mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
I STAND WITH ISRAEL
Wiley Nickel (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2023-11-3

yesterday, I cast a ``no'' vote for a highly partisan supplemental appropriations bill providing security aid to Israel. prgtoken Let me be clear: I stand with Israel. Israel isn't just any ally. It is a cornerstone of democracy in one of the most volatile regions in the world. Security prgtoken assistance should never be tethered to a hyperpartisan, domestic financial concession. prgtoken The offset in this bill, slashing IRS staff, actually adds to the deficit and would allow billionaires to get away with cheating on their taxes. prgtoken In matters of foreign policy, especially with crucial allies like Israel, we must rise above partisan politics. prgtoken When a bipartisan supplemental appropriations bill containing aid for Israel comes back from the Senate without poison pills, I will wholeheartedly support it. That is the clear path forward here and the best way to support our friend and ally, Israel.
CELEBRATING AND HONORING CHIEF CUDA
Christopher R. Deluzio (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2023-11-3

I rise today to celebrate and honor the loss of public servant, first responder, and beloved member of my western Pennsylvania community, Anthony ``Tony'' Cuda. prgtoken Chief of Foxwall Emergency Medical Services since 2020, Chief Cuda was a titan in the EMS scene. prgtoken He joined the Swissvale Fire Department at 16, became a paramedic by 18, and worked as a first responder for Seneca area EMS in Wilkinsburg, Monroeville, Penn Hills, and other parts of western Pennsylvania. prgtoken Through the dark days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chief Cuda led his crew with generosity, honesty, and courageous conviction. Chief Cuda saved lives, comforted frightened community members, and taught the next generation of first responders. prgtoken He was a witty straight shooter who off the job enjoyed playing Dungeons and Dragons and spending time with family whether at home, at Kennywood, the Renaissance Festival, or Comic Con. prgtoken To the Cuda family, especially his wife, Michele, and his five children, Zachary, Morgan, Shannon, Caitlyn, and Kirsten, know this: Our corner of western Pennsylvania is better off thanks to Chief Cuda and mourns his passing, as does this body and this country.
HONORING THE SERVICE OF EARL BLUMENAUER
Andrea Salinas (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2023-11-3

I rise today to recognize my friend, colleague, and fellow Oregonian, Congressman Earl Blumenauer. Throughout his 50 years of public service, Earl has always been a consistent and vocal advocate for Oregon values. prgtoken He helped pioneer the fight against climate change long before others were doing the same, and his commitment to building healthy communities and a healthy planet through public transit and cycling was unmatched. In fact, he wore it proudly every day in the form of that iconic bicycle pin on his lapel. prgtoken I know I speak for the entire Oregon delegation when we say that Earl will be sorely missed in Congress. He leaves behind a legacy of service and dedication to making life better for working families not only in our State but across our great country. prgtoken I wish him and his family all the best in his new chapter.
CONGRATULATING THE WORLD SERIES CHAMPION TEXAS RANGERS
Jasmine Crockett (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-11-3

they say that everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes our pride for our very first World Series win. Yes, I also rise to celebrate the World Series champions, the Texas Rangers. prgtoken On Wednesday, the Rangers clinched their first World Series win against the Arizona Diamondbacks. I don't mean to rub it in the face of my colleagues from the Grand Canyon State, but we warned you we could-- and we would--come and take it. prgtoken This week our Rangers went and took it. prgtoken I was lucky enough to represent north Texas as the first Black ic woman to play in the Congressional Baseball Game this year. While I may not have the arm of Josh Sborz or the speed of two-time MVP Corey Seager, you best believe our Rangers have inspired me to score some runs next year. prgtoken While this may be our first World Series win, mark my words, it will not be our last.
COMMENDING THE TEXAS RANGERS ON THEIR BIG WIN
Marc A. Veasey (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-11-3

