nebraska, 1 in 12 people are employed by the trucking industry, making it the third largest industry in our State. In the United States as a whole, over 3 million people work as commercial truckers, and American truckers transported almost 11 billion tons of freight in the year 2021. Consumers all across the country rely on trucking to bring goods to markets quickly and affordably. prgtoken Truckers play an essential role in our communities and our economy, but the administration doesn't seem to agree with that fact. Instead, our prgtoken President routinely chooses to prioritize excessive environmental regulations over people's livelihoods. prgtoken Nowhere is this clearer than in the Environmental Protection Agency's recent rule establishing stricter emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles. The administration--well, they want to saddle hard- working drivers with an onerous regulation that is going to increase vehicle costs and is going to deal a serious blow to good-paying jobs. This aggressive EPA rule will hit mom-and-pop truck operations the hardest. For trucks to be compliant with the new overregulation, it will be cost prohibitive for small business owners. prgtoken Don't get me wrong. Nebraskans--over a quarter of whom work jobs related to agriculture--care deeply about environmental stewardship, but the EPA's emissions rule wouldn't actually accomplish its stated purpose of cleaning up our environment. The EPA itself estimates that the technology required to meet this new rule's standards will cost between approximately $2,500 and $8,500 per vehicle. This means that many truckers will choose to keep their old heavy-duty vehicles, which do have higher rates of emissions, instead of buying vehicles that are both affordable and more climate-conscious. prgtoken During a period of high inflation and supply chain disruptions, the last thing this country needs is more expensive freight costs and fewer truckers. Congress needs to vote to overturn this excessive rule--one that will hurt both the transportation sector and consumers at large. prgtoken The bottom line is that we have an obligation to stand up and push back against out-of-touch, far-left policies. I appreciate the work so many of my colleagues are doing toward this goal. prgtoken Senator Braun is leading the charge to overturn the President's new environmental, social, and corporate governance rule on retirement funds
FAIRFIELD FALCONS GIRLS BASKETBALL 3A CHAMPIONS
Rudy Yakym III (Republican, IN) \u2014 2023-3-1

. Madam , I rise today to highlight and celebrate a very special group of Hoosiers. prgtoken Over the weekend, the Fairfield Falcons girls basketball team out of Goshen, Indiana, captured the 3A State title for the first time in school history. prgtoken The Falcons 49-42 win over Corydon Central in Indianapolis was exhilarating and extra special as it marked Fairfield's first State trophy in any sport. prgtoken We have all heard the maxim, ``defense wins championships,'' and for the Falcons it turned out to be true. prgtoken All season long the Falcons' defense was downright stingy, allowing the fewest points per game out of any team in Indiana. But it wasn't only because of their defense that the Falcons are celebrating. In particular, Head Coach Brodie Garber credits four senior girls he is graduating for consistently providing leadership and mentorship needed for his team to take on the title. prgtoken Congratulations to Coach Garber and all the Falcons--both players and staff--on bringing home the hardware. prgtoken Thank you for making Hoosiers in Goshen and beyond so incredibly proud. prgtoken God bless you, and God bless America.
REDUCE EXACERBATED INFLATION NEGATIVELY IMPACTING THE NATION ACT
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-3-1

. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of the amendment. prgtoken Perhaps no part of flation has been more painful than its impacts on food and energy prices. One can hardly imagine kitchen-table issues greater than those. prgtoken flation is causing food prices to skyrocket, as well as the prices for energy to cook it and the prices of the gasoline needed to get to the market. The list goes painfully on. prgtoken My colleague's amendment makes sure that when the President is considering major executive orders, he will be informed in a crystal- clear way of the inflationary impacts his orders may have on food and energy prices. It is my hope that will bring some relief to our constituents at their kitchen tables. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this amendment.
TRIBUTE TO CHAD KIDD
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2023-3-1

I rise today to honor a great Idahoan and the new Federal Engineer of the Year, Chad Kidd. prgtoken Over the past decade, Mr. Kidd has served as an electrical engineer for the Bureau of Reclamation. Throughout his time he has displayed a consistent record of outstanding design, installation, commissioning, and professional engineering support for Reclamation's hydro generation program. Mr. Kidd is also a stalwart leader in electrical safety for power plants in the Columbia-Pacific Northwest Region. Most notably, Mr. Kidd developed and delivered electrical awareness and safety training across the region years before a formal Reclamation electrical training program even existed. Mr. Kidd has won numerous awards and accolades to commemorate his phenomenal work and is a six-time recipient of the STAR Award. prgtoken In addition to his many engineering accomplishments, Mr. Kidd has also displayed himself as a great community leader. He has spent hundreds of hours volunteering for the Boy Scouts of America, Meals on Wheels, Declo High School, and other organizations providing his labor and expertise to help those around him. prgtoken Idahoans like Mr. Kidd make our State proud. I am thankful for his work in our great State and congratulate him on this high achievement.
Inflation (Executive Calendar)
Todd Young (Republican, IN) \u2014 2023-3-1

