mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PEPFAR Reauthorization (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-10-30

as you and I both know, we are in the process of talking about the spending bills, long overdue. We are in our fiscal year as of October 1. Well, here comes the end of October, and we are still laboring over how we are going to spend money for the next fiscal year from October 1 to September 30 of the year 2024. prgtoken And there is debate back and forth between the House and Senate, debate on the Senate floor, and some issues are becoming priorities. I would like to address one of them that doesn't get a lot of attention, and it should. prgtoken I don't agree with former President on many things, but I have given him credit repeatedly for making the United States a leader in stemming the HIV/AIDS epidemic in some of the poorest parts of the world. prgtoken Twenty years ago, the program was called the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, PEPFAR, what Bono once said was ``the most eloquent expression of American values anyone can think of in recent times.'' prgtoken You see, PEPFAR, and its companion effort, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, dramatically curtailed the AIDS epidemic that was ravaging the world. It has saved more than 25 million lives so far. prgtoken Both of these programs provided retroviral drugs for those with AIDS, allowing them to live productive lives and prevent the spread of disease through childbirth. prgtoken They have been so effective that some might have forgotten just how devastating AIDS was in certain parts of the world. At one point, it was killing more than 2 million people a year globally and leaving 14 million orphans in sub-Saharan Africa. In some of the most highly affected countries, life expectancy had dropped 20 years. prgtoken PEPFAR and the Global Fund dramatically improved outcomes for millions of people across the world. These programs are not only the right thing to do, they are also one of the most effective examples of America's soft power and the international development effort and a stark contrast of what China and others are displaying in many parts of the world. prgtoken So imagine my concern and surprise that there is currently an effort by extreme s in the House of Representatives to block the reauthorization of this hugely successful, bipartisan program over a false and manufactured abortion concern. Taking the extreme position of prgtoken blocking this lifesaving program is as shortsighted and nihilistic as siding with Vladimir Putin and failing to help Ukraine. prgtoken Just last week, the Institute and a group of more than 30 retired Ambassadors and foreign policy leaders urged Congress to swiftly reauthorize PEPFAR. prgtoken They wrote: Abandoning it abruptly now would send a bleak message, suggesting we are no longer able to set aside our politics for the betterment of democracies and the world. prgtoken With this, I agree completely. Right now, Am
RECOGNIZING PHILLIP JACKSON
Marilyn Strickland (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2023-10-30

I rise today to recognize delivery driver Phillip Jackson of Thurston County for his remarkable perceptivencss that helped to reunite a five-year-old boy with his mother. While making a delivery to a West Olympia Texaco, Phillip noticed an unaccompanied boy without shoes or a shirt walking around the convenience store. Sensing that something was amiss, Phillip immediately sprang into action and called 911. It was Phillip's initiative in alerting authorities of the situation that allowed local law enforcement, who had already been working with the boy's mother after she had reported him missing, to locate the child. Even after the police had arrived, Phillip remained with the boy until the mother and her child were reunited. Phillip credits his intervention to a workplace training he took that teaches delivery drivers to recognize signs of human trafficking and children at risk on the road. I applaud Phillip's awareness and quick action to help keep our most vulnerable members of our community safe and I am proud to recognize him today as our community's Constituent of the Month.
HONORING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LAKE COUNTY LAND TRUST
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-10-30

I rise today to honor the Lake County Land Trust, which is celebrating thirty years of protecting Lake County's natural resources including wildlife habitat, wetlands, streams, shorelines, and forests. prgtoken Thirty years ago, the Lake County Land Trust was formed by a group of concerned residents, including Susanne Scholz, Roberta Lyons, John Graham, Glenn Dishman, Mary Tulanian-Benson, Michael Friel, Judy Cox, Kim Clymire, and Sibyl Day who saw the need for expanded conservation efforts in Lake County. The original officers worked to set up guidelines for the types of property that the Trust would work to preserve and educate themselves about the various funding sources available for land conservation and preservation purposes. prgtoken Shortly after its founding, the Trust began work to acquire the Rodman Ranch and Preserve, which was well known for its valuable wildlife habitat, including the largest Great Blue Heron rookeries in Northern California. This important property also contained nesting sites for Osprey and Western Grebes. The Rodman Ranch and Preserve remained unprotected and was being touted as an excellent site for housing developments, golf courses, and a marina. In order to protect this critical habitat, the Trust negotiated an option to purchase the property and with a successful ``Adopt-A-Nest'' campaign, they brought in nearly $40,000 toward the $1.2 million purchase price of the land. The Trust was able to preserve the natural habitat of the Rodman Ranch and facilitate the continued health and existence of the many nesting, breeding, and feeding areas for wildlife. prgtoken In September 2004, the Lake County Trust worked with the Bureau of Land Management and the State Wildlife Conservation Board to secure funding for an acquisition of the Black Forest, a 255-acre forest on the slopes of Mt. Konocti. The Bureau of Land Management now holds title to the land, which is dedicated to open space and wildlife habitat. prgtoken The Lake County Land Trust has also worked to conserve land and water resources of important environmental, cultural, and historic integrity on behalf of present and future generations. This includes protecting the Rabbit Hill and Chaparral Preserve, Melo Wetland Preserve in 2016, and most recently the Wright Wetland Preserve in 2020. They have successfully done this by working cooperatively with landowners, private groups, and government agencies. prgtoken , the Lake County Land Trust is deeply appreciated for their work preserving Lake County's natural resources through education, cooperation, and conservation. I am proud to have represented this outstanding organization since its inception 30 years ago. Because of the Trust's outstanding work in our Lake County community, it is therefore fitting and proper that we honor them here today.
CELEBRATING MAYOR JOYCE WHICHARD-BROWN
Donald G. Davis (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2023-10-30

