mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DISAPPROVING THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE RELATING TO ``PROCEDURES COVERING SUSPENSION OF LIQUIDATION, DUTIES AND ESTIMATED DUTIES IN ACCORD WITH PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION 10414''
Jimmy Panetta (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-4-28

I rise in opposition to this resolution because American solar companies need the delay on solar tariffs so that they can keep up with the American demand for clean energy. prgtoken If we repeal this delay with this CRA, the American solar industry could be hit with more than $1 billion--with a b, billion--in retroactive duties, taxes that would cause cancellations and supply chain issues, stall solar deployment, and set us back on our clean energy goals. prgtoken Look, we have already seen, just with the threat of these tariffs, a 30 percent decrease in solar deployment last year. Of course, we want to strategically decouple from China, I believe especially with their solar pieces, parts, and equipment. However, American solar companies need more time to adapt, adjust, and reduce Chinese inputs in solar panels. prgtoken I also realize that we need to do more to bolster our domestic solar manufacturing, but that is why we recently made significant investments for domestic credits. However, if we allow these retroactive tariffs to take place now, it would deprive our solar industry of the incentive to invest in our manufacturing projects at home. prgtoken That is why we need this delay, and that is why this delay was the right call, not just by this administration but it is also the right call so the American solar industry can catch up to our domestic demands, so Americans can continue to speed up their solar deployment, and America can continue to step up when it comes to the continued success of our economy and the future of our sustainability. prgtoken , that is why I urge a ``no'' vote on this CRA.
ADOPTIVE PARENTS ARE REAL PARENTS
Maxwell Frost (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2023-4-28

I rise today as a proud adoptee, a son with two loving parents who provided me with all the love and support a child could ever ask for. prgtoken Yet, I heard in this Chamber a few days ago someone saying my parents aren't real parents. prgtoken Let me be clear: I am their child. They are my parents. For bigoted, closed-minded reasons, certain folks have decided that people who adopt their children are lesser than. prgtoken Make no mistake, whether you adopted your child, had biological children, or found your chosen family in some other way, you are a parent. prgtoken Because I haven't seen any of my colleagues in this Chamber condemn these disgusting comments, I hope that they don't also agree with it because I won't allow anyone in this Chamber to disrespect my family or yours. prgtoken Directly to the people who have opened up their hearts and homes to children ready for their embrace, don't let anyone ever diminish who you are. You are real parents, a parent and nothing less.
THE CONSCIENCE AGENDA
Al Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-4-28

I compliment the gentleman for recognizing a staffer. This is what I would expect from him, to be quite honest. He has demonstrated in his years in Congress a desire to see that all people are treated fairly. He has not only demonstrated a desire, but he has actually demonstrated it by way of a voting record that evidences the will to see that it is done. prgtoken , I compliment the gentleman and it is what I would expect from him.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF HARRY BELAFONTE
Adriano Espaillat (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-4-28

Harry Belafonte was a lifelong public servant and civil rights advocate who selflessly used the power of his voice to entertain us through songs, as well as to build awareness and bring attention to numerous social and political causes for vulnerable communities across the United States and the world. prgtoken He was a hitmaker and changemaker. From New York City to Hollywood, he broke barriers. His efforts helped propel the civil rights movement and created an appetite for justice across the country. prgtoken Harry Belafonte was an entertainer, an ambassador for humanity, and an advocate for goodwill across this planet. prgtoken An alumnus of George Washington High School in my district, Mr. Belafonte was a Harlem treasure, an ambassador for humanity, and he will never be forgotten. prgtoken Today, I honor his life, his legacy, and the contributions he made to the global community.
DISAPPROVING THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE RELATING TO ``PROCEDURES COVERING SUSPENSION OF LIQUIDATION, DUTIES AND ESTIMATED DUTIES IN ACCORD WITH PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION 10414''
Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-4-28

