mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING GARRETT HOLMES
Eric Swalwell (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-3-14

I rise to recognize Alameda County Sheriff's Department Division Commander and Dublin Police Chief Garrett Holmes on the occasion of his retirement after over 28 years of service on Friday, March 17, 2023. prgtoken Growing up in Pleasanton and graduating from Amador Valley High School, Garrett has called the Tri-Valley home for over 45 years. In 2011, he graduated from the FBI National Academy, earning one of the most stringent police officer training certificates in the country. prgtoken In 1993, Garrett started his career as a Reserve Deputy with the Alameda County Sheriff's Office (ACSO), working at the North County Jail and Santa Rita Jail. In 2005, Garrett joined Dublin Police Services (DPS), serving on patrol, crime prevention, and investigations. In the years that followed, Garrett took the responsibilities of field training officer and supervisor, patrol supervisor, and administration sergeant, and rose to the rank of Lieutenant. In 2009, Garrett left DPS to serve with ACSO as a Captain and Commanding Officer at the Oakland International Airport. prgtoken In 2015, Garrett returned to DPS to oversee operations and administration and, in December 2017, was promoted to Division Commander and Police Chief. Under Garrett's leadership, DPS initiated transparent and accessible community policing, offering regular meetings with the public, publishing a Dublin Police Annual Report, and hosting ``Coffee with the Chief'' events. prgtoken Outside of his career, Garrett has consistently engaged with the community, coaching local Pleasanton soccer and softball teams. prgtoken Garrett and his family also run a statewide nonprofit called ``Cal Rare'' that focuses on advocating for rare disease patients. prgtoken For nearly 30 years, Garrett has diligently served the Alameda County community. His dedication to community safety and transparency has made him an asset at DPS and the community. I wish him well-deserved rest, relaxation, and many Major League Baseball stadium visits with his wife, Angela, and his children, Delaney, Cassidy. and Andrew, as he enters this new chapter.
Government Funding (Executive Calendar)
John Hoeven (Republican, ND) \u2014 2023-3-15

I would like to join the good Senator from North Carolina as well as my colleagues in bringing Senate attention to the President's fiscal year 2024 budget. prgtoken At the outset, I want to say I support a balanced budget amendment and have done so since I first came to the Senate. I think that is something that we need to pass. We need a balanced budget amendment. prgtoken But with that, I do want to comment on the administration's budget released last week, which goes in the wrong direction. prgtoken President 's $6.9 trillion proposal is full of the same tax-and- spend policies that do not balance a budget, do not help reduce inflation, and instead they levy taxes on hard-working Americans and spend money that we don't have. prgtoken In total, the budget proposes $4.7 trillion--let me repeat that, $4.7 trillion--in new taxes on the American people. prgtoken We need to get our fiscal house in order, and we do that by controlling spending, not again raising taxes on hard-working Americans. It is time that we come together to reduce our debt and deficit and enact responsible policies that will reduce inflation and lift the burden that our American taxpayers currently face. prgtoken The President's budget calls for increasing the corporate tax rate to 28 percent. This is higher than the average corporate tax rate in Europe, which is currently 21.7 percent, and it is even higher than the tax rate in China, if you can believe that, which is 25 percent. prgtoken This policy neglects the fact that tax increases like these are ultimately passed through to consumers in terms prgtoken of higher prices for goods and services. That is just the reality. prgtoken We know this because in 2021, the nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation scored a similar corporate tax increase proposal and very clearly came back and demonstrated that that tax increase would be borne by hard-working taxpayers and certainly taxpayers making less than the $400,000 per year that President has talked about. prgtoken Because of this administration's past tax-and-spend policies, just yesterday, the updated CPI--Consumer Price Index--indicated that prices for goods and services in this country continue to rise. prgtoken We have seen historic levels of inflation, and a big part of controlling and reducing that inflation is controlling and reducing overall spending. prgtoken With the latest numbers, unless you have gotten at least a 15-percent raise since the administration took office, you have effectively suffered a pay cut because the rate of inflation has gone up faster than your rate of pay. prgtoken During the previous administration, we took a different approach, cutting the top corporate rate from 35 percent to 21 percent. This approach led to economic growth and businesses coming back to America, and it also led to higher wages for American workers. prgtoken Of particular concern in my State of North Dakota are the prop
Budget (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2023-3-15

