mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Sylvia R. Garcia (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-7-25

the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government, of which I am a member, was meeting for official committee business when the vote series on 7/20/23 began. Chairman Jim Jordan kept the committee in order despite votes being called. The committee eventually recessed but the vote was held open long enough for me to cast my vote on the first 2 votes of the series, through no fault of my own. prgtoken For Roll Call No. 361, I would have voted NO, and for Roll Call No. 362 I would have noted NO.
FIRST RESPONDER ACCESS TO INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES ACT
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-7-25

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , our communities look to our first responders to keep us safe. They are our hometown heroes, and it is a local and national tragedy whenever a first responder loses their life in the line of duty. prgtoken Earlier this month, two brave Newark firefighters, Augusto Acabou and Wayne Brooks, Jr lost their lives fighting a shipboard fire in the Port of Newark. prgtoken That blaze also injured five of their courageous colleagues. prgtoken I believe it is critical for first responders to be prepared by having the prgtoken tools and equipment necessary to execute their mission safely and efficiently. prgtoken Congress supports first responders through DHS homeland security grant programs. However, communities cannot use such funding to purchase novel, state-of-the-art equipment because it is not on FEMA's authorized equipment list. prgtoken This equipment is rendered ineligible not because it is inferior. It is ineligible because it is so innovative that it does not meet or exceed the consensus standards that FEMA relies upon. prgtoken I first introduced this bill in the 114th Congress to require FEMA to establish an accessible and transparent process for such equipment to be evaluated. The House approved this legislation three times already. Each time it stalled in the Senate. Nevertheless, today I feel very confident that the fourth time is the charm. With the support of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, I am hopeful that this bill will get action in the Senate. prgtoken With that, Madam , I encourage my colleagues to join me in sending a strong message to the Senate with a decisive ``yea'' vote on this bill. prgtoken Our first responders are always there to help us. Now it is time to help them with the most modern equipment available to do their jobs. prgtoken Madam , I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 3254, and .
Introductory Statement on S. 2479
Alex Padilla (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-7-25

I rise to introduce the Converting Our Waste Sustainably, COWS, Act of 2023. This legislation will help dairy and livestock producers reduce methane emissions, improve air and water quality, and implement more sustainable alternative manure management practices. prgtoken As the top dairy State in the country and the second in cheese production, California is the largest producer of milk, butter, and cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and queso fresco. Dairy operations contribute billions of dollars to California's economy but are also responsible for 60 percent of California's methane emissions. prgtoken Recognizing the urgency of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions like methane, California and the dairy industry are on track to reduce dairy methane emissions by 40 percent by 2030 largely due to the successes of California's own Alternative Manure Management Program. prgtoken The COWS Act would establish an Alternative Manure Management Program to help dairy and livestock producers transition toward pasture-based management, alternative treatment and storage practices, solid separation systems, and scrape technologies. prgtoken This voluntary program, modeled after California's extremely successful Alternative Manure Management Program, will provide more resources for the dairy and livestock industry to modernize technologies for manure management that help boost profitability, improve water quality, and reduce methane and nitrogen oxide emissions by fostering climate-smart farming. prgtoken The bill also makes composting eligible for funding under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Conservation Stewardship Program. prgtoken Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural operations is critical to addressing the climate crisis. Because of the high construction and operation costs associated with anerobic digesters, nondigester manure management practices can provide a more cost- effective alternative for family dairy and livestock operators seeking to improve profitability while improving air and water quality for their communities. prgtoken I would like to thank my colleagues, Senators Brown and Heinrich, for their leadership in reducing agricultural methane emissions and Representative Costa for championing this bill in the House. prgtoken I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass the COWS Act as quickly as possible.
WE DESERVE A WATER BREAK
Steven Horsford (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2023-7-25

. Madam , I rise today in support of the hardworking labor force across this country. prgtoken Today, on this hot and muggy Washington, D.C day, a thirst strike and vigil was held on our House steps. I was proud to join my colleague from Texas, Congressman Greg Casar, and the men and women highlighting the dangerous new policy in Texas as they held their thirst strike on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. prgtoken Madam , as a Representative for Nevada and the Las Vegas area, I can tell you that I know how dangerous the summer heat can be. prgtoken The Texas Governor's dangerous new policy eliminates water break protections while Texas, Nevada, and many other areas of our country are experiencing record-breaking heat. prgtoken Meanwhile, the brave men and women working in outdoor jobs like construction workers, mail carriers, and so many others continue working in the heat. prgtoken Madam , we need Federal action to protect these workers who are simply trying to provide for their families and to keep a roof over their heads. prgtoken I urge OSHA and the administration to take action and protect our workers. We deserve a water break.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2023-7-25

