mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE SERVICE OF JON ASHER
Diana DeGette (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2023-2-28

I rise today to honor Jon Asher. prgtoken As the Executive Director of Colorado's Legal Services, Jon has dedicated his life to helping others and ensuring that Colorado's legal system is accessible to all those who need it, regardless of their ability to pay. prgtoken I have known and admired Jon for over 40 years. The Colorado legal community will agree that he's not just one of Colorado's greatest legal minds, he's also one of the most selfless. prgtoken After graduating from Harvard Law School in 1971, Jon moved to Greeley, Colorado where he began his legal career as a staff attorney with Colorado Rural Legal Services. Little did Jon know that this was the start of a long career of service. prgtoken His talent and intellect were evident to all those who worked with him. and Jon quickly rose through the ranks to become head of the Legal Aid Society of Metropolitan Denver in 1980--a position he would hold for the next 18 years. prgtoken When Colorado's three legal aid societies decided to come together to form one statewide legal aid program in 1999, Jon was the easy choice to run it; and it was then that he became the first Executive Director of the newly formed Colorado Legal Services--a position he has held ever since. prgtoken Under Jon's leadership, Colorado Legal Services has become one of the Nation's premier legal aid organizations--with a staff of more than 80 attorneys and 55 paralegals in 13 regional offices across Colorado. prgtoken Jon's reputation as a tireless and effective advocate for low-income and disadvantaged individuals in our state is seen in the quality of the work that Colorado Legal Services has clone and continues to do to this clay. prgtoken Throughout his career, Jon has been recognized. both in Colorado and throughout the Nation, for his talent and dedication to providing those who otherwise couldn't afford it with the quality legal representation they deserve. While his professional achievements are far too many to count, those who know Jon will agree that it's not the awards or recognition that drove him throughout his career--it's the thousands of people he's been able to help along the way. prgtoken After more than 50 years of dedicating himself to providing top-notch legal assistance to seniors and low-income individuals across our state, Jon announced recently that he plans to retire as the head ofColorados Legal Services this summer. While there's no doubt that he will certainly be leaving behind some big shoes to fill. the organization he's helped to build from the ground up has never been stronger, and its ongoing success is all but guaranteed thanks to the tireless work that Jon and his colleagues have put into it over the years. prgtoken On behalf of the people of Colorado's First Congressional District, I want to express my profound thanks to Jon for all he's done for our state over the years--and his tireless efforts to help so many people along the way. And I want to
REINTRODUCTION OF THE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE DESIGNATION OF FEBRUARY 28, 2023, AS ``RARE DISEASE DAY''
André Carson (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2023-2-28

I am pleased to reintroduce this resolution with my colleague, Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina. Our resolution supports the designation of Rare Disease Day on the last day of February. I am pleased that this resolution has been endorsed by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and am thankful for their leadership on these critical issues over many years. prgtoken Nearly one in ten Americans live with one or more of the roughly 7,000 known rare diseases. More than half of those struggling with rare diseases--defined as affecting less than 200,000 people--are children. Sadly, many rare diseases and conditions are serious, life-threatening, and lack effective treatments. These are not just statistics: I am sure most of us know at least one family member or friend who has been affected by or struggled with the unique challenges of rare diseases. prgtoken Moreover, as we observe Black History Month, it's important to know that African Americans and other minorities are especially vulnerable to rare diseases, including Sickle Cell Anemia and Sarcoidosis. These diseases and conditions--including Thalassemia and Hereditary ATTR (hATTR) amyloidosis--disproportionately affect African Americans. Despite these unique obstacles, African Americans have an inspiring tradition of both combatting rare diseases and improving medical science. prgtoken One great example is Dr. Charles Drew, an African American scientist who helped found the modern ``blood bank,'' which helped dramatically expand blood transfusions. A faculty member at Howard University, Dr. Drew's pioneering work in blood transfusions took place against the backdrop of segregation and discrimination. During his time overseeing the Red Cross's blood plasma donation program, Dr. Drew was prohibited from donating his own blood because of the color of his skin. Despite these obstacles, Dr. Drew's work improved the practice of blood transfusions, which is now a lifeline for many individuals struggling today with rare diseases. The examples of Dr. Drew and countless other researchers, physicians, nurses, activists, and patients underscore the importance of bringing additional awareness to rare diseases. prgtoken Despite the many challenges, some progress has been made. More work needs to be done to bring attention to the needs of those who struggle with rare diseases, and to celebrate their courage. That's why Rep. Hudson and I are reintroducing this important resolution. Each year, many individuals with rare diseases and their loved ones celebrate Rare Disease Day to share their stories and educate communities of researchers, health professionals, governments, and community organizations about how rare diseases affect them. prgtoken More than 100 countries observe Rare Disease Day. Our resolution expresses support for the designation of the last day of this month as Rare Disease Day. Congress should recognize this work and improve our efforts
Nomination of Jamar K. Walker (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-2-28

today, the Senate will vote to confirm Jamar Walker to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Mr. Walker's commitment to public service and deep ties to the Virginia legal community will serve the district court well. prgtoken Born in Nassawadox, VA, Mr. Walker received his B.A. from the University of Virginia in 2008 and his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2011. He then clerked for Judge Raymond A. Jackson, whom he has now been nominated to succeed, on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. prgtoken Mr. Walker began his career in private practice in Washington, DC, where he specialized in commercial insurance litigation and products liability. He then joined the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia as an Assistant U.S. Attorney assigned to the Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Unit. In this role, Mr. Walker has prosecuted a wide range of cases, including bribery, money laundering, wire fraud, bank fraud, foreign corrupt practices, and securities fraud. Following 7 years of dedicated service, Mr. Walker was named the unit's acting chief in 2022. prgtoken Mr. Walker has spent nearly his entire legal career litigating in Federal court, and he has gained significant experience in both civil and criminal matters. In recognition of his expertise, the American Bar Association rated him ``well qualified'' to serve on the district court. He also has the strong support of Senators Warner and Kaine. And if confirmed, Mr. Walker would make history as the first openly LGBTQ article III Judge to serve in the State of Virginia. prgtoken I will vote in favor of his nomination, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-2-28

I rise today as Black History Month comes to a close to pay tribute to Black Americans who have played pivotal roles in shaping American foreign policy and advancing national security abroad. As leaders and change-makers who have served the American people around the world, translating their own experiences fighting for justice and freedom in the United States into their passion for advancing democracy, human rights, and the rule of law overseas. prgtoken From the first Black diplomat Ebenezer Bassett, who served as Ambassador to Haiti from 1869 to 1877, to Ambassador Linda Thomas- Greenfield, who today serves as U.S. Representative to the United Nations, Black Americans have been at the forefront of advancing U.S. foreign policy. prgtoken Black Americans like Nobel Laureate Dr. Ralph Bunche, who mediated the 1949 Armistice Agreement and assisted in the creation of the United Nation's Universal Declaration for Human Rights; Ambassador Edward Perkins, who was instrumental in the 1992 creation of the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship; and Peace Corps Director Aaron Williams, who advanced the 2009 reopening of programs in Colombia, Sierra Leone, and Indonesia, have broken down barriers and made our world a better place. prgtoken And yet, while we have made great strides in increasing representation throughout our diplomatic and development corps' ranks, our work is clearly far from over. According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's first-ever government-wide diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility--DEIA--report, released earlier this month, Black Americans comprise just 12 percent of the Senior Executive Service--SES--workforce. And these prgtoken findings are not limited to our domestic agencies. As I said at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's first-ever DEIA hearing convened last year, between 2002 and 2021, the overall proportion of Black employees at the State Department decreased from 17 percent to 15 percent. At the time of our hearing, there were only four career Black Ambassadors serving abroad. prgtoken This failure to harness America's diverse talent pool is not only a grave error, but it also places us at a significant disadvantage when we seek to engage our allies and counter our adversaries on the world stage. prgtoken That is why, as the highest ranking Latino in the U.S. Congress and the first chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee of Latino descent, one of my top priorities has been to promote and expand diversity in our domestic and international affairs agencies, including in our most senior levels. prgtoken That is why I introduced diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility--DEIA--provisions as part of last year's State Department authorization bill, which passed as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2023. And, why it is so important to support paid internship programs and fellowships in Congress, the State
ENHANCED SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAINS CARRYING HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Christopher R. Deluzio (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2023-2-28

I rise today to bring attention to the fact that when Norfolk Southern's train derailed next to my district-- leaking chemicals, evacuating constituents, and distressing thousands-- the people of western Pennsylvania were mad, and so was I. prgtoken That is why my first bill in Congress is to take on the railroads. Today, the gentleman from California (Mr. Khanna) and I introduced the DERAIL Act, which ensures trains carrying hazardous materials are properly classified and have increased safety requirements. It is long overdue, but rail industry lobbyists have fought against it. prgtoken This derailment included hazardous materials, but since the train wasn't classified properly, it didn't have stricter safety rules. That is why we need the DERAIL Act. prgtoken This bill is for everyone in Beaver County, East Palestine. It is for everyone who has heard about this derailment and thought: ``Could this happen here?'' The terrible reality is yes, it could, but if colleagues from both parties join together, it doesn't have to. prgtoken Let's tell the railroads we won't let them recklessly pursue profit and endanger our communities and workers. prgtoken I will keep fighting to hold Norfolk Southern accountable for every penny of pain they have caused.
RUSSIA'S EXPANDED TERRORIST WAR AGAINST UKRAINE
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2023-2-28

. Madam , today I rise to mark more than 1 year of Russia's expanded terrorist war against Ukraine after its initial unprovoked invasion in 2014. prgtoken The words of Ukraine's poet laureate Taras Shevchenko ring especially true today as when he penned them nearly two centuries ago: `` . . . rise ye up and break your heavy chains and water with the tyrants' blood, the freedom you have gained.'' prgtoken Ukraine's moment to victory is now. The defining accomplishment of the 20th century was the victory of liberty over tyranny. Vanquishing Nazi and imperialist tyranny and defeating the forces of Soviet-imposed communism a half century later ended the Cold War. prgtoken New institutions for the common defense of liberty, including NATO, were founded. The U.S. Marshall Plan helped to secure and rebuild a war-torn but free Europe, and both America and liberty prospered. prgtoken Through the bipartisan leadership of great Americans, including General George Marshall, Secretary of War Henry Stimson, and Presidents Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower, America rose--though somewhat reluctantly--to be liberty's standard-bearer. And even in those European nations that had fallen behind the Iron Curtain, such as Ukraine, the impulse for freedom hastened. For America, helping liberty defeat tyranny has always been bipartisan. prgtoken Recall the images of President John Kennedy in West Germany declaring ``Ich bin ein Berliner.'' prgtoken President Ronald Reagan stood behind the Brandenburg Gate nearly two decades later near the Berlin Wall demanding, ``Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.'' prgtoken Those images defined the boundary between East and West: free people versus subjugated people. prgtoken It was barely 2 years after President Reagan's speech and after over four decades of free world vigilance that the world witnessed the profound victory of the valiant Solidarnosc workers in the steelyards of Gdansk, Poland. prgtoken Soon, captive nations subjugated by the Soviet Union for decades began to tumble. First, in 1989, Poland. Then in 1991, Ukraine. Then the entirety of the captive nations held subjugated by the Soviet Union. It was a major turning point in the arc of world history. prgtoken The Allied post-war institutions created to defend liberty still exist today. Indeed, now with Sweden and Finland prgtoken joining NATO, that alliance grows stronger than it has ever been. prgtoken Ukraine, too, seeks to join its European allies who are democratic in the European Union. Ukrainian soldiers meanwhile embattled and vastly outnumbered are dying, dying, dying for the cause of self-determination and liberty. Against great odds, Ukraine faces an enemy three times their population with far more military resources, but they fight. prgtoken To gain a sense of what Ukrainians are feeling right now, visit the World War II Memorial here in Washington, D.C. Seek to understand the sacrifices of the more than 400,000 Americans whose lives w
Confirmation of Jamal N. Whitehead (Executive Calendar)
Maria Cantwell (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2023-2-28

I come to the floor this afternoon to support the nomination of Jamal Whitehead to serve as a judge for the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. Mr. Whitehead is extremely well qualified and has demonstrated an allegiance to the rule of law throughout his very impressive law career. prgtoken My Senate colleagues on the Judiciary Committee saw what an exceptional judicial candidate Mr. Whitehead is, and they recognized how valuable his perspective would be on the Federal bench. I was pleased to see that he was voted out of committee with a bipartisan vote of 11 to 9. prgtoken Mr. Whitehead has spent his entire career in the Western District, making him uniquely knowledgeable of the district in which he will be serving. Throughout his career, he has defended workers from discrimination and enforced Federal employment discrimination laws. He has been dedicated to ensuring equal justice under the law and has demonstrated a profound commitment to public service. prgtoken Mr. Whitehead has also sought to promote diversity in the legal field through outreach and education and is deeply involved in the community. He serves on the Executive Committee for the ACLU of Washington as well as on the board of Amara, a child welfare organization in the Seattle and Tacoma area dedicated to meeting the needs of children and families who have been impacted by foster care. prgtoken In addition to his outstanding qualifications, Mr. Whitehead's confirmation continues the President's commitment to ensuring that the Federal bench better reflect the American public. Mr. Whitehead is the first judicial nominee by President to have a physical disability. Now confirmed, he will be one of only a handful of Federal judges with a disclosed disability. prgtoken Jamal Whitehead is well prepared to serve on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. This is a historic confirmation. I am pleased to see that my colleagues supported Mr. Whitehead's confirmation to our Federal court. prgtoken . prgtoken .
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR RELATING TO ``PRUDENCE AND LOYALTY IN SELECTING PLAN INVESTMENTS AND EXERCISING SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS''
Rick W. Allen (Republican, GA) \u2014 2023-2-28

over the past 2 years, one thing has become clear: This administration cares more about advancing its radical Green New Deal agenda than about the financial well-being of the American people. prgtoken We have seen it with their energy policy, but the latest example is the administration's rule to inject woke ESG factors into workers' retirement accounts. prgtoken Thanks to President 's economic policies, workers' retirement savings were down 10 percent in 2022 compared to 2021. Why is this administration doubling down to further jeopardize Americans' retirement? prgtoken Retirement plan sponsors have two responsibilities to their clients: maximize returns and minimize risk. The rule would allow asset managers to impose a political agenda on Americans at the expense of retirement savings. prgtoken The administration should not be jeopardizing Americans' retirement by allowing plan managers to gamble their savings on ESG funds that have proven to be riskier and charge steeper fees. prgtoken That is why I cosponsored this bill with my friend, Andy Barr, to use our authority to nullify the rule and protect Americans' hard-earned retirement savings from politically motivated mismanagement.
Student Loan Debt (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2023-2-28

across the street, this morning, oral arguments are occurring at the Supreme Court in two challenges to the President's reckless student loan giveaway. prgtoken There are two main parts to the President's scheme. There is the outright forgiveness of $10,000 in Federal student debt and $20,000 for Pell grant recipients, which is set to cost American taxpayers somewhere in the neighborhood of half a trillion dollars. Then there is the President's radical revamp of the income-driven repayment system, which would bring the total cost of the President's plan to somewhere close to a trillion dollars. prgtoken The President's new income-driven repayment plan has probably garnered less attention than his plans for student loan forgiveness, but his new income-driven repayment program is just as problematic because it sets up a system in which the majority of Federal borrowers will never--never--fully repay their loans. prgtoken One scholar at the Brookings Institution, a left-of-center think tank, estimates that ``the vast majority'' of college students will be eligible for the program and that current and future borrowers enrolled in the program ``[o]n average . . . might only expect to repay approximately $0.50 for each dollar they borrow''--``repay approximately $0.50 for each dollar they borrow.'' prgtoken The Urban Institute, another left-of-center think tank, estimates that just 22 percent of those with bachelor's degrees enrolled in the President's new income-driven repayment program would repay their loans in full. By contrast, the institute notes that under today's IDR program, we would expect 59 percent of individuals with bachelor's degrees to repay their loans in full. prgtoken The nonpartisan Penn Wharton Budget Model estimates the cost of the President's new income-driven repayment program at $333 billion to $361 billion--the range--over 10 years. However, Penn Wharton notes, ``These estimates do not yet include the effects of students increasing their borrowing.'' ``These estimates do not yet include the effects of students increasing their borrowing.'' prgtoken Needless to say, students are likely to increase their borrowing. It is common sense. In fact, the Brookings Institution notes that borrowing is likely to become the preferred means of paying prgtoken for college under the President's plan. And, of course, as student borrowing increases, so does the cost to taxpayers because it is taxpayers who will be footing the bill for all that student loan money that is never paid back. prgtoken Now, both President 's outright student loan forgiveness and his student loan forgiveness masquerading as income-driven repayment are going to cost the taxpayers a lot of money. There are the direct costs of the plan that will be paid for by the Federal Government--in other words, by taxpayers, including those who never went to college and those who have already paid off their student loans. prgtoken
RECOGNIZING ADULT AND TEEN CHALLENGE
Mark Alford (Republican, MO) \u2014 2023-2-28

I rise today to recognize Adult and Teen Challenge, or ATC, a faith-based organization serving on the front lines to combat our Nation's spiking drug and alcohol addiction crisis. prgtoken I am really proud that ATC, headquartered in the great State of Missouri, is providing lifesaving services to thousands of people afflicted by substance abuse disorders. prgtoken Daily, more than a dozen people reach out to ATC looking for help for themselves or a loved one, and ATC is always answering the call. prgtoken ATC has provided recovery care through Christ-centered solutions for more than 14,000 persons per month in the last year. prgtoken It is really time that we recognize the importance of faith in the addiction recovery and support process for those working to see addiction numbers decrease instead of increase.