I believe almost all of us are here to make America stronger, to serve the people who sent us here. This act will do exactly the opposite. prgtoken It will hurt the 33,000 American solar installers who will lose their jobs. It will raise energy costs for families everywhere, but especially in the Sun Belt. It will hurt all Americans who hope to use the solar tax credit. prgtoken It will hurt the energy companies, the businesses that built major solar installations in the last 8 months that will be subject to a retroactive tariff of 254 percent. prgtoken It will harm our endangered planet. It will handcuff us in our fight against climate change. prgtoken , the act will not help our growing domestic solar panel manufacturers that are already sold out till the end of the pause. It won't hurt China, which has abundant buyers in the rest of the world. This is the same China that ships a million packages a day duty-free to the United States because of our $800 de minimis exception. prgtoken , this is an act that only creates losers. There are no winners. I urge my friends to vote ``no.''
HONORING THE BASILICA SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL
Dwight Evans (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2023-4-28

I rise today to recognize the Miraculous Medal Shrine, a Marian devotional destination and ministry of the Vincentians of the Eastern Province in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, as it has been elevated by the Vatican to Minor Basilica status. This designation is shared by only one other church in the City of Philadelphia, the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, and 91 others across the United States. The Shrine, along with the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception that houses it, are now known as The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. prgtoken The new designation follows a multiyear application that culminated in a decree issued by Pope Francis. The Shrine is now promoted as an exemplary site of liturgical and pastoral activity within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Minor Basilicas are given prominence among other churches and shrines, receive certain honorifics, and are tasked with special responsibilities. prgtoken The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, a ministry of the Vincentians of the Eastern Province of the United States, is a sanctuary of prayer and an inspiration of Marian devotion for Roman Catholics throughout the world. Established in 1927 on the grounds of Saint Vincent's Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Shrine, and the Romanesque church that houses it were elevated to a Minor Basilica by the Vatican in 2023. prgtoken Visitors come to the Basilica Shrine daily for Holy Mass, solemn prayer and meditation, and pilgrimage to God and the Blessed Virgin Mary, while beholding its breathtaking artwork, sculptures, stained glass, altars and architecture. The Basilica Shrine is also home to the Perpetual Novena, a prayer of devotion to Our Lady recited in person. prgtoken It is indeed an honor to have such a prestigious decree bestowed upon one of Philadelphia's faith based institutions.
DISAPPROVING THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE RELATING TO ``PROCEDURES COVERING SUSPENSION OF LIQUIDATION, DUTIES AND ESTIMATED DUTIES IN ACCORD WITH PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION 10414''
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2023-4-28

I include in the Record a statement from the carpenters union and operating engineers union, who oppose legislation that eliminates thousands of jobs; the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; and LIUNA. IUOE Contact: Jeff Soth UBC Contact: Jen McKernan Carpenters and Operating Engineers Unions Oppose Legislation That Eliminates Thousands of Jobs Washington, DC.--The following statement was issued today by James T. Callahan, General President of the International Union of Operating Engineers, and Douglas J. McCarron, General President of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, regarding their unions' opposition to legislation that will eliminate thousands of American jobs: Last year, the Department of Commerce opened a circumvention inquiry, alleging that four Southeast Asian countries were circumventing tariffs and duties on solar cells and modules from the People's Republic of China. The inquiry generated massive uncertainty in the domestic solar market by suggesting possible retroactive tariffs as high as 250 percent. This threat resulted in a drop of 20 percent fewer solar construction and installation jobs across the United States. President took action to preserve these jobs, issuing Emergency Proclamation 10414 to prevent tariffs on any solar module and cell imports from the four countries until June 2024. House Joint Resolution 39 will repeal the President's Proclamation and eliminate thousands of jobs in the American solar industry. ``Repealing President 's Proclamation will result in retroactive duties and tariffs that would jeopardize 30,000 construction and 4,000 manufacturing jobs,'' said James T. Callahan, General President of the International Union of Operating Engineers. ``We are not prepared to stand by and let some partisan dispute eliminate Operating Engineers' jobs and slow the deployment of clean energy.'' ``The President's Proclamation saves Carpenters' jobs and smooths the development of the domestic solar manufacturing industry. Today, we're seeing the American manufacturing sector respond to incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act and develop homegrown solar modules,'' said Carpenters Union General President Douglas J. McCarron. ``Now is not the time to disrupt the solar industry and layoff thousands of union workers just as we're getting a foothold in the burgeoning solar business.'' The International Union of Operating Engineers and United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners urge Congress and members of the Ways and Means Committee to vote against House Joint Resolution 39, which will repeal the administration's Proclamation and eliminate thousands of union jobs, slow the
THE CONSCIENCE AGENDA
Mark Takano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-4-28