I rise today to recognize longtime friend Amy Kaplan, who retired this month after a long career of service. prgtoken For the past 17 years, Amy has led the Jewish Federation of Cleveland as the vice president of external affairs. She has been a staunch advocate for Cleveland's vibrant Jewish community on a range of issues. prgtoken I was speaking to the Ambassador from Israel today, Ambassador Herzog, about the vibrancy and the reach of the Cleveland Jewish community; how proud I was to have interacted with them for so many years. prgtoken Amy, herself, followed in her parents' footsteps when she joined the Federation. Her mother was a staff member, and her father volunteered there often. Amy shares their commitment to their community and to their faith. prgtoken Her work has made a difference for so many Clevelanders in the communities the Federation serves--those who are too often overlooked and those who too often don't have a voice in our government. prgtoken She has worked with me and my staff to combat anti-Semitism, strengthen Federal resources for our seniors, and to protect Medicaid from cuts. She led advocacy efforts on bail reform, voting rights, and gun violence, and oversees the Federation's community relations work. prgtoken Amy has ensured that the issues most important to the Cleveland Jewish community are on the agenda. prgtoken She has been recognized over and over for her dedication to the community. She was named a ``Difference Maker'' by the Cleveland Jewish News, and she did it while caring for a family. prgtoken I hope in retirement, Amy will get to spend even more time with her husband Ira and their children and grandchildren. prgtoken Amy will be missed at the Federation. I am confident this won't be the end of her work with the Jewish community and won't be the end of her positive impact on Northeast Ohio. prgtoken In his letter from the Birmingham jail, Dr. King wrote: Human progress never rolls in on wheels of inevitability. prgtoken Now, those were Dr. King's words, I would add, Progress rolls in because of advocates and activists like Amy Kaplan who listen, who learn, who work with communities to make a difference. prgtoken Congratulations, Amy, on your well-earned retirement. Thank you, again, for your service to our community and to our State and wish you the best in your retirement. We look forward to working with your team to keep pushing for these important priorities and to make sure that Cleveland's and all of Ohio's Jewish community continues to have a voice in our government. prgtoken .
RECOGNIZING THE AMHERST POLICE DEPARTMENT CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-7-25

today we take a moment to recognize 100 years of the Amherst Police Department's steadfast commitment to community service and public safety. As Chief Scott Chamberlain notes, their success is a consequence of their commitment to go above and beyond for the residents of Amherst, New York. prgtoken In 1819, the first supervisor in the Town of Amherst, Timothy Hopkins, was elected to office. Following his election, he would appoint two constables tasked with patrolling the present boundaries of Amherst. By 1924, The Town of Amherst Police and the Village of Williamsville Police merged, and as the years continued, the number of officers grew. Today, the Amherst Police Department currently consists of 169 sworn officers and 54 civilian employees. prgtoken By virtue of effective and dedicated law enforcement officials, Amherst developed a reputation as one of the safest communities in the United States. This police department's stature has undoubtedly been a result of its partnerships with school officials, neighborhood organizations, and the residents that it serves. Their objective is to provide safety and be a positive resource to the 129,000 residents of Amherst. It remains vital to the public interest that our police work tirelessly to keep our streets and neighborhoods safe, and I know the success seen with the Amherst Police Department is owed to its collaborative prgtoken and inclusive process with countless members of our own community. As the Amherst Police Department keeps an eye to the future, its residents can look back at the last 100 years of selfless service as a testament to the devoted men and women who serve their neighbors every day.
TRIBUTE TO KEENAN MORGAN
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2023-7-25

I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to Keenan for his hard work as an intern in my Casper office. I recognize his efforts and contributions to my office as well as to the State of Wyoming. prgtoken Keenan has lived in Casper since he was young. He is currently attending Casper College, where he studies secondary education, political science, and history. He has demonstrated a strong work ethic, which has made him an invaluable asset to our office. The quality of his work is reflected in his great efforts over the last several months. prgtoken I want to thank Keenan for the dedication he has shown while working for me and my staff. It is a pleasure to have him as part of our team. I know he will have continued success with all of his future endeavors. I wish him all my best on his journey.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Mike Rounds (Republican, SD) \u2014 2023-7-25

