mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING CAROLINE MASON FOR HER LIFELONG COMMITMENT TO PROMOTING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-4-26

I rise today to honor Caroline B. Mason for her extraordinary lifetime and legacy of public service and leadership in education. prgtoken A dedicated, lifelong scholar, Caroline proudly earned her undergraduate degree from Denison University and master's degree from Case Western University. Additionally, she pursued graduate studies at University College Dublin in Ireland, one of Europe's pre-eminent research-intensive universities. prgtoken Caroline began her teaching career in the classroom at the all-girls Laurel School and continued to excel as an instructor in classrooms at hallowed educational institutions including the Boston Conservatory of Music and Harvard College. Known for her academic rigor and leadership, Caroline was appointed to serve as principal at the all-girls Mount Saint Mary High School. Caroline continued her pursuit of academic excellence as Head's Fellow at the Klingenstein Institute Teacher's College at Columbia University. prgtoken In 1993, Caroline was appointed Head of School for Albany Academy for Girls, the oldest continuous all-girls school in the United States founded in 1814. During her tenure, Caroline increased enrollment, brought fiscal discipline, strengthened the curriculum, developed a comprehensive faculty evaluation program, constructed the new library, gymnasium, and Slingerland Wing. She strengthened cherished Academy traditions such as Bacon Bat, ring sisters, the 4th and 8th grade plays, Wassail, Thanksgiving lunch, senior May term, and senior speeches. Caroline brightened the hallways with fresh flowers, art exhibition posters, and warmly greeted the students at the curb every morning with a welcoming smile. Perhaps above all, she invested in extraordinary faculty to instill intellectual rigor, challenging curriculum standards, and true academic excellence. She frequently sat in to observe students and teachers in classrooms. Caroline was formative and determinative to what it means to be an ``Academy Girl'' for thousands of girls and women. prgtoken In 2003, due to her effective leadership, Caroline was appointed to Head of School for Albany Academy earning the distinction of being the only individual to head two schools simultaneously. She combined the academic departments under a single head ensuring that course standards were equal, increased enrollment, and organized the multi-disciplinary Melville Symposium and the Memorial Day Chapel Service. Caroline stepped down as Head of Schools in 2007 and she remains deeply dedicated to the Albany Academies community. prgtoken On behalf of the United States Congress and New York's 21st District, I am honored to recognize Caroline's immense contribution to academic excellence and the pursuit of the American Dream for tens of thousands of students. Caroline embodies what it means to be a patriotic American who has given so much of her intellectual gifts to generations of young students who excel as leaders in all
REMOVING THE DEADLINE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT--MOTION TO PROCEED
Tommy Tuberville (Republican, AL) \u2014 2023-4-26

last week, the House voted for a commonsense proposal that is supported by a majority of Americans. The House voted to protect female athletes. This week, it is time for the Senate to do the same thing. prgtoken Before my time here, I spent many years as a coach, educator, and mentor. I have seen how sports can change people's lives. Athletic scholarships open up a lifetime of opportunities for men and women alike. Yet, today, those opportunities for women are being threatened by a radical political agenda that is being forced upon the American people. prgtoken When I was growing up, there were a lot less opportunities for female athletes. Fifty-one years ago, Congress passed title IX to ensure that male and female athletes both had access to lessons, life skills, and opportunities for advancement that come from participating in sports. It has been one of the most successful pieces of legislation ever to come out of Congress. prgtoken As a coach, I saw its impact firsthand. One of my first jobs out of college was coaching junior girls' basketball--what a thrill. Title IX was just starting to be implemented when I took the job. I was there to see the incredible impact it had on young girls all over this country. prgtoken For the first time, young women I coached had equal access to facilities, resources, and competition. I saw those hard-working athletes go on to earn college scholarships, start careers, and become leaders in their own communities. prgtoken I still keep in touch with a lot of them. I am deeply proud of them. I wonder if they would have had the same opportunities without title IX. Would they have had the same access or ability for success? prgtoken Before title IX, at a lot of schools, there was no such thing as college women's athletics. Very few collegiate championships for women's sports existed, limiting opportunities for female athletes to achieve greatness. prgtoken Before 1972, when title IX was enacted, there were only about 30,000 female athletes in college sports and only around 290,000 in high school sports. For comparison, at the same time, 3.7 million males were playing high school sports. However, after title IX's enactment, that changed very quickly. prgtoken Because of title IX, female participation at the college level has risen more than 600 percent. Yet now female athletes are again being told to give up their ability to compete--and settle for second place. prgtoken Women and girls are suffering at the hands of an ideology. The administration is taking a sledgehammer--a big sledgehammer--to title IX. prgtoken A few weeks ago--on Good Friday, of all days--'s Department of Education issued a new rule completely reinterpreting title IX. As usual, the administration is trying to legislate from the White House--the executive branch--because they know their radical ideas would not--and I repeat, would not--make it through this Congress. prgtoken This
REMOVING THE DEADLINE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT--MOTION TO PROCEED
Ted Budd (Republican, NC) \u2014 2023-4-26

