mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING INNOVATION REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2023
Maxwell Frost (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2024-4-29

I rise today to support the reauthorization of the Weather Act. Since its passage in 2017, the Weather Act has been the driving force behind faster and more precise hurricane and tornado forecasting. prgtoken This reauthorization will build upon that research by updating existing projects and adding new project programs focused on coastal flooding, storm surge, and improving weather radar. I am also proud that included in this package is my bipartisan bill, the Fixing Gaps in Hurricane Preparedness Act, co-led by my colleague from Florida, Congressman Daniel Webster. prgtoken Congressman Webster and I know that we need to do more to keep our people and most at-risk communities safe during extreme weather events that due to the climate crisis are continuing and happening more often in Florida and across the entire country. prgtoken Our bill works to better protect the lives of seniors, folks with disabilities, and non-English speakers during hurricanes. Our bill instructs NOAA to evaluate the level of people's preparedness for hurricane-prone areas; better understand how at-risk populations receive, interpret, and react to emergency notifications, including seniors, people with disabilities, communities with language barriers, and rural, suburban, and urban populations; and, finally, examine the unique risks for areas with large senior populations, like retirement communities, before, during, and after a hurricane. prgtoken This bill was inspired by devastating national data and conversations with my own constituents in central Florida who have experienced some of the worst storms that our State has ever seen. Floridians speak to me about living in neighborhoods that quickly flood, confusing messaging from the media on whether they should evacuate or not, and alerts that are usually just in English or Spanish. prgtoken While inspired by the needs of our constituents, this bill will help folks far beyond just the State of Florida. When these storms come, people with disabilities must undergo evacuations at far greater rates than others, yet folks have told me that they feel like an afterthought when it comes down to the accommodations. prgtoken Folks with disabilities and seniors oftentimes get stuck without electricity. As a result, seniors are most likely to die during a hurricane, making up two-thirds of the deaths from Hurricane Katrina, Florence, and Ian. prgtoken As part of the Weather Act, the Fixing Gaps in Hurricane Preparedness Act will save lives, reduce fear, and help Floridians and Americans. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this critical legislative package.
REVISING EXISTING PROCEDURES ON REPORTING VIA TECHNOLOGY ACT
Madeleine Dean (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2024-4-29

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of S. 474, the REPORT Act. I am pleased to cosponsor the House version of this legislation with my colleague and friend from Florida. I thank Representative Lee for her leadership on this bill. The REPORT Act would strengthen the ongoing collaboration between law enforcement and technology providers to combat sexual exploitation of children. prgtoken The exploitation of children through the proliferation of child sex abuse material, frequently referred to as CSAM, can be stopped only with cooperation across many different sectors of American society, from law enforcement to victims' groups to local leaders and technology providers. prgtoken The REPORT Act would enable this cooperation and encourage much greater reporting to the CyberTipline, operated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, or NCMEC. prgtoken This legislation would also modify how photos and videos of child sex abuse are stored by providers, would change reporting requirements for platforms, and would give law enforcement more time to investigate these cases. By making updates to the law, the REPORT Act will help law enforcement evolve with the threat, as consumption of child sexual abuse content permeates new technology spaces. prgtoken Advancements in technology, from generative AI to social networking platforms, clearly benefit society. Technology has brought us cutting- edge medical and therapeutic breakthroughs, the ability to keep in touch with loved ones far away, and opportunities for budding entrepreneurs and artists who leverage technology to reach their audiences without costly barriers to entry. prgtoken However, there is also a dark side. Law enforcement experts and victims' advocates agree: Advancements in technology have led to an explosion of images depicting child sexual abuse available and distributed online. prgtoken Demand for new and more egregious photos and videos drives the market for this material, resulting in the continued grotesque abuse and exploitation of children. prgtoken Through their comprehensive efforts, the Internet Crimes Against Children, or ICAC, task forces, which represent more than 5,400 local, State, and Federal law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies, are making progress in identifying and rescuing victims of child sex abuse material. prgtoken However, the growth of the problem continues to outpace the resources prgtoken available to identify and locate victims, especially since law enforcement, prosecutors, the tech industry, and other organization must continually contend with the emergence of new technologies, like AI, which further complicates their efforts. prgtoken Under the process for reporting child sexual abuse material today, electronic service providers, or companies that offer a platform through which users can communicate, are required to report instances of CSAM to the CyberTipline. After a tip i
FIRE WEATHER DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2024
Yadira Caraveo (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2024-4-29