I honor a remarkable leader, trailblazer, and advocate for the beloved Town of Williamston. It is my distinct privilege to stand before you and pay tribute to a woman whose dedication and unwavering commitment to our community have left an indelible mark on our hearts and history books. Today, I celebrate Mayor Joyce Whichard-Brown, the first African American and first female mayor of Williamston. prgtoken Mayor Whichard-Brown's leadership journey began in Williamston, where she was born and graduated from EJ Hayes High School. She then moved to Virginia and worked in the U.S. Patent Office and various private law practices. In 2005, she returned to her hometown, Williamston, North Carolina, and has served as mayor since 2015. prgtoken Her accomplishments extend far beyond Williamston. She served on the North Carolina League of Municipalities Board of Directors. She has also taken on the role of vice chair of the Highway 17/64 Commission and initiated the quarterly mayor's meetings, fostering regional partnerships and cooperation. Under her guidance, the Town has seen significant improvements, such as the major upgrade to a fire department building and the transformation of the Stalls Building into a state-of-the-art police department facility. Mayor Whichard-Brown secured approval for the renovation of Gaylord Perry Park, making it more accessible and enjoyable for citizens. prgtoken Her tireless efforts also led to a substantial HUD grant of $750,000, dedicated to housing revitalization and downtown renovation. Moreover, she was pivotal in securing over $1 million in grants to complete the Roanoke River Boardwalk. prgtoken New businesses have thrived under her leadership, raising property tax-assessed values and breathing new life into the Town. Mayor Whichard-Brown has shown unshakable resolve, a willingness to stand her ground, and a remarkable ability to maintain her sense of humor. She led with grace, strength, and an unwavering commitment to her community. prgtoken Retiring from the Town, she can spend more time with her two children, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Let's not forget Mayor Whichard-Brown's lesser-known talent, her incredible singing voice, which she generously shares at an annual stampede. prgtoken I thank her for her service and look forward to the continued positive impacts in the town.
TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF THE HONORABLE RICHARD CLARENCE CLARK
Anna G. Eshoo (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-10-30

I rise today to honor the life and work of a great American and former United States Senator, Richard Clarence Clark. Dick Clark was born on September 14, 1928, in Paris, Iowa, and died peacefully on September 20, 2023, at his home in Washington, D.C at the age of 95. prgtoken Dick Clark enlisted in the U.S. Army after high school and served his country in England during the Korean War. He earned a Bachelor's degree at Upper Iowa University and his Master's at the University of Iowa. He then taught at Upper Iowa University, worked as a volunteer for the ic Party, and in 1972 he ran for the U.S. Senate. Partly in response to his unorthodox campaign tactic of actually walking 1,300 miles across Iowa to meet the voters, he won the seat. He served on the Senate Foreign Relations, Agriculture and Public Works Committees and after losing his race in 1978, he was soon appointed Ambassador-at- Large by President Jimmy Carter and spent most of 1979 serving as the administration's coordinator for refugee affairs, working to provide aid and housing for tens of thousands of people fleeing wars and famine in Southeast Asia. He then worked on the presidential campaign of Senator Ted Kennedy and became a Senior Fellow at the Aspen Institute for Humanistic Studies. prgtoken Dick Clark has been described as hardworking, studious, well-liked, and a highly respected Senator. He was all these and more. I first met him in 1994 when I was invited to participate in my first Aspen Institute Congressional Program as a newly elected Member of the House of Representatives. This program, initiated and directed by Dick Clark, fostered relationships with members of both parties and provided high value information on a variety of policies presented by experts and discussed by Members. Dick Clark said that ``good policy depends on informed policy makers'' and many minds were shaped and policies refined as a result of this superb Aspen Congressional Institute. Dick was as fine a human being one could ever know . . . a kind man of enormous integrity, a beautiful friend and a true patriot. prgtoken , I ask the entire House of Representatives to join me in paying tribute to this remarkable man, his life and his work, and in extending our most sincere condolences to his wife Julie, his three children, three grandchildren, and two great-grandsons. We are a better and stronger nation because of him.
Nomination of Matthew James Maddox (Executive Session)
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2023-10-30

