mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
JOSEPH WOODROW HATCHETT UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE AND FEDERAL BUILDING
Ken Buck (Republican, CO) \u2014 2022-6-24

it is estimated that legal guns save 162,000 lives annually and prevent 2.5 million crimes a year, or 6,849 crimes every day. By their own admission, criminals fear armed citizens more than they fear the police. prgtoken Up to 90 percent of criminals who commit crimes with a gun do not acquire that firearm legally. prgtoken We have serious problems in this country involving family, drugs, and mental health. Those issues have been going in the wrong direction for decades. Instead of addressing these issues head-on, the bill will instead jeopardize the right to bear arms for millions of law-abiding citizens. prgtoken Decades of Supreme Court precedent prevent the government from exercising prior restraint on our First Amendment rights to free speech. We should not treat the Second Amendment differently. prgtoken The Court just spoke forcefully in favor of this right. This body should do the same. I urge a ``no'' vote.
JOSEPH WOODROW HATCHETT UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE AND FEDERAL BUILDING
Chip Roy (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-6-24

I thank the gentleman from Ohio for yielding. prgtoken Today, the United States Supreme Court stood up in defense of the Constitution in recognizing that it is the people--the people--who should be able to come together and make decisions about life and to be able to stand up and protect the God-given right to life. prgtoken Here today on the floor of this body, the people's House--the so- called people's House--is taking up legislation that is in direct conflict with the United States Constitution, our Bill of Rights, and the right to keep and bear arms. It is purposeful. prgtoken Do you know what? prgtoken When our colleagues say things like what the President said, that whether it is a 9-millimeter pistol or a rifle, I am going to continue to push to eliminate the sale of those things. When it is Representative Mondaire Jones saying that semi-automatic weapons would qualify as assault weapons and these things should be banned. Or when the tweeted that semi-automatic rifles are weapons of war, then we should believe you. prgtoken We should believe you that you want to take those weapons. That is what you are saying. That is what my colleagues are saying. prgtoken Here is the thing: my colleagues say, oh, don't worry, this is just money for mental health. prgtoken Do you know what my colleagues on the other side of the aisle and some academics say? prgtoken They have put out stories talking about how supposedly conservatives are suffering from mental health issues and that s have become the cult of the mentally ill. ``Is political conservatism a mild form of insanity?'' writes Psychology Today. prgtoken You get article after article. prgtoken What do you think you want to do with the mental health money? What do you think you want to do? prgtoken You want to come after our ability to defend ourselves against the very tyranny you want to undermine by taking away the weapons we can use to defend ourselves against that tyranny. That is the purpose. prgtoken My colleagues on this side of the aisle--the handful who are going along with it--should be ashamed of themselves because right now, today, we have a duty to stand up here and defend our right to defend ourselves against the very tyranny that you ignore.
JOSEPH WOODROW HATCHETT UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE AND FEDERAL BUILDING
Thomas Massie (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-6-24

I thank the gentleman from Ohio for yielding time. prgtoken The today describe this Senate bill as a step forward. If you are saving lives, it is a step backward, folks. If you are banning guns, it is a small step forward. Yes, in fact, it is. prgtoken Almost everybody on the other side of the aisle today said, it doesn't go far enough. What do they mean? Well, it is a red flag law bill, and they want to take all of the guns from some of the people. prgtoken It doesn't go far enough for them because it doesn't yet take all of the guns from all of the people. That is their goal. prgtoken Who has taken a step forward, which institution, which branch of government? Well, actually, if you are counting how many lives are going to be saved, you have to consider that the Supreme Court is the institution, the branch of government, that has taken two steps forward in the last 48 hours to save lives. prgtoken One of those steps was to reaffirm the Heller decision that men and prgtoken women in this country have the right to defend their own lives. prgtoken The second step taken today was to affirm that the State legislatures have the right to defend the lives of the unborn. prgtoken This bill is ineffective, unconstitutional, and ill-conceived without consideration for the dangerous unintended consequences. prgtoken Did the drafters consider that changing the definition of ``gun dealer'' to be more ambiguous is going to make every American a gun dealer when they transfer a gun to a friend or a family member? prgtoken Did the Senators consider in their sleep deprivation when they drafted this bill hurriedly, late at night, that using childhood mental health records as a basis for denying adults their basic rights to self-defense is going to discourage many parents from seeking mental health care for their children? prgtoken If children who need it go without mental health care and early intervention, their conditions will grow worse. We will see more suicides, and we will see more mass shootings. Unfortunately and inevitably, this bill will cost more lives than it will save. prgtoken Red flag laws are going to have the same effect that considering mental health care for children will have. People will not seek mental health care, and we will see more damage to the American public. prgtoken If politicians here were serious--and they are not serious. They are going to come back. They will be back. prgtoken You will be back here in 6 months, a year. You will want another bite at the apple to ban guns because this bill won't do it. This bill won't do what you say. prgtoken If you were serious, you would acknowledge that 96 percent of mass public shootings happen in an area where guns are banned, and they would repeal the prohibitions that keep law-abiding citizens from exercising their God-given rights enshrined in the Second Amendment.
HONORING NANCY GOLDBERG
Jared Huffman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-6-28

