mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
SECURE THE BORDER ACT OF 2023
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-5-10

I thank the gentleman from Mississippi for yielding. prgtoken , I rise today to discuss H.R. 2, the House s' border bill that fails to fix our broken immigration system. prgtoken I have been to our southern border twice since January because I do believe it is important that we experience those challenges firsthand. Despite there being an immense amount of work to do at our border, this legislation fails to meet the moment. prgtoken Instead of solutions, s want a wall; a wall that would immediately be obsolete upon completion and would only serve as a painful reminder of the s' failed border policies; a wall that would cost almost $25 million per mile to complete, resulting in a total bill to the American taxpayers of over $11 billion. prgtoken For a party that talks about wasteful government spending, how can this possibly be the best use of our taxpayer dollars? prgtoken , I and my colleagues on the Homeland Security Committee offered numerous amendments to this prgtoken bill to address some of its core deficiencies. When I offered an amendment to strike this wasteful spending on an inefficient wall, it was rejected by every single . prgtoken Operation Blue Lotus, a administration program, has stopped over 4,000 pounds of fentanyl from being brought into the U.S. and has led to dozens of arrests and the seizure of thousands of pounds of illicit drugs. Yet, when I offered an amendment to provide congressional authorization for this successful program, it was rejected, again, by every single . prgtoken Even on the issues that s talk most about, like fentanyl, this bill fails to address those challenges. prgtoken Even worse, this bill treats migrants as our enemies instead of our neighbors who are simply looking to give their families the opportunities to be hopeful about their tomorrows, to give them their fair shot at their American Dream, the fair shot that all of our families were given by this country. prgtoken This bill also seeks to punish nonprofits and NGOs that, by caring for our most vulnerable neighbors, reflect the best of who we are as a country. Organizations like Catholic Charities that feed, house, and take care of migrants could lose Federal funding by simply fulfilling their spiritual mission of supporting those most in need. prgtoken offered amendments to ensure that NGOs would not be penalized for providing services to pregnant women, children, and families. Each amendment failed because not a single was willing to stand up and vote for it. prgtoken This should not be who we are as a country. If this bill becomes law, it will say to the world that this is who we have become. prgtoken , I am a ``no'' on H.R. 2, and I urge all of my colleagues to do the same.
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
Teresa Leger Fernandez (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2023-5-10

I have been at the border. I have seen the sadness and faint hope in the faces of the children seeking asylum. Imagine the desperation a mother must feel sending a child across a treacherous path to seek asylum in the United States. prgtoken It reminds me of another refugee, a mother who knew that if she did not send her child away, he would surely be killed. She placed her baby in a raft and sent him across the river. prgtoken It was the Nile River. The baby was Moses. prgtoken , the bill we are taking up today would take away important asylum paths for children. I call upon my colleagues to remember the story of Moses, to remember the humanity that must be a guiding principle for the United States in our asylum laws. prgtoken Our immigration system is surely broken. H.R. 2, though, does not fix it. s, instead, are creating more chaos. s are creating more chaos at the border. Chaos, not humanity, appears to be their guiding principle. prgtoken This bill destroys the asylum seekers, wrecks our agricultural economy, and fails to address the flow of fentanyl into our communities. H.R. 2 even punishes those heroic nonprofits who work to serve the vulnerable asylum seekers. prgtoken , in the Rules Committee early this morning, I presented amendments from members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus that would increase security, keep fentanyl and other deadly drugs off our streets, and protect military families. prgtoken s voted against funding our fight against fentanyl. They refused any amendments to be heard on the floor today that we would have discussed last night. prgtoken , we do not have enough farmworkers to harvest our crops or in New Mexico to grow our world-renowned green chile. The provisions in this bill are bad for farmers, ranchers, and for our agricultural economy. prgtoken Instead of destroying our agricultural economy, let's pass the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. Instead of denying our students what they need, let's pass the American Dream and Promise Act. prgtoken These bipartisan bills would grow our economy. Let's work together to fix our immigration system.
Introductory Statement on S. 1523
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-5-10

