mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CELEBRATING DR. DIETER MARTIN GRUEN'S 101ST BIRTHDAY
Sean Casten (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-11-21

I rise today to celebrate the 101st birthday of Dr. Dieter Martin Gruen for his dedication to science, significant contributions to new energy technologies, and devotion to fighting climate change. For over eight decades, Dr. Gruen has worked to enhance American technology development as a former Manhattan Project Scientist and as an Argonne National Laboratory Distinguished Fellow. prgtoken Dr. Gruen's story signifies the American dream. Born in Waldorf, Germany in 1922 to a Jewish family, Dr. Gruen would eventually leave his home only fourteen years later when the Nazi party solidified its power. He was sent to Little Rock, Arkansas to live with relatives to finish up his high school education while his parents were sent to concentration camps. Luckily, his mother and father escaped and Dr. Gruen was reunited with them in Chicago a few years later. prgtoken The shock of nearly losing his family did not dissuade Dr. Gruen from dedicating himself to his studies and empirical inquiry. Five years after reuniting with his family, Dr. Gruen received his bachelor's degree in chemistry from Northwestern University in 1944, his master's degree, and eventually a PhD in chemical physics from the University of Chicago. He studied at night and worked at a machine shop during the day. Shortly after graduating from Northwestern University, Dr. Gruen was recruited to work on the Manhattan Project, the U.S. government's top-secret effort to develop the atomic bomb. He worked on the large- scale electromagnetic separation of uranium-235, and the nuclear material he helped to produce would later be fashioned into the bomb that fell on Hiroshima in 1945. prgtoken After the war, Dr. Gruen helped found the Oak Ridge Scientists and Engineers, a group dedicated to ensuring nuclear weapons were never used again in war. After returning home to Chicago, he began working at Argonne National Laboratory, one year after the establishment of the U.S. Department of Energy national laboratories and during a time when Argonne was a national center for the development of nuclear reactors. Dr. Gruens work at Argonne focused on nuclear power and led to him serving as a delegate to the Second United Nations Conference on Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy in 1958. prgtoken Throughout his career, Dr. Gruen has made significant contributions to new energy technologies, specifically to nuclear fission and fusion, solar energy, energy storage, and conservation. Dr. Gruen has been recognized by the international scientific community and has made key advancements such as the nuclear submarine reactor cooling design and purification of uranium used to end World War II in the Pacific theater. prgtoken For these accomplishments and his lifelong commitment to science, I had the great honor of supporting Dr. Gruen's nomination for the Presidential Medal of Freedom alongside my colleagues, Representatives Bill Foster, French Hill, Jerry McNerney, and Cheri B
INTRODUCTION OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ADVERTISING EQUITY ACCOUNTABILITY ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2023-11-21

today, I introduce the Federal Government Advertising Equity Accountability Act, which would require all federal agencies to include in their annual budget requests to Congress the amount they spend on advertising contracts with small disadvantaged businesses (SDBs) and businesses owned by minorities and women. Federal agencies would be required to provide prior and projected total expenditures for such contracts. At my request, the Committee on Appropriations has been requiring such information from many agencies for the last several years, but this bill would codify this requirement and apply it to all federal agencies. prgtoken In 2007, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) examined spending on advertising contracts with minority-owned businesses by five agencies--the Department of Defense, the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of the Interior and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration--and found that only five percent of the $4.3 billion available for advertising contracts went to minority businesses. In light of these concerning findings, several Members of Congress and I sent letters to GAO in April 2016 and June 2022 requesting updated information on the amount of federal advertising dollars spent with SDBs and businesses owned by minorities and women. A GAO report released in July 2018 showed that in fiscal year 2017, only 16 percent of the federal government's advertising contract obligations went to SDBs and businesses owned by minorities and women. GAO agreed last year to issue an updated report. prgtoken The federal government is the largest advertiser in the United States, and it has an obligation to ensure equitable access to its contracts for SDBs and businesses owned by minorities and women. The GAO's findings demonstrate that there is still much progress to be made. prgtoken The regular collection of information on federal advertising contracts with SDBs and businesses owned by women and minorities is essential to bridging the gap between what current statistics show and a more inclusive advertising landscape. This bill would help achieve this goal while also promoting transparency and encouraging federal agencies to strive to reach minorities, who often receive the news from smaller media outlets that serve communities of color. The requirement that agencies submit prior and projected information on the amount of advertising dollars spent with SDBs and businesses owned by minorities and women would allow federal agencies to evaluate their progress. The regular collection of this information would also demonstrate that the promotion of equity in advertising, and in all areas of government, is a continuous effort and is important to the mission of every agency. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
RECOGNIZING RAY MUSCAT
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-11-21

