mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
SUPPORTING RURAL COMMUNITIES
John W. Rose (Republican, TN) \u2014 2023-7-27

the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024, supports our rural communities and strengthens our national security and food supply by continuing critical investments in agriculture research, rural broadband, and animal and plant health programs. prgtoken The bill also provides sufficient funds to ensure the safety of food, drugs, and medical devices, which is especially important after the administration's failure to protect our children from the baby formula debacle last year at the FDA. It reins in harmful regulations that dictate how poultry and livestock producers raise and market their animals. prgtoken These provisions will be sure to help those farmers and agricultural producers in my district and across Tennessee who are fed up with bureaucrats in Washington telling them how to farm and tend to their land and animals.
FEND OFF FENTANYL ACT
Maria Cantwell (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2023-7-27

I rise tonight to speak about important legislation that was included in the National Defense Authorization Act tonight and something that will help us fight the scourge of illicit fentanyl in the United States of America. prgtoken An urgent public health crisis is gripping our State and many other parts of the United States. I want to thank my colleagues Senator Scott from South Carolina and Senator Brown from Ohio for their leadership on the bipartisan legislation known as the FEND Act that was included in tonight's legislation. prgtoken The fentanyl crisis is having a direct and dire impact on families in the State of Washington and all throughout the United States. In the past 12 months, more than 65,000 Americans have died by overdosing on synthetic opioids like fentanyl. That is why it is so important that, tonight, included in this legislation is the FEND Act, and that is part of a response that we need to have to take this national crisis seriously. prgtoken This legislation declares the international trafficking of fentanyl, and its precursors needed to make it, a national emergency. This gives the President and us the focus that we need to fight, as it says in the legislation, ``an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.'' prgtoken , a crisis of this magnitude demands a robust Federal response, and that is why this legislation provides the President with new tools to stop the illicit fentanyl flooding our borders and those who are trying to transport it into our country. prgtoken First, the new tools in this legislation are sanctions targeting transnational criminal organizations and foreigners engaged in international fentanyl trafficking. The bill specifically calls out eight known cartels in Mexico, which means that Treasury can investigate suspicious activities involved here and declare sanctions. It recognizes that these traffickers, once identified, can have sanctions imposed and can have forfeiture of their property. prgtoken Recognizing that fentanyl production is not simply these entities but also diverse networks of players, this legislation helps us go after those. Sanctions will enable the U.S. Government to try to disrupt the flow of this product: the distributors, the brokers, the wholesalers, the retailers, the sellers of precursors--anyone who is involved in trafficking these deadly pills can now be targeted. prgtoken Second, the Senate-passed legislation goes after financial institutions that participate in fentanyl-related money laundering. Once caught, property forfeited by international fentanyl traffickers can be used by the Department of Justice and State and local law enforcements to help participate in additional investigations, and this legislation also empowers Treasury to use special measures to pursue fentanyl-related and other types of drug laundering activity. For example, a f
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE RELATING TO "ENDANGERED AND THREATENED...
Joe Neguse (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2023-7-27

. Madam , I thank the ranking member for his service and for yielding me time. I certainly concur with the sentiments that he has expressed. prgtoken We hear from our colleagues on the other side of the aisle that this resolution is somehow designed to modernize the Endangered Species Act. Of course, the American people know better. They understand that this resolution is designed to undermine the Endangered Species Act, and we heard that over and over again during the Rules Committee proceeding that the ranking member referenced. prgtoken Putting that aside for a moment, I suspect many Americans who are watching today, Madam , are wondering what in the world is the House of Representatives debating today? They are not the only ones. prgtoken Earlier this afternoon, the majority leader from the side announced that this House would be adjourning this evening. Now, as you know, Madam , in 65 days, the Federal Government will not be able to function absent this Congress passing a budget and averting a government shutdown. prgtoken The congressional recess that leadership has announced that apparently is set to commence in less than 2 hours is 45 days long. Madam , you can do the math. That leaves this Congress with precious little time to do the people's business: To pass a budget to fund the government. prgtoken Instead of doing that, we are debating, what? The northern long-eared bat. That is how s in Washington have determined to spend the waning hours of this congressional session. It is consistent with the way that prgtoken they have conducted their majority in this House for the better part of the last 7 months. prgtoken No bills to lower costs, no bills to grow the middle class, no bills to build safer communities. Bills on gas stoves, hearings on gas stoves, three hearings on gas stoves, bills on the lesser prairie- chicken and the northern long-eared bat. prgtoken The priorities that House s have pursued in this Chamber are grossly out of step with the priorities of the American people. The American people expect us to do the people's work, and we are not doing that today. prgtoken I believe that in 65 days, when House s shut down the government--which they seem determined to do, given that they have passed one appropriation bill before they have decided to send everybody home--the American people will be right to question the priorities of congressional s; why they dither instead of working in good faith with their colleagues to fund the government, to do the basic work of governing. It is an important question, and one I hope every American asks of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle.
TRIBUTE TO DAVID GRANNIS
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-7-27

I rise today to give a belated and fond farewell to a valued and long-standing member of my staff, Mr. David Grannis. prgtoken Every Member of this Chamber understands the importance of having wise counsel in their corner. It is not only important, but essential, in order to produce meaningful results for your constituents. To that end, David Grannis was an essential part of my team for the past 5 years while serving as the chief of staff to my office. prgtoken I previously offered a similar tribute to David in 2016, when he left his position as staff director for the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence to serve as the Principal Deputy Under Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Intelligence and Analysis. I will be forever grateful for his return to my personal office, where he ably guided my staff through multiple Supreme Court nominations, impeachments, all-night vote-a-ramas, a global pandemic, and an insurrection. I will also always remember his support during a particularly difficult period after my husband's passing in 2022. prgtoken David has had a long and distinguished history of public service. In addition to his time with the Department of Homeland Security, he served on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence for over a decade, beginning as my designee in March of 2005, then serving as my staff director beginning in January of 2009 when I took over as chair of the committee. Prior to joining the Intelligence Committee in 2005, David worked on the House Select Committee on Homeland Security and was the senior policy adviser to Representative Jane Harman on matters of national security. prgtoken Before coming to Congress, David worked for 2 years at the National Research Council's Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology on projects studying the ability to make explosives more detectable and identifiable. He has a master's of public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, where he worked for former Secretary of Defense Ash Carter. prgtoken As my chief of staff, David led with wit and wisdom and demonstrated an uncanny ability to get the job done. He has been by my side for countless meetings with foreign leaders, ambassadors, military commanders, corporate chiefs, and local officials. David has served as a mentor for many members of my staff and his professionalism and dedication are second to none. He is someone that I am proud to call a friend. prgtoken I would also like to take this opportunity to thank David's wife, Kerry Searle Grannis, and their three wonderful children: Owen, Amelia, and Nathaniel. The chief of staff job is certainly not always easy. I appreciate their support of David throughout his tenure with my office, and I hope his next venture will allow for more time with his family. prgtoken While I am sad to see David leave, I am thrilled that he has taken on a new role as the executive director for the Commission on the N
SUPREME COURT ETHICS, RECUSAL, AND TRANSPARENCY ACT
Jon Ossoff (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2023-7-27

last week, I voted to advance the Supreme Courts Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act out of the Judiciary Committee, as I believe that strong judicial ethics are critical to maintaining public trust in our judiciary. I rejected amendments unrelated to ethics reform to maximize prospects for successful passage of this measure, but I am willing to consider the nongermane amendments offered if put forward as standalone measures or as amendments to germane legislation.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE RELATING TO "ENDANGERED AND THREATENED...
Raúl M. Grijalva (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2023-7-27

the balance of my time to close. To be clear, I agree that the lesser prairie-chicken is important. All threatened and endangered species are important. We are in the midst of a biodiversity crisis, as we speak. prgtoken What I find patently unimportant is this resolution that doesn't respect the science, doesn't respect our imperative to protect biodiversity and slow down climate change, and certainly doesn't respect the important things that the American people have sent us here to do that are not being done. prgtoken This resolution is a polluter-requested, partisan attack that my colleagues seem to be able to defend only with opinions, anecdotes, and industry talking points. I will remind us all; it will go nowhere. Good policy is not built solely on opinions. It is built on science, facts, and the needs of the American people. prgtoken The fact is that climate change, not the chicken, is killing Americans and costing us hundreds of billions of dollars each year. I urge my colleagues to oppose S.J. Res. 9. prgtoken , .
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Ruben Gallego (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2023-7-27