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of Nancy Goldberg upon her retirement as Board President of the Rhoda Goldman Plaza assisted living facility in San Francisco and more than 50 years of nonprofit service. prgtoken As Board President, Nancy has steered Rhoda Goldman Plaza through a difficult three years, demonstrating impeccable leadership and ingenuity as assisted living facilities throughout the country navigated unprecedented challenges and worked to establish a new normal related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The residents and staff fared relatively well through this trying time under the guidance of strong management. This work caps off half a century of advocacy on behalf of the Jewish community and tireless efforts to combat human trafficking and domestic violence. prgtoken Nancy has served on numerous boards throughout her prolific career, including as a member of the American Jewish Congress, President of the Jewish Family and Children's Services of San Francisco, and Chair of the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California. For her outstanding leadership and advocacy on behalf of the Jewish community in California, the Jewish Community Relations Council awarded her both the Earl Raab Award in 2009 and Tom Lantos Memorial Humanitarian Award in 2011 in conjunction with her husband, the late Larry Goldberg. prgtoken Dedicating years to fighting human trafficking, Nancy is Co-founder of the Jewish Coalition to End Human Trafficking and Co-founder and first Co-chair of the San Francisco Collaborative Against Human Trafficking (SFCAHT), coordinated by the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW). For this transformative work she earned the SFCAHT's Inspiring Leadership Award in 2019 and NCJW's Hannah G. Solomon Award in 2014. Although she is retiring as President from Rhoda Goldman Plaza, her volunteer pursuits are ongoing. prgtoken Nancy's contributions to improving the quality of live for countless individuals throughout the region through public service and philanthropy has been, and will continue to be, productive and enduring. Madam , I respectfully ask that you join me in expressing gratitude to Nancy for her enduring commitment to public service and extending best wishes for years to come.
JOSEPH WOODROW HATCHETT UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE AND FEDERAL BUILDING
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2022-6-28

I rise today to share my concerns regarding the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. While I support the underlying bill and appreciate that several Senators finally came to the table to work with to address our nation's gun violence epidemic, I remain troubled by the legislation's possible expansion of the federal death penalty and the creation of broad new criminal offenses that may disproportionately impact Black and Brown communities. prgtoken Specifically, with regard to the expansion of the federal death penalty, I have not been given a clear answer as to the impact of the legislation's additions to the definition of ``racketeering activity'' in 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1961(1), commonly known as ``RICO predicates.'' On its face and cross referencing the impacted provisions in Title 18, it appears that murder committed in the furtherance of these new RICO predicates would trigger the federal death penalty. In states that do not have the death penalty, this creates an opportunity for federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty in states where it does not currently exist. It is possible that but for these changes, a new universe of defendants would now be subject to the federal death penalty. prgtoken The Senate Judiciary Committee staff circulated a document that appears to confirm my reading of this provision. However, the Department of Justice sent a dismissive e-mail to staff simply stating that ``changes to RICO laws do not constitute an expansion of the potential applications of the federal death penalty as a matter of law.'' While I hope this is indeed the case, DOJ provided no citation to federal law or reference to internal Department memorandum directing charging decisions. I hope that the Department provides Congress with their legal authority on this matter expeditiously. prgtoken I also consulted several experts in the criminal justice defense community who also confirmed that this bill expands federal death penalty-eligible offenses. However, there is no consensus as to the magnitude of these expansions. While this may in fact not be a measurable expansion, I have been troubled by the lack of comprehensive legal analysis available for a reasonable understanding of the breadth of this legislation. prgtoken While I find this troubling, I will vote in favor of this bill. It should not go uncelebrated that this is the first significant legislative effort in thirty years that attempts to address the scourge of gun violence in our country. I have a long record of supporting measures to curb the epidemic of gun violence and it includes provisions I have long supported. This bill closes the boyfriend loophole for domestic abusers, enhances background checks for those aged 18 to 21 when purchasing a gun, and provides incentives to states to enact red flag laws that protects individuals in crisis from perpetuating further harm on themselves or others. But without adequate time for me
RECOGNIZING THE JUNE CONSTITUENT OF THE MONTH KEVIN LEE
Mike Levin (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-6-28

