mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PROVIDING APPROPRIATE RECOGNITION AND TREATMENT NEEDED TO ENHANCE RELATIONS WITH ASEAN ACT
Young Kim (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-3-22

I thank Congresswoman Ann Wagner for yielding. prgtoken , I rise in strong support of H.R. 406, the Providing Appropriate Recognition and Treatment Needed to Enhance Relations, PARTNER, with ASEAN Act. prgtoken This is a bill that I introduced with my colleague, Representative Castro. I thank Ranking Member Meeks, and my colleague, and chairwoman of one of our committees, Ann Wagner, but more importantly, for her leadership on the ASEAN Caucus. prgtoken , much has been talked about with the importance of this legislation, but I think it is worth repeating that this bipartisan legislation extends the diplomatic privileges and immunities to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations under the International Organizations Immunities Act. prgtoken Similar international organizations such as the European Union, the Organization of American States, and the African Union currently enjoy these diplomatic privileges, but not ASEAN. prgtoken As chairwoman of the Indo-Pacific Subcommittee, I believe this legislation is a step in the right direction for improving America's standing in the Indo-Pacific and addressing the economic and security threats posed to the region by the CCP and their Belt and Road Initiative. To counter the Belt and Road Initiative, we must prioritize trade, economic, and diplomatic relations with Southeast Asian countries. prgtoken Without meaningful U.S. engagement and presence in the region, we will leave the region little choice but to turn to the CCP, whose conditions for these countries are erosion in democratic institutions and threats to their sovereignty. prgtoken This bill, while simple in scope, will signal to the region that the United States stands ready to engage in meaningful trade and have more discussions about security and human rights. prgtoken , Representative Castro, coauthor of this bill, for his work on this legislation. prgtoken I join with my colleagues in saying that I am sorry that he could not be here to witness this legislation pass the House. I wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to getting back to work with him once he returns to the House. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Pete Ricketts (Republican, NE) \u2014 2023-3-22

my colleagues and I are here today to raise the alarm once again about the ongoing crisis at our southern border. This is an issue that is incredibly important to my constituents, and it should be a priority here in the U.S. Senate. prgtoken As I said when I visited the border as a Governor and then again last month as a Senator, every State is a border State. It is not just me saying that; it is my colleagues, both as Governors and as U.S. Senators, saying that. That is because the States across the country, including my own State of Nebraska, are dealing with the consequences of this administration failing to secure our border. prgtoken This crisis is a threat to all Americans for many reasons. Americans are being killed today because of what is going on at the border. The leading cause of death of Americans age 18 to 45 in 2020 and 2021 was fentanyl overdose. A majority of those drugs are coming to this country from overseas. prgtoken Taryn Lee Griffith was a 24-year-old single mom who died in Nebraska. She died of a fentanyl overdose. She was out with friends and took a pill she thought was Percocet. It was laced with fentanyl, and that is what killed her. Taryn's youngest daughter was only 6 months old when this happened. Now her two daughters are going to have to learn about their mom from pictures and from stories from family. prgtoken I think we can all agree that fentanyl is a scourge on this country. From 2014 to 2019, fentanyl mostly entered this country from overseas, being shipped internationally from the People's Republic of China. Now it is being shipped from the PRC to Mexico. There, it is manufactured in illegal labs and smuggled across our border. prgtoken The Chinese Communist Party and the Mexican drug cartels are taking advantage of the fact that we have a weak border to surge a flow of illegal drugs--especially fentanyl--across our U.S. border. They have the blood of the Americans who have died on their hands because of this, and we must hold them accountable. prgtoken With border agents and local law enforcement overwhelmed by the surge of illegal immigration, it is easier than ever for these cartels to be able to bring fentanyl into the United States. prgtoken Because of this failed administration's policy, State law enforcement has been forced to step up. In my last 2 years as Governor when I was in Nebraska, we saw what happened compared to 2020. The State patrol confiscated 2 times as much methamphetamine, 3 times as much fentanyl, and 10 times as much cocaine. Last year alone, the DEA's Omaha Division seized 4.7 million doses of fentanyl. prgtoken This administration's abandonment of its responsibility is an outrage. It is endangering American lives each and every day. Yet the President has not shown he is serious about tackling this problem. His budget requested $535 million for border security technology. Yet he wants to spend seven times that much--a whopping $3.9 bi
SALUTE TO OUR FARMERS AND RANCHERS DURING NATIONAL AGRICULTURE WEEK
Mike Flood (Republican, NE) \u2014 2023-3-22