I rise today to recognize Ray Muscat for his public service and commitment to our Dearborn Heights community. He is a lifelong resident of Dearborn Heights and served on City Council for years. prgtoken Since 1969, Councilman Muscat has been an active and engaged resident. He was drawn to public service after he retired from a 42- year career with Ford Motor Company. As a public servant, Mr. Muscat served as Council Chairman Pro Tem. He was a fixture at city council meetings for many years prior to taking office. He is appreciated for his passionate commitment to improving the quality of life for the people of Dearborn Heights and making it a more beautiful place to live. As a council member, he was appreciated for his no-nonsense approach and for never shying away from asking difficult questions. During his tenure, he made himself approachable and available to community members. No concern has ever been too small for him to address. prgtoken Please join me in showing appreciation for Ray Muscat for his service to the people of Dearborn Heights, as we wish him well in all of his future endeavors.
Thanksgiving (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-11-27

I am going to follow the lead of the ic leader, who noted what he did last week. prgtoken I was fortunate enough to be part of a family reunion of the Durbin family, honoring my sister-in-law Lorraine on her 90th birthday. She is a wonderful person and a mother of 10--9 boys and 1 girl. prgtoken We all gathered to enjoy Thanksgiving, the inevitable birthdays during that period of time, as well as anniversaries--63 Durbins. Somehow, America survived. We all came together for a wonderful week. They are wonderful people. I am so happy to be part of the family and to give honor to my sister-in-law Lorraine. prgtoken I would just say that, when it comes to the rewards of life, there is hardly anything that can match a loving family, and I have that.
BUSINESS BEFORE THE SENATE
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-11-27

let me welcome all my Senate colleagues back to Washington for the final work period of the year. I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving surrounded by family and by friends. prgtoken Speaking personally, Thanksgiving is a bittersweet time for my family. It is my birthday--it occurs once every 7 years, and it occurred on Thanksgiving this year--but it is also 2 years since my dad passed away on Thanksgiving eve in 2021. prgtoken It is still hard to fathom that I can no longer hop on the phone with him or go over to his house on Sundays for dinner. We miss him dearly. But I have learned since his passing that those we love never truly leave our side. They endure through the lessons they impart in us in life. prgtoken My dad taught me to always fight for what you believe is right, and if you persist and persist and persist, God will reward you in the end. And there is a lot over which the Senate must persist in the upcoming month. prgtoken Almost 2 weeks ago, Congress came together to avoid a painful government prgtoken shutdown. The task now is for and s to reach an agreement on yearlong funding legislation, and the only way that will happen is with bipartisan cooperation. Both sides are going to have to give a little on important issues to them. prgtoken Over the Thanksgiving break, both parties in both Chambers held talks about the appropriations process, and we hope to be well positioned to pass the first tranche of funding bills before the January 19 deadline. prgtoken But before the year is out, there is a lot of other work we must do here in the Senate. Members should be ready to stay here in Washington until all our work is completed. prgtoken We must, for one, finish the task of passing an emergency supplemental bill with aid to Ukraine, aid to Israel, humanitarian assistance to innocent civilians in Gaza, and funding for the Indo- Pacific. Time is short for us to act, so it is my intention to bring the President's national security package to the floor as soon as the week of December 4. prgtoken I want to be clear that aid to Israel, Ukraine, humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza, and the Indo-Pacific are all related and demand bipartisan cooperation. We don't have the luxury to pick and choose our national security challenges. prgtoken On the other side of the world, Iran has been willing to prop up Hamas and is helping Russia's campaign in Ukraine. The Chinese Government is closely watching what we do in Europe just as much as what we do in the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific. prgtoken Russia, China, and Iran have grown closer over these past few years, working together to counter the United States at every turn. They see these conflicts as interconnected, so we must too. prgtoken I implore my colleagues to work with us on aid to Ukraine. For the most part, and s largely agree that we must help Ukraine, including my friend the lea
ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2023
Tina Smith (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2023-11-27