today I want to discuss legislation I am introducing, the School Infrastructure Modernization Act, with my colleague Senator Warner. prgtoken To claim the Federal tax credit for historic preservation, a building renovation must be for a different purpose than that for which the building was previously used, a requirement known as the prior use rule. This bill waives that requirement for renovations of K-12 public school buildings. This will make it easier to restore historic-but- dilapidated school buildings across the country so our children have safe, modern spaces in which to learn. prgtoken As a Richmond City Council member and later mayor, I faced challenges familiar to many municipalities--overcrowded schools, aging buildings, and limited dollars in the budget. But in one particular case, I and a group of local stakeholders identified a creative solution. On one hand, we had an overcrowded Thomas Jefferson High School with in-zone and magnet students. On the other hand, we had a closed Maggie Walker High School that needed renovations. We put together a financing package that made use of Federal and State historic tax credits to renovate Maggie Walker High School and satisfied the prior use rule by consolidating the magnet program from Thomas Jefferson into a new Maggie Walker Governor's School for Government and International Studies. Today, some 30 years later, this is one of America's highest performing public high schools. Without the Federal historic tax credit, this would have been too expensive to make happen. prgtoken This bill will make it easier to do similar projects around the country. More modern school buildings will bolster the quality of public education, and carrying out these projects will generate private sector infrastructure investment and jobs. In Virginia alone, according to a 2021 study, more than 1,000 K-12 schools are at least 50 years old, representing more than half of all the K-12 schools in the Commonwealth. prgtoken I encourage my colleagues to support this commonsense incentive that is good for education, good for infrastructure, and good for jobs.
SECURE THE BORDER ACT OF 2023
Shri Thanedar (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-5-10

I thank the ranking member, Mr. Thompson, for yielding me time. prgtoken , I stand here today as a symbol of what our immigration system can achieve. In 1979, at the age of 24, I entered this country alone with no friends, no family, but I had my American Dream. prgtoken At times, I slept in a car or at a homeless shelter that was funded by a faith-based nonprofit. At times, I got sick and needed to go to the hospital. prgtoken H.R. 2 would cut funding for these nonprofit organizations and remove reimbursement systems for immigrants to get healthcare. prgtoken When my colleagues on the other side of the aisle ask me why I don't support this bill, my answer is simple. I don't support cutting programs that helped me and help immigrants like me in times of their need and their hardship. I stand with countless immigrants who have contributed greatly to our country and urge opposition to H.R. 2. prgtoken When my colleagues and I went down to the southern border, we met with many nonprofit organizations and saw the important and necessary work that they do. We met with the border agents and learned that they are working with a broken immigration system. prgtoken Reforming this system is going to be complex, but the s are proposing an enforcement-only strategy. This is not going to work. prgtoken I propose that we expand legal pathways, restore asylum systems, and work with nonprofit organizations like the ones that housed me and cared for me when I was just arriving to this country.
SECURE THE BORDER ACT OF 2023
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-5-10

this bill is not enough. This bill is not about creating a solution. It is simply messaging. prgtoken This bill is not addressing the fentanyl problem. The best investments are where it will be stopped at the border. prgtoken The bill is not addressing the employment issue. In every sector of our economy, in every State of our Union, we need workers. We don't need to criminalize, make employers criminals for trying to hire somebody to harvest this crop.
MEMORIAL DAY TRIBUTE TO MICHIGAN'S VETERANS
Debbie Stabenow (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-5-10

I rise today to honor the Michigan veterans throughout history who have given their lives for our Nation. prgtoken During some of the toughest times for our country, Michiganders have been there. We have been willing to put our lives on the line for the cause of freedom. That certainly was the case during the Civil War. More than 3 million Americans fought in the Civil War. Around 90,000 of them were Michiganders, and more than 85,000 of them were volunteers. It is said that President Lincoln exclaimed, ``Thank God for Michigan!'' when 75,000 volunteers from our State arrived in Washington, DC, in May of 1861. prgtoken The 24th Michigan Infantry fought at Gettysburg, where a monument stands to this day commemorating their service in the ``Iron Brigade.'' And the 24th was selected to provide military escort during President Lincoln's funeral procession. Few trials have so tested a nation--or a President--as did the Civil War. As historian Jon Meacham explores in his new book ``And There was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle,'' President Lincoln and the Nation he led faced multiple existential threats: the fracturing of our country, threats against our democracy, and an institution that treated 4 million Americans not as people, but as property. prgtoken The echoes of these challenges remain in our Nation to this day. And in Lincoln, we see a path forward. We see that by keeping our moral center as our North Star, a nation can, in the words of Lincoln, ``long endure.'' We have long endured as a nation in part thanks to those brave, selfless Michiganders who were willing to put their lives on the line in order to preserve our Union. More than 13,400 of them never made it home. They have been followed by so many others. prgtoken This Memorial Day, we honor all Michigan veterans throughout history who gave their lives in service to our country. And we honor their families. It is only because of their sacrifice that our democracy lives on.
Nomination of Colleen Joy Shogan (Executive Session)
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2023-5-10