I rise today to salute our farmers and ranchers as we celebrate National Ag Week. prgtoken In Nebraska, we grow the food, fuel, and fiber we need to feed the world. prgtoken We are known as the ``Cornhusker State'' and the ``Beef State.'' We are number one for cattle on feed, number two for ethanol production, and number three for corn exports. prgtoken We are home to the four largest center-pivot irrigation manufacturers who help farmers efficiently apply water resources around the globe. prgtoken These are just a few of the things that make Nebraska the number one ag State and the number one in the Nation for ag receipts per capita. prgtoken We are also home to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Daugherty Water for Food Institute, which is leading the research we need to ensure that our world's natural resources support food security for years to come. prgtoken As we celebrate National Ag Week, I would extend a heartfelt thank you to the farmers and ranchers who work hard and sacrifice each day to feed the world.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-3-22

today, the Senate debates removing the authority of the President to wage war in Iraq. Momentous as such debate might be, it is largely rendered symbolic by the fact that the war in Iraq has been over for more than a decade. prgtoken Were this body serious about debating the authority of the President to wage war across Africa and the Middle East, we would today be repealing the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force. prgtoken Presidential administrations of both parties have used the 9/11 authorization to justify war in over 20 countries, from Afghanistan to Libya to Syria to Somalia to Yemen. In fact, both parties have essentially argued that the 9/11 AUMF has no temporal or geographic limits at all. prgtoken Repealing the Iraq war authorization will end no wars and save no lives. prgtoken The bill before us ignores the pervasive, seemingly limitless 9/11 proclamation, and it seeks, instead, to repeal the 1991 and 2002 authorizations to make war against Saddam Hussein's Iraq--a regime that no longer exists. prgtoken So we are missing the point here. We are going to repeal the one authorization they no longer use and leave the prgtoken one in place that authorizes war everywhere, all the time. prgtoken The public is told to celebrate the boldness of a Senate that will today end a war that has been over for over a decade, while ignoring an authorization of war that is really the only pertinent current authorization. prgtoken Now, it is true that some unreconstructed neoconservatives still advocate for the 2002 authorization to make war against Saddam Hussein's Iraq, but no serious scholars believe that the Iraq war resolution has any bearing at all in a world where the current Government of Iraq is an ally, at least ostensibly, of the United States. prgtoken Even more insensibly, some of these neocon throwbacks argue that a 20-year-old authorization to counter Saddam Hussein's Iraq somehow has something to do with authorizing military force against Iran. It is nonsensical. The very argument is so strained that ordinarily one wouldn't even bother countering such a frivolous case except for the fact that many Senators insist on making it. prgtoken We voted to go to war against Saddam Hussein's Iraq. He is dead and gone. His government is gone. The new government is an ally. The authorization means absolutely nothing. But yet some people argue on the floor: Oh, we have to have this in case we want to attack Iran. prgtoken Have they ever heard of coming back here and asking for permission? prgtoken Have they ever heard of saying we hold this power given to us by the Constitution and that we should be the ones to bestow the declaration of war to the President? prgtoken The 2002 AUMF doesn't mention Iran. President 's March 2003 speech to the Nation announcing his decision to invade Iraq does not mention Iran, and Iran and Iraq were enemies for over two decades prior to the invasion. In fact, th
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Kevin Cramer (Republican, ND) \u2014 2023-3-22

this is a time of year when sports seasons wrap up and tournaments and final competitions crown new champions. I have the privilege today of recognizing one team of outstanding figure skaters from Bismarck, ND. They are the Capital Ice Chips, 22 high school girls under the age of 18 who this month skated their way to the gold medal in the U.S. National Synchronized Skating championships. prgtoken The Ice Chips are not strangers to this national competition, which was held in Peoria, IL. They have qualified for nationals for the past 13 years and have stood on the winners podium nine times. This year, they were on the top step for the first time after competing against 12 other teams hailing from much larger metropolitan areas in California, New York, Illinois, New Jersey, and Arizona. prgtoken The 20-year-old Bismarck Figure Skating Club has been dominant in national competitions because it begins training young skaters as young as preschoolers. With considerable support from parents and top-notch teachers and coaches at every stage of learning, these young skaters also start synchronized skating at an early age. Most of this year's Capital Ice Chips are veteran skaters who have attended many regional and national competitions. prgtoken I want to commend the coaches, notably Rebecca Gallion, who has been with the Bismarck Figure Skating Club for all of its 20 years, as well as Selena Morris and Hayley Trom. Previous skaters have become instructors and coaches and have been instrumental in helping the Ice Chips advance to the level of excellence on display at the national competition this year. prgtoken The skaters on the Capital Ice Chips national championship team are Emily Appert, Elyse Bock, Nora Carlson, Gabriella Deeter, Chloe Dwyer, Isabelle Ersland, Brooklyn Gallion, Tatum Gietzen, Ella Haar, Miah Hamar, Kamri Hopfauf, Ashlyn Iverson, Nora Luckenbill, Taryn Nelson, Addison Rakness, Kadence Rambur, Addisen Renton, Morgan Schatz, Lexi Stenberg, Reece Theel, Ethnie Zahn, and Kinzie Zahn. prgtoken North Dakota's legendary winters bring out a love of winter sports, including those played on ice rinks across my State. Figure and synchronized skating require teamwork and discipline in these young athletes, and I congratulate the Capital Ice Chips for their dedication and hard work that earned them this championship. I join the rest of North Dakota in thanking the Bismarck Figure Skating Club and the Capital Ice Chips for inspiring all of us to achieve excellence. They have demonstrated what can be achieved by combining faith and passion with determination and teamwork.
NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY
Mike Bost (Republican, IL) \u2014 2023-3-22

