mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Border Act of 2024 (Executive Calendar)
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2024-5-22

I am honored to join my colleagues in this colloquy and to support this measure. We are nearing the end of the debate for today. We are nearing a vote tomorrow. prgtoken But the debate will continue, and we will have other votes. Whether this measure passes or not tomorrow, it is only the beginning of what we need to do. So that debate nationally and in this body will continue. And there will be votes on other steps that carry forward the effort that this bipartisan security act reflects. prgtoken But we must act. Everyone agrees that we must act to make our border more secure, to fix our broken immigration system, to find a path toward earned citizenship for millions--tens of millions--of undocumented people in this country who are paying taxes and playing by the rules and, of course, for the Dreamers and for people seeking visas so they can work here and fill jobs that otherwise will be vacant. prgtoken We often hear s talk about the need to secure the border. I sit on the Judiciary Committee where it seems like my colleagues want to talk and talk and talk about the border. Every hearing, every markup, regardless of our actual agenda, they want to talk. s want to talk about the border so much that they sent us contrived Articles of Impeachment against a Cabinet Secretary for the first time in 150 years. More talk. prgtoken Politics is the reason that this body failed to pass this measure just months ago. So for colleagues who now claim politics is the reason we are here--yes, their politics, their presumptive Presidential nominee saying that they should not vote for it because of the political advantage they would have from keeping it as an issue. They made clear that all they want to do about the border is talk and use it politically. prgtoken spent months negotiating with s. I give great credit to my colleagues, Senator Murphy, Senator Sinema, Senator Lankford, and others, who have worked on this issue over the years. prgtoken I remember well in 2013, the Judiciary Committee overwhelmingly approved a bipartisan measure that then was approved by an overwhelming bipartisan majority in this body, and it went to the House where it died, not because it was voted down but simply because it had no vote. The of the House refused to give it a vote. prgtoken We will have a vote tomorrow on a measure that falls way short of what that one did in 2013. We provided a path to earn citizenship for 11 million then-undocumented--for the Dreamers. We provided billions of dollars for border security. And we reformed visa and asylum programs, among other ways, by enabling more fairness in that asylum system. prgtoken This bill is the strongest measure in recent history. It was endorsed by the National Border Patrol Council and the union of Border Patrol agents. prgtoken Let's be very clear-eyed. It was a tough compromise. It limited asylum claims in wa
Nomination of Dena M. Coggins (Executive Calendar)
Laphonza R. Butler (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-5-22

in just a few moments, this Chamber is going to consider the confirmation of Judge Dena Coggins to be U.S. judge for the Eastern District of California, and I would proudly want to rise and speak in support of her confirmation. prgtoken Before I begin, I do want to appreciate that Judge Coggins's family is watching proudly and eagerly the Senate floor today. Her mother, Cynthia Ambrose, Judge Coggins's son Elias and her daughter Elaya, who I met during their nominations hearing--I know they are excited about the opportunity today for their mother to continue her public service at the highest levels in one of the busiest districts in the State and in the country. And so I just want to take the time to thank Ms. Coggins's mother, Ms. Ambrose; Elias; and Elaya for supporting their mom, their daughter. She, indeed, is an incredible woman. prgtoken If confirmed, Judge Coggins will join the Federal bench at a critical moment for California's Eastern District. The Eastern District of California is currently seeing an average of 803 filings for each judgeship on the court. That caseload level is the sixth highest in any Federal district in the country. prgtoken And given her remarkable track record serving Californians from all walks of life, I have the utmost certainty and confidence in Judge Coggins's readiness for this role. Her work ethic, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law make her an exceptional nominee to meet this moment with the urgency that it demands, and I am confident that she will be successful. prgtoken Born and raised in Sacramento, Judge Coggins has devoted her career to serving the community in which she was raised. She completed her undergraduate degree at California State University Sacramento, received her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento. Judge Coggins began her career in general litigation and family law, where she built a strong reputation as a skilled litigator with experience in both Federal and State court. prgtoken From 2015 to 2017, and again from 2018 to 2021, Judge Coggins served as an administrative law judge at the State of California's Office of Administrative Hearings. In this capacity, Judge Coggins presided over more than 150 evidentiary hearings and trials. She also served as supervising attorney and hearing officer for the California Victim Compensation Board, where she oversaw legal proceedings and ensured that victims of violent crimes receive the compensation and the support that they needed. prgtoken Since 2021, Judge Coggins has served in the Superior Court of California in Sacramento County. She has handled assignments in both the criminal division and the juvenile court. And since 2023, she has served as the presiding judge of the juvenile court, presiding over 100 juvenile dependency trials. prgtoken I will also note that if Judge Coggins is confirmed, she would be filling t
TRIBUTE TO DR. GEORGE E. LEWIS
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2024-5-22