I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 4866, the Fire Weather Development Act. s, Congressman Mike Garcia and Congresswoman Kim, for working with me to run this bipartisan piece of legislation. Thank you also to Ranking Member Lofgren and Chairman Lucas for their steadfast leadership. prgtoken Sadly, Coloradans are no strangers to wildfires, and we know that wildfires are no longer seasonal but can happen year-round. The impacts of these fires are felt long after the flames are extinguished and have lasting effects on our environment, economy, infrastructure, and more. With that, we are also seeing wildfires begin to encroach on communities that are not used to experiencing fires. prgtoken The Marshall fire in Colorado was the most expensive wildfire in our State's history and was primarily driven by an extreme windstorm that blew the fire into suburban parts of Colorado right next door to my district. With the total monetary cost of the Marshall fire estimated at $2 billion, it is critical that we continue to invest in new ways to understand fire weather. prgtoken This is where our bill, the Fire Weather Development Act, comes in. This bill will give NOAA the tools it needs to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to fire weather technology by allowing the agency to do things like access airborne and space-based data to enhance fire weather and fire environment monitoring. The bill also gives NOAA the ability to determine drone usage to improve data collection and even conduct drone pilot programs. Finally, the bill helps our local and State responders even more through several provisions focused on improving communications, especially around forecasting. prgtoken The Front Range and northern Colorado know how important it is that we do what we can to better predict fire weather, especially when it means protecting our homes and economic well-being. prgtoken In Colorado's Eighth District, we have a burgeoning energy sector and the largest agriculture economy in the State, but as we saw in Texas earlier this year, one wildfire can pose serious damage to that. By passing the Fire Weather Development Act, we are ensuring that we keep bolstering the tools we have to respond to fire weather. I look forward to continuing to work with Representatives Mike Garcia and Kim to get this commonsense solution in this bill across the finish line as soon as possible. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LAWRENCE "LARRY" AMENDOLA
Rosa L. DeLauro (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2024-4-29

it is with a heavy heart that I use today to pay tribute to the life and legacy of an outstanding member of the New Haven community and my dear friend, Lawrence Amendola. Larry was an extraordinary man who dedicated a lifetime of service to the City of New Haven, particularly the Wooster Square neighborhood we both called home. prgtoken Born and raised in New Haven, Connecticut, Larry enlisted in the United States Army after graduating from high school. Stationed in Germany for the majority of his military service, he was honorably discharged before returning to New Haven to begin his career. Larry spent his professional life as a civil servant, beginning his City employment at the CETA Program and later working for the Department of Parks and Recreation, retiring at the age of 75. prgtoken Larry also served as President of AFSCME Local 3144 Management Union, one of City's largest unions, for over 20 years. It was in this role that he had the most impact--where he fought on behalf of hundreds of city employees, negotiating contracts that ensured good wages and health benefits as well as pension and retirement security. Larry understood better than most the benefits of the union and he worked tirelessly on behalf of those he represented. prgtoken While Larry dedicated his professional life to the City of New Haven, he also dedicated much of his time and energy to the community as well. He served as Vice-President and President of the Saint Andrew the Apostle Society--one of the Italian American social organizations whose goal is to preserve and celebrate our shared Italian heritage. Larry served in these roles for more than 30 years and volunteered countless hours at the Society's annual festival. His work in the community was recognized when he was awarded the Steve Vuolo Award. prgtoken I am fortunate in that I knew Larry for most of my life. He was a close family friend, having worked with both of my parents over the years. I had the opportunity to work with Larry early in my career. I was working with the Community Action Institute--at the Skill Center on Cedar Street--and Larry and I partnered to organize additional city employees. He was not only a friend, but a great mentor. I learned a lot from him and was always grateful for his support and friendship throughout my own career. prgtoken Lawrence ``Larry'' Amendola was a remarkable member of our community. His passing leaves a hole in our community that will not easily be filled. I extend my deepest sympathies to his companion of nearly 20 years, Flora D'Elsi, as well as his many cherished nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews. His passion, advocacy, and commitment to service will long serve as an example to which we should all strive.
VETERAN FRAUD REIMBURSEMENT ACT
Gerald E. Connolly (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2024-4-29

