mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson (Executive Calendar)
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2022-4-6

I have already announced that I intend to support Judge Jackson's nomination. Her character and her qualifications are unassailable, but, unfortunately, that hasn't stopped a number of Senate s from treating her disgracefully. Too often, behavior in the hearings was simply shameful. prgtoken It doesn't have to be this way, and it wasn't always this way. For example, even though I disagreed with him on plenty of issues, I voted for Chief Justice John Roberts, and he was treated very fairly by . Serious questions were asked and answered, and there wasn't anything resembling the over-the-line, juvenile theatrics like those shown for Judge Jackson. prgtoken Things changed when President 's final nomination was stolen by s. They refused to even hold a hearing or consider the sitting President's nominee on just fabricated grounds. prgtoken are trying to maintain a sharp focus on legal questions and personal qualifications. Faced with sideshows and personal attacks, we stuck to issues. What was particularly striking about those attacks was they were attacks against somebody whom Senate s had voted for unanimously when she was nominated to a lower level court. prgtoken My view is, the radicalization of the Court and the nominations process are just poisonous to our democracy, but that was what was on display when s attacked Judge Jackson. prgtoken I want to start setting the record straight on several of the key issues. prgtoken First, Judge Jackson is squarely within the sentencing norm for cases involving child sexual abuse material. She was smeared anyway as going soft on predators. It was a gross and baseless accusation, more of a dog whistle to conspiracists than an attempt at honestly vetting a nominee. Even the National Review--nobody's idea of a liberal publication--published a column that called the comments of our colleague from Missouri, Senator Hawley--it called his attack ``meritless to the point of demagoguery.'' Those were the words of the National Review. prgtoken The fact is, on this hugely important issue, the whole question of kids' safety, as the Presiding Officer of the Senate knows, there is a big difference between talking about protecting child victims and actually doing the work. Far too many of our colleagues just come down on the wrong side of the divide. prgtoken It is absolutely right that government at every level has failed to protect kids from exploitation online. That failure has a lot of causes. One is that the Justice Department, for reasons I will never understand, has consistently declined to put enough manpower and funding behind protecting these vulnerable kids. Another reason is that Members of Congress talk a really big game, but when there is serious legislation to protect vulnerable kids, they disappear. prgtoken Now, I have proposed an alternative. It is the Invest in Child Safety Act. It
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3807, RESTAURANT REVITALIZATION FUND REPLENISHMENT ACT OF 2021, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Joseph D. Morelle (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-4-6

the balance of my time. prgtoken , first let me thank my colleague and friend, Mrs. Fischbach. We spend a lot of time together in the Rules Committee, and I always appreciate our conversations. While we may not agree on issues from time to time, I always appreciate her earnestness, and I appreciate her good work. prgtoken I want to thank all of my colleagues for their words in support of the rule before us today. prgtoken As I mentioned earlier, Congress acted last year to provide much- needed relief for restaurants and other small businesses, but we must do much more. Our economy simply cannot survive without small businesses, and it is paramount that we redouble our commitment to ensuring their continued success. prgtoken I pledge to always be an ally in that fight, and I know my colleagues join me in that. I look forward to voting in favor of this effort to bring much-needed relief to local restaurants and the small business community.
Nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson (Executive Calendar)
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2022-4-6