I rise today in support of the nomination of Matthew Maddox to be a U.S. district judge for the District of Maryland, and I urge my Senate colleagues to confirm his nomination. prgtoken I joined with Senator Van Hollen to recommend Judge Maddox to President . President nominated Judge Maddox to this position in March of this year in order to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Paul Grimm in December of 2022. prgtoken Senator Van Hollen and I have worked to establish a judicial selection committee in Maryland, including an open application process. In particular, we sought out a highly qualified and diverse applicant pool. Our committee interviewed several dozen applicants. Senator Van Hollen and I then personally interviewed several finalists before recommending names to the White House. prgtoken I strongly agree with President 's goal to nominate judges with excellent legal credentials from diverse backgrounds from both professional and demographic perspectives, and today we have such an example of an excellent nominee from Maryland. prgtoken Judge Maddox was born and raised in Maryland and lives and works in Baltimore. He graduated summa cum laude from Morgan State University, an HBCU in Baltimore, in 1999, where he majored in philosophy and religious studies and minored in psychology. After receiving his B.A. degree, Judge Maddox was a Fulbright scholar and taught high school through the Teach for America Program. Judge Maddox received his J.D. degree from Yale Law School in 2011. prgtoken After working in private practice and serving in two judicial clerkships, in 2015, Judge Maddox was appointed as an assistant U.S. attorney in the District of Maryland. In this capacity, Judge Maddox prosecuted a range of criminal cases and conducted trainings for law enforcement on the topics of human trafficking and identity theft. prgtoken In 2020, Judge Maddox was selected to serve as Deputy Chief of the Major Crimes Section in the Northern Division of the U.S. Attorney's Office. prgtoken In February 2022, Judge Maddox was sworn in as a U.S. magistrate judge and sits in Baltimore. Judge Maddox now presides over both preliminary criminal proceedings and civil lawsuits by consent of the parties. prgtoken Judge Maddox therefore also brings remarkable experience to this position, having served as a Federal prosecutor for nearly a decade and now having served as a magistrate judge for over a year and a half. If confirmed and elevated from a magistrate judge to a district judge, he would continue to serve in the same court where he now serves and has practiced for many years. prgtoken The Judiciary Committee favorably reported Judge Maddox in a bipartisan vote in September of this year, and the American Bar Association's Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary awarded Judge Maddox a unanimously ``well qualified'' rating--its highest possible rating. prgtoken I was delighted t
ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2023
Tina Smith (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2023-10-30

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 31; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be deemed expired, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; that upon the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Maddox nomination postcloture; further, that all time be considered expired at 11:30 a.m. and that following the cloture vote on the Lew nomination, the Senate recess until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly caucus meetings; further, that if cloture is invoked on the Lew nomination, all time be considered expired at 2:30 p.m. and, upon disposition of the nomination, the Senate resume legislative session to consider Calendar No. 198, H.R. 4366; finally, that if any nominations are confirmed during Tuesday's session, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Josh Hawley (Republican, MO) \u2014 2023-10-31

the appropriations bills that we are now considering appropriate a total of $280 billion--$280 billion--in taxpayer money--money that will be used by Agencies ranging from the Department of Veterans Affairs to Transportation and Agriculture. prgtoken This amendment does something very simple. Whatever other disagreements we may have about the spending in these bills, surely we can agree that this money ought to go to Americans and American companies and our allies. So all this amendment does is it prgtoken says that none of the money we are appropriating can go to China. It can't go to Chinese companies or companies that are owned and controlled by China. That is it. It is simple: no American taxpayer dollars to the People's Republic of China. prgtoken This should be an easy vote. I urge a ``yes'' vote.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-10-31