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, November 28; 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 prgtoken business be closed; that upon the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Bryan nomination, postcloture; further, that all time be considered expired at 11:30 a.m. and the Senate recess following the cloture vote on the Garnett nomination until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly caucus meetings; further, that if cloture has been invoked on the Garnett nomination, all time be considered expired at 2:15 p.m.; and, finally, that if any nominations are confirmed during Tuesday's sessions, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2023-11-27

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
Nomination of Jeffrey M. Bryan (Executive Session)
Amy Klobuchar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2023-11-27

I rise in support of President 's nominee to be the next U.S. district court judge for the District of Minnesota, and that is Jeff Bryan. prgtoken I want to thank my colleague Tina Smith. The two of us convened a judicial selection committee in our own State with very outstanding people who helped recommend some names to the White House. I would also like to thank Senators Durbin and Graham for helping to move Judge Bryan's nomination through the Judiciary Committee--on which the Presiding Officer serves--on a bipartisan basis and to thank Leader Schumer for making time for the Senate to consider his nomination. prgtoken Judge Bryan is a dedicated public servant with a distinguished career spanning over 16 years serving the people of Minnesota, including as a State court judge and as a former Federal prosecutor. prgtoken Through his devotion to justice and the rule of law, he has earned the respect and support of judges, attorneys, and law enforcement officials across the political spectrum. This is why he received a strong vote in the Judiciary Committee and why I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will support his confirmation. prgtoken Judge Bryan was born in an Army hospital in Fort Bragg. His mom was an English teacher, and his dad was a captain with the 82nd Airborne who instilled in Judge Bryan an appreciation for public service. His father's service in the Army brought their family to Fort Bliss, near El Paso, TX, where Judge Bryan grew up. prgtoken After graduating summa cum laude from the University of Texas, Judge Bryan went back home to El Paso and worked as a substitute teacher. He then headed to Yale for law school. As a law student, he served as a student supervisor in the parents and children clinic and was president of the Yale Law Christian Fellowship. prgtoken He also met the love of his life, a Minnesotan--we knew we would get to Minnesota at some point in the story. He met the love of his life, a Minnesotan, at law school. Ultimately, he traded the Texas heat for the Minnesota winters, and he and Liz settled down in St. Paul. prgtoken If confirmed, Judge Bryan will be the first Latino Federal judge in Minnesota. He is active in the Minnesota Hispanic Bar Association, tutoring students, and has served on the board of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. For 20 years, even before he had kids of his own, he taught Sunday school at his church. prgtoken He clerked for Judge Paul Magnuson, who was a judge appointed by President Reagan, and spent several years in private practice. He spent 6 years as an assistant U.S. attorney, where he prosecuted violent gangs and large-scale drug organizations. He prosecuted over 350 criminals and directed what was, at the time, the largest meth investigation and cocaine investigation ever conducted in the District of Minnesota. He played a key role in dismantling a cocaine trafficking network that spanned from McAllen, TX, to St. Clou
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2023-11-27

I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Robert Costrell, professor of education reform and economics and endowed chair in education accountability at the University of Arkansas, who is retiring in December. prgtoken Dr. Costrell dedicated his career to improving education as a scholar and public policy adviser. He served in major policy roles to three Massachusetts Governors. In addition, his leadership has been valuable at the national level where he served in several roles to improve education. In 2001, he was appointed by U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige to serve on the Advisory Council on Education Statistics, and in 2008, he was appointed by Secretary Margaret Spellings to serve on the National Technical Advisory Council. For his contributions to education finance and public pensions, Dr. Costrell was honored with the Steven D. Gold Award in 2020. prgtoken He demonstrates the same passion for education as a champion for Israel. Dr. Costrell is a leading voice in Arkansas for advancing policies supporting our friend and ally. He has helped educate citizens and leaders at all levels of government about the importance of a strong U.S.-Israeli relationship. His advocacy is especially important today as Israel is under attack by terrorists. As Dr. Costrell would tell us, Israel has a right to defend itself and secure the safety of its people. The U.S. must continue to support Israel through these difficult times. prgtoken While Dr. Costrell may be retiring from academia, it is not likely he will slow down. I am confident he will continue to be a vocal supporter of Israel's right to exist and fight to ensure we deliver on our promise to our ally. prgtoken I applaud Dr. Costrell for his tremendous career helping shape education policy and setting the stage for success for future generations. I am also grateful for his significant impact in Arkansas and in Washington, DC, as a strong advocate for Israel. I appreciate his friendship and example. I wish him well as he begins a new chapter.
RECOGNIZING GEATER MACHINING AND MANUFACTURING, CO.
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-11-27

