mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Debt Ceiling (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-4-25

for over 2 years, the administration has failed to attend to some of the most basic governing duties. Stable prices, secure borders, and safe streets are three of the most fundamental responsibilities that any government owes its people. prgtoken But Washington neglected the basics for their pet priorities. They spent trillions of dollars on government goodies that nobody asked for, triggered the worst inflation in 40 years, and turned a blind eye to the border crisis and a crime wave, all occurring on their watch. prgtoken They caused the damage on party-line votes, without any input from the side. In response, the American people flipped the House and chose a closely divided Senate. The voters dialed up the checks and the balances. The people went to the ballot box and demanded the start negotiating and compromising. prgtoken But the President is refusing to engage. Even as his own advisers say the debt ceiling is approaching fast, the White House is totally MIA. His position has been no negotiation, no reforms. prgtoken It is such an absurd position that even fellow are not buying it. The senior Senator from West Virginia, a , has publicly called on the President to sit down with McCarthy and negotiate. prgtoken Listen to the House : ``Get to work and get it done for the sake of the country,'' says one. ``They've got to do it soon,'' says another. prgtoken Just a few years ago, the ic leader said debt limit talks were an ``opportunity for bipartisanship.'' prgtoken And what about President himself? Here is what then-Vice President said about the debt ceiling back in 2011. ``Some of them are still unwilling to budge . . . taking an absolute position: my way or no way. . . . That's not governing,'' said the Vice President in 2011. prgtoken My goodness, that is harsh criticism for the 2023 version of President from the 2011 version of Vice President . prgtoken The ' reckless policies have already dealt far too much damage to our country. This administration's inflation has hammered working families' budgets. Their anti-energy policies have raised gas prices and utility bills. Their attempt to reinvent cash welfare without work requirements hurt small businesses by worsening labor shortages and hurt families by promoting dependence. prgtoken So the working people of this country have already paid a heavy enough price for ' failures. We should not even come within a mile of flirting with a ic debt default on top of all the rest. prgtoken It is time for President to stop the partisan stubbornness, join McCarthy at the grownups' table, and get talking. prgtoken .
ADVANCED, LOCAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE TELECOMMUNICATIONS PARITY ACT
Robert E. Latta (Republican, OH) \u2014 2023-4-25

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of H.R. 1353, the ALERT Parity Act, led by the gentleman from Ohio's Sixth District and the gentlewoman of Washington's Eighth District. prgtoken When hurricanes, tornadoes, and other natural disasters strike, connectivity and access to emergency communications is often one of the many critical services that are temporarily knocked out. Access to 911 services and important updates from local authorities sent by text message may be unavailable in dire moments. prgtoken While network operators do great work in preparing for, responding to, and improving future preparations for these natural disasters, they are unavoidable. Even the best response may leave Americans trapped without access to emergency services in the aftermath of the event. prgtoken However, recent innovations in satellite communications technologies have opened new opportunities to leverage our communications systems to provide emergency communications in times of natural disaster from satellites. Many of these services are designed to be available on Americans' phones seamlessly with no action needed by Americans. prgtoken Recent innovative partnership between terrestrial network operators and satellite operators have highlighted the type of possibilities Americans may someday take for granted. Yet, these innovations and partnerships have also demonstrated that novel use of our airwaves, while potentially lifesaving, also need regulatory certainty so that they are reliably available and do not result in harmful interference. prgtoken The ALERT Parity Act would establish a process for the FCC to ensure that satellite technology can be used to ensure access to wireless emergency alerts and 911 service remain uninterrupted during times of an emergency in areas that do not have connectivity. prgtoken This legislation will be key to ensuring that emergency connectivity services are not authorized using temporary authorities and adequately protect all of the wireless services Americans rely on. prgtoken This legislation will also pave the way for U.S. leadership as other countries look to take advantage of the innovation pioneered here in the United States. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1353, and .
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER OF IOWA--JORGE VILLEDA--IN OTTUMWA (WAPELLO COUNTY)
Zachary Nunn (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-4-25

I rise today to recognize Jorge Villeda of Ottumwa for receiving the Neal Smith Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the Small Business Development Center of Iowa. prgtoken Jorge is the type of individual who believed in the American Dream and worked hard to achieve it. He is the true definition of inspiration to us as Iowans and to all of us as Americans. prgtoken His father was his encouragement all along as he had owned his own successful business in El Salvador. prgtoken Jorge took the skills of good customer service and the value of hard work from his early days working in his dad's grocery store. He started his own construction business Villeda Construction in Ottumwa. prgtoken He always loved hard work, so he started a business that combined his two favorite things--customer service and construction. prgtoken Mr. Villeda's achievements, personally and professionally, are a testament to what can be done if you never stop believing and working hard. Jorge's story also demonstrates how, in a state like Iowa, anything is possible. prgtoken I want to again congratulate Jorge for his achievement. His passion, dedication, and persistence are an encouragement to every person who has ever had a dream worth chasing.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2023-4-25

