mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CONGRATULATING MARK PELLETIER ON BEING NAMED YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Chris Pappas (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2023-10-24

. Pro Tempore, I rise today in recognition of Mark Pelletier, a New Hampshire resident who was recently named the 2023 Young Professional of the Year by the Cooperative Credit Union Association. The Cooperative Credit Union Association annual awards recognize individuals across Delaware, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire that make the extra effort to empower their coworkers, company, and community. As the Young Professional of the Year, Mark has been recognized for his experience, enthusiasm, and strong work ethic at St. Mary's Bank in Manchester. prgtoken A senior data analyst lead for St. Mary's, Mark was nominated by the credit union's leadership team and employees because of his inclusive leadership style, his skills in devising data-driven solutions, and his extensive volunteer record. For the past two years, Mark has served as Chairperson of St. Mary's Young Professionals Group. In this role, Mark has taken to guiding, influencing, and supporting other young professionals. Mark's time as leader of this Group is a testament to his talent and passion for promoting young business leaders across New Hampshire. prgtoken Outside of the office, Mark has committed himself to addressing the needs of his community. In his free time, Mark volunteers with organizations such as Families in Transition and Habitat for Humanity. Dedicated to empowering young leaders and committed to supporting the local community, Mark has enriched the lives of all those around him. prgtoken I look forward to seeing all that Mark accomplishes in the years to come, and I am confident that he will continue to serve as a guide for all those looking to make a difference at their workplace and in their community. On behalf of the constituents of New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I applaud Mark for his commendable leadership and wish him continued success in his future endeavors.
Order of Procedure (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-10-24

I ask unanimous consent that at a time to be determined by the majority leader in consultation with the leader, the Senate resume consideration of Calendar No. 198, H.R. 4366; that during the consideration of Calendar No. 198, H.R. 4366, Murray-Collins substitute amendment No. 1092 be considered an Appropriations Committee amendment for the purposes of rule XVI, with no other rule XVI points of order waived by this agreement; that H.R. 4366, H.R. 4368, as reported by the House of Representatives on June 27, 2023, and H.R. 4820, as reported in the House of Representatives on July 24, 2023, serve as the basis for defense of germaneness under rule XVI for any floor amendments and that it be in order for floor amendments to amend the substitute in more than one place; further, that the only amendments in order to the Murray-Collins substitute amendment No. 1092 be the following amendments, if offered, and that at a time to be determined by the majority leader in consultation with the leader, the Senate vote on the amendments: Moran, No. 1250; Daines, No. 1185; Sullivan, No. 1216; Sullivan, No. 1221; Peters- Cornyn, No. 1283; Rosen, No. 1117; Schatz, No. 1120; Booker-Tuberville, No. 1175; Tillis-Welch, No. 1264; Reed, No. 1202; Britt, No. 1270; Kelly-Tillis, No. 1116; Hirono-Moran, No. 1113; Warnock-Cornyn, No. 1351; Smith-Ricketts, No. 1134; Rosen-Crapo, No. 1220; Cardin, No. 1277; Padilla, No. 1140; Shaheen, No. 1131; Klobuchar-Moran, No. 1203; Kelly, No. 1133; Padilla, No. 1139; Ossoff-Braun, No. 1255; Merkley- Crapo, No. 1352; Ernst, No. 1177; Stabenow, No. 1115; Vance, No. 1210; Rubio, No. 1237; Kennedy, No. 1354; Braun, No. 1182; Hawley, No. 1200; Cruz, No. 1296; Blackburn, No. 1349; Budd, No. 1243; Cramer, No. 1241; Paul, No. 1217; Paul, No. 1347; Cruz, No. 1249; Lankford, No. 1232; and Lee, No. 1121; further, that 60 affirmative votes be required for the adoption of the following amendments: Cramer, No. 1241; Paul, No. 1217; Paul, No. 1347; Cruz, No. 1249; Lankford, No. 1232; and Lee, No. 1121; further, that upon disposition of the amendments listed above, the Senate vote on adoption of substitute amendment No. 1092, as amended, if amended, with a 60 affirmative vote threshold required for adoption; that the bill, as amended, if amended, be read a third time and the Senate vote on passage of the bill, as amended, if amended, with a 60 vote affirmative threshold required for passage; finally, that upon disposition of the bill, the Committee on Appropriations be discharged from further consideration and the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R. 662, the Scott-Rubio substitute amendment at the desk be considered and agreed to, the bill, as amended, be read a third time, and the Senate vote on passage of the bill, as amended, with a 60 affirmative vote threshold required for passage, without intervening action or debate.
RECOGNIZING THE 32ND ANNIVERSARY OF PARIS PEACE AGREEMENT
Lori Trahan (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-10-24