yesterday was National Agriculture Day, a day to celebrate the contributions of America's farmers, growers, and ranchers. prgtoken These hardworking men and women provide our families with the food, fuel, and fiber we need each and every day. According to the USDA, the agriculture sector contributed nearly $1.3 trillion to our GDP in 2021 and accounted for a tenth of all U.S. employment. prgtoken My district in southern Illinois is home to more than 10,000 producers, and one of the most diverse agricultural districts in the region. prgtoken In addition to corn and soybean, southern Illinois produces rice, specialty crops, livestock, dairy, wine, and more than one-half of the horseradish in the United States. prgtoken But these aren't easy jobs. Farmers are often at the mercy of the weather and other factors well beyond their control. prgtoken As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I believe that the new farm bill provides us a critical opportunity to put farmers first and support programs like crop insurance to strengthen our food security. prgtoken I am proud to cosponsor H.R. 235 designating March 21, 2023, as National Agriculture Day, and I will continue to fight for our southern Illinois farming families every day that I serve in Congress.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Edward J. Markey (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-3-22

over the past several weeks, I have heard my colleagues on both sides of the aisle voice concerns about an issue I have been raising for years--protecting children and teens from online dangers. Recently, much of that conversation has focused on the social media app TikTok. prgtoken I want to be clear. TikTok poses serious and specific privacy problems. We are talking about a company that could expose American users', including young users', personal and sensitive information to the Chinese Government. The intelligence community has raised grave concerns that Beijing could potentially influence millions of American TikTok users with the platform's algorithms, spread malware to our smartphones, force the company to amass troves of data on users, and then demand that the information be handed over to the Chinese Communist Party. prgtoken In other words, TikTok could collect your personal data without your consent and then target you with information that the Chinese Government wants you to see or potentially, even worse, monitor where you go and what you do. prgtoken We already know that TikTok is currently on privacy probation with a Federal Trade Commission consent decree. They had to pay a $5 million fine for violating the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act. That is my law. We should listen to those warnings, and we should do our job to legislate and regulate in response to these warnings. prgtoken I am pleased to hear so much concern for the experiences of our young people online. This is the kind of formidable bipartisan movement to rein in the overreach of Big Tech that we needed in this Chamber 3 months ago when lobbyists flooded to the Capitol to kill my Children and Teens' Online Privacy and Protection Act--COPPA 2.0--to raise protections up to age 16 for young people in our country in terms of the protection of their privacy. prgtoken Here is the reality: Asserting that TikTok stands alone as the one platform that poses a serious surveillance threat to our Nation's young people is deliberately missing the Big Tech forest for the TikTok trees. prgtoken It is in this dark, dank forest where even more dangers lurk. TikTok needs to be regulated immediately--we can agree on that--but it is absolutely not the only digital danger kids face today. There is no justification for starting and stopping there, because do you know who else is on privacy probation with the Federal Trade Commission in addition to TikTok? YouTube. Google's video platform also violated my law. The Federal Trade Commission fined it $170 million for invading kids under the age of 12 and their privacy. That is just a slap on the wrist to Google, $170 million. Oh, and Facebook too. The Federal Trade Commission fined Facebook $5 billion for violating users' privacy protections. Remember, TikTok was fined $5 million. Facebook has been fined $5 billion for violating privacy in our country. prgtoken So, yes, we do have to
WORLD WATER DAY
Bonnie Watson Coleman (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-3-22