I rise today to pay tribute to outstanding educator Capri Salaam, the 2023 Arkansas Teacher of the Year. prgtoken As a social studies teacher at North Little Rock Middle School, since 2015, Capri has become known for her innovative teaching practices, her ability to connect with students, and her efforts to stay involved in their lives even after they leave her classroom. She reflects her love for education and her students in the unique ways she connects with her class and engages with history. She also demonstrates extraordinary compassion and support beyond her classroom by investing in their well- being, ensuring students have access to ACT preparation programs, financial aid workshops, and tutoring programs in high school. As a teacher to seventh and eighth graders, she appreciates seeing students grow emotionally, physically, and mentally during this critical age as they become young adults. prgtoken Capri's dedication to the field of education is not only evident in her teaching styles, but also in her passion for continuing to learn. In addition to receiving a bachelor of arts in English from the University of Central Arkansas, Capri has a master of arts in teaching in middle school education and a master of science in special education. She is also working on earning a learning systems technology education graduate certificate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and is licensed to teach social studies along with English and special education. prgtoken Outside of the classroom, Capri also continuously finds ways to be involved in her community. She is a member of the Junior League of North Little Rock and volunteers for Special Olympics, the Fellowship Baptist Church Special Needs Clothes Closet, and the North Little Rock Ole Main Clean-up. prgtoken Arkansas is fortunate to have an exceptional teacher like Capri representing the many great teachers in our State, as well as serving as a role model to future generations of educators. Capri demonstrates what it means to go above and beyond for her students. I congratulate her for this achievement and the positive impact she is making on the community and the entire State. Her passion and commitment offer an excellent example for others to follow. I am confident her efforts are inspiring future generations in the classroom and beyond.
Unanimous Consent Requests--Executive Calendar (Executive Session)
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2023-4-25

in reserving the right to object, first of all, my friend and colleague, the distinguished Senator from Massachusetts, a moment ago, referred to the Pentagon's policy as a bill. Perhaps this was a Freudian slip, but one way or another, it was an acknowledgment of the fact that it is a change in policy--a change in policy that is in conflict with the spirit if not also with the letter of Federal law. So, as a bill--and I think it is fair to characterize it as such--it ought to have to be passed through Congress. prgtoken Now, my friend from the State of Massachusetts has used the language of the text of statute 10 U.S.C section 1039 in much the same way, I would imagine, that Secretary Austin and his advisers parsed it and cribbed it and manipulated it in their development of this policy. prgtoken But let's remember the reason I say that it violates the spirit if not also the letter of it. It is that there is an argument to be made here that it is. Funds available to the Department of Defense may not be used to support abortions. How is this money being used? Well, with the extra leave time that you wouldn't get in the absence of this and with the travel to another State, it is for the purpose of an abortion. It is conditioned on your getting an abortion. prgtoken My friend and colleague from Massachusetts points out that it is also there with respect to fertility treatments--IVF or otherwise. Well, all that may be the case, and I have a couple of responses to that. prgtoken No. 1, I do not and would never object to that if that is what this were. In fact, I would relinquish my objections altogether if this policy were about helping military women gain access to fertility treatments. There is no provision in Federal law--not in title 10 and not anywhere else that I am aware of--that prohibits the Secretary of Defense from doing that. That would, moreover, not amount to a major departure from established policy. So, if that is really what is on the table here, I wouldn't object to that at all. prgtoken But it is the part about abortion. The Senator is conditioning the use of these funds--the receipt of additional leave time, the receipt of an expense account, and 3 weeks off--to go have an abortion. That is using Federal funds to get an abortion, to fund an abortion, because that is part of that. prgtoken Moreover, the suggestion that this applies evenhandedly, equally-- that it was equally intended to promote access by military women to fertility treatments--is at odds with and belied by the fact that the President, ever since the Dobbs opinion was released at the end of the last term of the Supreme Court, has been calling this an all-of- government cause--an all-of-government cause--to make sure that they can get around Dobbs in any way that they possibly can. This is, was, always has been, and always will be about abortion. prgtoken Like I say, the rest of it would be unobjectionable. I wouldn'
DEMANDING THAT THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA AND THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF CHINA IMMEDIATELY RELEASE MARK SWIDAN
Michael T. McCaul (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-4-25

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , Mark Swidan is an American, a Texan, and has been a hostage of the Chinese Communist Party for more than a decade. We stand together to demand his release and an end to his torture by CCP officials. prgtoken In 2012, Mark was wrongfully detained in China for a crime he clearly did not commit. The U.N. Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has found that it was impossible for him to have committed any of the crimes he is charged with. In fact, , he was not even in China at the time the CCP says that these false crimes were committed. prgtoken Since his abduction in 2012, Mark has been grossly abused in Chinese custody. He has been held for more than a decade in temporary detention facilities intended for brief custody. He remains caged in a small, crowded cell that is freezing in the winter and sweltering in the summer. The toilet is a hole in the ground; the lights are never turned off; and he has no regular access to sunlight, a bed, or hot water. prgtoken Chinese officials have denied him proper medical care. Guards have broken his hands several times, and he has suffered a dislocated knee. Mark has lost almost 100 pounds. He suffers from tooth and gum disease, and his mouth bleeds every day. Mark has only been allowed to speak with his family a handful of times. His ordeal has taken a terrible toll on his physical and mental health. prgtoken Just last week, the People's Republic of China denied Mark's appeal and upheld the death penalty with a 2-year suspended death sentence. Threatening an American citizen with death for a crime that he could not have possibly committed is a brazen human rights violation and a disgusting example of CCP's hostage diplomacy. prgtoken Protecting Americans abroad is a priority mission of the State Department, yet State has failed to secure Mark's release or hold the CCP accountable for its gross violation of his basic human rights. Instead, the administration continues to prioritize engagement with the PRC over all else, even the safety of American citizens. prgtoken This bipartisan resolution before us today unanimously passed the Foreign Affairs Committee in February. It condemns the CCP for their violation of international law and demands the immediate release of Mr. Swidan. Furthermore, it urges the administration to hold the CCP accountable for its blatant violation of human rights and international law. prgtoken I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Cloud), my good friend, for introducing this resolution which deserves our unanimous support. prgtoken , .
ADVANCED, LOCAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE TELECOMMUNICATIONS PARITY ACT
Bill Johnson (Republican, OH) \u2014 2023-4-25

, Mr. Latta, for recognizing me. prgtoken , I rise in support of my legislation, H.R. 1353, the ALERT Parity Act. prgtoken This bipartisan legislation would require the Federal Communications Commission to issue rules within 18 months of enactment to establish an application process for any entities seeking to provide wireless emergency alerts for 911 services in unserved areas across America. It also requires the FCC to establish service rules whereby providers of emergency connectivity service may access spectrum held by a licensee, so long as it does not cause interference and they have express written consent from the licensee. prgtoken Additionally, the bill requires the FCC to provide an annual report to Congress detailing instances where emergency connectivity service was provided by this process, and also each instance when an entity authorized to use spectrum declined to provide the consent needed by providers of emergency connectivity service to use their spectrum. prgtoken This enables Congress to provide oversight of these services and ensure that this legislation is implemented as intended. prgtoken First and foremost, enabling 911 calls and texts and emergency alerts in remote and unserved areas is not only prgtoken common sense, it is a lifesaving measure. prgtoken Every American deserves access to emergency assistance, regardless of where they live, period. prgtoken This bill is very narrow in scope. The rules required by the bill would only enable emergency connectivity service providers to connect to individuals' phones where there is no cellular service, either due to an outage or because there is not a mobile carrier providing service in that area. prgtoken To many of us, it is frustrating if we lose cell service temporarily. It is unfathomable for many to understand that in 2023 there remains remote areas in America that still lack reliable cellular service. prgtoken Now that there is technology that will enable distressed Ohioans in rural Appalachia, and all such rural areas across the United States who lack mobile cell service to reach emergency assistance, I believe we have a responsibility to make it happen and to ensure American innovation can serve our communities that are otherwise left out. prgtoken , I thank Representative Kim Schrier for co-leading this legislation and her work on this bill. prgtoken , I also urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1353 to ensure everyone has access to critical lifesaving emergency services regardless of where they live or travel. prgtoken , I also thank Mr. Pallone, the ranking member of the Energy and Commerce Committee for his support as well.
NATIONAL EDUCATION AND SHARING DAY
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2023-4-25

I rise today, along with Senator Murkowski, to bring awareness to National Education and Sharing Day U.S.A which we recognized on April 2, 2023. On this day, we acknowledged the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Schneerson's global campaign to educate youth about our responsibility to be a moral and compassionate society. prgtoken Education and Sharing Day is observed each year on the Rebbe's birthday in recognition of his outstanding and lasting contributions toward the improvement of education, morality, and acts of charity around the world. It is a day to pause and reflect on our responsibility to ensure our youth have the foundation necessary to lead lives rich in purpose and fulfillment through service and good works. prgtoken This year's National Education and Sharing Day coincided with the 121st birthday of the Rebbe, one of the most significant Jewish leaders of the 20th century. The Rebbe was a global spiritual leader and leading advocate for the advancement of education. He stressed that a moral and ethical education empowers every individual to develop their full potential in making the world a better place. This year's Education and Sharing Day has even greater significance as this year is also a year of ``Hakhel,'' a biblical event of unity, education, and spiritual growth emphasizing how every person is crucial to perfecting the world. prgtoken The basis for the continuity of any society is education, and in the great State of Alaska, the education of our youth is a priority. We recognize that in order to achieve its highest goals, education must not only impart knowledge but also help our youth learn how to live meaningful lives by strengthening their moral character to make a better life for themselves as individuals and for society as a whole. Such education can nurture the unity of diverse peoples by encouraging increased acts of goodness and kindness, imbued with the awareness that even a single positive act of an individual can change the world. prgtoken We strongly affirm the purposes of National Education and Sharing Day U.S.A. and encourage educational institutions, businesses, community and civic associations, and all people of the United States to celebrate and promote National Education and Sharing Day U.S.A.
RECOGNIZING FIRST UNITED BANK
Tom Cole (Republican, OK) \u2014 2023-4-25

today, I celebrate the grand opening of a very impressive building in my hometown of Moore, Oklahoma. First United Bank, which is based in Durant, Oklahoma, has a long history of community service and working with community members to achieve their financial goals while lifting up those around them. prgtoken First United Bank has reinforced its commitment to the Moore community with a building that will not only house all its financial partners and services under one roof but will also serve as a community center for Moore and the greater Oklahoma City Metro. In keeping with First United's other locations, there will be free community spaces; lobby items that celebrate and educate on the Bank's four pillars: financial wellbeing, personal growth, health & wellness, and faith; food truck hook-ups; training rooms; and a large space that community members can use to host events free of cost. This is a multi-million- dollar investment in the Moore community. prgtoken As a lead up to the actual grand opening, First United Bank hosted several events and activities for the residents of Moore and the surrounding community to participate in. These events included a blood drive, a free shred day, a pastor appreciation luncheon with a renowned author and theologian, and a book fair where each student at a local elementary school received two free books courtesy of the bank. I am grateful for the work of First United Bank and its commitment to help others ``Spend Life Wisely,'' and I celebrate the opening of this incredible building.
ENCOURAGING THE EXPANSION AND STRENGTHENING OF THE ABRAHAM ACCORDS TO URGE OTHER NATIONS TO NORMALIZE RELATIONS WITH ISRAEL AND ENSURE THAT EXISTING AGREEMENTS REAP TANGIBLE SECURITY AND ECONOMIC...
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-4-25

I will be voting to support H. Res. 311 today. We all support our ally Israel and recognize our long-standing alliance on Israel's 75th Anniversary. I cast my vote, however, with some misgivings. prgtoken There is nothing particularly problematic about this resolution, but there is a problem with what it does not say. I spent a week in Israel in February, and I saw first-hand the momentous crisis facing Israel--a crisis of democracy, a human rights crisis, and an international crisis. prgtoken Israel's democratic crisis, including deliberate attempts to undermine the Supreme Court and an independent judiciary, has brought hundreds of thousands of ordinary Israeli citizens to take to the streets in protest. prgtoken The human rights crisis includes the steady deterioration of the basic human rights of Arab Israelis and of the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza brought about by deliberate decisions, policies, and actions by Israeli authorities. prgtoken As a result, there is mounting alarm, criticism, and condemnation of Israel in the international community by governments, NGOs, and civil society. prgtoken , this resolution ignores the reality on the ground. prgtoken This resolution ignores the damage that the current extremist government is accelerating inside Israel and in the West Bank and Gaza. prgtoken For the first time that I can remember, a resolution celebrating Israel's anniversary is being brought before the House without mention of congressional support for a two-state solution. prgtoken I honor Israel's remarkable history on its 75th Anniversary, but unlike this resolution, I cannot be deaf, blind, and mute to the current challenge to Israel's democracy, the suffering of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, the terrorism that continues to fester in the region, and the fragility of any remaining possibility for a negotiated two-state solution. prgtoken I urge my colleagues, regardless of how they might vote on this resolution, not to abandon a two-state solution and to work together in support of peace, human dignity, and democracy for Israel and the Palestinian people.