. Pro Tempore, I rise today in recognition of the 32nd Anniversary of the Paris Peace Agreement that ended the Cambodian-Vietnamese War. As the Chair of the Congressional Cambodia Caucus and the Representative of a district with one of the highest populations of Cambodian-Americans, I rise to honor the anniversary of the peace agreement and call on the United States to do everything possible to help Cambodia realize its full democratic potential. prgtoken This historic agreement ended a horrible war that stretched over three decades and caused the deaths of countless soldiers and civilians. One of the promises outlined in the accord was for free and fair elections. Unfortunately, that aspiration was never realized, and the current state of Cambodia's government personifies the challenges that remain to achieving a truly democratic nation. prgtoken For thirty-eight years, Cambodia was ruled with an iron grip by Prime Minister Hun Sen. The democratic promise of free and fair elections was shattered by his weaponization of government power. Over the years, Hun Sen took steps to eliminate his opposition, ban independent media outlets, and jail peaceful protesters. In depriving the Cambodian people of their human rights, Hun Sen moved Cambodia closer to an authoritarian state and robbed them of the representative government promised in their Constitution and the Paris Peace Agreement. prgtoken Earlier this year, Cambodia held a sham election that made a mockery of the democratic process. The prearranged result saw a landslide victory for Hun Sen who in turn announced an immediate transfer of power to his son, Hun Manet. Let me be clear, these most recent elections violated the Cambodian Constitution, a document that Hun Sen helped draft and signed three decades ago, and his unprecedented decision to unilaterally transfer power to his son indicates Cambodia will be subject to authoritarian rule for another generation. prgtoken As we recognize the 32nd anniversary of the Paris Peace Agreement, the Congressional Cambodia Caucus stands firmly against the rising tide of authoritarianism in Cambodia. We will not stand idly by while Hun Manet picks up where his father left off. Instead, we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to push for a free, democratic Cambodia. I am a proud co-lead of the Cambodian Democracy and Human Rights Act (H.R. 4659), legislation that promotes free and fair elections, democracy, political freedoms, and human rights in Cambodia by applying sanctions on Cambodian officials who denigrate those rights. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Cambodian Caucus to pass this bill and with the Administration to ensure that these sanctions are imposed effectively. prgtoken Passing the Cambodian Democracy and Human Rights Act will help ensure that the principles of the Paris Peace Agreement are upheld and that Cambodians can move closer to achieving the self-determination
Budgetary Revisions (Executive Calendar)
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2023-10-24

H.R. 5860 was the continuing resolution signed into law on September 30. It narrowly averted an extremist-led government shutdown. prgtoken That act included $16 billion in disaster relief for States like Florida, Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, Hawaii, Louisiana, and others that suffered tremendous losses from extreme weather events exacerbated by fossil fuel emissions causing climate change. It also provided funding for the thousands of firefighters who protect our communities from the ravages of wildfires. prgtoken Because that was designated as emergency funding, the Budget Committee chairman--i.e me--is authorized to increase the Appropriations Committee's top line by the same amount. With this adjustment, the emergency funding will not supplant nondefense discretionary funding--which includes important investments for climate mitigation, environmental protection, infrastructure, education, job training, national parks and forests, and law enforcement--that is subject to the fiscal year 2024 discretionary spending limits. prgtoken That funding was designated as emergency funding pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. Section 314(a) of the Congressional Budget Act allows the chairman of the committee to revise the allocations, aggregates, and levels consistent with the amount of emergency funding. Today, I am making that adjustment. prgtoken In addition, section 121(c) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 contained a reserve fund to allow the Budget chairman to revise budget aggregates and committee allocations and to adjust the pay-as-you-go ledger for legislation that would not increase the deficit over the period of fiscal years 2024 to 2033. The authorizing portion of H.R. 5860, division B, meets the conditions of that reserve fund. Over the 10-year period, division B reduces deficits by $2 million. As such, I am revising the budget aggregates, committee allocations, and pay-as- you-go ledger to accommodate H.R. 5860. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent that the accompanying tables which provide details about the adjustment be printed in the Record.
COMMEMORATING COOK COUNTY BOARD'S "MEDICAL DEBT RELIEF INITIATIVE"
Raja Krishnamoorthi (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-10-24

