mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
EMBRACING AUTHORITARIAN TACTICS
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2024-7-11

last night during the debate on the Freedom Caucus-led inherent contempt resolution, s once again tried to silence me. They wanted to take my words down. They wanted to prevent me from speaking on the House floor, not because I disparaged a Member but because I criticized their resolution. You heard that right. The freedom-loving Freedom Caucus wanted to silence me. prgtoken They believe in free speech for themselves. They regularly attack President and in a most personal and vicious manner, but because I told the truth about their resolution, they tried to forcibly silence me. prgtoken It is chilling, it is scary, and it is frightening that s are embracing authoritarian tactics to silence their critics. This is Congress, not the Kremlin, , but this is a pattern that connects them to authoritarian leaders like Putin. prgtoken I will fight back. I love this institution and this country too much to allow s to trample on our freedom.
CONGRATULATING HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY AND CHILDREN'S MUSEUM HOUSTON
Sylvia R. Garcia (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2024-7-11

I rise today to recognize two Houston-area institutions, the County Public Library and the Children's Museum Houston, for winning the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the highest honor in their field. prgtoken This is an incredible achievement for the museum and library staff, who pour their hearts into ensuring that every child can reach their full potential. prgtoken Growing up poor in south Texas, we didn't have a library, but we had the county send us the bookmobile that came to our farm every month. I enjoyed every single book in that bookmobile. I have always said that but for the books that that bookmobile brought to me, I probably would not be where I am today. prgtoken Books and museums allow kids to explore, dream, create, and open their eyes. These resources are vital and must be preserved, especially during the summer. Access to museums and libraries over the summer allows children to be ever inspired and entertained. prgtoken Instead of banning books, we should be building libraries, making them a learning hub for our communities. We must put books over bans.
SAFEGUARD AMERICAN VOTER ELIGIBILITY ACT
Joseph D. Morelle (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-7-11

I would like to include in the Record the following: 1) an article from NBC News, headlined `` Mike Johnson and allies who tried to overturn the 2020 election roll out voting 'integrity' bill,'' 2) a letter from the AFL-CIO expressing the organization's strong opposition to the SAVE Act, and 3) a letter from Common Cause, expressing the organization's strong opposition to the SAVE Act. [May 8, 2024] prgtoken Mike Johnson and Allies Who Tried To Overturn the 2020 Election Roll Out Voting `Integrity' Bill Washington--Same of the conservative leaders of the effort to overturn the 2020 presidential election gathered in front of the Capitol on Wednesday and called on Congress to pass an ``election integrity'' bill to stop noncitizens from voting. Leading the group, Mike Johnson, R-La acknowledged that undocumented immigrants voting in elections is already illegal under federal law. ``Some have noted that it's already a crime for noncitizens to vote in a federal election, and that is true,'' Johnson said. But he argued that people know ``intuitively'' that noncitizens are voting, even though he could not provide estimates of how many. Multiple studies have shown that noncltizen voting is extremely rare in federal elections. ``I mean, the answer is that it's unanswerable,'' Johnson said ``That is the problem . . . We all know, intuitively, that a lot of illegals are voting in federal elections. But it's not been something that is easily provable. We don't have that number. This legislation will allow us to do exactly that. It will prevent that from happening. And if someone tries to do it, it will now be unlawful within the states. We'll have a mechanism to prove whether they are or not.'' A constitutional lawyer and close ally, Johnson played a pivotal role in 's push to overturn the 2020 election. He led the amicus brief, signed by more than 100 House s, backing a Texas lawsuit seeking to invalidate the 2020 election results in four key swing states won by President . Johnson was joined Wednesday by Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, and Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, two lawmakers whose text messages to then-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows were featured prominently in the Jan. 6 committee's investigation into the attack. Others on hand included a who's who of MAGA conservatives. Among them were Stephen Miller, the former White House senior adviser to , Jenny Beth Martin, the Tea Party Patriots co-founder who was outside the capitol with a bullhorn on Jan. 6, 2021; and Clete Mitchell, the conservative activist who was on the January 2021 call with when he told Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raf
REMEMBERING JOSE A. OLIVIERI
Tammy Baldwin (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2024-7-11