I was trying to remember the gentleman's cause, which was the merchant mariners during World War II. prgtoken I was at an event with Senator McConnell which commemorated the service of these merchant mariners who played such a critical role serving our Nation during World War II. They weren't in uniform, but they died at tremendous numbers. prgtoken I share Mr. Green's concern that we need to do something for these surviving merchant mariners before they all die. They served our country in an incredible way.
DO RIGHT BY OUR KIDS
Hillary J. Scholten (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-4-28

today, I rise in support of the bipartisan Protecting Sibling Relationships in Foster Care Act. prgtoken Several students from my district have written in to ask me to support this essential piece of legislation. Frankly, they have a really good point. prgtoken We know that CPS investigations and removals are traumatizing for children. When we keep kids together in foster care, we protect them from adverse experiences, provide them with continuity, and help expedite the delivery of services to them at a critical time. prgtoken Currently, it is estimated that 53 to 80 percent of these children are separated from one or more of their siblings while in care. This can't continue. prgtoken There are overwhelming psychological, academic, operational, and humanitarian reasons for supporting this legislation. This bill would increase the placement of siblings together in foster care and encourage the development of programs designed specifically for sibling groups. prgtoken It is pragmatic, bipartisan, and, most importantly, good for our kids. prgtoken , I call on my colleagues to do right by our children and support this legislation as well.
Department of Defense (Executive Session)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-5-1

I am here to discuss the Defense Department's financial audits--or, more accurately, the lack of credible audits. My colleagues know that I am as stubborn as a mule when it comes to my oversight work of the Pentagon's accounting system--or lack of system. prgtoken I wish I could stop sounding like a broken record when talking about the Pentagon's financial track record. prgtoken The fact is that the Pentagon is pigheaded when it comes to accounting for taxpayer dollars. It keeps pouring billions of dollars into an antiquated accounting system that doesn't work. prgtoken Late last year, I read an article that appeared in a national security blog. The blog is called War on the Rocks. This blog article is called ``The Pentagon Can't Count: It's Time to Reinvent the Audit.'' It was written by Steve Blank, a business professor at Stanford University. prgtoken As a former member of the Defense Business Board, the professor calls for a whole new approach to defense auditing. The Pentagon is spending $1 billion a year--and these are his quotes--``to get incrementally better'' and still, according to him, clean opinions are nowhere in sight. prgtoken He raises a legitimate question: Why is the Pentagon spending so much money for so little results--meaning money on audits? prgtoken Thinking outside the box was not in the Defense Business Board's charter, prgtoken but Professor Blank allowed himself the luxury of thinking outside the box. He dreamed about doing the impossible, and he wrote this fairly long quote: What if we could invent the future? It dawned on me. prgtoken Continuing to quote: If we tried to look over the horizon, we would discover that the department could audit faster, cheaper, and more effectively by inventing future tools and techniques rather than repeating the past. prgtoken The professor envisioned a ``5th generation of audit practices'' to break the cycle of audit failures at the Department of Defense. prgtoken I give the professor very high grades for creativity and his search for new solutions but disagree with some of his thinking. prgtoken However, when it comes to pinpointing the root cause of unending audit failures, the professor hits the nail on the head. prgtoken So I quote from him: [The] Department of Defense needs to lead the audit industry to create a 21st century integrated finance and accounting system, including a U.S. Standard General Ledger that provides reliable and complete data. ``Integrated systems'' and ``reliable data'' are the magic words. prgtoken The experts, like the auditors, the financial managers, the inspector general, have known this truth for 30 years or more. They dutifully report it, wringing their hands in frustration, and then rinse and repeat the cycle from 1 year to the next year. prgtoken Now, see here. We have the mighty Pentagon that develops the most advanced weapons systems the world has ev
Remembering Janet Gardner Mullins Grissom (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-5-1