I appreciate the opportunity to come to the floor. This is like what they call in Delaware a ``threefer''-- three for one. And I appreciate the cooperation of the floor staff and from you to enable me to do this. prgtoken One of the things I always look for when I am hiring somebody is I ask for recommendations and references of people they have worked for in the past. As it turns out, in the nomination of Dr. Colleen Shogan to be the Archivist of the United States, one of the people she used to work for was Senator Joe Lieberman, a good friend to all of us, and s. prgtoken He was good enough to reach out to me several weeks ago, and we had just had a hearing on Dr. Shogan before us in the Homeland Security Committee. I was really impressed. He called and said: She used to work for me. And I said: No kidding? Well, I wouldn't disqualify her for that. prgtoken I am just kidding. But he went on to tell me what a remarkable human being she was, even at a younger age in her life. But as the Chief Administrator of the National Archives and Records Administration, the Archivist of the United States plays a vital role in a couple of different ways: one, especially with the preservation of the history of this country that we are all sworn to protect. prgtoken This person who has been nominated, this nominee, would serve as our Nation's recordkeeper for executive agencies and for Presidential records while also being responsible for the National Archives and Records Administration. prgtoken This role has been critical in leading the Federal Government's ongoing transition from paper to electronic records for a long time. Dr. Shogan is extremely well qualified to take on what is not a small responsibility; it is a great responsibility and important, too. prgtoken As Senior Vice President and Director of the David M. Rubenstein Center for White House History at the White House Historical Association, Dr. Shogan has already demonstrated her extensive skill set as an archivist. prgtoken She is a dedicated public servant, pulling a decade's worth of senior roles at the Library of Congress. She has developed a career in academia, Federal Government service, and nonprofit management. And one of those folks she worked with--worked for--was our former colleague, Senator Joe Lieberman. prgtoken At our hearing to consider her nomination before the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee earlier this year, Dr. Shogan reaffirmed her commitment to nonpartisanship, which is very important for this role. She highlighted her service as the Vice Chair of the Women's Suffrage Centennial Commission. prgtoken Dr. Shogan also shared how she will work to address the backlog of veterans' record requests at the National Archives and Records Administration. As the last Vietnam veteran serving here in the United States Senate, that means a lot to me. prgtoken She also has vowed to make sure that the of
Nomination of Colleen Joy Shogan (Executive Session)
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-5-10

I rise in support of Colleen Shogan's nomination to be the Archivist of the United States. prgtoken The Archivist of the United States leads the National Archives and Records Administration, an important role that is responsible for maintaining and for preserving Presidential and Federal records. prgtoken In addition to preserving documents that tell the story of our Nation's history, the National Archives also provides access to critical records for the public to use, including providing veterans and servicemembers with military personnel records needed to access the benefits they have earned through their service. prgtoken As an accomplished political scientist who has held nonpartisan leadership roles throughout her career, Dr. Shogan is well qualified to lead the National Archives. She would also be the first woman to hold this job. prgtoken She is currently the Senior Vice President and Director of the David M. Rubenstein Center for White House History and the White House Historical Association and previously served as Deputy Director of the Congressional Research Service at the Library of Congress and Vice Chair of the Women's Suffrage Centennial Commission. prgtoken Throughout multiple Congresses and Presidential administrations of both parties, Dr. Shogan has demonstrated a strong commitment to serving the American people with nonpartisan integrity. prgtoken During the nomination process, Dr. Shogan showed a deep understanding of the Archives' critical role and that she is prepared to lead the Agency as it tackles challenges such as the veterans' records backlog and the digitization of records all across the Federal Government. prgtoken Her nomination is supported by numerous individuals and groups representing the National Archives stakeholders, including the American Political Science Association; the Council of State Archivists; the American Historical Association; and other national, nonpartisan, and nonpolitical organizations who have enthusiastically endorsed Dr. Shogan's nomination. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to join me in confirming Dr. Shogan to this important role today.
"JOAQUIN'S FIRST SCHOOL SHOOTING"
Katherine M. Clark (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-5-10

. Madam , today, I rise with a heavy heart, a heart of grief. I grieve for a Nation where 111 Americans are shot and killed every single day. I grieve for a generation of kids growing up surrounded by violence. I think of William Cho, 6 years old, who lost his parents and his younger brother, not living in a war zone but going to a shopping mall in our country. prgtoken I grieve for the parents who have suffered the inconceivable pain of losing a child, a beloved family member, parents like Patricia and Manny Oliver, who are here with us today, whose son, Joaquin, was murdered alongside 16 classmates and staff in Parkland, Florida. prgtoken Ahead of Mother's Day weekend, Patricia and Manny published a children's book, a book that illustrates the horror of America's gun epidemic from the perspective of its youngest victims. prgtoken Madam , I would like to read from ``Joaquin's First School Shooting.'' May it give some pause to all of us, especially my colleagues who continue to prioritize guns over our children. ``Joaquin's First School Shooting.'' The end of the day, was also my own. Bled out on the floor, and never got home. We heard a loud bang! Then off went the alarm. My classmates freaked out, but I tried to keep calm. Out in the hall, a killer had a gun. He shot into a class, then came right for us. He took aim and fired--again, and again, and again. One life at a time, my friends met their end. He came up the stairs, hunting for more. That's when we all panicked, and ran for the door. We tried to get clear, but it was a bit late. It was his machine gun, that decided our fates. Our country is numb, to violence like this. Politicians don't care. They still keep their seats. We must not forget, or I've died in vain! Enough is enough. Please . . . never again! prgtoken Let us remember all of the victims and remember that this is a choice. We have solutions. We can end gun violence in this country.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2023-5-10