thousands of calls to the VA from veterans seeking mental health care went unanswered over the past year, and that was just at the Atlanta VA. prgtoken One veteran in the midst of a mental health crisis called 10 times over a 3-month period and could not get the care she needed, much less anyone to answer her calls, so she ended up in an emergency room. Other veterans who made VA appointments say their therapists didn't even show up. prgtoken Meanwhile, a manager at the Atlanta VA responsible for overseeing the scheduling of veterans' appointments actually called in to a meeting from a bubble bath and posted this selfie on social media with the caption: My office for the next hour. prgtoken Another VA staffer lamented: It's almost as if this employee is making a mockery of all the veterans. I can sit here in my tub and relax, and you just have to wait. prgtoken And that is exactly what is happening. prgtoken While this bill provides nearly $320 billion for the VA, what good is it to give the Agency all of this money if the VA isn't even answering the phone or showing up for appointments with our veterans? prgtoken This isn't just a problem at the VA either. Desperate travelers are waiting hours on the phone or in line, hoping to speak with someone at the State Department about passport delays that are causing vacation cancelations, and seniors calling the Social Security Administration are increasingly having their calls go unanswered altogether as the Agency shifts toward remote work. prgtoken Frustrated Americans are sick and tired of being put on hold while many Federal employees are phoning it in, ``working'' from home. prgtoken In his 2022 State of the Union Address, President pledged that ``the vast majority of Federal workers will once again work in person.'' A year and a half later, government employee unions are still fighting off efforts to bring their bureaucrats back. prgtoken Only one out of every three bureaucrats is fully back in the office, according to a recent Office of Personnel Management survey. Some said they never report to a physical office. prgtoken Seventy-five percent or more of the office space at the headquarters of most Federal Agencies is not even being used. Taxpayers are picking up the cost of maintaining these mostly empty buildings. prgtoken If Federal employees can't be found at their desks, exactly where are they? The work locations of over 281,000 employees were redacted by the administration to a Freedom of Information request filed by the nonprofit group Open The Books. prgtoken Well, folks, time is up for 's game of bureaucrat hide-and-seek. I am offering an amendment making the administration account for the location of every bureaucrat who works for the VA and every other Department funded by this bill. My amendment also requires taxpayers to be told the financial and environmental costs of maintaining empty offi
Iran (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2023-10-31

Hamas's brutal attack on Israel on October 7 has thrust not just Hamas but Iran into the spotlight. Why? Because, while Hamas may have carried out this attack, Iran enabled it and is currently enabling terrorist organizations throughout the Middle East. prgtoken There is Hamas, which gets approximately 90 percent of its military budget from Iran and benefits from Iranian training and weapons. Then there is Hezbollah, the terrorist organization on Israel's northern border with Lebanon, which is also armed and financed by Iran. Then there are the Houthis in Yemen, who are backed by Iran and who, in the aftermath of October 7, fired missiles and drones headed in the direction of Israel, likely at Iran's direction. There are the Shia militias who are attacking American soldiers in Iraq and Syria, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the list literally goes on. prgtoken As I said on the floor last week, through its proxies, Iran is literally getting away with murder. One has to wonder what the Middle East would look like today if Iran hadn't spent decades funding and arming terrorist organizations. Nor are Iran's malign activities confined to the Middle East. Iran has provided Russia with drones to use in its war of aggression against Ukraine, and now it appears that Iran is helping Russia to build a drone manufacturing facility to dramatically increase Russia's drone supply. prgtoken Meanwhile, Russia's Foreign Minister was in Iran last week and met with the Iranian President. A Reuters article on the meeting reported: Russia and Iran are firming up bilateral relations in a `trusting' atmosphere, Russia's foreign ministry said . . . prgtoken , Iran doesn't just represent a danger to peace and stability in the Middle East and beyond. It is directly responsible for much of the strife that we see there. And in the wake of the October 7 attack and Israel's military response, Iran has threatened Israel with escalation and a war on ``multiple fronts.'' prgtoken It is time to make clear to Iran that its deadly activities can't continue. The administration must clearly articulate to the Iranians that if they do not stand down or if they green-light any escalation against Israel, the United States and our allies will respond. In the meantime, the administration should be exploring all avenues for ending Iran's career as a state sponsor of terror. Israel and the Arab world deserve a chance to move forward, free of Iran's malign meddling. prgtoken President and his administration do not have the strongest track record on Iran--witness their misguided attempts to reboot the administration's problematic nuclear deal and the decision to unfreeze $6 billion in Iranian funds as part of a deal to free American prisoners. The President did, finally, listen to calls from myself and others in the wake of Hamas's attack to once again freeze that $6 billion, and the administrat