over the weekend, our Nation lost an outstanding public servant, and I lost a dear friend of nearly 40 years. prgtoken Janet Gardner Mullins Grissom was a proud daughter of Louisville, a trailblazing government leader, and my very first Chief of Staff here in the Senate. She passed away at the age of 73. prgtoken I believe Janet was a 29-year-old single mom when she and her young daughter Shannon arrived here in the Nation's Capital, determined to start a new chapter. To give you a sense of Janet's spirit, here is what she would later say about her first job interview: I told them I could take dictation, which I couldn't, but I figured I could learn. prgtoken Janet had smarts. She had tenacity. And she had a communication style that one might delicately call direct. Our hometown newspaper would later report that she had ``a salty tongue.'' Well, that was putting it mildly. She was a riot. She was a force of nature. And those qualities fueled a meteoric rise. prgtoken By the time I met Janet at some parent-teacher function at both of our daughters' school back in 1983, she had already ascended to the top rank of Senate staffers and actually left Washington to go back home to Louisville. prgtoken As you can imagine, I had to cajole Janet into heading up my long- shot first Senate campaign. I understand Shannon only permitted her mom to take the job and the potential return to Washington that winning might entail because Janet had assured her there was virtually no chance we would pull it off. Surprisingly, we did pull it off. We packed our boxes for Washington. I believe Shannon at least got a new puppy for a consolation prize. prgtoken Janet's veteran know-how helped me hit the ground running and make an impact from the start. She could ask for sensitive meetings, explain detailed policy issues, and curse a blue streak at some unruly reporter--and that she would all do before lunchtime. You couldn't imagine a better friend to have in your corner. prgtoken I believe she was the first woman to serve two different Senators as chief of staff. After my office, Janet's next stop was the political operation of then-Vice President . That is where she met James A. Baker after he left President Reagan's Cabinet to oversee the campaign in 1988. Apparently, while the other campaign staff greeted the famous newcomer with the awe and deference one might expect, Janet marched down the hallway barefoot and said: ``Hey, Jim, nice to meet you.'' Everyone else recoiled, but Jim Baker laughed. When he became 41's Secretary of State, Janet went with him and served as Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs. When Baker became White House Chief of Staff, Janet went with him and became an assistant to the President. And when Janet left government for the private sector, she kept on blazing trails. She spent a decade helping steer the Ford Motor Company as a senior officer. prgtoken So Jane
TRIBUTE TO BRAD WATTS
Thom Tillis (Republican, NC) \u2014 2023-5-1

over the years, I have taken a moment to recognize the hard work and dedication of my staff as they depart and advance their professional development. One of the most capable staffers I have had the honor of working with is Brad Watts, who served as my chief counsel for more than 4 years. prgtoken Brad is truly one of a kind. He is tenacious, tireless, and objectively brilliant. He has earned a reputation for being someone you want on your team advocating on your behalf because he will fight for you tooth and nail and leave nothing on the table. And he has earned a reputation for being someone you don't want to see on your opposing team because he is one tough negotiator who can take you to hell and back. prgtoken Brad became my chief counsel shortly before the 116th Congress, which is when I first became chairman of the Intellectual Property Subcommittee. I don't think Brad came in knowing much or anything about intellectual property, which is regarded as one of the most difficult areas of law for even the most intelligent lawyers to pick up. prgtoken Not only did Brad pick it up, he excelled at it. Our subcommittee was the most active one on the Senate Judiciary Committee during the 116th Congress as we explored ways to improve and modernize our intellectual property system. prgtoken Perhaps most notably, we held a historic 3-day sprint of hearings during which we heard from 45 different witnesses about the broken state of patent eligibility. Only someone as hard-working as Brad could have made that happen. prgtoken Brad was also instrumental in negotiating, writing, and passing some of the most consequential bipartisan legislation in generations during the 117th Congress, addressing issues long considered to be ``third rails'' in American politics. prgtoken One example was the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Brad was masterful throughout the negotiation process as Senators and their staff worked prgtoken nonstop to forge a compromise. The end result was passing the first law in more than three decades aimed at reducing violence, expanding access to mental health services, and improving community safety. And we did it in a way that protected the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans. prgtoken Later that year, Brad was assigned another important task: making major modifications to the Respect for Marriage Act and winning enough votes to pass it through Congress. It is a sensitive issue for both sides of the political spectrum that required a well-thought-out approach, and Brad played a key role in reaching that compromise that included a number of new legal protections for religious institutions and nonprofits. These new protections struck the right balance, and the bill earned the bipartisan support it needed to pass both Chambers and be signed into law. prgtoken Neither of those bills would have even gotten a vote had Brad not been at the negotiating table and burning the midnight