today I rise to honor the life and legacy of Jose A. Olivieri, an accomplished attorney, determined civic leader, and a pillar in the Hispanic community in Milwaukee, whose work left an indelible mark on the State of Wisconsin. prgtoken Born in Santurce, PR, he moved to Waukesha, WI, to attend Carroll College, where he graduated in 1978 with a bachelor's degree in political science. In 1981 he received his juris doctorate from Marquette University Law School and, the same year, joined Michael Best as an associate. prgtoken Jose's career at Michael Best spanned 43 years of service in both the legal and academic profession. He was the firm's longest serving chair, leading the firm's higher education industry group and founding Michael Best's immigration law practice. His leadership roles also extended to the Milwaukee office managing partner and labor and employment relations chair and government and public policy group cochair roles. His work largely centered around counseling universities on a variety of issues and employment law issues and later taught law seminar at Marquette University and spoke on employment and immigration issues. prgtoken Jose was also a founding member and past president of the Wisconsin Hispanic Lawyers Association. He served on several additional boards over the years, including the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents, the Mount Mary University Board of Trustees, past chair of Carroll University's Board of Trustees, and National Association of College and University Attorneys--NACUA. prgtoken Beyond his work at Michael Best, Jose was deeply committed to strengthening his Milwaukee community. Jose was described as hard working, humble, and as the premier leader of the Wisconsin Hispanic Community by local leaders. He was passionate about education access and elderly care and spent his time advocating on behalf of those issues. For 40 years, he worked with the United Community Center in the Walkers Point neighborhood of Milwaukee, including serving as the chair of the board of directors to strengthen Milwaukee's near South Side neighborhoods. He also held positions on the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Milwaukee Public Library Foundation, Milwaukee Art Museum, United Way of Greater Milwaukee, Lutheran Social Services, and Froedtert Health System boards. prgtoken Throughout his career, Jose received awards and recognitions that highlighted the work and dedication he demonstrated to his community. He was a recipient of the Notable Alumni Award by BizTimes Media, Future Milwaukee Community Service Award, Metropolitan Milwaukee Civic Alliance Special Service Award, the Todd Wehr Award from the Greater Milwaukee chapter of the national Society of fundraising executives, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation's President's Leadership in Racial Equity and Social Justice Award, the Posner Pro Bono Award, and named a Top Latino Lawyer by Latino Leaders magazine. He was cons
AND STILL I RISE
Al Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2024-7-11

still I rise to commemorate August 20 as Slavery Remembrance Day because, as I have indicated many times on this floor and done so today, it is the date that the White Lion, a ship with 20 persons of African ancestry, docked at a place called Point Comfort near where we now call Norfolk, Virginia. prgtoken It was a moment in time that has an impact on the rest of time in this country because for 246 years more than 10 million persons of African ancestry were brought to this country to sacrifice. They sacrificed such that this very building was a product of their hands. They sacrificed to build roads and bridges. They were the persons who sacrificed to plant the crops and harvest and feed the Nation. For 246 years, they sacrificed. Yet, to this day, they have not been properly acknowledged for the sacrifice that they suffered. They have not been acknowledged. prgtoken We have acknowledged others. We have acknowledged the Confederate soldiers who fought to maintain slavery. We did so in 1956. We have acknowledged others. I think it is time to acknowledge them because, truth be told, they were the economic foundational mothers and fathers of the country. This country's economic success was built on 246 years of sacrifice made by persons who were enslaved in our great country. prgtoken Why not honor them for their sacrifice? Why not allow them to have, at last, the honor that they have earned by virtue of their sacrifice? prgtoken This is what we will attempt to do on August 20. We have been doing so now for a number of years. On August 20, Slavery Remembrance Day, we plan to have a major event right here in the Capitol, right here in the facility, just off these grounds in the Capitol Visitor Center. prgtoken We plan to honor them with a day of remembrance. I am honored to say that there are many persons who will be in attendance, including the men of the Masonic Order. They will come and pay tribute, as I will. prgtoken It is about more than tribute. It is about legislation that we have that we will present to do what we did not do. That is not only pay tribute to them, but also to have those who participated in this enslavement by way of their predecessor institutions--I am talking about banks and insurance companies--we have legislation to seek atonement for this behavior of their predecessor institutions. prgtoken More importantly, we will have a final opportunity on that day, as we will on August 20 and all future days, to ask and remind people that we have legislation pending to accord a Congressional Gold Medal to the enslaved. We are asking the President of the United States to present them with a Presidential Medal of Freedom. Give them in death what they never had in life, some semblance of freedom. prgtoken We plan to acknowledge people who have been helpful with this journey. Mr. Steny Hoyer, who at the time was the majority leader, was helpful in getting legislation through the House to acknowledge Sla
MOTION TO DISCHARGE--S.J. RES. 89
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2024-7-11

. In a brief rebuttal, I will tell you a mission dealing with humanitarian assistance is not introducing our soldiers. Point of Order prgtoken , , and that this joint resolution is not entitled to privilege under 50 U.S.C. 1546a due to U.S. troops not being engaged in hostilities. Vote on Point of Order
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Derek Kilmer (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2024-7-11

. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken For the past several years, I have been part of an effort to modernize the legislative branch to ensure that this institution is working better for the American people. The Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress passed 202 recommendations. Roughly two- thirds of them have been fully or partially implemented. We looked at everything from congressional capacity to outdated technology to rising polarization. prgtoken Chair Valadao, Ranking Member Espaillat, and their staffs have been invaluable partners in these efforts. prgtoken Importantly, the FY 2025 bill includes funding for something called the Modernization Initiatives Account, which helps implement some of the open recommendations made by the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress. It also includes language to address a range of other recommendations, including training for Members and staff, improving constituent services, and better use of data. prgtoken These are important efforts because it helps this institution build its capacity to better serve our constituents. prgtoken While a lot has been accomplished, lots of work on implementation remains, and this funding helps. prgtoken Now, I am disappointed that I can't vote for this bill given the partisan riders; however, I remain grateful for the worthwhile investments that are in this bill, the investment that Congress makes in itself not just for the institution but for the institution's ability to serve the people we represent. prgtoken Leaving this institution better off than we found it I think is a responsibility of each Member. It is certainly a responsibility that I will keep in mind during my final 6 months here in the institution. I am grateful, again, to the prgtoken chair and the ranking member for their leadership on this.
UKRAINE DEFENSE
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2024-7-11

today, I introduced the bipartisan Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2024. prgtoken Let me thank my fellow bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus co- chairs and other Members who are strong supporters of Ukraine for introducing this legislation. prgtoken Our bill renews the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022. It enables resumption of the previously granted enhanced authority for the President to lend or lease military equipment and weapons to Ukraine. It will assist Ukraine to defend its people and sovereign territory as they face illegal and unprovoked Russian aggression orchestrated by Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin. prgtoken The Ukrainian people are fighting fiercely for their homeland. During World War II, after the United States was attacked by Imperial Japan, we projected strength and liberty as the arsenal of democracy. We utilized authorities like those contained in this bill to support and defend our besieged Allies. Without such effort, the Axis powers would have won the day. prgtoken As democracy's shield, our Nation, together with our Allies, must stand against tyranny. By engaging every avenue of support available, including through the authorities in this legislation, that will yield victory sooner rather than later. prgtoken , I invite all of our Members to join us to cosponsor this bill.
Unanimous Consent Request--H.R. 8281 (Executive Calendar)
Alex Padilla (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-7-11

in reserving the right to object, I ask you this: How many times do we have to go through this? prgtoken Less than 2 months ago, I came down to the floor of the Senate to object to this very same bill--expressing concerns, answering questions--and here we are again, and nothing has changed. So it doesn't matter how many times this bill comes to the floor. It doesn't matter how many times our colleagues feign outrage over noncitizens unlawfully voting--without a shred of evidence--it doesn't change the fact that, as good as the proponents may make this bill sound or try to make this bill sound, it is nothing other than a solution in search of a problem. prgtoken Now, I speak both as a Senator representing California but also as a former chief elections officer of California, where I--as the secretaries of State across the country, by the way--worked alongside tireless election clerks and administrators across the political spectrum at the State and local levels. Given that experience, I can tell you this: There is no credible evidence of a meaningful number of noncitizens voting in our elections. In 2016, audits showed that noncitizens accounted for 0.0001 percent of the vote. prgtoken Even the conservative Cato Institute has said: Noncitizens don't illegally vote in detectable numbers. prgtoken Now, I am glad Senator Lee mentions the National Voter Registration Act because, as he pointed out, it was upheld by the Supreme Court of the United States in terms of its guidance of what States can and should do and what they cannot do. He also didn't mention that the National Voter Registration Act was adopted on an overwhelming bipartisan vote of Congress. prgtoken But, rather than propose legislation based on facts, this bill would respond to the alarming allegations that s themselves have fabricated. It would create more barriers to exercising the right to vote and would restrict ballot access for even more Americans than is currently the case. It would make voting harder for the more than 21 million eligible voters in America who can't easily access their proof of citizenship. prgtoken I don't know about you. I am not in the habit of carrying around my birth certificate or even my passport. Not everybody has a passport. It doesn't mean you are not a citizen if you don't carry a passport. And I am not just talking about or s; I am talking about Americans of both political parties. The bill would clearly, also, disproportionately impact voters in communities of color. prgtoken In addition, this bill seeks to undermine faith in our elections by injecting fear and uncertainty, particularly in an election cycle, at a time when our democracy demands more calm and understanding of the integrity of the process. prgtoken But Senator Lee and I agree on one thing, believe it or not. That is that voting is a sacred responsibility and that the right to vote, in and
HONORING BERKELEY, ILLINOIS, AS THEY CELEBRATE THEIR CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
Jesús G. "Chuy" García (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-7-11