. Madam , I thank the ranking member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee and Mr. Bost for their leadership and support in trying to fix a wrong. prgtoken Mr. Bost, I think, perfectly described the intent of this bill and what the problem is, and I think Mr. Takano did a great job in helping us understand what pain is incurred when veterans in a fiduciary status experience fraud and cannot get reimbursed in a timely manner for their benefits. prgtoken As both gentlemen indicated, we have examples of veterans who have died before this issue is adjudicated. That is wrong. No veteran and no family of a veteran should have to go through that once the determination has been made that fraud has occurred. prgtoken More than 50 percent of the people in this fiduciary category are pensioners. As Mr. Takano said, this is among the most vulnerable population of veterans, so they are easy to defraud, easy to exploit and take advantage of, and the government must stand by those men and women who served in uniform, served bravely, and deserve the best treatment from their government, not negligent treatment. prgtoken Today, this bill, H.R. 4016, the Veterans Fraud Reimbursement Act, grew out of actually an encounter I had with veterans in my district who were describing this very problem. We can't solve every problem, but this one we can. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. s on both sides of the aisle for making this a bipartisan effort. I hope that it will pass with no opposition and clear the Senate so that we can start making sure that our veterans are kept whole.
HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF LIEUTENANT GENERAL A.C. ROPER, THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN THREE-STAR GENERAL IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY RESERVE
Terri A. Sewell (Democrat, AL) \u2014 2024-4-29

I rise today to honor the extraordinary career and achievements of Lieutenant General A.C. Roper, the first African American three-star general in the U.S. Army Reserve, as he celebrates his retirement from the U.S. Army. prgtoken Lieutenant General Roper's exemplary service began after he was commissioned in 1983 as a student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His military education is extensive, including Chemical Officer Basic and Advance Courses (Honor Graduate of both), Public Affairs Officers Course, Equal Opportunity Advisors Course (Commandant's Award), Inspector General Course, Combined Arms Staff Services School, Command and General Staff College (Commandant's List), the US Army War College, the Joint Senior Reserve Component Officer Course, the Defense Support to Civil Authorities (DSCA) Course, the National Defense University's CAPSTONE Course, the NORTHCOM Joint Task Force Commanders Course, and Harvard University's National & International Security Seminar. He earned a Master of Science from the University of Alabama and a Master in Strategic Studies from the US Army War College. He furthered his education at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy and the FBI National Executive Institute. He specialized in protecting critical infrastructure and served on the Executive Board of the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force. prgtoken On May 14, 2021, Lieutenant General Roper broke a barrier within the armed services, becoming the first African American to become a three- star general in the U.S. Army Reserve, earning the rank of Lieutenant General. prgtoken Most recently, Lieutenant General A.C. Roper served as the Deputy Commander, U.S. Northern Command, and Vice Commander, U.S. Element, North American Aerospace Defense Command at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. As Deputy Commander, Lieutenant General Roper assisted the Combatant Commander in anticipating, preparing for, and responding to threats against North America and within Northern Command's assigned area of responsibility. Additionally, he provided oversight of the U.S. Northern Command's mission to provide Defense Support of Civil Authorities. prgtoken Throughout his decorated career, Lieutenant General Roper's reputation has always been one of purpose and passion. Prior to this current assignment, he commanded the 76th prgtoken Operational Response Command in Salt Lake City, UT, which was the USAR's all-hazard response command. He also served as Commanding General--80th Training Command (OPCON to TRADOC), Acting Deputy Commanding General--CBRN, 335th Signal Command, and Commander of the 415th CBRN Brigade, where he was dual-hatted as the Task Force Operations Commander, JTF-51, ARNORTH for the C2CRE-A homeland response mission. Lieutenant General Roper was deployed to Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield and to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He also supported Joint Task Force Andrew
THE NATIONAL CAPITAL REVITALIZATION AND SELF-GOVERNMENT IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1977 TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS ACT OF 2024
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2024-4-29