today I am introducing the Rhode Island Fishermen's Fairness Act along with my colleague Senator Whitehouse. I am also pleased that my colleague Representative Magaziner will be introducing a companion measure in the House of Representatives. prgtoken Our legislation will give Rhode Island a voice and voting representation on the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, MAFMC, which manages some of the most important fish stocks for our State's commercial fishing industry--chief among them squid. Indeed, the National Marine Fisheries Service reported that Rhode Island led Atlantic States in the harvest of squid in 2022, bringing in 31.5 million pounds and helping make Point Judith, RI, one of the most productive and valuable commercial fishing ports in the United States. For years now, Rhode Island's landings of stocks managed by the MAFMC have outpaced the landings of those managed by the New England Fishery Management Council, where Rhode Island is represented. Moreover, Rhode Island has a larger stake in the Mid-Atlantic fishery than many of the States that currently hold seats on the MAFMC. prgtoken Because so much is at stake for our State in every decision the MAFMC makes, our bill would expand the MAFMC by two seats in order to ensure that Rhode Island will have the minimum number of seats guaranteed to other States on the council. It will allow Rhode Island to continue to have representation on the New England Fishery Management Council, where it still has significant interests. prgtoken This proposal is not unprecedented. In fact, it is modeled on a provision of the 1996 Sustainable Fisheries Act that added North Carolina to the MAFMC in 1996 while allowing it to retain its membership on the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. Moreover, it will join States like Florida prgtoken and Washington which all have representation on more than one fisheries management council. prgtoken This is a commonsense proposal and one that my colleagues and I will be working to advance either on its own or as part of the reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE RELATING TO ENDANGERED AND THREATENED...
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2023-5-11

at a press conference on Tuesday, President was asked if the United States was ready for the surge of people expected to come across the border after title 42 COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. His answer? It is going to be chaotic for a while. It is going to be chaotic for a while. prgtoken Well, that, unfortunately, could describe the situation at the border during his entire Presidency. The administration has been defined by chaos at the border for 2 long years and counting--2 years of recordbreaking numbers of individuals attempting to cross our southern border illegally; more than 5 million attempted illegal crossings in total, an average of 6,300-some individuals per day--6,300 individuals per day. To put that number in perspective, during the last administration, the average number of illegal crossings per day was approximately 1,800. prgtoken All of these numbers just refer to individuals who were actually apprehended. There have been well over 1 million known ``got-aways'' during the administration--individuals the Border Patrol saw but was unable to apprehend. In fact, one in five border crossers is a ``got-away,'' meaning that huge numbers of people are entering our country illegally, without our knowing who they are or what their purpose is in coming here. prgtoken The fact that we have seen 80 individuals on the terrorist watch list attempt to enter our country illegally via the southern border since just October is a powerful reminder that not everyone trying to enter our country illegally is simply looking for a better life. And it is profoundly troubling that so many unknown individuals are evading the Border Patrol and making their way into our country. It is a problem that has been compounded as scores of Border Patrol agents have been pulled off the frontlines to provide humanitarian assistance. prgtoken So we have had 2 years--2 years--of chaos at our southern border, 2 years of chaos that has exacted a tremendous cost. Our border communities are overwhelmed. Our Border Patrol agents are overwhelmed. And the chaos at our border is unquestioningly facilitating illegal cross-border activity, including the smuggling of deadly drugs like fentanyl into our country. prgtoken We didn't get here by accident. President hasn't just happened to have presided over a recordbreaking influx of illegal immigration at the southern border. No, sir. The chaos we have been experiencing is a direct result of the President's policies. prgtoken From his campaign on, President was focused on distancing himself from the immigration policies of his predecessor and satisfying the open borders caucus that makes up a huge part of today's ic Party. prgtoken On his very first day in office, President rescinded the declaration of a national emergency at our southern border. He halted construction of the border wall. He revoked a administration