mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
FLORIDA SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER (FSBDC) AT FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
Maria Elvira Salazar (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-4-26

Florida International University (FIU) is one of the top universities in the Nation, and the presence of the Florida Small Business Development Center (FSBDC) at FIU has had a great impact on the South Florida economy. Established under FJU's College of Business in 2014, the Center is a team of highly experienced business consultants providing assistance and training to entrepreneurs and business owners in Miami-Dade County to help them start, grow, and succeed. prgtoken It is vital that individuals starting a business have access to resources that will help ensure their long-term success. The FSBDC at FIU works one-on-one with Miami-Dade County small businesses providing startup assistance, access to capital, marketing. financial management, international trade, human resources, and business strategy advising. prgtoken Since its inception in 2014, the FSBDC at FIU has delivered more than 112,900 hours of consulting to 6,964 Miami-Dade County small businesses, resulting in business owners securing over $425 million in capital, securing $287.5 million in government contracts, increasing sales by $379.2 million, impacting 28,829 jobs, and launching 415 new businesses. In my district alone, the Florida SBDC at FIU provided 3,859 consulting hours to 490 local small businesses in 2022. Additionally, last year the center assisted entrepreneurs in Florida's 27th Congressional district to launch 25 new businesses; secure $23.5 million in capital; and obtain $18.9 million in government contracts. prgtoken On April 10, 2023 the U.S. Small Business Administration announced the Center as the prgtoken winner of the 2023 Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award, which recognizes the country's top small business center. Congratulations to everyone who has contributed to the success of the Center. They are incredibly deserving of this award.
LIMIT, SAVE, GROW ACT OF 2023
Nicole Malliotakis (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-4-26

. Hundreds of billions of dollars in Green New Deal tax credits in some cases can go to--and will go to--Chinese companies, companies that are affiliated with the Communist Chinese Government, all while destroying American energy at home. American energy is reliable and affordable. prgtoken By the way, the destruction of that industry by the left is the reason why we are seeing costs of energy skyrocket for American families, as well as food costs skyrocket for American families. prgtoken The spending and the anti-energy policies that have put forward in the 2 years they had complete control are the reason why we see so much hardship for American families today. prgtoken The last thing is, well, work requirements are a good thing. People should want to participate and contribute to our economy. It will help the labor shortage issues that we are seeing, while giving people the ability to self-determine their future, not be dependent on government. We need those programs. It is critically important for us to encourage people.
LIMIT, SAVE, GROW ACT OF 2023
Jennifer Kiggans (Republican, VA) \u2014 2023-4-26

I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for yielding. prgtoken , I strongly agree with him on Washington's excessive spending. s are ready to lead the way to end the era of reckless government spending. prgtoken After only 2 years under the administration, our Federal deficit has grown by over $6 trillion. This is unacceptable for our country but especially for our children, who will inherit this deficit. prgtoken However, I also agree that our great Nation cannot default on our debts, and this bill, like all others, must be paid. I support lifting the debt ceiling, but only if coupled with reforms to Washington's wasteful spending in order to repair the inflation crisis and strengthen America's economy. prgtoken While the President has offered no plan to avoid default, I am proud to be a part of this new majority that has put forward the Limit, Save, Grow Act, which proposes solutions. prgtoken That being said, I do have serious concerns with the provisions of this legislation that repeals clean energy investment tax credits, particularly for wind energy. These credits have been very beneficial to my constituents, attracting significant investment and new manufacturing jobs for businesses in southeast Virginia. The energy production happening in my district will incentivize clean energy solutions here in America and provide jobs for Virginians and energy options for military installations in my district. prgtoken For all of these reasons, I do not support the repeal of these clean energy tax credits. prgtoken I recognize that this bill is not the final product, but I also understand that it gets us to the negotiating table. I worked hard for a new majority to have a seat at that table. prgtoken My ask is for the gentleman's assurance that I will be able to address these concerns as we move forward in those negotiations and advocate for the interests of my district.
HONORING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF DR. WILLIAM HUFFMAN
Eric Burlison (Republican, MO) \u2014 2023-4-26