I rise today to honor Dr. George E. Lewis, for his outstanding service to our Nation and Maryland as he steps down as chair of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal NHP Federal Advisory Commission. Dr. Lewis began his service in 1966, when he was commission as a second lieutenant in the Army. As an Army officer, Dr. Lewis contributed to significant advancements to protect and treat our Nation's warfighters and citizens. prgtoken He proudly accepted in 1989 the Pentagon responsibilities of both the executive assistant to the Assistant Surgeon General for Medical Research and Development and the Army Surgeon General's liaison to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Research, Development and Acquisition. Dr. Lewis also was the senior medical biological warfare defense expert in the Pentagon during Operations Desert Shield and Storm. prgtoken In 1991, Dr. Lewis served as a U.S. delegate to the 1991 United Nations Biological Weapons Convention Review Conference. In August 1992, he was assigned as program manager for combat medical systems and assumed command of the U.S. Army Medical Material Development Activity at Fort Detrick. In 1996, he retired after 30 years of military service. prgtoken Colonel Lewis's record of service and leadership extends well beyond his prgtoken military service. He has led efforts to preserve historical landmarks, to promote good citizenship, and to support tourism and the arts in Frederick County. He has been a critical partner to the C&O Canal NHP and Maryland's congressional delegation in the success of major initiatives including the restoration of the Catoctin and Conococheague Aqueducts, the reconstruction of the towpath at Big Slackwater, and the completion of a new park headquarters near the canal's midpoint in Williamsport. prgtoken In recognition of his years of service to our country and Maryland, Dr. Lewis was the recipient of the Department the Army Research and Development Achievement Award, and his personal military decorations include the Legion of Merit, two oakleaf clusters; the Joint Service Commendation Medal; and the Army Commendation Medal, one oakleaf cluster. prgtoken In conclusion, I extend my gratitude to Dr. George E. Lewis for his outstanding service to his country and community.
VOTE EXPLANATION
Jon Tester (Democrat, MT) \u2014 2024-5-22

I was absent due to a personal matter when the Senate voted on vote No. 177 on confirmation of Angela M. Martinez, of Arizona, to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Arizona. On vote No. 177, had I been present, I would have voted yea. prgtoken , I was absent due to a personal matter when the Senate voted on vote No. 178 on the motion to invoke cloture on Dena M. Coggins to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of California. On vote No. 178, had I been present, I would have voted yea.
SNAP BENEFITS ARE NEEDED BY 42 MILLION AMERICANS
Teresa Leger Fernandez (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2024-5-22

I thank Representative Hayes so very much for organizing and for giving me this time, because I am here on behalf of my good friend and the ranking member of the Rules Committee, Jim McGovern, who s silenced today for simply telling the truth about a criminal trial. prgtoken Imagine that, on this House floor, we cannot state a fact about a trial. Here is another fact about the former President that represents a policy choice oppose. President supported cutting SNAP by nearly 30 percent within 10 years. prgtoken Mr. McGovern stands for the opposite. He stands up every week on this House floor with his poster ``end hunger now.'' If s hadn't silenced him, he would have spoken tonight against the farm bill because of its impact on farmers. If s hadn't silenced him, he would have spoken up for families who do not have enough food to eat. prgtoken Similar to me, Mr. McGovern represents a district that includes thousands of farms and farmers who benefit from SNAP because they sell their produce to the program, but also farmers need to use SNAP because they don't make enough money. We are starving the people who are raising the food for us. prgtoken In my district, one in five New Mexicans receive SNAP benefits, the highest of any State. This majority silenced him, so I am here to read the remarks that the majority might not want to hear from Mr. McGovern. These are his remarks: prgtoken , s are advancing a bill that cuts SNAP, our Nation's first line of defense against hunger, by an astounding $30 billion. prgtoken He would have probably raised his hands and said: You can't make this up. prgtoken MAGA s included a provision in their extremely partisan farm bill that will prevent SNAP benefits from ever being increased, even if a scientific review says they should be. prgtoken The last reevaluation, in 2021, which was the first update in 50 years, gave families an extra--wait for it--$1.40 per person per day to purchase food. That extra help has meant families can access more nutritious food. It has meant fewer skipped meals. It has meant better food security. prgtoken , I urge all of my colleagues to oppose this MAGA farm bill which would cut future benefits and increase hunger for kids, seniors, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable adults. prgtoken Those are Jim McGovern's remarks. While House s silenced him today, they will never silence the truth that he speaks. We must end hunger now. We must answer the call: ``When I was hungry you gave me to eat; when I was thirsty you gave me to drink.'' prgtoken I thank Representative Jahana Hayes for her advocacy in bringing us together to heed this call.
CBDC ANTI-SURVEILLANCE STATE ACT
Celeste Maloy (Republican, UT) \u2014 2024-5-23