I rise today to celebrate the centennial anniversary of The Rose Town, the village of Berkeley, Illinois. prgtoken From its origins as a town of German and Dutch farmers with a population just under 800 residents, Berkeley has become a residential town with transportation corridors that give easy access to the metropolitan region. prgtoken Although nestled between two interstates and home to a major railroad and commuter train, Berkeley has managed to maintain a small-town atmosphere. prgtoken One hundred years later, with a population of just over 5,000, Berkeley's streets are lined with residential homes, green spaces, and a bike path, reflecting a community that values its past while embracing progress and diversity. prgtoken Here is to the next 100 years, Berkeley.
HONORING VENTURA HERNANDEZ DE LA TORRE
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-7-11

I rise today to honor the remarkable life of Ventura Hernandez de la Torre, who passed away on July 8 after celebrating his 100th birthday. prgtoken Ventura served under General Patton in World War II and witnessed the destruction of the Nazi regime across Europe. He was there to liberate the survivors of the Buchenwald concentration camp. Later, he was wounded in France while fighting to liberate that great country. prgtoken Upon his return home, Ventura married his sweetheart and started a family in the city of Fullerton in my district. He spent the next several decades in service to others and was a staple across our communities. prgtoken Ventura is part of our Greatest Generation. He is survived by children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many adopted family members. prgtoken I thank Mr. Ventura for his service to our country and our community. We will miss him. God bless him.
KIDS ONLINE SAFETY ACT
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-7-11

I come here today to speak on the continued bipartisan efforts to protect our kids from the risks of social media and other online platforms. prgtoken Three weeks ago, I spoke here on the floor with my good friend and colleague Senator Blumenthal about the need to get two bills done: The Kids Online Safety Act and the Children and Teens' Online Privacy Protection Act. prgtoken Moving on KOSA and COPPA is a top priority of mine. I have listened to so many parents whose kids have been gravely harmed by social media. Some of these kids face bullying or were victims of exploitation and online predators or saw their mental health suffer. And in horrible stories that I have heard on many occasions, in too many instances, the kids took their own lives. Imagine, 13, 14, 15 years old, killing themselves because of what they saw online. And imagine the families who live with the hole in their heart for the rest of their lives. It is horrible. We shouldn't allow it to happen any longer. prgtoken So getting these bills done is very important for the well-being of our kids, but it will require bipartisan cooperation to move forward, as so many things in the Senate do. As all know, there has been a lot of discussion about the best way to proceed. prgtoken I said at the end of June I would give all objectors 2 weeks to offer solutions for addressing their concerns. Sadly, a few of our colleagues continue to block these bills without offering any constructive ideas for how to revise the text. So now we must look ahead, and all options are on the table.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Peter Welch (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2024-7-11

reserving the right to object, the war in Gaza has been a humanitarian catastrophe, and tens of thousands of civilians have been killed and wounded. Thousands of children are not able to obtain medical care that they urgently need. Hundreds of thousands of people in northern Gaza have been told to relocate again and again and again. There is no safe place for these innocent people to go in Gaza. Also, 100 precious lives of hostages do remain in Hamas control. And I am very upset about the escalation of anti-Israel sentiment here in our own country. prgtoken But everyone is painfully aware that Hamas built its underground system of tunnels and military command beneath Gaza schools, hospitals, and other civilian structures. It is a very difficult dilemma, but the answer is not the entire destruction of Gaza. prgtoken And Secretary of Defense Austin said that ``there's a better way'' to prosecute the military campaign and to eliminate Hamas while protecting civilians. That is our military leader. And that is a sentiment that is shared by many U.S. military officers, both active and retired and, incidentally, many Israeli officers. prgtoken Israel has received, as my colleague from Texas knows--and as my colleague from Texas also knows--Israel has continued to receive massive amounts of U.S. weapons, ammunition, and other military aid. And the Congress passed an emergency supplemental, in addition to the fiscal year 2024 appropriations bill. And together, they provide, literally, billions of dollars--billions of dollars--in military aid for Israel. So the suggestion that Israel is lacking for U.S. weapons and ammunition is without any merit whatsoever. prgtoken The conflict between Israelis and Palestinians will not be solved with more bombs, particularly when the Netanyahu government has yet to articulate achievable goals or a credible plan for what comes next after the war ends--something that many Israeli citizens are pointing out and objecting to the manner in which Prime Minister Netanyahu is conducting this war. prgtoken In the meantime, starvation is escalating for women and children-- innocent people in Gaza--who had nothing to do with what happened on October 7. And, incidentally, as the Senator from Texas knows, every single one of us in the Senate is absolutely horrified by what Hamas did on that day, October 7. And as my good friend from Texas said, that was the worst mass murder of innocent Jewish people since the Holocaust--horrifying. prgtoken I think it is fair to say that everybody in this body wants the war to end. They want a secure, peaceful Israel, and we want a secure, peaceful Palestinian State. But the suggestion that the U.S. Government is not providing significant aid to Israel, which I have objected to but this Congress has supported by a very large margin, is flatout wrong. prgtoken So for these reasons, I object.