today I missed a vote on final passage of H.R. 4366--Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act 2024, because of the birth of my child. Had I been present on the House Floor, I would have voted NO. As a combat veteran myself, I believe it is our duty and responsibility to ensure all veterans are provided the care and resources they have earned. This year, however, I would not have been able to vote for this bill in good faith. prgtoken McCarthy allowed the most radical members of his party to hijack a bill meant to support our veterans. House s passed amendments that do the opposite, including provisions that restrict access to medically necessary gender-affirming care, discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community, and eliminate efforts to combat climate change. prgtoken Although there were dozens of amendments that I would have opposed, I want to highlight 5 where I would have cast the following individual votes: prgtoken 1. NO on Ogles Amendment No. 2, which would transfer $3 million from NATO's Security Investment Program to the Spending Reduction Account at the end of the bill. prgtoken 2. NO on Greene Amendment No. 3, which would cut the $73 million increase in funding for the NATO Security Investment Program. prgtoken 3. NO on Greene Amendment No. 34, which strikes funding for the Office of Resolution Management, Diversity, and Inclusion. prgtoken 4. NO on Bost Amendment No. 35, which prohibits the VA from using funds to submit a beneficiary's name to the NCIS list based on VA's appointment of a fiduciary. prgtoken 5. NO on Roy Amendment No. 40, which prohibits funds in this act from being used to carry out President 's climate change executive order. prgtoken Instead of passing bipartisan legislation that treats ALL veterans with respect and honor, House s chose to discriminate against those who have sacrificed so much for our country. This is a major step backwards, and I cannot support this bill.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Robert P. Casey, Jr. (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2023-7-27

due to my mother's sudden hospitalization late this afternoon for a serious illness, I need to leave Washington unexpectedly and immediately. As a result, I will miss the vote on final passage of the National Defense Authorization Act, as well as any remaining amendment votes. prgtoken I would like the Congressional Record to reflect that I support final passage of this legislation. When I return to Washington following the August work period, I will submit another statement to the Record detailing how I would have cast my vote on each of the amendment votes I was forced to miss. Vote on Amendment No. 1078 prgtoken .
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE RELATING TO "ENDANGERED AND THREATENED...
Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-7-27

I stand in steadfast opposition to both S.J. Res. 9 and S.J. Res. 24. These resolutions represent a deeply concerning, misguided attempt to undermine the Endangered Species Act. These partisan resolutions are also out of step with what Americans care about. prgtoken Our constituents are looking for us to lead, to take action to restore a healthy, biodiverse, and climate-stable planet. We took important actions in the last Congress, and we are seeing the results now--funding for cities like Alexandria to transition to electric schoolbuses that are healthier for kids, creating jobs for climate- ready coasts so these communities are resilient to extreme weather, new clean energy manufacturing so that people have jobs and healthier workspaces for a healthier planet for us all. prgtoken These resolutions are part of an agenda that puts polluters over people. Americans don't want to see politicians interfering to reverse science-based endangered species protections, cementing a species' path to extinction, just like they don't want to see us cementing the country on a path of more fossil fuel pollution, causing extreme weather and the overheating that is destroying the country right now. prgtoken My colleagues on the other side of the aisle spent 2 years shouting about things like inflation and public safety, but now, in power, they are heading into a 6-week recess focused on stripping protections from bats and lesser prairie-chickens. prgtoken How does this help inflation? How does it help make people safer? It doesn't. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to see that these resolutions are misguided, even silly, and vote ``no.''
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2023-7-27

I rise in opposition to the amendment. prgtoken An across-the-board cut of 10 percent makes no distinction between those programs that are actually vital and necessary for the defense of the country and those programs that may be subject to reduction based on our evaluation of the program. prgtoken The Senator's amendment excludes defense health programs, military personnel accounts, and assistance to Ukraine, but that means the actual cuts on every other function will be much greater than 10 percent. prgtoken The other point that I think should be made--he has made a very rousing description, an accurate description of some of the issues facing us domestically, but we are now involved in an existential conflict, helping the Ukrainians to defend democracy. That costs money. We are in a situation where China has increased their military dramatically, and we must be prepared to react to such a change. prgtoken This world is more dangerous perhaps today than at any time, and to simply walk away from adequately funding our Defense Department would be, I think, an error. Vote on Amendment No. 1030
HUDSON RIVER TUNNEL FUNDING
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-7-27

I rise today to thank President for helping me provide $7 billion for the Hudson River tunnel project. The Hudson River tunnel project is the most important infrastructure project in the country. prgtoken Every day, more than 200,000 people travel through the Hudson River tunnel between New Jersey and New York. If it were to suffer a safety shutdown, it could cost America $100 million in lost economic activity. prgtoken The current tunnel is 113 years old, and it needs to be upgraded to avoid future shutdowns. The Hudson River tunnel project will repair the current tunnel, and it would build a new tunnel next to it to improve travel throughout the Northeast corridor. prgtoken I worked diligently to get the funds for the Hudson River tunnel and the entire Gateway Program. The $7 billion grant is the largest Federal transportation grant in American history. prgtoken , I am proud to work with a President that understands the importance of the Hudson River tunnel project and what it will do for American prosperity.
RELEASE CUBAN POLITICAL PRISONERS
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-7-27