. Mr. Chair, I rise to support the passage of H.R. 5403, the CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act, which I cosponsor. prgtoken If improperly implemented, a CBDC can compete with private financial intermediaries, undermine long-term investment, invite more regulation into nearly every economic institution, and open the American people to Chinese-style government surveillance. prgtoken This is one of the reasons that the Utah Legislature this year passed a bill to block CBDC from being recognized as legal tender. prgtoken This is an issue that Americans are concerned about, particularly people in my State that I represent. We don't need to be more like China. Americans demand the right to participate in the economy without giving up our privacy. prgtoken We have to protect Americans' right to financial privacy. That is why this bill forbids the Federal Reserve from issuing CBDCs without specific congressional authorization. That is us protecting our own authority. It prohibits the Federal Reserve from using a CBDC as a tool to take full control of the U.S. economy through monetary policy, something Americans won't stand for. Finally, it protects the privacy of coins and bills, ensuring that prgtoken they remain open, permissionless, and private. Those three things are essential. prgtoken Rarely do the credit unions, banks, and Utah Legislature agree on anything. That is a sign that we should support this.
CBDC ANTI-SURVEILLANCE STATE ACT
Roger Williams (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-5-23

. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 5403, the CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act. prgtoken This necessary legislation would prevent the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency to individuals directly or indirectly through a financial institution. This bill also prohibits the Fed from using a CBDC as a tool to implement monetary policy and control the economy. prgtoken Around the world, governments have weaponized central bank digital currencies to track the spending habits of their citizens. In China, the CCP uses CBDC to track spending of their citizens and created a social credit system, which punishes individuals based on their spending and behavior. We cannot allow this kind of surveillance to be imposed on American citizens. prgtoken The issuance of a CBDC by the Federal Government would lead to decreased competition as the Federal Government would then be in direct competition with banks. This is antibusiness for the benefit of Big Government. A government-controlled CBDC is an attack on Americans' privacy and free-market competitiveness. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 5403. In God we trust.
HONORING THE SERVICE OF CONSTANTINE `DINO' IORDANOU TO THE HELLENIC COMMUNITY AT THE 40TH ANNUAL EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR AWARD DINNER
Nicole Malliotakis (Republican, NY) \u2014 2024-5-23

I include in the Record the following proclamation: Whereas: Constantine `Dino' Iordanou, Chairman of Vantage Group, will be honored by The Hellenic Bankers Association (HABA) on June 5, 2024, at the 40th Annual Executive of the Year Award Dinner for his 42 years in the insurance business, and his contributions to the Hellenic community. Whereas: Mr. Iordanou previously served as Chairman and CEO of Arch Capital Group Inc holding leadership roles at Zurich Financial Services, Berkshire Hathaway Group, Columbia Insurance Company, and American International Group. Whereas: Mr. Iordanou currently serves as a director of Verisk Analytics and The Bank of Cyprus and is the Chairman of the board of Vantage Risk Holdings. Whereas: Mr. Iordanou is a founding member of the Pancyprian Association of America, an organization founded in 1975 following the invasion and illegal occupation of Cyprus by Turkish troops, to advocate for freedom and justice for Cyprus and its people. Whereas: Mr. Iordanou also founded FAITH, a charitable organization dedicated to the advancement of Greek-Americans through its scholarship education programs, promoting Hellenism and the Greek Orthodox faith, and to supporting the next generation of young leaders. Whereas: Mr. Iordanou has received numerous awards, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor (1999), Reactions Magazine's Lifetime Achievement Award (2017), Institutional Investor's Best Insurance industry Mid-Corp CEO (2017), St. John's University School of Risk Management's Insurance Leader of the Year, and was named one of Fortune Magazine's Top 50 Businesspersons of the Year (2016). The Hellenic Community is privileged to celebrate the achievements of this year's Executive of the Year recipient, Mr. Iordanou, for his more than four decades of service to the insurance industry, the Hellenic community, and beyond.
COMMEMORATING ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA TROOP 513
Nicholas A. Langworthy (Republican, NY) \u2014 2024-5-23