China and Russia are our near-peer adversaries, and North Korea and Iran are no friends of the United States. prgtoken In just a few minutes, we will vote on an amendment that I proposed with Senator Tester that would ban China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran from purchasing American farmland or ag businesses. prgtoken In recent years, our country has seen, firsthand, attempts by our near-peer competitors to acquire land adjacent to our military bases. prgtoken In 2020, a Chinese-linked company planned to build a wind energy farm project near Del Rio, TX, only miles away from Laughlin Air Force Base, where U.S. pilots are trained. prgtoken In 2022, a Chinese-linked company attempted to build a corn milling plant on farmland near a sensitive Air Force base outside Grand Forks, ND. Treasury later determined that they did not have the proper jurisdiction to take action in this case, which demonstrates the need for this amendment. prgtoken My amendment would require the Committee on Foreign Investment of the United States, CFIUS, to prohibit China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran from purchasing ag land and ag businesses in the United States and make modest reforms to the CFIUS process to improve our country's ability to protect our national security. prgtoken I want to thank my friend from Montana, Senator Tester, for his hard work on the amendment and our original bill, the PASS Act. prgtoken I would also like to thank our cosponsors on this amendment: Senators Daines, Kennedy, Lummis, Kramer, Hoeven, Ernst, Britt, Brown, and Cruz. prgtoken This is a commonsense provision that will make our homeland more secure. prgtoken . Vote on Amendment No. 813 prgtoken .
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-7-25

today, I would like to address the unclassified, FBI-generated 1023 form that I made public last week. This is a 1023 that Director Wray refused to admit existed until I and Chairman Comer told him that we had read the document. prgtoken The FBI provided a highly redacted version to the House Committee on Oversight and in the process ignored the Senate access to that document. That version redacted references to the alleged audio recordings between then-Vice President , Hunter , and the foreign national. It also redacted references to text messages and financial records that allegedly existed to prove the criminal act was done. Those redactions are an obstructive conduct by the United States Government. Why? Because this was an unclassified document. It is not even marked ``law enforcement sensitive.'' prgtoken By the way, Justice Department and FBI leaks exposed the source well before the 1023 became public. prgtoken Now there have been allegations in the media that this 1023 consists of unverified information. That didn't stop the media's breathless reporting for years about the unverified and very famous Steele dossier. But the Justice Department and the FBI have not told us what they did to investigate the 1023 document. So since the FBI hasn't told us anything about their investigation of the 1023, if they did any, how does the media then know that it is unverified? prgtoken From what I have seen, much of the media's reporting has missed the essential question. That essential question is this: Did the Justice Department and the FBI follow normal investigative process and procedures to run the information down or did they sweep this information under the rug? prgtoken Now, we have had several media outlets interviewing law enforcement sources with knowledge of the 1023 who start to answer that very question, so I am going to refer to some of these reports from the media. prgtoken One law enforcement source reported that ``this was a confidential human prgtoken source that had a long relationship with the FBI, had given information that was used in multiple other investigations unrelated to Burisma or the s.'' prgtoken That law enforcement source said there was a ``fight for a month'' to get the FBI handler to reinterview the FBI source. That reinterview was necessary because a separate 1023 mentioned Hunter , and that reinterview ultimately produced the 1023 that I made public last week. prgtoken When seeing that, my first question was: Why the fight to reinterview the FBI source? That is the fight that supposedly took a month that I previously referred to. Then the law enforcement source said: We got that report back and we're, like, holy smokes, this is something. prgtoken The news reports also show that the Justice Department and FBI personnel were able to validate some claims in the 1023 report without compulsory process. For example, a news report quotes a la
SILVER CREEK HIGH SCHOOL
Erin Houchin (Republican, IN) \u2014 2023-7-25

as a member of the House Financial Services Committee, a member of the ESG Working Group, and the Representative of the Ninth District of Indiana, I can say with certainty that we need the Securities and Exchange Commission to be transparent and accountable to the American people. prgtoken In my work with committee, one issue I have been particularly focused on is the shareholder proposal process. In the current system, activists can persistently resubmit similar far-left proposals year after year despite those proposals being previously rejected by a majority of shareholders. prgtoken This shift in focus toward advancing environmental, social, and political policies distracts from the primary purpose of our public markets which is to enable companies to raise capital, foster economic growth, and provide a return on investment for everyday investors. prgtoken The SEC's recent proposals would make this problem worse by allowing more and more politically motivated shareholder proposals to be considered. prgtoken This busy work provides no benefit to business. prgtoken So why would we allow these already decided upon political topics to plague our boardrooms? prgtoken It is simply not fair to companies, including the ones across my district, to have to continuously invest resources in fighting or litigating activist proposals that clearly do not benefit the company or its shareholders, especially when similar proposals have already been rejected. prgtoken The SEC proposals defy logic and sound investment strategy. That is why last week I introduced the No Expensive, Stifling Governance Act, or prgtoken the No ESG Act, as the very first bill of its kind to be introduced in Congress. prgtoken The No ESG Act would stop this burdensome rule from being enacted and help put an end to redundant and onerous shareholder proposals. prgtoken More specifically, for companies listening back home, this would address the SEC's proposed amendments on rule 14a-8. prgtoken While the current system benefits a small group of activists over everyday investors, this proposed rule would increase the burden on shareholders and businesses and divert attention away from the issues that actually matter. prgtoken The bottom line is that southern Indiana companies shouldn't be forced to become political platforms where politics overshadow sound financial decisionmaking. prgtoken When I said that my priority was to improve the financial landscape for the Ninth District, I meant it. Accomplishing that depends heavily on putting forth legislation that would make a real difference, and the No ESG Act is that kind of legislation. prgtoken I am glad to be contending on behalf of the State of Indiana to solve this problem that has been overlooked for far too long.
SECURING THE U.S. ORGAN PROCUREMENT AND TRANSPLANTATION NETWORK ACT
Larry Bucshon (Republican, IN) \u2014 2023-7-25