I rise in support of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's confirmation to be an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court of the United States and look forward to proudly voting for her confirmation. prgtoken There are few constitutional duties more important in my role as a U.S. Senator than providing the advice and consent on judicial nominations, and this is especially true for the Supreme Court. prgtoken As we consider Judge Jackson's nomination before this body, we are on the cusp of a historic, barrier-breaking moment and on the verge of confirming the first African-American woman to serve on the Supreme Court. prgtoken This is not only a significant milestone, but a moment to recognize Judge Jackson, who is one of our Nation's brightest legal minds and an incredibly impressive nominee. prgtoken Before I talk about Judge Jackson's exceptional experience, her qualifications, and support from all across the legal spectrum, I think it is important to reflect on the critical importance of our Nation's highest Court. prgtoken Without question, Supreme Court rulings have a direct and a consequential impact on the lives of Michiganders and all Americans. Issues before the Court include healthcare, women's reproductive rights, workers' rights, environmental protections, voting rights, and many life-or-death decisions that shape the law of the land. prgtoken Simply put, the Supreme Court is often the last line of defense for everyday Americans and an important guardian of the Constitution itself. prgtoken There is no question that a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court is a tremendous responsibility, and we must have qualified, committed Justices who will exercise judicial independence--follow the facts--and apply law and precedent fairly and impartially, without regard for their own personal views, partisanship, or politics. prgtoken It is clear that on every single measure, Judge Jackson has the credentials, the qualities, the work ethic, and character needed to serve on the Supreme Court. And she will not only bring diversity but a unique life perspective and passion for the law that she developed at a very young age. prgtoken Judge Jackson's interest in the law actually started as a preschooler, sitting next to her father while he studied cases for law school, while she worked on her coloring book. prgtoken Despite being ambitious and a star student, growing up, Judge Jackson faced resistance. When Judge Jackson told her high school guidance counselor that she was interested in attending Harvard University, the counselor told her that maybe she should set her sights lower than that. prgtoken Judge Jackson was not going to be deterred, and she credits her high school debate coach for introducing her to several colleges. And then she went on to graduate magna cum laude from Harvard as an undergraduate and cum laude from Harvard Law School. prgtoken This was the beginning of Judge Jackson's distinguished leg
TRIBUTE TO CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER 5 DAVID HAMMON
Tammy Duckworth (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-4-6

I rise today to pay tribute to the remarkable career of CW5 David Hammon, a 42-year servicemember of the Illinois Army National Guard who will retire on April 30, 2022. Chief Hammon was the fifth command chief warrant officer of the State of Illinois and only the third full-time soldier to hold the position. prgtoken Chief Hammon enlisted in the Army as an aircraft mechanic in 1980. He served with the 219th Transportation Company, 40th Aviation Battalion (Attack Helicopter), 1144th Transportation Battalion, and 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment. In 1996, he became an aviation warrant officer with the 106th. He served in various units and positions, to include aviation intermediate maintenance, light medium transportation, lift, and aviation unit maintenance. His latest assignment was as a maintenance test pilot for Company D, 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment in Decatur, flying the UH-60 Blackhawk. Chief Hammon deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom/New Dawn. In 2004 to 2005, he deployed with Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment, and in 2009 to 2010, he deployed with Company A, 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment. His overseas deployment training missions include Germany, El Salvador, Panama, Iceland, and Hawaii. prgtoken Chief Hammon's military awards and decorations include Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (Numeral 2), Army Commendation Medal (3 oakleaf clusters), National Defense Service Medal (1 Bronze Star), Iraq Campaign Medal (3 Bronze Service Stars), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (M 2 Device), Overseas Service Ribbon (Numeral 2), Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon (Numeral 7), Illinois State Active Duty (Numeral 2), Army Combat Action Badge, Master Army Aviator Badge, Army Excellence in Competition Badge Bronze Rifle, Driver and Mechanic Badge. prgtoken Chief Hammon's leadership, determination, and commitment have no doubt changed lives and helped to make our country safer. As his Army career ends, may he continue to be ``Always Ready, Always There!'' and forever take pride in knowing that his exemplary efforts and unwavering professionalism contributed greatly to the success of the Army and the National Guard mission.
Nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson (Executive Calendar)
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2022-4-6