I rise today to recognize the achievements of Dr. William Huffman, CPA, a professor of accounting at the Robert W. Plaster School of Business at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri. prgtoken Professor Huffman recently received the 2023 Governor's Award for Excellence in Teaching from Missouri Governor Mike Parson. The award is presented annually to an outstanding faculty member who has shown a commitment to high standards of teaching and advising, and has provided years of service to the university, the local community, and the university's students. prgtoken Professor Huffman holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree with an emphasis in accounting from Pittsburg State University in Kansas, a master's degree in accounting from Kansas State University, and a PhD in accounting from the University of North Texas. prgtoken Following a successful career as an accountant in the private sector, Professor Huffman began his teaching career. He has taught at Missouri Southern State University for 23 years where he is the faculty adviser to prgtoken the university's accounting club and serves on several other university committees. He previously was recognized as the MSSU Outstanding Teacher and was awarded the Regional Teaching Excellence Award from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. His research interests include accounting humor and accounting ethics. prgtoken , I wish to recognize Dr. Huffman's commitment to excellence in teaching. There can be no more noble calling than preparing the next generation of young people for a productive work life.
LIMIT, SAVE, GROW ACT OF 2023
Jason Smith (Republican, MO) \u2014 2023-4-26

we have heard a lot of comments just recently about tax provisions that helped the wealthy, the well- off, and the well-connected. Let's point out the ' tax policies that we are ripping out from the roots are helping the wealthy, the well-off, and the well-connected. prgtoken , I include in the Record analyses from the Joint Committee on Taxation, showing that big corporations with more than $1 billion in sales receive over 90 percent of all special interest electricity subsidies, and that financial institutions receive three times more benefits from these tax credits than any other industry where the wealthy, the well-off, and the well-connected benefit. Congress of the United States Joint Committee on Taxation, Washington, DC, March 31, 2023. From: Robert Harvey. Subject: Distribution Data. This memorandum is in response to your request of March 28, 2023, for data on the distribution of claims for certain energy credits by the gross receipts of the taxpayer. Below we report the tentative claims for credit under Code section 45, the credit for electricity produced from certain renewable resources, and the tentative claims for credit under section 48, the energy investment credit, by C corporations for the 2019 tax year and 2020 tax year. The amounts reported are the tentative claims for credit before any limitation that the taxpayer might face and before any audit adjustment that might occur. For each of section 45 and section 48 we report the dollars of credit claimed categorized by gross receipts reported on line 1c of Form 1120, U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return.
LIMIT, SAVE, GROW ACT OF 2023
Jodey C. Arrington (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-4-26

such time as I may consume. prgtoken When President negotiated the fiscal reforms in the debt ceiling in 2011, he said he was pleased and thankful to do it. He called it a normal process. He said that you have got to compromise, didn't like the my-way-or-the-highway approach, and said it was a great honor. I hope he shares those sentiments today and soon. prgtoken , I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Mr. Meuser).
JUSTICE FOR JANA ELEMENTARY ACT OF 2023
Josh Hawley (Republican, MO) \u2014 2023-4-26