I rise today to commend and congratulate the Texas Rangers on their historic first World Series championship. They brought the trophy home to Arlington, Texas, and the Rangers managed to overcome a 6-year playoff drought and two prior World Series losses to bring the trophy home. prgtoken They have a great front office, a great manager, and a great owner that put together the winning combination that allowed them to be able to hoist the Commissioner's Trophy this week and also set records of the most RBI's and doubles in a single post-season game. prgtoken They had to overcome a lot. They had injuries, they lost their last regular season game, and they had a commentator in the booth that seemed to be rooting against them. Nonetheless, they stayed focused, and it helped the Rangers cement the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area as one of the few regions in the United States where all four major sports franchises have won a championship. prgtoken From their humble beginnings through heartbreak and defeat to the World Series champions, the Rangers have brought joy to everyone in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area. prgtoken Congratulations again to the Texas Rangers, 2023 World Series champions.
IMPOSING SANCTIONS ON TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS
Josh Gottheimer (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-11-3

I rise today to recognize the passing of the bipartisan Hamas International Financing Prevention Act in the House of Representatives. prgtoken I helped introduce this bipartisan legislation with Representative Brian Mast and helped lead it to overwhelmingly pass the House 363-46. prgtoken This legislation imposes sanctions on foreign persons, agencies, and governments that assist terrorist organizations, including Iranian- backed Hamas, prgtoken Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and other affiliates. prgtoken On October 7, the world watched Hamas terrorists invade Israel and brutally kidnap, behead, torture, rape, burn, and murder innocent babies, children, women, and the elderly, including dozens of Americans. This unprovoked war has underscored why I will always stand with Israel and support our partner's right to defend herself from those who seek her destruction. prgtoken This bipartisan legislation will ensure we isolate and punish these radical terrorist groups by cutting off their financial resources at the moment our ally in the Middle East needs it most. prgtoken We must do everything we can to get every hostage home, including all Americans, help our ally Israel defend herself and crush the terrorists, and provide much-needed humanitarian aid to innocent Palestinian civilians being used by Hamas as human shields. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues in the Senate to immediately pass the bipartisan Hamas International Financing Prevention Act.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024
Sean Casten (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-11-3

. Mr. Chair, I believe my colleagues across the aisle fundamentally misunderstand or intentionally misrepresent the interests of energy consumers in the United States and the interests of energy producers. prgtoken NEPA is critically important to protect all Americans, but let's run through some statistics. There are currently 2,000 gigawatts of electric generation waiting to be interconnected to the queue in this country. That is more generation than we have by almost a factor of 2. Of those 2,000 gigawatts, there is 1 gigawatt of coal, 85 gigawatts of gas, and every other power plant that is trying to be interconnected to the grid is a zero carbon source of energy. They are not represented by NEPA. prgtoken Let's talk about the fossil fuel sector. Today, we use about 20 million barrels of oil a day. A decade ago, you know how much oil we used in this country? About 20 million barrels a day. prgtoken Today, we use 40 percent less coal than we did 10 years ago. Do you know why? Because those industries cannot compete. People, given the choice, prefer cleaner, cheaper energy. prgtoken The fastest growing vehicle segment is electric vehicles. The fastest growing source in the power sector is renewable energy. Energy is getting cheaper. What is the energy industry doing in response? They are becoming exporters. The reason why the gas industry is growing, the reason why the oil industry is growing is because they are building terminals to export overseas. What is hard about that is that the American people don't want you to drill in their backyard. They don't want you to drill a pipeline through their neighborhood just so that you can run it to a terminal and sell it overseas at a profit. prgtoken If you are of the opinion that the American people don't have any say in how their communities look, how their natural parks look, how their natural lands look, and if you are of the opinion that the profits of energy producers vastly outweigh the interests of energy consumers, vote for this amendment. However, if you put energy consumers first, this is an absolute ``no.'' prgtoken Mr. Chair, .
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024
Michael K. Simpson (Republican, ID) \u2014 2023-11-3