inflation numbers for February came out yesterday morning, and they confirmed what every American knows: We are still squarely in the middle of ' inflation crisis, with no end in sight. prgtoken Overall, inflation was up 6 percent in February compared to a year ago and a staggering 15 percent since President took office--15 percent. Grocery prices were up 10.2 percent in February compared to a year ago and 20 percent since President took office. Electricity prices were up 12.9 percent. Utility gas service was up 14.3 percent. Rent prices were up 8.8 percent. And the list goes on. Overall, energy prices have increased by 37.2 percent since President took office--37.2 percent. prgtoken Again, there is no end in sight to this crisis. Digging out of an inflation crisis like this isn't easy, but there are things we can and should be doing to help, like restraining government spending, unleashing American energy production to help drive down energy prices, and growing the economy. These are the things President should be pursuing. But, as the President's budget last week made clear, the President hasn't learned anything from the last 2 years. President and congressional helped create our current inflation crisis with their $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan spending spree. And what does President have planned in his budget? More reckless government spending--a lot more reckless government spending. prgtoken Our last Federal budget before the pandemic was in 2019. That year, total Federal spending was $4.4 trillion. Over the last 3 years, COVID and then ' profligate spending pushed up the size of the Federal budget to levels in excess of $6 trillion. So $4.4 trillion in 2019 before the pandemic, $6 trillion at the conclusion of the pandemic, and two big reconciliation bills passed along party lines by . But the need for extra COVID dollars is long over. prgtoken Given the economic havoc ' reckless spending has created, you would think would be looking to return the budget to somewhere approaching pre-COVID levels, prgtoken but you would be wrong. President wants to take the inflated budgets of the past 3 years as his new baseline, and then the President is proposing $6.88 trillion in spending next year--a 54-percent increase over 2019 levels. And then--and then--he is proposing increased spending every year until the Federal budget reaches an eye- popping $10 trillion in 2033--$10 trillion in 2033. prgtoken Again, let me just remind people that the entire Federal budget in 2019--just a few short years ago--was $4.4 trillion. President wants to more than double that--$4.4 trillion to $10 trillion. prgtoken This level of spending and the accompanying level of debt would present a serious danger to our financial stability going forward. The President's budget all but ensures that the size of our national d
Government Funding (Executive Calendar)
Cindy Hyde-Smith (Republican, MS) \u2014 2023-3-15

I rise today to also express my disappointment in the fiscal year 2024 budget submitted to Congress by President . As a fiscal conservative, I have serious concerns about the direction this budget proposes to take our country. It fails to address the real needs of our Nation and instead doubles down on failed policies. prgtoken Americans continue to suffer from the worst inflation since the Carter administration--inflation set off by President 's reckless tax-and-spend agenda. Consumer prices have risen 15 percent since took office. These are real numbers. People in my home State of Mississippi and across this country continue to see their hard-earned savings dwindle and their paychecks stretched thin by higher prices for everything from groceries to gasoline and basic utilities. prgtoken After 2 years of trudging through this economy, Americans truly need help. However, President 's budget will do anything but help. The President's $7 trillion budget for 2024 will result in massive spending increases that will further exacerbate our already significant debt and deficit problems. Remember, reckless spending is the major reason prices took off in the first place. prgtoken We simply cannot afford to spend at this level and continue passing on the burden of our current and growing debt to future generations. prgtoken What is more, this proposal includes $4.7 trillion in new or increased taxes--the largest tax hike since the 1960s. These tax hikes would stifle economic growth, discourage investment, and ultimately harm the very people the President's budget is supposed to help. prgtoken The President is asking Congress to hike the individual Federal income tax rate up from 37 percent to 39.6 percent, not including the surtaxes with that. This proposal would push tax increases on even more hard-working Americans. Make no mistake, this proposal does not ``tax the rich,'' as my colleagues across the aisle love to say; it raises taxes on middle-class Americans. prgtoken The President's proposed tax increases may raise revenue in the short term to support his big spending, Big Government schemes, but they amount to distraction and to only gimmicks. prgtoken There is little chance these massive tax increases will see the light of day, but even if they did, the tax hikes would not address the underlying issues of our ballooning national debt. prgtoken The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projects that the Federal Government will spend over $10 trillion on interest alone in the next 10 years. Think about that for a moment--$10 trillion on interest payments alone. Unbelievable. As we pay more and more on debt interest payments, there will be less available to use on critical and important priorities like Senator Hoeven mentioned: national defense, infrastructure, healthcare, or education. prgtoken I recently reintroduced a constitutional balanced-budget amendment because I am ver
REMEMBERING J.E. JAKE FISHER
Eric Schmitt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2023-3-15