I rise today to support Senator Tuberville's Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. prgtoken For more than half a century, title IX has expanded opportunities for women and girls from the classroom to the playing field. According to the Women's Sports Foundation, our country went from a ratio of 1 in 27 girls playing sports in 1972 to 1 in 5 today. We went from fewer than 30,000 female collegiate athletes in 1972 to nearly 230,000 female athletes today. That is progress that should be celebrated. prgtoken However, women's sports are fundamentally undermined when biological males are allowed to compete against them. There are biological differences between men and women. If we ignore those differences, we threaten future opportunities for female athletes and the entire notion of women's sports. It is unfair, it is unsafe, and it is unacceptable. That is why Senator Tuberville's bill is so important. It simply ensures that title IX protections are clearly defined by a person's reproductive biology and genetics at birth. prgtoken The bottom line: Female athletes should compete against other female athletes. It is that simple. prgtoken .
Issues Facing America (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-4-26

in the last several years, have given many dramatic speeches about our country's norms and institutions, about the rule of law and the health of democracy. But the sad irony has been this: The same political left that shouted so loudly about norms, institutions, and the rule of law has kept trying to steamroll these principles themselves. prgtoken Look at recent events at the State capitol buildings in Tennessee and Montana--angry liberal activists in shoving matches with law enforcement, shouting down proceedings. I myself am on the record as a firm critic of rioters and disrupting legislatures, across the board, no matter who is doing it. Why can't the left be as consistent? prgtoken And look at their side's growing hostility to the very independence of our judicial branch. A few weeks ago, when one Federal judge issued a ruling with policy outcomes that didn't like, they started suggesting that politicians should just openly disobey--just openly disobey--the judge's rulings. prgtoken Those suggestions are toxic and, frankly, anti-American. It was wrong when President Andrew Jackson tried to ignore the Court way back in the 1830s, it was dead wrong when Governor Faubus defied the Court on civil rights in the 1950s, and it is wrong also when today's ic Party brings all of that back. prgtoken The attacks on the judiciary don't stop there. In 2020, our colleague the ic leader stood on the very steps of the Supreme Court and threatened Justices by name--by name--with a ``whirlwind'' of retaliation if they failed to rule the way he wanted. prgtoken Then, after top encouraged mob outrage over a leaked draft opinion, President 's Attorney General failed to enforce clear Federal law and put a stop--a stop--to illegal protests that sought to intimidate the Justices at their private family homes. prgtoken Recently, a number of Senate have gone so far as to propose defunding security needs for the Justices and their families if Chief Justice Roberts doesn't reorganize internal matters the way would prefer. So after fanning the flames of violence against an equal branch of government, now want to defund the Justices' ability to protect themselves and their families if certain Senators don't get their way. prgtoken They are trying to turn impartial judges into partisan hostages. This is really beyond irresponsible. prgtoken And then, of course, there are the desperate and never-ending attempts to smear and defame Justices appointed by Presidents, going back years and decades. Over the last few weeks, two Justices have been particularly subjected to a carousel of character assassination. I am sure it will be another Justice's turn again before too long. This is simply how the far left treats the rule of law. prgtoken Let me just repeat that I have total confidence in Justice Gorsuch, Justice Thomas, and all seven of their
DEBT CEILING NEGOTIATIONS ARE NOTHING NEW
Ben Cline (Republican, VA) \u2014 2023-4-26

I rise to congratulate the Stuarts Draft High School team for winning the Virginia State Future Farmers of America forestry championship at the Mountain Gateway Community College in Clifton Forge. These outstanding students exemplify leadership and are model representatives of the organization. prgtoken The forestry competition included being able to identify tree types and disorders, pinpoint wood products, as well as pass a knowledge exam and identify and navigate maps. prgtoken Led by Coach William Monroel, as well as advised by agriculture teacher Lindsey Baber, these champions include freshman Kelli Weaver and seniors Anna Grace Henderson, Will Monroe, and Steven Ramsey. prgtoken As Virginia's Sixth District is the number one agriculture district in the Commonwealth, I am always proud to see the next generation of agriculture leaders participating, excelling, and winning in competitions like this one. prgtoken Congratulations to the Stuarts Draft students, Coach Monroel, parents, and staff on this well-deserved victory. Recognizing Clarke County High School Girls' Basketball Team
REMOVING THE DEADLINE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT--MOTION TO PROCEED
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2023-4-26