on World Water Day, I rise on behalf of every American who lacks access to the most basic necessity of human survival. prgtoken , 4 years ago, 15,000 households in Newark, New Jersey, were forced to rely on bottled water due to the lead in the city's supply. As lead contamination levels approached record highs, residents of my State's largest city were forced to reckon with the reality that access to safe drinking water would not be and could not be taken for granted. prgtoken I am grateful that Newark has since replaced nearly all of its lead pipes, and their residents can once again trust that their tap water is safe to drink. prgtoken In fact, had this emergency been unique to one city at one time, I probably wouldn't have been compelled to speak here today. prgtoken However, the year after Newark put an end to its emergency, infrastructure failures in Jackson, Mississippi, cut off residents' access to safe water. Mississippi's capital city still lacks the resources to support residents in need. prgtoken Let me be clear. This is not a Newark crisis or a Jackson crisis, or for that matter, even a Flint, Michigan, crisis. It is an American crisis. prgtoken Due to climate change, outdated infrastructure, and systemic disinvestment in our most vulnerable communities, millions of Americans risk losing access to water. prgtoken As the wealthiest Nation on Earth, we have the resources--not to mention the moral imperative--to change that situation. Safe, clean water is a human right. If we continue to ignore the water crisis, communities across the country will face dire consequences for their health, safety, and well-being. prgtoken , I am introducing the WATER Act because the time to act is now. In addressing water scarcity, we must revitalize our failing infrastructure, remove dangerous contaminants from our water supplies, and reinvest in the communities that have been hit hardest by decades of privatization and austerity. The WATER Act tackles the crisis on all three fronts. prgtoken My legislation would provide $35 billion annually to modernize our Nation's water and sewer infrastructure. Cities like Newark are not outliers. Lead pipes are used in every single State. By overhauling our infrastructure, we can remove these dangerous components and eliminate the threat of lead contamination. prgtoken My legislation would also clean up other contaminants, as well, including PFAS, ``forever chemicals.'' New Jersey has some of the highest PFAS levels in the country and Black, Brown, and low-income communities suffer disproportionately from this contamination. prgtoken Everyone, regardless of their race, their income, or their ZIP Code deserves reliable water access. That is why, in addition to cleaning up contamination, my legislation will provide grants to low-income communities to stop water shutoffs due to unaffordable bills. prgtoken With these long-overdue investments, we can prevent further water shortages, pr
RECOGNIZING THREE NICARAGUAN PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-3-22

I rise to place in the Record the names of three Nicaraguan political prisoners who were among those released and sent to the United States on February 23, 2023. prgtoken Luis Carlos Valle Tinoco, Karla Vanessa Escobar Maldonado, and Yader Antonio Polanco Cisneros joined the massive protests in Nicaragua in April 2018. All were denied due process, imprisoned in deplorable conditions, and refused access to medical care as their health declined just because they disagreed with their government. prgtoken They were recognized as prisoners of conscience by the Defending Freedoms Project of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, and I was privileged to serve as their advocate. prgtoken Some Nicaraguan prisoners who arrived here are well-known leaders, but many are not. They have been stripped of their nationality, lost everything, and have a tough road ahead. prgtoken The Ortega government must be held accountable for its crimes.
COMMEMORATING THE 9TH ANNIVERSARY OF OSO LANDSLIDE
Kim Schrier (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2023-3-22

. Madam , I rise to commemorate the 9th anniversary of the Oso landslide. On that tragic day, 43 people lost their lives when an entire hillside collapsed, smothering the town and burying it in mud. prgtoken Washington State was forever changed. prgtoken Among the victims were a nurse, veterans, even elementary school students. There were parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, and children--all beloved members of their community. We remember them today. prgtoken On this anniversary, I would extend my condolences to the friends and family members of those victims. While we cannot change the past, we can honor those who passed away by working toward a safer future. prgtoken As a Representative of this resilient community, I have worked to increase funding for emergency communications and services and supported the National Landslide Preparedness Act, all of which help ensure that we are ready if such a disaster strikes again. prgtoken People of Oso, my heart is with you today.
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ADVANCED CAPABILITIES PILLAR OF THE TRILATERAL SECURITY PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN AUSTRALIA, THE UNITED KINGDOM, AND THE UNITED STATES
Joe Courtney (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2023-3-22

as the Australian Prime Minister very well described a week ago last Monday: A new chapter in the relationship between Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom is about to begin; a friendship built on our shared values, our commitment to democracy, and our common vision for a peaceful and prosperous future. prgtoken , that is a vision worth pursuing, and that is why I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill.