mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 2, SECURE THE BORDER ACT OF 2023; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1163, PROTECTING TAXPAYERS AND VICTIMS OF UNEMPLOYMENT FRAUD ACT
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-5-10

we are about to debate H.R. 2, a horrible immigration bill that betrays our values, hurts our farmers, and makes it easier to put fentanyl on our streets. prgtoken We are told it was rewritten in a back room in the 's office. I have yet to see the rewrite. In fact, I haven't even heard a description of what was changed. I will say, for the record, from a process standpoint, this is as bad as it gets. My friends should be ashamed of themselves. prgtoken But wait. There is even more. I wasn't planning to speak today, but I have to point out the ridiculous hypocrisy of what is going on. prgtoken s are here on the floor with straight faces acting like unemployment insurance fraud is one of the top problems in America. They ignore billionaires who pay no taxes, but they want us to believe there is an unemployment insurance crime spree, and so here we are. prgtoken They are going after farmers and veterans. They are going after workers and families that needed help during the pandemic while, at the same time, a sitting member of the House Conference was indicted in Federal court this morning for unemployment fraud. prgtoken Let me repeat that. We have a Member of this body, a member of this Conference, a key swing vote on their debt ceiling bill, a key swing vote to secure Kevin McCarthy's speakership who, this morning, was in Federal custody for--let me quote this from the indictment: ``Falsely claimed to have been unemployed'' while he was making $120,000 a year. prgtoken I mean, is this a joke? George Santos allegedly stole almost $25,000 in unemployment benefits. prgtoken Here is the part that you can't make up. This is too absurd to be true, but it is. Their bill defunds the program that catches people who commit this kind of fraud. prgtoken I have a letter in front of me from the Department of Labor, which I will insert into the Record, that says, their bill defunds the program that helps them catch fraud. prgtoken Now, maybe that is why George Santos cosponsored it. Of course he did. If this becomes law, maybe he would have gotten away with it. I think we should rename this the George Anthony Devolder Santos fraudster protection act. prgtoken What is that old horror movie saying? The call is coming from inside the house. You are going after fraud, but the fraud is coming from inside the Conference. Deal with that. prgtoken Here is the bottom line: The modern GOP has become the party of corruption and crime. It is all about power for them. They put their own power above the people we represent. prgtoken Their frontrunner for President is a sexual abuser and has been indicted for his illegal hush money payments to cover up his affair. They won't denounce it. prgtoken Their key swing vote was in Federal custody for allegedly stealing unemployment benefits and lying to Congress, and they won't kick him out. prgtoken They want to gut the Office of Congressional Ethics, and they
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2023-5-10

I have 10 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority Leaders. prgtoken Pursuant to Rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: committee on agriculture, nutrition, and forestry prgtoken The Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing on a nomination. committee on armed services prgtoken The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet in closed session during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. commitiee on commerce, science, and transportation prgtoken The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is authorized to meet in executive session during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at 10 a.m. committee on environment and public works prgtoken The Committee on Environment and Public Works is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing on a nomination. committee on foreign relations prgtoken The Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at 9:45 a.m to conduct a hearing. committee on health, education, labor, and pensions prgtoken The Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at 1 p.m to conduct a hearing. committee on rules and administration prgtoken The Committee on Rules and Administration is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at 2:45 p.m to conduct a hearing. select committee on intelligence prgtoken The Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at 2:30 p.m to conduct a closed briefing. subcommittee on national parks prgtoken The Subcommittee on National Parks of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. subcommittee on strategic forces prgtoken The Subcommittee on Strategic Forces of the Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet in closed session during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at 8:30 a.m.
SECURE THE BORDER ACT OF 2023
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-5-10

just one last point. prgtoken Ironically, it seems that the child deportation act may actually undermine the MAGA extreme deportation agenda. prgtoken Listening to my colleague, the ranking member from Mississippi, we have already torn children and babies away from their families. Now, it appears that we won't even help women who might be pregnant in this endeavor. I mean, how far do you want to go?
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2023-5-10

I rise today to recognize the Connecticut Audubon Society as it celebrates 125 years of dedication to the protection and preservation of Connecticut's birds, other wildlife, and their habitats. prgtoken The Connecticut Audubon Society was founded in 1898 in Fairfield, CT, by a group including the noted author and conservationist Mabel Osgood Wright. In its first year, the group rapidly expanded into a statewide organization, with members in towns and cities across Connecticut, including Bristol, Ivoryton, Bridgeport, Brooklyn, New Haven, Hartford, Roxbury, Farmington, and Greenwich. On June 4, 1898, the organization ratified its first by-laws and outlined its purpose: ``to discourage the destruction of birds and their eggs, and to promote the study of nature.'' Connecticut Audubon Society remains true to this purpose today, while also having expanded the scope of their work to conservation efforts more broadly. prgtoken For more than a century, the Connecticut Audubon Society has provided refuges for birds and other wildlife and important opportunities for people to enjoy nature at its sanctuaries and preserves. Today, the organization manages 22 sanctuaries totaling more than 3,400 acres, including the oldest private songbird sanctuary in the United States, Birdcraft, established in 1914. The organization now has regional centers in Fairfield, Milford, Old Lyme, Pomfret, Hampton, and Sherman, an educational program in Hartford, and an EcoTravel office in Essex--a truly statewide presence, bringing their important work to all corners of Connecticut. prgtoken One hundred and twenty-five years after its founding, the Connecticut Audubon Society continues its vital mission through conservation, education, and advocacy. The organization boasts 5,600 member-families in every town in the State, and its outdoor conservation, science, and education programs reach more than 100,000 students and adults each year. prgtoken Dedicated to preserving our natural heritage and advocating for a more sustainable future, the Connecticut Audubon Society is a positive model for environmental education and wildlife conservation. I applaud its many accomplishments and hope my colleagues will join me in congratulating the Connecticut Audubon Society on 125 years of unceasing commitment to ecological and environmental excellence.
UNITED STATES NORTHERN BORDER FINALLY REOPENS
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-5-10

after 3 long years of COVID restrictions, on May 12, the United States' northern border finally reopens fully to our Canadian neighbors. This is a turning point in rebuilding the relationships and economies along the U.S.-Canadian border. prgtoken In 2019, prior to the pandemic, domestic and international travel spending reached $3.1 billion in my western New York district alone. prgtoken As we emerge from a global health crisis and celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week, let's seek out opportunities to encourage and ease travel in the United States. This includes adequately funding Federal agencies to support travel, investing in infrastructure, and modernizing NEXUS and passports to improve the travel experience. prgtoken Together, we can highlight U.S. destinations ready to be explored and grow the economy.
HONORING THE CHICAGO CHAPTER NATIONAL BLACK NURSES ASSOCIATION
Jonathan L. Jackson (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-5-10

I rise today, from the 1st Congressional District of the great state of Illinois, to recognize the outstanding contributions and dedication of the Chicago Chapter National Black Nurses Association with the following Proclamation: prgtoken Whereas, the nursing profession is a critical component of our healthcare system, ensuring the delivery of compassionate and quality care to patients in need, and; prgtoken Whereas, the Chicago Chapter National Black Nurses Association serves as a powerful voice for Black Nurses, fostering collective action to investigate, define, and advocate for the healthcare needs of African Americans while striving to ensure access to healthcare that meets or exceeds the standards of the larger society, and; prgtoken Whereas, the National Black Nurses Association and their state affiliate, the Chicago Chapter National Black Nurses Association, are committed to improving the quality of life of persons who share the African American heritage and other ethnic groups by: prgtoken Building consumer knowledge and understanding of health care issues. prgtoken Educating and mentoring registered nurses, licensed vocational/ practical nurses, nursing students, and retired nurses. prgtoken Facilitating the professional development, political advocacy, and career advancement of nurses in shaping emerging healthcare systems. prgtoken Promoting economic development of nurses through entrepreneurial and other business initiatives, and; prgtoken Whereas, the Chicago Chapter National Black Nurses Association has tirelessly worked to reduce health disparities in the African American community and promote diversity within the nursing profession, striving to prgtoken create a healthcare system that is more equitable and accessible to all, and; prgtoken Whereas we recognize the extraordinary contributions of the Chicago Chapter National Black Nurses Association, who have demonstrated unwavering dedication to the health and well-being of our citizens, particularly in historically underserved communities, and; prgtoken Therefore, in honor of their work, dedication, and voice, I acknowledge the crucial role played by the Chicago Chapter National Black Nurses Association as a driving force for positive change in our community. In alignment with the National Nurses Week from May 6 through May 12, 2023, let us celebrate and appreciate the invaluable impact of all nurses in the Chicago Chapter and across the Nation during this celebratory Nurses Week.
National Institutes of Health (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-5-10

they say that baseball is the great American sport, and I am a fan. I love watching baseball games, especially the Cubs and the Cards and the White Sox in the region where I grew up. But possibly one of the greatest moments remembered in baseball actually didn't occur during a game; it occurred in 1939 when a baseball player by the name of Lou Gehrig of the New York Yankees gave a famous farewell speech at Yankee Stadium. prgtoken Gehrig was an amazing baseball player. Naturally, he is in the Baseball Hall of Fame. He was indestructible. His nickname was the ``Iron Horse''--so durable, so dependable. He was always there. prgtoken In April of that year, 1939, he had removed himself from the game, saying he couldn't play any longer. Then, just a few weeks later, he made his famous farewell speech at Yankee Stadium. He was sick and suffering from a rare disease, known as ALS, but he stood up there in front of that microphone. We can still remember it in our mind's eye-- that black and white film--when he announced he was the luckiest man on Earth. He died 2 years later from ALS. prgtoken The disease, because of his prominence and the public sentiment and profile, became known forever as Lou Gehrig's disease. It is still with us. It still is as virulent and deadly as it was in his time. prgtoken I have come to know a number of people who have suffered from that disease. prgtoken Recently, just a few months ago, my dear friend Gary LaPaille, who was the State chairman of the Illinois ic Party when I ran for the U.S. Senate and who was a strong supporter, passed away from ALS. prgtoken A great friend of mine, Bill Brandt, who lives in the suburbs of Chicago, is now battling it. prgtoken This morning, I had a visit in my office from Brian Wallach. Brian Wallach and his wife Sandra have been dealing with the diagnosis of more than 6 years ago, of ALS. Brian is still with us, thank goodness, because of his determination and the determination of his family. prgtoken Brian is an unusual and extraordinary person. He was working in the White House with Sandra when they decided to marry. He is an exceptional, talented individual, as is his wife Sandra, who served as my communications director for many years. prgtoken When the diagnosis was handed down, it was a few days before they brought home their baby from the hospital--a little girl--6 years ago, but they were determined that Brian was going to see as much of her life as possible even though he had been diagnosed with ALS. So they created an organization known as I AM ALS and set out with an agenda to beat the disease. prgtoken Brian has been an amazing fighter in dealing with that disease and in trying to find ways to cure himself but, basically, to cure others who might be diagnosed in the years to come. Their focus is on many different areas, but primarily it is on medical research. What they have achieved when it comes to medical research--just
SECURE THE BORDER ACT OF 2023
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2023-5-10

on February 1, the last speaker voted against the public health emergency that served as the legal basis for the use of title 42 at the southwest border. prgtoken My colleagues want to have it both ways, which is why, I guess, he supports H.R. 2, the child deportation act. prgtoken , I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Grijalva), the ranking member of the Natural Resources Committee.
RECOGNIZING THE GREATER PRINCE GEORGE'S BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE ON ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2023-5-10

I would like to take this occasion to congratulate the Greater Prince George's Business Roundtable, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary tomorrow at MGM National Harbor. Since 2003, the roundtable--a nonprofit, nonpartisan business alliance of chief executives whose companies employ nearly 60,000 people--has worked to improve the county's political and economic landscape and enhance the county residents' quality of life. prgtoken Nearly 200 years ago, in ``Democracy in America,'' Alexis de Tocqueville wrote, ``In America I encountered sorts of associations of which, I confess, I had no idea, and I often admired the infinite art with which the inhabitants of the United States managed to fix a common goal to the efforts of many men and to get them to advance to it freely.'' Voluntary associations, de Tocqueville observed, were one of the building blocks upon which our democratic self-governance rests. prgtoken The roundtable is a perfect example of such an association. Its members participate voluntarily, hosting community forums on crime and education, creating a VisionFramework to help residents imagine a bright future for the county, and producing a Quality of Life Index to gauge the county's progress toward that future. The roundtable established and runs the Andrews Business and Community Alliance, which promotes Joint Base Andrews, the home of Air Force One, the 459th Air Refueling Wing, and one of the county's two largest employers. All these activities and efforts are done collaboratively, with input from residents and in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. As the roundtable's home page states so eloquently, ``We believe that business is more than just adjusting overhead or the bottom line. We believe that by giving of our time, our expertise and our inherent sense of altruism, we will help to bring about a better home for all Prince Georgians.'' prgtoken I want to thank Jim Estepp, the roundtable's president and chief executive officer; Doyle Mitchell, Jr the roundtable's board secretary and treasurer; Michael Chiaramonte, the board chair; the other board members; and all roundtable members for their indefatigable efforts to make Prince George's County a better place to live and work in. I have been privileged and please to work with the roundtable on so many initiatives these last 20 years. I congratulate the roundtable, confident in my expectation that the next 20 years will bring even more success.
Senator Dianne Feinstein (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-5-10