. First, , s who are on the floor today--Senator Tuberville for his leadership, Senator Budd, and Senator Ernst--for their efforts in the protection of women and girls in sports. As a doctor, I share their concerns, share their passion in terms of fairness, in terms of safety, and I congratulate them on their efforts and continue to join them in those efforts to provide the protection for women and girls in sports. Energy prgtoken , I come to the floor today to talk about the high price of ' misguided energy agenda. It is a high-price crisis entirely of President and the ic Party's own making. prgtoken Last year, when energy prices were already at historic highs, what did do? Well, they voted 10 times--time after time after time--against increasing American energy production. Instead, jammed through the Senate and the House the largest climate bill in American history. The climate extremists applauded this. prgtoken Let me just say, hold the applause, because the American public is suffering. Families all across this great land are hurting. ' reckless spending in the past 2 years has driven up the cost of energy and, of course, as everyone knows, this has fueled inflation. prgtoken Inflation reached a 40-year high because of ' spending. Prices today are over 15 percent higher than they were the day took office. Energy prices have gone up even more than that. Americans are paying 36 percent more for energy today than they were in January of 2021. Gas prices to fill the tank are up 46 percent. That is a 5-month high. They are going to continue to go up during this summer's driving season. prgtoken The lower gas prices that the administration desperately and irresponsibly depleted our Nation's Strategic Petroleum Reserve to achieve last year has hurt our economy and has hurt our country and has hurt our national security. prgtoken were wrong to raid our emergency supplies of petroleum products in a desperate attempt to lower gas prices leading up to the November 2022 elections. prgtoken The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is our Nation's emergency reserve. Now it is out of gas. It is down to the lowest level it has been at in 40 years. Not refilling it. Oh, no. prgtoken knew we needed more energy than that. So he went on bended knee to foreign dictators, begging them to produce more oil to help lower gas prices here in America but not letting us produce it here at home--and we have plenty. prgtoken This President did everything he could to try to lower gas prices except the thing the American people know would work, and that is to produce more American energy. So American families are once again facing that double whammy of an energy crisis coupled with an inflation crisis. prgtoken are doing absolutely nothing to help solve the problem. Rem
VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act of 2023 (Executive Calendar)
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2023-4-26

the legislation that is before us, the Veterans Programs Improvement Act, just came out of the Senate Veterans Affairs' Committee. It is S. 326, as amended. prgtoken We are here on a motion for cloture, and this bill will be, as amended, a prgtoken combination of bills that are both and ic bills, including one from the Senator who is presiding today. It includes a bill from Senator Rounds of South Dakota dealing with the loan process for Native American veterans. It includes a couple of pieces of legislation: the RESPECT Act, to help veterans with mental health or neurological conditions to get caregiver care; the Elizabeth Dole Act, to expand home- and community-based, long-term care programs so that veterans have more choices as they age; and the bill of the Presiding Officer that provides grants to county veterans service officers for outreach to veterans. In addition, it includes what has been perhaps the most discussed aspect of this piece of legislation: a bill that creates the authorization to allow for medical research for marijuana to be conducted--for cannabis to be conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs. But it requires retrospective research to take a look at the research that has already been conducted and to go and conduct research with veterans who are currently using cannabis. The outcome of that study is unknown, but this is an effort to make certain that veterans are not doing something that is harmful to them and to make an informed decision several years from now about the relationship between veterans and cannabis. prgtoken The point I would like to make in my few comments today is that I have encouraged my colleagues to offer amendments. There are a lot of items that my particularly colleagues--I understand there are ic colleagues who have amendments. While we have had some success this year in amendments coming to the Senate floor, I want to make certain that is the opportunity colleagues and ic colleagues have as this bill--if it proceeds, that we have that opportunity. prgtoken I had those conversations with both the majority and the minority, and I look forward to enforcing as best I can the capability to make certain my colleagues have that opportunity. If that is not the case, I reserve the right to then oppose this legislation. prgtoken .
LIMIT, SAVE, GROW ACT OF 2023
David Kustoff (Republican, TN) \u2014 2023-4-26