I rise today to honor the life and memory of T.E. ``Jake'' Fisher, of Portageville, MO. prgtoken Jake Fisher was well known for his time as director of the University of Missouri's Delta Research Center, in Portageville, MO, which was renamed the ``Fisher'' Delta Research, Extension, and Education Center in Jake's honor after his retirement in 2011. Jake began his career at the Delta Research Center in 1961 and worked his way up from farm worker to director by 1989, until his retirement after more than 50 years with the University of Missouri. To commemorate Jake's service to the University of Missouri, the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources created the T.E. Jake Fisher Scholarship Fund, to continue Jake's huge legacy of encouraging students from the Bootheel region to attend Mizzou. prgtoken Jake's devotion to his community and the State of Missouri will never be forgotten. He served on numerous boards over the years and maintained connections with folks across the State. One of his most passionate roles was president of the Pemiscot-Dunklin Electric Cooperative Board of Directors, a position he held until his retirement in September of 2022. He also held positions on the boards of the M&A Electric Power Cooperative and the Associated Electric Cooperative. prgtoken Jake was a fine man that will forever be remembered for possessing a heart of gold and an enormous friendly presence. I had the distinct honor of meeting Jake at the Annual Fisher Delta Research Center Field Days, an event where thousands of guests from across the State of Missouri gather to celebrate agriculture, Southeast Missouri, and life- long learning. I ask my Senate colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Mr. Jake Fisher, and I offer my sincerest condolences to his wife Shelly, daughter Stacey, and remaining family and friends during this difficult time of mourning.
SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE
Roger F. Wicker (Republican, MS) \u2014 2023-3-15

I rise this evening with a simple and sober message: The United States has entered a very dangerous period, a dangerous national security moment the likes of which we have not seen since the height of the Cold War. Although alarming, the moment is clarifying. The job of the Department of Defense and Congress is and always has been to provide for the common defense, as provided in the Constitution. We must stay focused on American military might and so prevent our adversaries from changing the course of our future. prgtoken An American-led 21st century is a peaceful and prosperous century. That is not what a century led by the Chinese Communist Party would look like. It is no surprise the pariah states of Russia, Iran, and North Korea are growing closer to Beijing and to each other. A free world is actually something that threatens them. prgtoken As the ranking member of the Armed Services Committee, it is my hope that we will decide not just to compete in this dangerous era but that we win. To that end, I have identified three priorities: deterring conflicts, winning technological competitions, and investing in our military's personnel. prgtoken First, deterring conflicts. In American history, one foreign and defense policy has succeeded above all others: a national policy of preparedness. prgtoken President Washington said: To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace. prgtoken Theodore Roosevelt called it ``wielding a big stick.'' President Reagan called it ``peace through strength.'' Indeed, we ought to listen to those great captains of American purpose. We should rearm and strengthen the United States so no adversary dreams of acting against our interests. prgtoken With that in mind, I want to start with Taiwan and Ukraine. Without a doubt, there is no greater challenge than deterring Xi Jingping from taking Taiwan. Failing to defend Taiwan would plunge the globe into an economic depression and end our hopes for an American-led century. prgtoken To ensure that never happens, Congress should pursue four priorities with Taiwan this year. prgtoken First, we should pressure the administration to exercise the $1 billion of drawdown authority we provided them in the Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act last year. prgtoken Second, we should match Taipei's growing investment in critical capabilities. I am disappointed that the administration has once again failed to request foreign military financing money for Taiwan. Congress will have to act. prgtoken Third, we should fix the foreign military sales backlog and pursue real reforms to the process. Right now, it takes us too long to get crucial weapons to our allies. For example, unless something changes, Taiwan will wait nearly a decade to get a recent order of Harpoons. prgtoken Fourth, we should expand our work with allies and partners to help Taiwan defend itself with military and nonmilitary tools o
Remembering Judith Heumann (Executive Calendar)
Tammy Duckworth (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-3-15