I rise today to commemorate Boy Scouts of America Troop 513 upon their Centennial Celebration. One hundred years ago, First Presbyterian Church in East Aurora offered to sponsor the new troop, known then as Troop 13. Generations of young men from East Aurora and the surrounding area have been well served by the lifelong skills learned during their time with Troop 513. Notably, this troop has produced over one hundred and seventy Eagle Scouts during their long history. I am incredibly proud of this culture of service that has been longstanding in our community. prgtoken On Saturday, May 25, 2024, Troop 513 will be hosting a celebration of this historic anniversary at American Legion Post 362 in East Aurora, where they will recall one-hundred years of scouting within the Town of Aurora and Western New York. prgtoken On behalf of the United States Congress and the constituents of New York's 23rd Congressional District, I congratulate the current and former members of Troop 513, both present at this celebration and leading their communities throughout the country.
CBDC ANTI-SURVEILLANCE STATE ACT
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2024-5-23

. Madam Chair, I rise in support of the Central Bank Anti- Surveillance State Act. prgtoken The Constitution and the Federal Reserve Act of 1913 create the foundation of our money and our economic policy in this country. Article I, Section 8, of the Constitution states that only Congress has the authority to coin money and regulate the value of such money. prgtoken Today, Congress is exercising its Article I authority to state clearly that the Federal Reserve does not have the authority to create a central bank digital currency. prgtoken This shouldn't be controversial. It shouldn't be partisan. We know that is the case. We will see how the vote falls today, Madam Chair, but this legislation is necessary, as you have heard this morning, because we live in a world where government can abuse the tools that they have. prgtoken As noted by the whip, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was freezing bank accounts of people protesting COVID-19 restrictions in his country. We read reports from the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government of how FinCEN, a bureau of the Treasury Department, pressured banks to screen private transactions of their customers for words like ``MAGA'' or ``'' on behalf of Federal law enforcement. prgtoken Is that really the country we want to live in? They even tracked people, according to that subcommittee, if you shopped at Bass Pro Shops. I shop at Bass Pro Shops all the time in my district. prgtoken This kind of Big Brother-style surveillance of our financial lives by the government is alarming to Americans because it represents the political targeting of citizens in this country. prgtoken We don't need a retail central bank digital currency. We have a payment system that can capitalize on the private sector. For example, private sector payment stablecoins are a terrific innovation that will become a ubiquitous way for people to transact and expand and enhance the dollar dominance of our currency around the world. prgtoken Madam Chair, a vote for this bill is to vote to safeguard our freedom, protect our privacy, and preserve the integrity of our financial system. prgtoken I urge a ``yes'' vote.
CBDC ANTI-SURVEILLANCE STATE ACT
Andrew Ogles (Republican, TN) \u2014 2024-5-23

. Mr. Chair, my amendment adds the sense of Congress that the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System should not be permitted to develop, create, or implement a central bank digital currency or use any such tool to implement monetary policy. prgtoken A major concern surrounding a government-run CBDC is the potential for the government to block transactions and exert control over people's finances. Not only that, but it would give the Federal Government unprecedented power to intervene in private transactions, deciding who can buy and sell and what they can buy and sell. prgtoken It would also give the government unprecedented access to information about their daily lives. The government could keep a record of every transaction. prgtoken , .
RECOGNIZING DEEJAY TED "GUNNER" OUSLEY
Tim Burchett (Republican, TN) \u2014 2024-5-23

I would remind some of the Members in the back that it is crowded back there. There are a few more seats down front if they want to come down here. prgtoken , I rise to recognize radio deejay Ted ``Gunner'' Ousley, who is retiring in June after a career that spanned six decades. prgtoken Gunner started his career at AM 1470 in Maryville, Tennessee, before working at 94.3 in Knoxville and the Hit Kicker 100.3 before moving to WIVK, or ``WIVK'' as we call it, 107.7, where he spent the last 28 years. prgtoken Gunner has interviewed some big names in country music over the years, like Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, and Taylor Swift. Yes, she used to sing country music. When she was 15 years old, she did. prgtoken Gunner loved our veterans and troops and has used his job to help them however he can. Back in 2004, he spent 3 months with the 489th Special Operations in a combat zone of Iraq and started a weekly radio show called ``Voices from the Front'' that allowed troops to communicate with their families back home and was used by many troops all over the world through the years. He has also hosted the Veterans Day parade every year in Knoxville. prgtoken Gunner has also worked with other charities, like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Knoxville Area Rescue Missionary, Alzheimer's Tennessee, and many others. prgtoken He is a man who truly loves his country and his community. He also became the first inductee into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame Career Class of 2024. prgtoken , I congratulate Gunner on a great career and wish him the best in retirement. I always remember him being good to my daddy, who was a World War II veteran.