I rise today in support of the s' plan to avoid a Federal default, to rein in spending, and get our economy back on track: The Limit, Save, Grow Act. prgtoken Over the last 2 years, ' out-of-control spending has drastically and dramatically increased our 10-year spending trajectory. That includes the $2 trillion misnamed American Rescue Plan that ignited the highest rise in consumer prices and inflation in 40 years. Americans are paying the price for this radical spending that completely bloated our Federal spending. prgtoken House s are committed to finding a sensible debt ceiling solution that will strengthen the American economy, protect American families, and save taxpayers over $4 trillion over the next 10 years. prgtoken The Limit, Save, Grow Act will do the following: prgtoken It will limit Washington's irresponsible spending. prgtoken It will save taxpayer dollars. prgtoken It will grow the American economy. prgtoken House s are the only ones who have actually put forward a plan that will keep our Federal Government from defaulting. It is time for President to come to the table and negotiate. prgtoken , I urge all my colleagues to support this important legislation that will help families, businesses, and farmers in west Tennessee and across the Nation.
RECOGNIZING DR. DOON GIBBS, BROOKHAVEN NATIONAL LAB
Nick LaLota (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-4-26

I rise today to recognize the outstanding leadership of Dr. Doon Gibbs, who has dedicated his 40-year career at Brookhaven National Laboratory to advance science and technology to secure our Nation's future. prgtoken Brookhaven National Laboratory is one of 17 national laboratories overseen and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. The Lab has yielded seven Nobel Prize-winning discoveries and countless advances in science, transformative technology, and pioneering research. prgtoken Dr. Gibbs joined Brookhaven National Laboratory as an assistant physicist in 1983 and became the Director in 2013. Under his leadership, construction of the National Synchrotron Light Source II was completed on time, under budget, and with increased scope. Dr. Gibbs was also instrumental in overseeing the design and construction of the Lab's Center for Functional Nanomaterials. prgtoken Dr. Gibbs's vision and leadership has enabled our nation's scientists to efficiently address challenges that are of critical importance to our national security. I thank Dr. Gibbs for his many years of service at Brookhaven National Laboratory and I wish him the best in his retirement.
Debt Ceiling (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-4-26

this week, the House is expected to vote on legislation to begin to rein in Congress's out-of-control spending and avoid a debt default. As the American people know, this is a critical task that has become more urgent by the day. prgtoken The United States hit its debt limit, basically maxing out on our national credit card. We maxed out on our credit card in January, and the Treasury Department has been using what they call ``extraordinary measures'' to prevent the government from defaulting on its debt. Because it depends on how much revenue is coming in the front door from taxes, we don't know exactly when these measures will be exhausted, but experts say it could happen as soon as June, which is only 1 month away. So clearly it is time to get serious about solutions. prgtoken From the beginning of this discussion and debate, two things have become abundantly clear: One, default should be avoided at all costs. This is something that s and both agree to. Our economy is still stabilizing from the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, our banking system has endured two high-profile collapses, and inflation continues to wreak havoc on family budgets. prgtoken The latest RealClearPolitics average for the administration's handling of the economy says that only about 37 percent of the American people believe President has done a good job on the economy. So clearly they are feeling vulnerable to any shocks to the economy that might occur should the debt limit not be passed. prgtoken We know that if the United States defaults on these debts, all of our challenges will only get worse. Social Security and Medicare benefits would be delayed. Members of the military and Federal employees would not get paid. We could see skyrocketing mortgage rates, sinking stock prices, and an instability all across our economy. prgtoken In short, this is not a time for a game of chicken; this is a time for responsible people to step up and to do their job. A default is the very last thing our country needs, and Congress and the administration need to act before it is too late. prgtoken I am glad we agree on that point, but the second point is where there is clearly a difference of opinion. It is clear that America's borrowing and spending are unsustainable. With $31 prgtoken trillion in national debt and almost $1 trillion a year being spent on interest to pay the bondholders who hold that debt, we know we can't continue down this path. National debt has catapulted from $3.2 trillion in 1980 to $9.7 trillion in 2000. Today, it is $31.7 trillion. Those numbers are so big, I am sure most of us have difficulty grasping them, assuming we could at all--$31.7 trillion in debt. prgtoken While the national debt poses a significant economic risk, it also invites significant security risks. Every day, America is spending more and more money on interest payments--like I said, about $1 trillion for the bond
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 2811, LIMIT, SAVE, GROW ACT OF 2023, AND PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.J. RES. 39, DISAPPROVING THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE RELATING TO...
Tom Cole (Republican, OK) \u2014 2023-4-26

for purposes of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to my good friend, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), the distinguished ranking member of the Rules Committee, pending which such time as I may consume. prgtoken , during consideration of this resolution, all time is yielded for the purposes of debate only. General Leave