. Pro Tempore, I wish to recognize the transformative ``Medical Debt Relief Initiative'' in Cook County, Illinois which has successfully abolished $281,338,840 of medical debt for Cook County residents. I applaud the tireless efforts of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Cook County Board to provide much needed relief to 158,541 residents. This innovative program, in partnership with the national nonprofit ``RIP Medical Debt,'' reallocated $12 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to provide invaluable relief to Cook County families, many of whom are living paycheck to paycheck. prgtoken Medical debt continues to be a crisis in our country. According to ``RIP Medical Debt,'' every day, 1 in 2 Americans must choose between paying medical bills and covering their basic needs. This is unacceptable. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, more Americans have health insurance coverage now than ever before, but despite these historic strides, costs remain a barrier to accessing high-quality healthcare. Low and moderate-income American households continue to accrue medical debt and continue to be harmed by its financial and mental effects. prgtoken During a time of rising costs, Congress must do its part to assist working families. We must seek bipartisan solutions to reform our healthcare system because no one should be punished for becoming sick or receiving medical care. While we seek bipartisan policy solutions, partnerships across all levels of government should continue to facilitate medical debt relief. This relief, such as the ``Medical Debt Relief Initiative'' in Cook County, Illinois, has the power to give economic mobility to working families and boost our economy. Mr. Pro Tempore, I extend immense gratitude to the Cook County Board, under the direction of Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle, for being a model for other jurisdictions across the country. I continue to seek opportunities to advance commonsense models like this one to address the medical debt crisis.
TRIBUTE TO OPTUS BANK
James E. Clyburn (Democrat, SC) \u2014 2023-10-24

. Pro Tempore, I rise today to pay tribute to a distinguished South Carolina bank for its unwavering commitment to advancing minority-owned businesses. Optus Bank of Columbia, South Carolina was recently awarded the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) 2023 Robert J. Brown Minority Business Enterprise of the Year Award. Their steadfast support of businesses in distressed areas has uplifted communities and the lives of many. prgtoken To recognize the important role of entrepreneurs and institutions in advancing minority-owned businesses, the Minority Business Development Agency at the United States Department of Commerce established Minority Enterprise Development Week in 1983. Since then, the Department of Commerce has commenced numerous awards to celebrate the outstanding achievements of minority entrepreneurs. The Robert J. Brown Minority Business Enterprise Award recognizes companies that have exceeded industry standards and achieved phenomenal financial success while showing a commitment to social responsibility and strong community involvement. The award is among the highest levels of recognition that a U.S. minority business enterprise can receive from the U.S. Department of Commerce. prgtoken Optus Bank was selected because of its commitment to closing the racial wealth gap, exacerbated by systemic disparities in the financial industry. Following in the footsteps of Victory Savings Bank, the first Black-owned bank in South Carolina, Optus is committed to providing access to capital to individuals and businesses excluded from the banking system. By turning deposits from community members into loans that serve local businesses, Optus provides funding for enterprises that may not be approved for traditional loans. Their unique community driven mission has allowed them to achieve great success while helping scores of minority-owned enterprises succeed in South Carolina. prgtoken Pro Tempore, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in celebrating Optus Bank and their unwavering commitment to serving communities and people in need. Their actions should serve as an example to other organizations dedicated to positively impacting the communities they operate in. South Carolina is more prosperous because of the efforts of Optus Bank and I wish them continued success.
Appropriations (Executive Session)
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2023-10-24

after many discussions with Members on both sides of the aisle about ensuring a robust amendment process and a final vote on this strong bipartisan package of appropriations bills, I am pleased to say we have reached an agreement to finally get voting on the amendments and passage of this minibus. prgtoken I want to thank everyone who has worked with me and the senior Senator from Maine so we can get this process moving again to show the American people this place can actually work. prgtoken This is so important, especially right now because over the last few weeks, the American people have seen a lot of chaos and dysfunction in Congress. It has come at a time when the world needs to see U.S. leadership is still strong because it is not just the American people who are watching Congress right now. Our allies are watching. Our adversaries are watching. We need to show them that we are still able to work together and solve problems and respond effectively to the pressing challenges of this moment. And this is an important opportunity to do just that. prgtoken By passing this package, we can continue moving on our appropriations process and we can show that, by working together in a bipartisan way, you can actually get things done in a divided Congress. And that is important because there is a lot we absolutely have to get done. There is this first package of appropriations bills. There is the rest of our appropriations bills and the pressing need to address all sorts of urgent priorities, including supplemental funding to support our allies in Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan; to deliver additional disaster relief; address the worsening childcare crisis; and more. Getting all of this done is going to require us to put aside our differences and work together. prgtoken By passing this minibus, we can show that Congress is still capable of doing that, because this spending package is a prime example of what it looks like when and s come together and focus on solving problems and helping people. It follows the bipartisan debt limit deal. It includes input from members across the country and across the political spectrum. And the bills in this package passed the Appropriations Committee unanimously. prgtoken In other words, this is a serious bipartisan legislation that can be signed into law; and it provides crucial resources to care for our veterans, to fund military construction, to keep our food supply safe, to support our farmers, keep our travelers safe, invest in infrastructure, and a lot more. prgtoken We should pass this bill, show we can still focus on solutions, find common ground, and help people, like we were all sent here to do. And we can get our appropriations process back on track and continue our return to regular order, which, I know, so many Senators across the aisle and on this side have asked for. prgtoken To every one of my colleagues who has said we need to move a
RECOGNIZING OCTOBER AS GAUCHER DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH
Christopher R. Deluzio (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2023-10-24

. Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize that October is Gaucher Disease Awareness Month and spotlight the national patient advocacy organization, the Gaucher Community Alliance. Gaucher Disease is an ultra-rare genetic disorder that affects approximately 6,000 people in the United States. Gaucher Disease is the most common genetic disorder for persons of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. This disorder results from a build-up of fat laden Gaucher cells in organs such as the spleen and liver or in the bone marrow. As a result of this build up, the organs of people with Gaucher Disease can become enlarged, impeding their ability to function. If the bone tissue and bone marrow become affected, patients' bones will become weaker, making them more prone to fractures and ultimately could lead to bone death. prgtoken There are different forms of Gaucher Disease. Gaucher Type I accounts for 95% of patients in the United States. Patients with this specific type, experience spleen and liver enlargement including low blood counts and issues with the clotting process and various problems with their bones. The FDA has approved two types of treatments for Gaucher Type I, including enzyme replacement therapies (ERT) or oral substrate reduction therapies (SRT). prgtoken Gaucher Type 2 is rarer than Type I and is typically fatal within the first two years of life because of the severe neurological abnormalities associated with this type. Patients with Gaucher Type 2 suffer from poor development, seizures, jerking movements, poor ability to suck and swallow, as well as an enlarged liver and spleen. GCA hopes that a current clinical trial taking place to combat this terrible disorder that claims the lives of young, will show success. prgtoken Gaucher Type 3 is the most common Type worldwide and its severity falls between that of Type 1 and Type 2. Patients with Gaucher Type 3 suffer from a mix of symptoms from the first two types including seizures, skeletal irregularities, eye movement disorders, cognitive issues, poor coordination, an enlarged liver and spleen, respiratory problems, and various blood disorders such as anemia. It is important to note that patients can be characterized as having a blend of the types and not within a single category. prgtoken The Gaucher Community Alliance is the national nonprofit organization for the patient community, based in Western Pennsylvania. Two passionate Gaucher patient advocates founded GCA--Aviva Rosenberg of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Cyndi Frank of Sonoma, California. The mission of GCA is to support patients with Gaucher Disease and their families through peer-to-peer support and education, advocacy, patient and family resources and networking. GCA collaborates with industry partners to encourage clinical trials for additional treatments and therapies; access to Patient Assistance Programs for Gaucher patients; and promote newborn screening for Gaucher Disease and other lysosomal
RECOGNIZING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF 100 YEARS OF THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU OF UPSTATE NEW YORK
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-10-24

. Pro Tempore, today I am honored to recognize the Better Business Bureau of Upstate New York as they celebrate a century of dedicated service to our community. Headquartered in Amherst, NY, this organization, and their staff have undoubtedly had a lasting impact on countless constituents in Western New York. prgtoken Founded in 1923, the reach and growth of this chapter of the Better Business Bureau is nothing short of impressive. The eighth largest Better Business Bureau, it serves 6 million people across 48 counties in New York State. Due to their unwavering enthusiasm, BBB of Upstate New York closes 15,000 complaints annually while posting over 10,000 reviews. Throughout their long history, millions of service-oriented tasks have been completed in the name of consumer education and standards enforcement. Their mission is simple: provide consumers with resources to not only avoid dishonest business practices but offer remedies for those who have been wronged. Very importantly, all levels of government rely on BBB of Upstate New York to front-end this education of consumers. Federal, state, and local law enforcement have also been able to begin investigations (and ultimately prosecutions) of bad faith actors in our local marketplace. That type of responsibility is only given because the Better Business Bureau of Upstate New York has proven to be an honest broker for consumers. prgtoken Trust is at the very core of business, and it is only due to organizations like the Better Business Bureau of Upstate New York that consumers can approach matters with confidence. I applaud their century of work to better our community, and I wish them continued expansion and prosperity in aiding the men and women of our community.