. Madam , it is my great honor to recognize Carlsbad resident Kevin Lee as my June Constituent of the Month. Lee has dedicated countless hours to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and help prgtoken make our community a more inclusive and welcoming place. Through his work, Lee has inspired many others to join in his efforts to support the LGBTQ+ community. prgtoken Kevin Lee is the Chair and a Founding Member of the San Diego Queer Asian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, and Desi American (QAPIMEDA) Coalition. In this capacity, Lee works with his QAPIMEDA leadership team to build out programming and a sense of belonging for the LGBTQ+ API community in San Diego. Now more than ever it is important that all LGBTQ+ members of our community feel welcome and have the support they need, and I am grateful for Kevin's work to foster that in our region. prgtoken Kevin Lee also serves as Environmental Impact and Compliance Specialist at Dr. Bronner's, a local organic body care and food company. In this position, Lee works to advance green initiatives, monitors the company's environmental impact, manages environmental compliance, and co-chairs the Dr. Bronner's Green Team. As we work to combat the climate crisis, companies like Dr. Bronner's must lead the way in reducing their environmental footprint and help protect our planet for future generations, and I am proud of people like Kevin who are doing that work every day. prgtoken Through his work as an environmental rights and LGBTQ+ advocate, Kevin has dedicated countless hours to better our community and inspired many others to join in his efforts. During Pride Month, I am proud to celebrate the exceptional work of individuals like Kevin Lee who volunteer their time and contribute to our unique and beautiful district. I am so grateful for CA-49 residents who dedicate their lives to the betterment of our residents and community, and I am proud to honor Kevin Lee as my June Constituent of the Month.
ANTICIPATING U.S. VS. WALES IN THE WORLD CUP
H. Morgan Griffith (Republican, VA) \u2014 2022-6-28

. Madam , I rise today to offer congratulations ahead of this year's World Cup in November. For the first time in 8 years, the U.S. men's national soccer team has qualified for the most important tournament in world soccer. As the Chairman of the Congressional Friends of Wales Caucus, I would also like to congratulate Wales on reaching the World Cup for the first time since 1958. prgtoken The historic links between the United States and Wales are very strong. The Welsh were among the early settlers to North America to pursue religious liberty and the opportunity to create a better life for themselves and their descendants. At least five signers of the Declaration of Independence had a Welsh background, including its primary author, Thomas Jefferson. By now there are endless links between the United States and Wales, from economic to academic to cultural connections. prgtoken On November 21, 2022, a new link will be created. The countries will face each other in the first match of their World Cup campaigns--and it will be the first time the United States and Wales have faced each other in a World Cup. This day will be a special day for Americans, Welsh, and Welsh-Americans all around the world to come together and celebrate what both countries have achieved. prgtoken As one of the millions of Welsh-Americans, I look forward to cheering both countries in the World Cup--albeit on November 21 I will be supporting the United States.
HONORING ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Andy Barr (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-6-28

. Madam , I rise to today to honor St. John's Episcopal Church in Versailles, Kentucky, on their 175th anniversary. prgtoken The church was officially established on June 29, 1847, under the leadership of Reverend John N. Norton and Mr. John Amsden. The current church building was consecrated on May 28, 1885. In 1930, the parish house and the chapel, gifts from Senator Johnson Camden and family, were consecrated. The church has been visited by important dignitaries including Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II of England in 1986 and President George Herbert Walker , who worshipped unannounced at St. John's in 1989. prgtoken As the congregation gathers to celebrate the 175th anniversary, I recognize the impact that this congregation has made on the Versailles community over the years. The church has reached thousands of people with material needs and spiritual sustenance. prgtoken I congratulate the Reverend Dana Lockhart and all the members of St. John's Episcopal Church in Versailles on their 175th anniversary and wish them many more years of successful ministry, serving God and reaching out to the community.
RECOGNIZING WINDBER BOROUGH
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-6-28

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the Borough of Windber as it celebrates its 125th anniversary of incorporation. prgtoken The Borough of Windber was established in 1897. The first people to settle here were the miners and energy producers who came to our area to mine the metallurgic coal that we still use and rely on to this day. Since its beginnings, Windber has grown to be an essential part of western Pennsylvania--and is home to businesses and organizations including Windber Hospital, that do incredible work for the Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District. prgtoken Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Windber has been recognized for the important work that was done here which included mine the coal, produce the lumber, and create the fire bricks that would build cities and towns across our region. prgtoken It is an honor to recognize the Borough of Windber's Quasquicentennial celebration, and I look forward to continuing to work with residents and community leaders in Windber to bring the resources, tools, and family-sustaining jobs that are needed to ensure another successful century.
IN HONOR OF THE LIFE OF MR. SEAN SANFORD SIMS
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2022-7-1