today, I introduce the National Capital Revitalization and Self-Government Improvement Act of 1997 Technical Corrections Act of 2024, which would address several retirement issues for current and former District of Columbia employees that resulted from the National Capital Revitalization and Self-Government Improvement Act of 1997 (Revitalization Act). The Revitalization Act, among other things, transferred several categories of employees who were in the D.C. retirement system to the federal retirement system and the federal government took over paying for the pension benefits earned by teachers, police officers, firefighters, and judges before 1997. prgtoken The Revitalization Act transferred several categories of employees, primarily related to D.C.'s criminal justice system, who participated in D.C.'s defined contribution plan from 1987 to 1997 to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). However, these employees' service from 1987 to 1997 was not counted for purposes of creditable service or annuity amount in FERS. In 2009, Congress passed legislation counting this service for creditable service, but not annuity amount. This bill would allow these employees to buy into the FERS annuity amount for 1987 to 1997 by paying 1.3 percent of their base pay plus interest, essentially the employee contribution for this time, which would give them the full retirement benefit to which they should be entitled. prgtoken Second, this bill would address two benefit issues for employees in the teachers, police officers, and firefighters pension plans, whose pre-1997 benefits are funded by the federal government. In 2018, D.C. enacted a law to provide domestic partner benefits for the police and firefighters pension plan, which mirrored a law already enacted for teachers. However, these domestic partner benefits apply only to service accrued after 1997, since the federal government funds pre-1997 benefits. This bill would make the domestic partner benefits available for pre-1997 benefits, too. prgtoken Finally, in 2012, D.C. enacted the Equity in Survivor Benefits Amendment Act, which reduced from age 60 to 55 the age after which a surviving spouse may remarry without losing survivor benefits for those in the teachers, police, and firefighters pension plans. However, these survivor benefits apply only to service accrued after 1997, since the federal government funds pre-1997 benefits. This bill would bring those pre-1997 benefits in line with both the post-1997 benefits and the retirement benefits for federal employees in the Civil Service Retirement System or FERS and make an analogous change for D.C. judges, whose retirement benefits are funded by the federal government. In general, for federal retirees, 55 is the age after which a surviving spouse may remarry without losing survivor benefits. prgtoken This bill is an important step to assist these workers in getting the retirement benefits they deserve. I urg
INVESTING IN ALL OF AMERICA ACT OF 2023
Hillary J. Scholten (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-4-29

I thank Chairman Williams and Ranking Member Velazquez for holding this really important hearing during National Small Business Week. prgtoken , 99.6 percent, that is the number of businesses in Michigan that are considered small businesses. That is nearly 1 million small businesses that call our State home. prgtoken As diverse as these businesses are, there is one thing that binds them all together. These small business owners consistently tell me that access to capital is the number one thing that they need and rely on to keep their doors open. prgtoken This is especially true for our small businesses in low-income and rural communities. prgtoken That is why this bipartisan bill with my colleague, Dan Meuser, the Investing in All of America Act, is so important. prgtoken It will build on the success of the Small Business Investment Companies program to ensure that more capital can reach the small businesses that need it most. Our legislation will incentivize deployment of additional capital by changing how investments are counted against the SBIC's leverage cap. In doing so, small businesses will be able to access more capital than before, especially those in underserved communities, and, as my colleague noted, without costing the taxpayers additional dollars. prgtoken Recent studies have shown that less than 20 percent of SBIC funds reach low-income and rural communities. That disparity is unacceptable, and if we pass this bill we can change this statistic. It is incumbent on this body to invest in the people who are investing in our communities. prgtoken I am known to say back home that we are bringing boring back to Congress. That is what I set out to do every time I come here. Oftentimes, this body is not known for that, but it is essential that we do this type of bipartisan, unglamorous work that corrects errors in our laws that so disproportionately impact the people who need it most. prgtoken This bipartisan solution will address an urgent need in every corner of our Nation, and I urge my colleagues to support this much-needed bill.
WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING INNOVATION REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2023
Jeff Jackson (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2024-4-29

the week after I was elected to Congress, a group of meteorologists from my district got in touch with me, and they taught me something I didn't know, which is that my district, which is the Charlotte area, is in the largest weather radar gap in the country. prgtoken Our nearest NEXRAD radar is roughly 100 miles away, which makes it very difficult to have accurate forecasts for especially low-altitude storms and fast-moving tornadoes, so at the request of these meteorologists, our office got to work on a piece of legislation to address this. I am very grateful that it has been included in this bill. It would address this by asking NOAA to have a plan to implement the next generation of weather radar and specifically to prioritize districts, like mine, that currently exist in these blind spots, in these weather radar gaps. prgtoken This legislation isn't going to just help solve this problem, but it is going to identify a number of these spots across the country and prioritize those to make sure that we have accurate forecasts across the country. prgtoken I am very grateful for its inclusion, and I ask all of my colleagues to join me in supporting it.
ENTREPRENEURS WITH DISABILITIES REPORTING ACT OF 2024
Nydia M. Velázquez (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-4-29

the balance of my time. prgtoken Entrepreneurship provides people with disabilities a viable option to participate in the labor force and improve their quality of life. prgtoken SBA's entrepreneurial ecosystem, comprised of nearly 1,000 resource partners across the country, can provide individuals with free counseling and training to launch and grow their small businesses. prgtoken We do not know how well SBA and its resource partners are meeting their needs and what more could be done to better serve these individuals. This bill will go a long way in assessing the outreach and engagement provided by SBA and make legislative recommendations to address any deficiencies in the services provided to people with disabilities. prgtoken , I applaud Mr. McGarvey and Mr. Molinaro for their bipartisan efforts, and .