first thing this morning, on a happy note, I join my fellow Senators in welcoming back our dear friend and esteemed colleague Dianne Feinstein. It is so good to see her back here at the Senate, ready to get back to work. prgtoken I have been in touch with Senator Feinstein over the past few weeks, and I can report she is exactly where she wants to be, ready to do the thing she loves most: serving the people of California. prgtoken So, Senator Feinstein, we are so happy to see you. Welcome back.
Unanimous Consent Request--Executive Calendar (Executive Calendar)
Michael F. Bennet (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2023-5-10

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of the following nominations en bloc: Calendar Nos. 46 through No. 52, No. 82 through No. 107, No. 110 through No. 113, No. 130 through No. 139; that the nominations be confirmed en bloc, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate; that no further motions be in order to any of the nominations; that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
CREATE A LEGAL PATHWAY TO CITIZENSHIP
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-5-10

. Madam , I rise to recognize mothers of the Michigan 12th Congressional District and across our country. I wish them all Happy Mother's Day. prgtoken I am proud to be a mother of two incredible boys. That is why, last year, I joined Mothering Justice, a national organization made up of mothers to create the first-ever Congressional Mamas' Caucus. prgtoken We are fighting together for fair and equitable access to childcare, paid leave, and benefits for our care workers, and real economic justice for our families. prgtoken In the Mamas' Caucus, we are committed to advocating for all mamas. We must not only pass important policies about mothers to help mothers but with our mothers. That is why the Congressional Mamas' Caucus is so incredibly important. prgtoken We all know the cost of raising a family in our country is among the highest in the world and that our policies and social safety nets too often leave our families behind, especially communities of color. We also know that mamas are on the front lines of our fight for reproductive justice and more. prgtoken Again, we cannot leave them behind, and we cannot continue to talk about policies that directly impact them without them being there at the table to shape those policies so it can be transformative and meaningful. prgtoken If anything, Madam , the pandemic exposed just how broken our safety nets were, and the Mamas' Caucus remains committed to ending child poverty, to focus on those safety nets that continue to not serve our families currently. prgtoken I read a quote during the pandemic that I think resonates why the Mamas' Caucus is so important in this Chamber. It was a quote by a wonderful poet, Sonya Renee Taylor. In the midst and height of the pandemic, she said: ``We will not go back to normal. Normal never was. Our pre-corona existence was not normal other than we normalized greed, inequity, exhaustion, depletion, extraction, disconnection, confusion, rage, hoarding, hate, and lack. We should not long to return, my friends. We are being given the opportunity to stitch a new garment, one that fits all of humanity and nature.'' prgtoken Again, this was her expression, and it resonates for mothers like myself and across the country an understanding that the pandemic gave us an opportunity to recognize those broken systems and how we need to create a new garment. The way we can do it is by bringing mothers in the room as we develop these policies that directly impact all of our families. prgtoken Madam , I welcome my colleagues to be engaged with the Congressional Mamas' Caucus, to engage on the policies we are pushing forward. I appreciate this opportunity to uplift them in this Chamber every day--not only on Mother's Day, but every single day.
END GUN VIOLENCE
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-5-10

since we were last together on the floor, gun violence has been unending. There were eight dead, seven injured at a shopping mall in Allen, Texas; one dead, four injured at a medical office in Atlanta, Georgia; six dead in Henryetta, Oklahoma; and five dead in Cleveland, Texas. These are just the high- visibility mass shootings. prgtoken Gun violence is the leading cause of death for children and teenagers and is costing our country $280 billion a year. Kids shouldn't worry about being shot if their basketball rolls into a neighbor's yard or if they knock on a door. Teenagers shouldn't worry about being shot if they pull into the wrong driveway. Families shouldn't worry about being shot if they go shopping. prgtoken leadership must listen to the majority of Americans, including s and gun owners who support gun violence prevention laws. prgtoken , I am calling on my colleagues in the majority to bring lifesaving gun violence prevention legislation to this House floor for a vote as soon as we can.