. Madam , I rise today in honor of the life of Sean Sanford Sims who passed away on June 19, 2022. His honorable service to our country, the state of Michigan, and to our local community is worthy of commendation. prgtoken Mr. Sims was born on December 28, 1970, to Shirley Ann and Walter Sims of Detroit, Michigan. He was the brother of Willie Erwin. In 1989, after graduating from Chadsey High School, he heard the call of his Nation and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. During his time of military duty, he courageously served in the Persian Gulf and Desert Storm Wars, rising to the rank of Lance Corporal at the time of his honorable discharge. After completing his military service, he returned home and went on to receive his higher education degrees, earning a bachelor's degree in Sociology and a master's degree in Social Work, both from Wayne State University. prgtoken A dedicated member of his community, Mr. Sims was employed by the State of Michigan after his time in the military. Since 2000, he worked as a Veteran Career Advisor within the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity at Michigan Works! in Ypsilanti. Throughout his career, he touched the lives of many, changing their path for good. He provided training, counseling, and case management to Michigan veterans in Washtenaw County and from around southeast Michigan. prgtoken Mr. Sims was a reliable, kind man that cared deeply about his friends and family. He enjoyed meeting and talking to all kinds of people, was committed to public service, and always made sure to make time for those he cared about. Mr. Sims enjoyed the little things in life and always finding something to laugh about. He resided in Ann Arbor and was a father figure to those who knew him, including Patrick. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Mr. Sean Sanford Sims. He was a dedicated veteran, a true public servant, and most importantly--a friend to all. He will be deeply missed, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.
RECOGNIZING THE EXEMPLARY CONTRIBUTIONS OF JON J.P. FERNANDEZ TO THE COMMUNITY OF GUAM AS SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION
Michael F. Q. San Nicolas (Democrat, GU) \u2014 2022-7-1

. Madam , I rise today to recognize an exemplary leader and public servant, Mr. Jon J.P. Fernandez, and congratulate him for over a decade of service to the People of Guam as Superintendent of Education. I would like to further commend him for his distinguished advocacy, commitment to community, and investment in the future of our island, region, nation, and world as demonstrated throughout his tenure at the helm of the Guam Department of Education (GDOE). prgtoken In navigating a unique path to public service, Superintendent Fernandez first earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy from the University of Arkansas in 1995. He then went on to obtain his master's in public policy from Harvard University and, by 2005, gained a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University. Building the foundations for an accomplished career, Superintendent Fernandez served as a Senior Analyst in Strategic Consulting for CB Richard Ellis/Torto Wheaton Research and later served in our Nation's capital as both a policy director for D.C. Mayor Anthony A. Williams and Managing Director for the Federal City Council. prgtoken Upon returning home to lead GDOE's 41 schools, approximately 28,000 schoolchildren, and 3,800 employees while managing hundreds of millions of dollars in annual local and federal funding, Superintendent Fernandez charted a course renewed in purpose and charged with progress. Under his leadership, GDOE increased its graduation rate to a record-high 89 percent in 2021, became the prgtoken first WASC school district to gain accreditation for all its schools, achieved nine consecutive clean financial and compliance audits, removed four of its seven special compliance conditions imposed by the USDOE, founded its first K-5 CHamoru language immersion program, created vital credit recovery programs for Guam's two success academies, established a new Tiyan High School, expanded Okkodo High School, and renovated Untalan Middle School. Outside of improved standards and instruction, he has also spearheaded the integration of technology and STEM in the classroom, expansion of programs that promote college and career readiness, and a bolstered school-based behavioral health support system while securing accolades such as two MagPro Best Government Large Agency of the Year awards, three Pika's Best Government Agency of the Year awards, and the 2019 Professor John M. Phillips Excellence in Government Accountability Award. Moreover, amid the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, Superintendent Fernandez catalyzed comprehensive community support to include launching school meal and community feeding sites, implementing distance learning, ensuring safe practices and protocols in all schools, mobilizing vaccination clinics for employees and students, and pushing for students to return to the classroom. prgtoken Beyond these organizational triumphs, Superintendent Fernandez further realized historic personal achievements. In addition to holdin
SUPPORTING SENATE AMENDMENTS TO THE HOUSE AMENDMENT TO S. 2938
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-7-1

. Madam , with the passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, Congress has come together to address the deadly gun violence epidemic that has plagued our communities and the innocent children in them for far too long. The Act will finally codify enhanced background checks for individuals under 21, fund mental health and school safety, provide incentives for states to implement ``red flag'' laws, limit the ``boyfriend loophole'' and prohibit the straw purchasing and trafficking of firearms--a provision that I have worked on for over a decade. This legislation represents one of the most significant steps Congress has taken to reduce gun violence in nearly 30 years. The American public and its children will be safer because of the passage of this groundbreaking bipartisan bill and the legacy of this legislation will resonate for years to come.