I am honored to follow my colleague from Wisconsin, and I rise as well regarding the nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to serve as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court of the United States. prgtoken As some of you will recall, one of our colleagues from New Jersey, Senator Booker, delivered unusually poignant and unscripted remarks recently in the Senate Judiciary Committee about Judge Jackson's nomination and credentials and character. He moved many of those who were present to tears and spelled out as only he can what this nomination means for our Nation and particularly for the millions of Black Americans who look at Judge Jackson and see their own mothers, their own daughters, their own sisters, and their own friends. prgtoken Unfazed by the unfair attacks that day on Judge Jackson, our colleague said these words: Nobody is going to steal my joy. prgtoken I second that emotion. This historic moment and this historic nominee bring me great joy as well. prgtoken For the next several minutes, I am going to talk about Judge Jackson's impeccable qualifications. I am going to discuss her sterling record as a public servant, including nearly a decade as a Federal judge, that makes her supremely qualified to serve on our Supreme Court. prgtoken I also want to talk for a bit about the historic nature of this nomination and attempt to put in context just what it means for our Nation and for me personally to cast a vote to confirm the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court, because today, indeed, it brings a lot of us real joy in this body to know that we have the opportunity and the privilege to play a small part in Judge Jackson's confirmation. prgtoken Similar to President Reagan delivering on his promise years ago to nominate the first woman--Justice Sandra Day O'Connor--to the Supreme Court, President has delivered on his own promise. He has nominated the first Black woman to the highest Court in our land, and our Nation can be proud of the nominee we are here to debate and to confirm. prgtoken Let me begin, however, by taking just a moment to thank Justice Stephen Breyer for his exemplary service to our country. prgtoken As many of our colleagues know, Justice Breyer was nominated to the Supreme Court by President Clinton in 1994, when I was serving as Governor of Delaware. Our Presiding Officer was an astronaut up in the ether above our planet. Justice Breyer was confirmed, some will recall, by an overwhelming bipartisan vote--87 to 9. prgtoken Justice Breyer served our country with distinction for over six decades, including as a corporal in the Army Reserve, a Federal circuit court judge, and for nearly three decades on the Bench of the highest Court in our land. prgtoken Justice Breyer is known as a consensus builder on the Bench--a trait I have long admired in judges dating back to my time as Governor of Delaware, when I had the opportunity to nominate literal
VIRGIN ISLANDS HISTORY
Stacey E. Plaskett (Democrat, VI) \u2014 2022-4-6

the Virgin Islands and its people speak of great resilience. We are a people rich in history and agriculture, struggles and triumphs in the face of disenfranchisement. prgtoken March 31, 2022, marked 104 years that the Virgin Islands of the United States have been part of the United States. Our islands were acquired by the United States in the costliest per-acre sale in U.S. land purchase. We became the most easterly point of the United States, and served to protect the Caribbean Basin and the Panama Canal, particularly during World War I. prgtoken The sale of the Danish West Indies pulled Denmark out of depression and gave them the capital resources, gold bullion, necessary for them to become the happiest country that we know today. The brutal slavery and serf system that they inflicted on my ancestors, however, was not a happy time. prgtoken During the transfer of ceremonies on March 31, 1917, the people of the Virgin Islands, my people, were citizens of no country. All four of my grandparents were alive and living on the island of St. Croix at the time of the transfer. prgtoken Only qualified Danish citizens living in Denmark were able to vote in the plebiscite. prgtoken Of my eight great-grandparents, I believe one may have met the land and income requirement mandatory to be able to vote. Only one would have been able to vote for his destiny. prgtoken And after the purchase, those living in the territory, my grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, my family, were citizens of no country, nowhere, for 10 years. prgtoken Yet, after becoming citizens, Virgin Islanders came immediately to Washington and petitioned, pleaded to be part of the draft. You see, Virgin Islanders, like the other territories, serve and give the ultimate sacrifice in far greater number per capita than those Americans on the mainland. We wanted and still are willing to take on the responsibility, not just the privilege. prgtoken Until the United States began ownership of territories, largely comprised of minority, Black and Brown people, disenfranchisement of territories was a temporary condition. From the 1787 Northwest Ordinance until the acquisition of Puerto Rico, lands were deemed territories with the expectation that they would become States. prgtoken The disenfranchisement and unequal treatment of people in the Virgin Islands are de jure law. The Insular Cases decided at the turn of the century in the Plessy v. Ferguson-era by the Supreme Court, established a doctrine of separate and unequal status for overseas territories. prgtoken However, the disenfranchisement and unequal treatment continues today through court cases in the , , , and now administration, through their oral and written arguments to the Supreme Court, as well as my own colleagues, Congress' unwillingness to grant equal treatment requests made by representatives from the territories. prgtoken My fight in Washington has been to level and c
UKRAINE INVASION WAR CRIMES DETERRENCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT
Gregory W. Meeks (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-4-6