. Mr. Chair, I sympathize with what the gentleman is saying. I agree with him. It is a huge problem, and it is a math problem. He mentioned something that is really important. prgtoken We used to spend about 70 percent of the budget on discretionary spending--that is the money we appropriate through these appropriations bills--and about 30 percent was spent on mandatory spending. That has been reversed, where it is about 70 percent mandatory spending today and only 30 percent in discretionary spending. prgtoken Consequently, we have to address mandatory spending. That is difficult to do because anytime you say we have to reform Social Security if we are going to save it, all of a sudden, the commercials are going: Oh, they are going to take away your Social Security. prgtoken It is a political football that s and have to get together and address. That is why the has said we are going to create a debt commission to look at how we can reduce this debt that we are facing. prgtoken I agree with the gentleman. It is horrible what is going on. As I said earlier, the debate is not really whether to cut spending, it is how much and how fast. I guess the gentleman said it best when he called it a small nuclear weapon in this, but I agree with what he is saying in general. It is how we go about it that is the challenge. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I oppose this amendment, and .
HONORING COACH BOB KNIGHT
Erin Houchin (Republican, IN) \u2014 2023-11-3

I rise today to honor the life of the General of IU basketball, the legendary Coach Bob Knight. prgtoken Growing up in southern Indiana, there were three things that shaped my childhood: family, faith, and IU basketball. prgtoken Any game day, TVs across our towns would play the game, and on the screen was Coach Bob Knight. During those games, my mom really only had two emotions: frustration, yelling, Come on, boys; or elation, celebrating game play. prgtoken I was a student during Coach Knight's last year at IU, and I always said that you haven't really seen an IU game unless you were able to witness one that he had coached or had been kicked out of. prgtoken Coach Knight's legacy was complex to say the least, but that didn't stop Hoosiers from loving him and through him the game of basketball. Boy, did he create champions on and off the court. He brought home three national championship banners to the walls of Assembly Hall and 902 wins, more than any other coach in IU history. prgtoken Under Coach Knight, IU basketball wasn't just a sport about wins and championships, it was a way of life. prgtoken In his honor, today we remember what it means to be an IU Hoosier.
HONORING FORMER ARMY RANGER AND KOREAN WAR VETERAN JAMES ARTHUR PARKHURST
Lisa C. McClain (Republican, MI) \u2014 2023-11-3

I rise today to recognize James Arthur Parkhurst, a former U.S. Army Ranger and proud veteran of the Korean War. prgtoken Since before 1968, Jim has been a committed and selfless member of the Oxford American Legion. In 1990, he began its Veterans' Museum. In its early beginnings, older veterans donated their uniforms for display-- but as time passed, its collection was built into a full- blown museum with a plethora of military memorabilia. prgtoken For many years, Jim has helped his community with parades, always making sure to include his fellow veterans. Year after year, Jim ensures that families are aware of both Veteran's Day and Memorial Day. From placing flags to cleaning headstones, Jim is well known throughout eastern Michigan for his support and commitment to veterans' causes. prgtoken Jim also helps many families throughout the community throw birthday parties for children, delivering toys, food, and other gifts. Even through the personal tragedies in his life, Jim is always there to serve others. prgtoken Jim gave his youth in service to our country: he has served with honor, distinction, and pride. To many, Jim is a profound inspiration. prgtoken Above all else, Jim has selflessly donated his time to make sure others are safe, our veterans are taken care of, and everyone can get the help they need. In the words of the Legion's Auxiliary Department Americanism Chairman Darlene Jones, ``Jim just keeps going--he has no quit.'' prgtoken On November 11th, as part of their Veteran's Day observation, the American Legion will dedicate the Veterans' Museum in his honor. On behalf of Michigan's 9th Congressional District, I am proud to celebrate this wonderful occasion. prgtoken , it is a great pleasure to recognize James Arthur Parkhurst for his lifetime of service, both in and out of uniform. It is my sincere hope that the James Arthur Parkhurst Veterans' Museum of Oxford, Michigan, will prosper for many years to come.
RECOGNIZING COBB PREPARATORY ACADEMY'S HONORING OF VETERANS
Mike Rogers (Republican, AL) \u2014 2023-11-3