in October of this past year, the parents and students of Jana Elementary School in Florissant, MO--that is in the greater St. Louis area--woke to find news of an independent study that had found nuclear radioactive contamination inside the school building at Jana Elementary. Now, sadly, this probably didn't come as a total shock to those residents who have lived in Florissant and in the surrounding area because for prgtoken years now--for years--this community has had to deal with the fallout of the Federal Government's own nuclear program and the waste left over from it dating back to the 1940s, which was then effectively dumped in St. Louis, made its way into the water, into the soil, and now into a stream that runs right by this elementary school. prgtoken So the school board wisely said: We should do a study. Let's find out if it is in the school. prgtoken Independent results came back and said it was in the dust, on the windowsills of the school--radioactive material. The school board met. They shut down the school. Parents had kids at home for months. prgtoken Then comes the first of this year. The school board said: We can't in good conscience reopen it. prgtoken Now what is happening? The school is closed. The kids are having to be bused to other locations, driven to schools outside of their neighborhood. prgtoken This a working-class community. These are hard-working folks. They don't have the resources lying around to send their kids to other schools or to pay to move. If they did, they would. They don't. They are just trying to live their lives, work a job, get their kids a decent education. And, instead, they have had to deal with this. prgtoken The worst part about it is the Federal Government refused to clean it up. When this news broke, the Army Corps of Engineers said: Oh, there is nothing wrong with the school. We have tested it a million times. It is fine. prgtoken In fact, they held a press conference today in which they said the same thing: Trust us. It is fine. It is fine. prgtoken I don't think any of them are sending their kids there. But trust us, they say; it is fine. prgtoken When I and the school board and the parents said to the Army Corps of Engineers: You need to retest; you need to test the entire school district--then they pointed fingers and said: Oh, no, it is the Department of Energy; it is their problem. prgtoken So then, when we went to the Department of Energy, they said: Oh, no, we can't do anything. It is the Army Corps' problem. prgtoken The administration has spent the last 8 months now pointing fingers at each other, saying why they can't do this; they can't do that. The kids are just out of luck. prgtoken I just notice this. When that bank in California full of billionaires--who are also, not incidentally, major political contributors--had a problem, boy, this government moved lickety-split to bail them out. How many billions did this government spend to b
RECOGNIZING WORLD WAR II VETERAN ROBERT ROTHENBERG
Max L. Miller (Republican, OH) \u2014 2023-4-26

I rise today to recognize World War II veteran Robert Rothenberg, an American hero from Ohio. Robert was a landing ship motor machinist's mate 2nd class on the USS La Moure County (LST-883). prgtoken Robert sailed the Western Pacific, from the Marshalls and the Marianas to battle-torn Okinawa. prgtoken After discharging the men and equipment on Okinawa, Robert traveled with the 6th Marine Division to Pearl Harbor. prgtoken After Japan surrendered, his ship delivered occupying troops to that country. prgtoken Despite his service in the war, Robert was never presented with any of the service medals and decorations he earned for his courage and sacrifice to our Nation. I am so pleased that we recently were able to finally present him with the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic- Pacific Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. prgtoken I thank Robert for his service. Let us never forget the service and sacrifice of America's Greatest Generation.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY RELATING TO "CONTROL OF AIR POLLUTION FROM NEW...
Deb Fischer (Republican, NE) \u2014 2023-4-26

today, the U.S. Senate will vote on my Congressional Review Act resolution to overturn the administration's rule establishing stricter emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles. prgtoken My colleagues have joined me in this effort. Senator Manchin announced today that he is cosponsoring my legislation. I hope more of my ic colleagues will join us as well. prgtoken This Environmental Protection Agency rule is an aggressive mandate on truckers that would force them to purchase new, expensive equipment, burdening their work and livelihoods. The irony of this rule is that it would undermine its own stated goal of reducing emissions. prgtoken New emissions standards will increase demand for newer, environmentally cleaner trucks. But there are only so many of these new trucks, so the massive increase in demand will cause the prices of trucks and manufacturing equipment to spike. prgtoken Truck dealers and manufacturers say the rule will ``worsen an already-tight equipment market.'' And the EPA itself estimates that the technology required to meet this new rule's standards will cost between $2,568 and $8,304 more per vehicle. prgtoken The irony is, the prices of newer vehicles will escalate, incentivizing truckers and businesses to hold onto their older, higher- emitting trucks. prgtoken Todd Spencer, President of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, said, ``If small business truckers can't afford the new, compliant trucks, they're going to stay with older, less efficient trucks, or leave the industry entirely. Once again, EPA has largely ignored the warnings and concerns raised by truckers in this latest rule.'' prgtoken This expensive rule won't just negatively affect truckers. It will have a negative impact on our economy as a whole. prgtoken The EPA's own economic analysis projects that the costs associated with the new regulation could reach up to $55 billion from 2027 to 2045--$55 billion. prgtoken During this administration, inflation has hit record highs. Additional inflationary burdens on the trucking industry will mean that any product transported by trucks--whether it is food, clothing, or other commodities--each one of those products will cost more. prgtoken Smaller, more affordable trucking businesses will close up shop, and the ones that can afford higher prices will raise their rates. This means consumers will be paying more money to a smaller group of businesses. prgtoken Every American consumer will feel the effects of this rule and its price increases. Every agricultural producer and every local business will feel these effects. prgtoken If you are an ag or energy heavy State, like Texas, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, or Illinois, Nebraska, California, or Montana, your local economy would be especially impacted by higher freight costs. prgtoken That is not to mention the 3 million Americans who work as commercial truckers. Many truckers work for ``mom and
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-4-27