in recent weeks, the administration has reassured Americans that our economy is historically strong and that their policies are the reason why. But far away from the White House, most people, I have to say, are unpersuaded. The cost of their bills and the state of their savings simply don't match the rosy picture that the administration presents. prgtoken There is a reason the rhetoric of this administration is so disconnected from the reality. This administration claims it is investing in America's economy, but, at the same time, it strangles our economy with unnecessary and ideologically motivated rules and regulations. prgtoken Just ask Hoosier farmers. The latest in their deluge of redtape, the rewritten waters of the United States rule, will make it much harder and significantly more expensive for our farmers to help feed the rest of the world. prgtoken Look at what they have had to navigate over just the past few years: a global pandemic, a supply chain stoppage, inflation, and the increased price of inputs. prgtoken In an industry that is so fundamental to America's prosperity, where margins for generations have been razor thin, why would we create even more uncertainty for our Nation's farmers? Because the priorities of environmental ideologues in Washington, DC, are evidently more important to this administration than the needs of the people who actually work the land--the people who provide our food supply. prgtoken This isn't part of an agenda that helps Americans. No, it is a bare- knuckle attempt to expand the reach prgtoken of the Federal Government over the lives and activities of regular people. prgtoken Now, my office has recently heard from James Ramsey from Rush County, IN. James and his family farm corn, soybeans, and wheat in the east central part of our State. They have been farming and maintaining the same land since the 1860s. They also run a small business helping farmers and counties with drainage installation, ditch digging, and land clearing, improving water quality and soil health in the process. prgtoken They started out doing minor projects back in 2008 but have since grown, acquiring their own wheel trencher and commercial plow. Through hard work and through a lot of planning, James, his father, his brother, and others have expanded this business. They have clients now throughout the State of Indiana, and they have eight employees. prgtoken It is a real American success story--exactly the type WOTUS will interrupt. James, like many other farmers and small business owners across the country, knows what these newly revised, overly complex rules will accomplish. They will accomplish increased overhead, prolonged permitting processes, slowed or even stopped projects, and, ultimately, laid-off employees. prgtoken James has never had to let a single employee go because of a lack of demand. Instead, he regards his employees as family. They have their own families to fe
DISAVOW NEW NUCLEAR ACCORD WITH IRAN
George Santos (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-3-1

. Madam , I rise today horrified at the reports from Iran that hundreds of schoolgirls appear to have been poisoned in the suspected attack by the Iranian Government. I cannot stand by idly and watch these women and children continue to be targeted simply because they want to live free from persecution. prgtoken Last month, I called on the President to do more than merely sanction the Ayatollah's illegal theocratic regime. The administration will not respond because they are still looking to resuscitate the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. prgtoken Additionally, its weakness on the world stage has the administration consumed by the war in Ukraine and recent airspace invasions from China. prgtoken We have faced decades-long failed attempts to negotiate directly with the Islamic Republic. If there is one thing that has become crystal clear, it is that resuscitating the nuclear deal no longer offers a realistic pathway for mitigating the threats posed by Tehran. prgtoken We need to stop virtue signaling and soft-pedaling with flimsy symbolic support. I call on the administration to publicly disavow the prospect of a new nuclear deal with Iran.
RECOGNIZING ROXANNE WATSON
Michael Lawler (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-3-1

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Roxanne Watson, a resident of the 17th Congressional District who is here in the gallery today. prgtoken Roxanne has dedicated herself to raising awareness about organ donation, serving as a patient advocate and as a transplant ambassador for Donate Life, WomenHeart, and the American Heart Association. prgtoken As the recipient of an organ donation herself, which saved her life, Roxanne has taken this issue head-on. prgtoken She has served as an advocate and volunteer with LiveOnNY for over a decade and as a volunteer with the New York Organ Donor Network, where she has used her platform to help increase the number of organ donors in Rockland County by over 15 percent in the past 20 years. prgtoken For these efforts, she has recently been recognized as a Guinness world-record holder having signed up over 13,000 individuals to become organ donors. prgtoken Roxanne Watson is a leader within our community and a role model for others, and I am honored to recognize her today on the House floor for her lifesaving efforts.
REDUCE EXACERBATED INFLATION NEGATIVELY IMPACTING THE NATION ACT
Scott Perry (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-3-1

. Mr. Chair, I will just say this. I am not from Maryland, and I don't live around the beltway here, where everything is just fine. I live up in Pennsylvania, where $1 billion or $1 million is a lot of money to hardworking people who get up in the dark of night and head out to work. A million dollars is a lot of money, and they would like to know where we are spending it here. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Comer), the chairman of the committee.