I rise today to recognize the Cobb Preparatory Academy's effort to honor its community veterans. prgtoken The school honored: Sergeant Jaclyn Berry. Mr. Eddyer Brown. Mr. Chales R. Burton. Sr.. Mr. Kenneth Burton, Frazier Burrough. Mr. Tony Butler, Mr. Victor Byers, Ms. Nashonda Carter, Mr. Jimmy Catlett, Mr. Johnny Daniel, Mr. Donald Ray Dennison, Mr. Lonnie Elvin, Mr. Steven Folks, Mr. Adrian Fredricks, Mr. James Glover, Bishop Charles D. Gregory, Sr. Mr. Jason Granholm, Mr. Thomas Hall, Mr. Joe Harrington, Reverend Clyde Hill, Dr. D.R. Hill, SFC Daryl Ledford, Reverend Levi Lyles, Mrs. Wanda Lyles, Staff Sergeant Alyssa Louis, Lt. Retired Colonel Franklin McClain, Mr. Franklin McClain, Jr Mr. Thaddues Moore, SFC Edward Mos, Jr Reverend John H. Oliver, Mr. Antonio Phillips, Mr. Harold Ray, Reverend Ross Reed, Ms. Smoot, Mr. Stanley Shack, ILT, Brianna Sutton, Major Thomas, Mr. Antonio (Munford) Oliver, Commissioner Fred Wilson, Mr. James Woods, Mr. Fernaldo Wood, Mr. Danny Patterson and many others. prgtoken It is touching to see Alabamians go to such great lengths to honor our Nation's veterans. who have given so much to ensure the safety and well-being of America. prgtoken I would like to thank Mrs. Tersia J. Moore Hall. Principal of Cobb Preparatory Academy, faculty, staff, parents, and students for their efforts in this initiative that honors and expresses deep appreciation for their community members that have served their country. prgtoken , please join me in recognizing the Cobb Preparatory Academy for its efforts to honor our veterans.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024
Bruce Westerman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2023-11-3

. Mr. Chair, the Ocean Policy Committee should focus on addressing the issues that it was actually created to address--most importantly, streamlining Federal coordination. prgtoken This administration's push of this ocean justice strategy is just another example of unchecked bureaucrats forcing their agenda on Americans and increasing red tape. prgtoken My amendment stops them from moving forward. Our ocean economy is as diverse as the ocean itself, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing it. The problem we have with Federal programs is they take a different course from how Congress intended for them to go. This isn't cutting funds from the Ocean Policy Committee. It is just forcing the Ocean Policy Committee to do the job that they were established to do without adding unnecessary burdens to their work. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the amendment, and .
CALIFORNIA WATER IS IMPORTANT FOR THE NATION'S FOOD SUPPLY
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-11-3

I rise today to point out that, once again, our water situation in California is extremely important to the whole country for our food supply. prgtoken Like these products you see here, many, many crops that are grown in California supply 90 to 99 percent of what Americans will consume; otherwise, they would be imported. prgtoken Why is that important? Because if our water supply in California isn't allowed to go to agriculture, instead more and more environmental water, more and more water just allowed to flow down the streams without being captured in water storage, we don't get these crops, we don't have an economy, and the land turns into something much less productive. prgtoken What we need is to continue to focus on saving water in California and allowing it to flow to agriculture, more water storage projects, and updating the 1960s-1970s manuals that guide how government saves water. prgtoken Yes, we had an amazing amount of water last year, but still two of our large reservoirs only reached 50 percent and 80 percent full, even with all that. Water management is extremely important when we manage it for people.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024
Chip Roy (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-11-3