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 which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
CONTINUING FIGHT FOR ERA
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-4-27

for as long as I have been here in the United States Congress, which is more than two decades, we have been fighting to add to the Constitution a perfectly sensible amendment, one that does not offend the American people. prgtoken It simply says that the equal rights amendment declares that women are equal in this Nation from the early suffragette days to the days of Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, and Susan B. Anthony. That is only a fair statement, that the rights of women should be considered part of the Constitution. prgtoken Unfortunately, today, the United States Senate voted it down when 51 of our Senators, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, whom I met outside the Senate Chambers, wanted to make sure that the Constitution stood on its four points of equality, justice, opportunity, and democracy. prgtoken We will continue to fight until the equal rights amendment is passed fairly in this Nation and for the world to see, as they have admired us for our principles of freedom, that we believe in freedom for all the people of this Nation, men and women and families. That is extremely important. It is sad that it was voted down today by our friends on the other side of the aisle.
DIRECTING THE PRESIDENT, PURSUANT TO SECTION 5(C) OF THE WAR POWERS RESOLUTION, TO REMOVE ALL UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES, OTHER THAN UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES ASSIGNED TO PROTECT THE UNITED STATES...
Gregory W. Meeks (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-4-27

I rise in opposition to H. Con. Res. 30. prgtoken This resolution was drafted in such a way that it is simultaneously overbroad and underinclusive. The resolution fails to end our involvement in hostilities in the region while preventing crucial security cooperation with local partners in Somalia. prgtoken The resolution states that the United States forces must withdraw from Somalia, unless they are there for the purposes of protecting the Embassy. prgtoken Historically, war powers resolutions such as this are thought of as attempting to force the President to withdraw American troops from a foreign country that are actively engaged in combat, but our forces on the ground in Somalia are there to provide security training and intelligence support. prgtoken Our footprint in Somalia is not large. We have several hundred troops stationed in the country primarily to train host-nation troops in countering terrorism. prgtoken The sponsor of this legislation sometimes references the lost blood and prgtoken treasure from our overseas engagements. These are obviously essential considerations. It is why I supported President 's decision to end the war in Afghanistan. But no American has been killed in Somalia in over 4 years, and our security cooperation and assistance to the country amounts to a rounding error in the Federal budget. prgtoken It is a fact that Al-Shabaab and other terrorist organizations like ISIS control large swaths of territory in Somalia, but local forces from the Somali Government and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia have made steady gains the past several years. United States forces have been instrumental in some of these changes because of the very training and intelligence support we provide to local forces on the ground. prgtoken By mandating that our forces cease security cooperation in Somalia, this resolution would roll back some of the gains that have been made to take back territory from terrorist organizations in the past several years. prgtoken This measure doesn't end American hostilities in the region. It includes nothing about removing American forces from other nations in the region where groups like Al-Shabaab operate, and it does nothing to address over-the-horizon strikes. prgtoken While I disagree with this measure, let me say that what I do agree with is that we are having this debate. It is one that is long overdue. American forces have been in Somalia and other parts of the world without proper engagement from the United States Congress. prgtoken While I understand the logic that both and ic administrations have used to include groups like Al-Shabaab under the 2001 AUMF, I can tell you that Members of Congress did not believe that they were authorizing force against Al-Shabaab when we passed the legislation decades ago. I can tell you this not just because I was here when Congress voted on that AUMF but because Al-Shabaab didn't even exist i