. Madam , the balance of my time for the purpose of closing. prgtoken Madam , what we are witnessing Russian troops do in Ukraine represents some of the worst of humankind. Right now, the world is watching horrifying war crimes taking place. The world is watching the extent to which Putin is willing to flout international norms and values in the pursuit of its brutality, and the world is also watching what we as a nation are going to do about it. prgtoken The Department of State has officially concluded that Russian forces have committed war crimes in Ukraine which were made vividly clear by the horrifying images emerging over this past weekend from Bucha. Investigations into these war crimes are already beginning and must continue. prgtoken I am saying today, as chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee working along with my friend and partner, the ranking member, Mike McCaul, we will work tirelessly to make sure that justice is delivered and that the administration works strenuously in concert with partners and allies to this end because meaningful justice for these crimes helps prevent such atrocities in the future. prgtoken This legislation requires the administration to detail efforts to preserve evidence and hold perpetrators accountable for the atrocities that are committed and to detail the means for domestic, hybrid, or international courts and their tribunals to request access to such information. prgtoken This legislation, the Ukrainian Invasion War Crimes Deterrence and Accountability Act, will ensure that victims and perpetrators alike know that the United States of America and the world, we have got to get those off the seat, those who abstain in the U.N they see the same thing. We need them to stand and have a voice. prgtoken The world is watching. The world will hold Putin and the Russian Armed prgtoken Forces and those who are in their duma and those who keep pushing this war that is caused by one man, Vladimir Putin--these abhorrent war crimes which continue to go on--accountable. It is a war of choice that Putin has decided to place on Ukraine. prgtoken That is why, Madam , I am so proud to partner with Mike McCaul in bringing H.R. 7276 to the floor today so that my children, my grandchildren, my great-great-grandchildren, will know how I stood at this time in history and how the United States Congress stood at this time in history. prgtoken Madam , .
CELEBRATING THE WORK OF LILLIAN TAMAYO
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2022-4-7

. Madam , it is with great pleasure that I rise to recognize the tremendous career and meaningful work of Lillian Tamayo, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of South, East, and North Florida. prgtoken Planned Parenthood health centers provide millions of people in the U.S. with contraception, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, lifesaving cancer screenings, and safe, legal abortion. Many Planned Parenthood patients are low-income, people of color, LGBTQ+ people, undocumented immigrants, or those who live in rural areas and underserved communities. They empower people to make informed decisions about their healthcare and lead healthier lives. prgtoken Lillian Tamayo served more than two decades in her position at Planned Parenthood, working to protect the vital right to bodily autonomy and self-determination. During Ms. Tamayo's tenure, the organization saw a more than fivefold increase in patients getting the care they need. When she took the helm, Planned Parenthood had four health centers in Florida and now there are 11. Under her stewardship as the first Latina CEO in the federation, Planned Parenthood has greatly expanded access to reproductive care for all Floridians and especially among marginalized communities and populations. prgtoken Never has the work done by compassionate individuals like Ms. Tamayo been more important. As a woman's reproductive freedom is increasingly threatened in states like Florida, Planned Parenthood continues to be a beacon of advocacy and a stalwart defender of women's healthcare. prgtoken Lillian Tamayo is a selfless and devoted public servant whose commitment to ensuring access to women's healthcare is admirable. I wish her a heartfelt congratulations on her exemplary work at Planned Parenthood, and I am immensely grateful for her invaluable work to improve the lives of those in Florida's 23rd Congressional District, the state of Florida as a whole, and beyond.
SUSPENDING ENERGY IMPORTS FROM RUSSIA ACT
Richard E. Neal (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2022-4-7

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I think that what we are doing here is to certainly reassert ourselves on what the Senate has done, which the House did originally. I strongly support the House taking swift action to concur in the Senate amendment before us so that the legislation to suspend energy imports from Russia that we passed a month ago now can move to the President's desk. prgtoken We have no time to waste, as Mr. Brady and I have both indicated. We must immediately move to further punish Vladimir Putin, a ruthless dictator hell-bent on destroying an independent nation that he purports to suggest doesn't really exist. That will come as a vast surprise to the civilized nations of the world. prgtoken Congress must do what we can to end this brutality and continue to support the Ukrainian people. prgtoken I thank Kevin Brady for his partnership in advancing this legislation to ban the import of Russian energy, as well as our intent here to suspend normal trade relations with Russia and its enabler, Belarus. prgtoken These actions will further isolate Putin and his regime, and inflict greater pressure on the Kremlin, to end this campaign of terror. prgtoken I know this legislation will receive broad support from our colleagues. prgtoken , .