I come to the floor today with a heavy yet full heart to pay tribute to someone I owe so much to, someone who millions of Americans living with disabilities owe so much to, Judy Heumann. prgtoken To honor her, I want to start by describing the environment we are in for those who may be listening in who may be visually impaired. We are in the United States Senate Chambers. I am sitting in the top row of chairs. I am sitting in my wheelchair. I am an Asian-American woman with brown hair, and I am wearing my signature red lipstick, just as Judy used to wear. prgtoken Judy was more than a friend; she was a personal hero to me. She was a person who devoted her life to expanding disability rights, to making sure that accessibility in this country is not an afterthought but, in fact, is the norm. prgtoken She worked so hard because she recognized a simple truth: that everyone, whether they know it or not, is just 1 day, 1 split-second away from acquiring a disability and needing the protections and rights that too many take for granted, rights that every American deserves. prgtoken You know, when I earned my disability in 2004, I actually considered myself pretty lucky. I say ``lucky'' because when I got home from Iraq, the Rehabilitation Act had been the law of the land for more than 30 years, and the Americans with Disabilities Act had been in place for more than a decade, both of which Judy had fought tirelessly to implement and, in fact, was the author of, and both of which empowered people like me to lead full lives. So, yes, pretty darn lucky because I wouldn't be able to roll my wheelchair through the maze of the Capitol Building and onto the Senate floor today to give this speech without those laws or without the unwavering advocacy and leadership of Judy Heumann. prgtoken You see, Judy passed her exams to earn a teaching license before people with disabilities had equal protections under the law, but she was denied that license by the school board even though she passed the exams--denied it just because of so-called concerns about legal liability in the workplace because she had a disability. prgtoken They said that because Judy used a wheelchair, she represented a fire hazard and couldn't safely teach in a classroom. Judy, rightfully so, wasn't going to take that for an answer, so she got to work. She worked and she worked and she worked. She fought and she fought some more. She made a fuss. She caused what civil rights giant John Lewis called ``good trouble.'' prgtoken It is in large part because of her never giving up that the Rehabilitation Act exists, that the ADA exists, and that my full, wonderful, beautifully chaotic life is possible. For that and for so much more, I will be forever grateful for Judy Heumann. prgtoken Judy passed away earlier this month, but what she lived for will live on forever. I will never forget the hard-earned lessons she taught me about what it means to truly fig
Judicial Confirmations (Executive Calendar)
Alex Padilla (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-3-15

I rise today to celebrate the confirmation of four qualified, exemplary public servants who will now serve as district court judges in California. prgtoken One month ago, we celebrated a landmark achievement of the Presidency: 100 Federal judges confirmed by the Senate. That is worthy of being celebrated by all Americans because, from the moment President entered office, he set out to nominate candidates with a diverse range of legal and life experience. We sought to work together to build a Federal bench that looks like the America that it serves. prgtoken With the confirmations of Judge Daniel Calabretta, Ms. Araceli Martinez-Olguin, Judge James Simmons, Jr and Judge Andrew Schopler, we are once again fulfilling that commitment and putting forth the best of the great State of California and the best that our country has to offer. prgtoken Now, earlier this year, we confirmed Judge Daniel Calabretta to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California. Judge Calabretta is an exceptional nominee with the qualifications to serve in the Eastern District with distinction. He earned his B.A. from Princeton University and his J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School. prgtoken Since then, his nearly two-decade legal career has been defined by a commitment to serving the public's interests. Before he was appointed to the California Superior Court in 2019, his career spanned from the California Department of Justice to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and from Sacramento, CA, to the Supreme Court. In each and every role, he has demonstrated a keen legal mind and a clear commitment to justice. prgtoken But beyond his exceptional legal credentials, he brings a valuable diversity of life experience to the Eastern District, a court with one of the highest average per-judge workloads in the country. prgtoken Judge Calabretta's confirmation makes him the first openly gay man to serve on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, bringing a voice and experience not yet represented in such a role. But I am confident, with his experience, his acumen, and his judgments, that he will be a tremendous asset for the millions of people that he will now serve. prgtoken Now, 2 weeks ago, this body confirmed Araceli Martinez-Olguin to serve on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Born in Mexico City but raised in Northern California, Ms. Martinez-Olguin received her bachelor's degree from Princeton University. She then returned home to California to work as a kindergarten teacher before attending the UC Berkeley School of Law. prgtoken She spent her career representing those who all too often are overlooked by the legal system: immigrants, low-income women, and women of color. Ms. Martinez-Olguin has experience at community legal service organizations, as well as the Department of Education and the National Immigration Law C