the balance of my time. prgtoken , H.R. 2544 allows HRSA to improve the OPTN program. It clarifies that HRSA does not have to implement a single contract for all aspects of the program and encourages a competitive process to choose the best contractors for each OPTN function. Nothing in this legislation precludes HRSA from awarding UNOS a contract for each function. prgtoken As a physician in Congress, my focus with this legislation is on ensuring that HRSA has the authority that it needs to act on behalf of patients and that the best innovators are able to compete and play their part in saving lives. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and .
LAUNCH COMMUNICATIONS ACT
Robert E. Latta (Republican, OH) \u2014 2023-7-25

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of H.R. 682, the Launch Communications Act led by the gentlemen from Florida's Second and Ninth Districts. prgtoken Over the last decade, the American commercial space industry has dramatically reduced the cost to enter space, revolutionizing the industry. Investment has increased, and innovation has flourished. The number of commercial space launches has increased dramatically. prgtoken Unfortunately, our Federal processes have not kept pace. prgtoken To launch satellites into orbit, launch providers need access to certain radio frequencies, known as spectrum, which requires coordination between several Federal agencies. prgtoken H.R. 682 will take important steps to streamline the process for commercial space launch providers to gain access to the frequencies they need when they need them and ensure that a lack of coordination between Federal agencies does not hamper the thriving commercial space economy. prgtoken No space launch should be threatened because approval for their spectrum access is caught up in bureaucratic delay. prgtoken This legislation would provide more certainty to commercial satellite operators that when they make the investment in satellite technologies, they will be able to launch them into space. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 682, and .
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Kevin Cramer (Republican, ND) \u2014 2023-7-25

tomorrow, thousands of people will gather at Scheels Arena in Fargo, ND, to pay a final tribute to a hero. I wish I could be there to celebrate his life as well. It was a life that was well lived while being far too short. Fargo Police Officer Jake Wallin was laid to rest on Saturday in the small Midwest town of Pequot Lakes, MN. prgtoken Eleven days ago, on July 14, Officer Wallin was killed as he and fellow officers Andrew Dotas, Tyler Hawes, and Zachary Robinson responded to, really, a routine fender bender, where they were ambushed by an uninvolved assailant who was armed with several weapons, 1,800 rounds of ammunition, and multiple homemade explosive devices--clearly intent on going on a murder spree. Officer Robinson, the last cop standing, swiftly responded to neutralize the threat, fatally shooting the hate-filled killer. prgtoken Officer Wallin was murdered for simply being a cop, a peace officer, helping ordinary people in need of assistance--a life-long public servant gunned down simply because of the uniform and badge that he wore. He has been, is, and will forever be a hero to our community. prgtoken Jake grew up in St. Michael, MN, and enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard after graduating from high school. He served our country on deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan before returning home and joining the Fargo Police Department in April of this year--3 months on the job. prgtoken Like so many boys and girls, Jake wanted to be a police officer more than anything. In fact, his father Jeff said in an interview that he ``could never have stopped him'' from joining the force. He always wanted a job with purpose behind it and said he didn't want to work behind a desk. prgtoken He said, in fact: I want to be doing something I can tell myself at the end of the day that I made a difference somehow. prgtoken That, colleagues, is the quote of an American hero. We need more heroes like Jake who are ready to answer the call. prgtoken In the time since Officer Wallin's passing, Fargo hardware stores have experienced a phenomenon that many outside Minnesota would find baffling. Across the city, stores are almost completely sold out of blue light bulbs as people have rushed out to purchase them and light their porches and their homes blue in support of Jake and the Fargo Police Department's officers. prgtoken I wish every State were like North Dakota and every American had the same respect and admiration for our law enforcement officers. In our neck of the woods, we pass these values down to our children as we teach them the importance of law and order and as we hope to inspire them to, one day, be police officers like Officer Wallin--protecting and serving their communities. prgtoken Our actions matter whether we want to acknowledge it or not. The end result of ruthless attacks on the men and women in uniform, whether with our words or actions or calls to defund the police, have never