as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Geater Machining and Manufacturing of Independence, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. prgtoken Geater Machining and Manufacturing was founded by Duane Geater in Independence, IA, in 1962. The company started with Duane, a single employee, and Collins Aerospace as their first client. In 1964, the company took on the name Geater Machining, Co. and started a manufacturing division. The company moved to a new location in Independence in 1965 before constructing their current 42,000-square- foot headquarters in 1976. In 1994, Duane retired and his son Scott Geater took over as president. Under Scott's leadership, Geater Machining and Manufacturing added 20,000 square feet to their current location in 2023. Duane Geater passed away in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, service, and manufacturing excellence. prgtoken Geater Machining and Manufacturing is an exemplary family business. Three generations of the Geater family have worked at the company, and their products have been instrumental in U.S. history. On May 2, 2011, SEAL Team Six carried out Operation Neptune Spear and killed Osama Bin Laden. The helicopters used to transport them on the mission were equipped with radio equipment manufactured with Geater Machining and Manufacturing parts. prgtoken Geater Machining and Manufacturing is actively involved in both the Independence and Buchannan County communities and have been recognized for their hard work. They are actively involved in student outreach, including hosting tours of their facilities, classroom activities, and apprenticeship programs for local students. They won the Heritage Award for setting the industry standard by Rockwell Collins at their Annual Supplier Conference in 2015. In 2016, they were awarded the President's Award for top supplier by Rockwell Collins. In 2016, they were also highlighted by Manufacturing Today for their contributions and history in the manufacturing and machining industry. Due to their team's hard work, Geater Machining and Manufacturing celebrated its 61st business anniversary in 2023. prgtoken Geater Machining and Manufacturing's commitment to providing high- quality precision machining, sheet metal fabrication, and finishing operations to customers throughout the United States while maintaining their Independence roots is clear. I want to congratulate the Geater family and the entire team at Geater Machining and Manufacturing for their continued dedication to providing high quality parts to clients across the country. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.
Business Before the Senate (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-11-27

I confess, it was great to be back home last week for Thanksgiving in Texas. Like so many other families, I got together with my family and enjoyed that time together. But now we are back here in the Nation's Capital with a lot of work to do. prgtoken The end of the year is always a busy time here in Congress, and this year is no exception even though the usual appropriations process has been kicked over to January 19. Because the majority leader has not scheduled earlier votes either on the Israel aid, which was passed by the House some weeks ago and has been sitting here in the Senate with no action--the majority leader has announced his intention to put a $106 billion package benefiting Ukraine, Israel, and also the Indo- Pacific. prgtoken For the record, I support the efforts to make sure the brave Ukrainians can continue to fight and defend their country against the invasion of Putin's Russia. I certainly support Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas terrorists, a proxy for the No. 1 international state sponsor of terrorism--Iran. Of course I support our efforts to deter President Xi from doing what he said he intends to do, which is to take Taiwan one way or the other at a time of his choosing. prgtoken Well, fortunately, we aren't staring down the barrel of a spending deadline, so there are no threats of a government shutdown, but we do have these very important issues to attend to. prgtoken First, Congress needs to do something that we have done for 62 consecutive years, and that is, finally pass the National Defense Authorization Act. prgtoken Just before Thanksgiving, the Senate finally voted to begin that formal conference process to work out the differences between the House and the Senate. Our colleagues on both sides of the Capitol are now hard at work trying to iron out that agreement so we can pass a strong National Defense Authorization Act and send it to the President for his signature. prgtoken I started off my remarks talking about the challenges we face and our allies face around the world. Nothing would be more disappointing to us but more emboldening to our adversaries than our failure to deal with this necessary task, which, as I said, we have done for 62 years previous. prgtoken The second thing we need to do is to address the supplemental funding bill the President has proposed. prgtoken Again, I am a little mystified why the majority leader decided not to take up the Israel funding that was passed several weeks ago. I understand he doesn't like the pay-for the House has proposed, but I think one logical thing to do would be to propose a different pay-for and to put it on the Senate floor so we can talk about it, vote on prgtoken it, and get it done, because obviously that situation--although there seems to be a temporary lull in the conflict between Hamas and Israel, we know that once this temporary period passes, Israel will have no choice but to destroy Hamas's ab