. Mr. Chair, the fact of the matter is that, yes, this bill returns the funding to the ever-efficient model of effectiveness of the 2018 Federal Government. prgtoken Yes, it does back up the funding levels. Frankly, we ought to be doing it for more of our agencies, and we are trying to take those steps forward. I will say that unapologetically because the American people are sick and tired of the Federal Government spending money we don't have to fund agencies that are directly at war with their way of life. That is the truth. prgtoken That is why gasoline is $1 more than it was when took office, despite the fact that the President has completely dumped our Strategic Petroleum Reserve in order to try to preserve political benefits for my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. That is just the simple truth, and everybody knows it. prgtoken Yet, we run around here ignoring the reality of what that means for the American people who are trying to get by every single day while the Federal Government is directly at odds with their ability to prosper, earn a living, pay their bills, pay for their energy, pay for their schools, buy cars, and do what they need to do. prgtoken Mr. Chair, .
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024
David Schweikert (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2023-11-3

. Mr. Chair, I think the chairman actually was generous. I think it is a lot more than a sledgehammer. This is like a small nuclear weapon. Partially that was the point. prgtoken Obviously, I care tremendously about IHS and have worked really hard on that. I am just trying to work through this. I want to put this in a moral paradigm. I have my 15-month-old sitting behind me, but this is no longer about the next generation. It is about your own retirement. prgtoken We have a math problem. It is a brutal math problem. One more time: We borrow every dime of discretionary; we borrow every dime of military; and now we are actually borrowing hundreds and hundreds of billions of dollars of what is mandatory. Some of this breaks my heart, but I don't seem to be able to communicate to my brothers and sisters how ugly the math is. prgtoken One more time: As of yesterday, we were borrowing $78,000 every second. $78,000 every second. For our friends on the left, they care about this. We care about this. It is just so hard to turn off the faucet. prgtoken The very last thing, and then I am going to sit down and shut up and go away. The debt is primarily driven by demographics. It is something we don't tell honestly, but we got old. If you actually look at from today through the next 30 years, 100 percent of the projected debt, 75 percent of it is Medicare, 25 percent if we backfill Social Security in 9 years when the trust fund is empty. prgtoken Do you see any of this debate--and I know this is small compared to the scale we are borrowing, but I have to find some way to get people to start understanding the scale of this math because the math always wins. Sometimes it takes a while, but the math will always win. prgtoken Mr. Chair, .
HONORING AJ ORTIZ
Nicholas A. Langworthy (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-11-3

I rise today to honor the heroic and selfless actions of Buffalo Police Detective AJ Ortiz. prgtoken On the evening of August 29, Detective Ortiz was off duty and traveling in my district near the town of Concord when he noticed taillights partially submerged in a pond. Without hesitation, he rescued the three elderly individuals who were trapped inside that sinking vehicle, saving their lives. prgtoken In that moment, Detective Ortiz went above and beyond the call of duty, but I want to emphasize that his heroism goes beyond just this single act. prgtoken As the second in command of the Buffalo Police Underwater Recovery Team, he has demonstrated his dedication to public safety and extraordinary commitment to our community. His training and experience undoubtedly played a vital and pivotal role in the positive outcome that would and could have quickly become a tragic situation. prgtoken I thank Detective AJ Ortiz for his heroic actions that night and his continued dedication to serving western New York every single day.
CONGRATULATING JEREMY TARBET
Juan Ciscomani (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2023-11-3

I rise today to congratulate Jeremy Tarbet, an automotive teacher in my district, who was awarded the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. prgtoken Mr. Tarbet has dedicated almost a decade of his life to teaching at his alma mater, Canyon del Oro High School in Arizona's Sixth District, just a few miles away from my home. prgtoken For the past 3 years, Mr. Tarbet has worked with SkillsUSA, a technical student organization, where he encourages his students to showcase their skills by participating in competitions. prgtoken Throughout the year, Mr. Tarbet offers three classic cars for restoration projects, giving his students the opportunity to see firsthand their education at work. prgtoken This award, given to only 25 teachers every year, is a testament to his dedication to his students. prgtoken I have no doubt that he will continue to shape the future of our students for years to come. prgtoken Congratulations, again, Jeremy, on receiving this well-deserved distinction.