as we mark the second anniversary of the July 11, 2021, protest in Cuba, I call on the Cuban Government to release all those imprisoned for exercising their rights to protest, to freedom of expression, and association. prgtoken , 2 years ago, Cubans took to the streets to demand better living conditions and more freedoms amid a grim economic crisis. There is no excuse for these largely peaceful protests to have been met with government repression, arrests, and internet blackouts. prgtoken According to reputable reports, over 1,500 people were arrested in connection with these protests, and over 680 remain in prison. prgtoken However, U.S. policies contribute directly to the hardships that Cubans endure, but the Cuban Government's repression only exacerbates the many challenges facing its people. prgtoken Cuba should release all remaining protesters, and the United States of America should end all policies, including taking Cuba off the State Sponsors of Terrorism list, that only increase the suffering of the Cuban people.
HONORING ELAINE NEWBERG ON HER 100TH BIRTHDAY
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-7-27

I rise today in honor of Elaine Newberg, who will celebrate her 100th birthday on August 24. prgtoken Born in 1923, she grew up in Philadelphia and attended the University of Pennsylvania. prgtoken A gifted pianist, Elaine once performed with the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra. She went on to become a music teacher, producing a number of popular musicals worthy of the best theaters. prgtoken Passionate about helping students find their way, Elaine became a guidance counselor, serving as president of both the Long Island and New York State School Counselor Association. prgtoken Elaine and her husband, Marvin, a World War II veteran, raised two children, Richard and Shanti. Richard is an Emmy-winning journalist in Buffalo and Shanti is a social worker. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Elaine Newberg's dedicated life of service, passion, and creativity as we wish her a very happy 100th birthday.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2023-7-27

first let me thank Senator Young, my coauthor of this amendment that deals with our foreign policy being grounded in our democratic values to fight corruption. I also want to thank Senator Wicker for his help, particularly in the Helsinki Commission where this issue was debated. prgtoken I also want to thank Senator Menendez and Senator Risch, the chair and ranking members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. This bill has been reported out by that committee at least twice by near- unanimous or unanimous votes. prgtoken I think we all recognize that corruption provides the fuel for Mr. Putin and other corrupt leaders to do their nefarious actions, including the war in Ukraine. It is in our core national security interests to fight corruption, as has been declared by President . prgtoken So this bill patterns the efforts we have made in the trafficking of persons to have the State Department evaluate the capacity of what countries are doing to combat corruption using standard evaluations such as criminalizing corruption, investigating and prosecuting, adopting measures to prevent corruption, adequate resources, and protecting victims of corruption. prgtoken This amendment will continue the U.S. leadership in fighting corruption globally. I ask my colleagues to support the amendment. Vote on Amendment No. 705 prgtoken , it is my understanding that we can do this by voice vote. If that is the case, I ask unanimous consent that the 60-vote threshold with respect to this amendment be vitiated.
HONORING THE LIFE OF COLONEL HARRY SEXTON
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-7-27

I rise today to celebrate the life of Harry Edman Sexton, a U.S. Marine Corp Colonel who graduated from my alma mater, Anaheim High School, in 1950. prgtoken Born in Anaheim, Colonel Sexton passed away Feb. 15, 2023, after living 90 years of a full life that included a distinguished military career. prgtoken He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps 2 years after graduating from Anaheim High and served for 26 years. prgtoken A Navy Cross awardee, our country's second-highest award for bravery, Colonel Sexton flew more than 400 combat missions during two tours of Vietnam. During his first tour, he commanded the only Marine F-8 Crusader Fighter Squadron to deploy from Navy Carrier USS Oriskany. prgtoken On his second tour, he commanded a squadron of HMLA-367 ``Scarface'' Cobra Helicopters, providing air support, day or night, under all weather conditions, to Marine ground combat units. prgtoken He received the Navy Cross for heroism during Operation Tailwind as he and his fellow ``Scarface'' Cobra Gunships engaged the enemy to provide cover for the extraction of a nearly overwhelmed force of U.S. Army Special Operators out of Laos. prgtoken He was also awarded two Legion of Merits with Combat ``V'', a Distinguished Flying Cross, 44 Air Medals/Strike Flight Awards, and was inducted into the Golden Eagles for his distinguished career as an aviator. prgtoken His wife of 65 years, Ann, son Harry Jr and daughter Stacie will remember him as a husband and father who lived for others, giving freely of his time, skill, and love to all who were fortunate enough to have known him. He is also survived by 4 grandchildren; and a great grandson. prgtoken I thank the Colonel for his service.