mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DISAPPROVING THE ACTION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COUNCIL IN APPROVING THE REVISED CRIMINAL CODE ACT OF 2022
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2023-3-8

I rise in strong support of the Women's Health Protection Act. prgtoken This legislation needs to be a centerpiece in the battle to defend privacy rights in America. This is the third week I have stood on the Senate floor to talk about this extraordinary assault on privacy and bodily independence that is taking place in America, and it started, of course, with the horrendous Dobbs decision. prgtoken When that decision came down, s all over America said that this was going to be a matter of State's rights. They weren't telling the truth to the American people. prgtoken Shortly after the decision, there was a full-court press by s at the local level, State level, and, yes, the national level to claw back the rights of women and deny access to reproductive care. Months after the Dobbs decision, a bill to enact a 6-week abortion ban, to ban abortion before most women even know they are pregnant, was introduced in this body. prgtoken That was a national ban--every single State--every single State. So much for State's rights. prgtoken Anti-abortion activists are not only working Senate s, they are working the court system as well. I call it court washing. It goes way beyond the issue--and I know we have got an expert lawyer in the Chair. It goes way beyond so-called judge shopping that everybody has heard about in the past. It is not simply a matter of looking at a judge's long record of soundly reasoned opinions and hoping for an outcome. prgtoken s--particularly talking about this Texas case, this one in Amarillo, TX. s picked him because he was a lifelong rightwing activist who was planted in a district court to deliver the decision they wanted, the verdict that they have been scheming to deliver. We are talking about banning mifepristone nationwide, a drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This is something I care about deeply because I held the first congressional hearing on the role of the FDA, particularly with prgtoken mifepristone. It has been safe and effective, and it has been the law of the land for years and years. If you throw that out, you take away women's independence, and the government puts itself front and center in the exam room and in the private decisions about whether and when to start a family. prgtoken As women grapple with restrictive State laws that take away their right to privacy and threaten their health, they are also facing a crisis of digital privacy and--what I call--the threat of uterus surveillance. prgtoken We have long been concerned about location data leaching from phone apps and how ripe for abuse it is. In States where extremists have restricted or banned abortion, the whole issue of women having their personal data weaponized against them is now front and center. Shady data brokers have already tracked women to and from Planned Parenthood health centers and have sold their information, basically,
VOTE EXPLANATION
Jeff Merkley (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2023-3-8

due to the passing of my mother, Betty Lou Collins Merkley, I was not able to travel back to Washington, DC, last week to be present on the Senate floor for several votes. However, I would like it stated for the record how I would have voted had I been present. prgtoken On February 28, 2023, I missed rollcall vote No. 26, confirmation of Jamar K. Walker to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia. Mr. Walker has a distinguished career in both private practice, as well as in public service as a former Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia where he prosecuted a wide range of cases including bribery, money laundering, wire and, bank fraud, foreign corrupt practices, and securities fraud as part of the Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Unit. Had I been in attendance, I would have voted yea. prgtoken On February 28, 2023, I missed rollcall vote No. 28, confirmation of Jamal N. Whitehead to be U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Washington. With years of experience in commercial litigation, as a trial attorney with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Washington, Mr. Whitehead is eminently qualified for a seat on the Federal bench. prgtoken As the National Employment Lawyers Association said in their letter supporting his nomination, ``Mr. Whitehead is a highly qualified attorney who would bring his background representing all sides of employment law disputes and would provide perspective that is very much needed on the federal bench. His work for employers, workers, and the government offer the kind of experience necessary to serve knowledgably and fairly as a federal judge.'' prgtoken It is for these reasons that Mr. Whitehead was unanimously rated ``well qualified'' by the American Bar Association and received bipartisan support in the Judiciary Committee. Had I been in attendance, I would have voted yea. prgtoken On February 28, 2023, I missed rollcall vote No. 30, confirmation of Araceli Martinez-Olguin to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of California. Ms. Martinez-Olguin's entire career has been dedicated to protecting civil and human rights. At the American Civil Liberties Union's--ACLU--Women's Rights Project she represented women of underserved communities with employment and education civil rights cases. At the ACLU's Immigrants' Rights Project, she researched and advocated for victims of human trafficking and assisted in drafting the reauthorization of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. prgtoken Ms. Martinez-Olguin also worked with Legal Aid at Work in their National Origin, Immigration, and Language Rights Program, where she strived to guarantee the civil rights of immigrant workers, particularly under title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and also investigated federally funded educa
DISAPPROVING THE ACTION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COUNCIL IN APPROVING THE REVISED CRIMINAL CODE ACT OF 2022
Mazie K. Hirono (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2023-3-8

I rise today, on International Women's Day, to urge my colleagues to join us in protecting our individual rights and freedoms and to support the Women's Health Protection Act. prgtoken You have heard from a lot of us on the floor today, and we are going to repeat certain things, but these are things that bear repeating because this issue of abortion is all about who gets to decide. Is it the individual or a bunch of politicians? You can see where I am coming from. When the rightwing, ideologically driven Supreme Court overturned nearly 50 years of precedent of abolishing an individual's right to get an abortion, that was just the beginning. The Dobbs decision opened the doors for extremist s who have made clear they will stop at nothing to control our bodies. prgtoken It hasn't even been a year since the Supreme Court upended our right to bodily autonomy, and, already, abortion is entirely banned in 12 States, meaning more than 20 percent of the U.S. population lives in States where abortion is illegal. There are 21 States that have enacted 36 bills to restrict or ban abortion; and in 12 States, constitutional amendments have been proposed to limit abortion access. Just this week, Florida s filed a 6-week abortion ban--6 weeks--which is before many women are even aware they are pregnant. prgtoken After the Dobbs decision, the s claimed abortion would be dealt with in the States as States' rights. This is what we in Hawaii would call a shibai argument. Clearly, abortion has never been about States' rights. So their unrelenting efforts to limit bodily autonomy is about taking away the very individual rights and freedoms that s claim to care so much about. prgtoken Beyond State legislatures, s in the Senate have introduced a nationwide abortion ban. Any day now, we are waiting for one extremist, -appointed Federal judge in Texas to decide whether to institute a nationwide ban on mifepristone, which is the safe and effective medication that Americans have relied on for more than 20 years--for more than two decades--and that accounts for more than half of the abortions in our country. prgtoken Regardless of this decision in Texas, after threats from GOP Attorneys General from 20--20--conservative States, Walgreens stated they would no longer dispense medication abortion pills in numerous States, including in States where medical abortion remains legal, although they now appear to be walking that back after provoking a public outcry. What is next--banning contraception? There are even State lawmakers who are introducing bills to allow the death penalty--the death penalty--for women who have abortions. prgtoken There is no end to what extremist s will do to control our bodies. Whether you live in States like Hawaii, California, or New York, or in States where legislatures have already passed laws, our fre
INTRODUCTION OF THE RESOLUTION OBSERVING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH OF JOHN LESLIE ``WES'' MONTGOMERY AND COMMEMORATING HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO JAZZ MUSIC
André Carson (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2023-3-8

it is with the great Hoosier pride and joy that I rise today to introduce a resolution clebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of John Leslie ``Wes'' Montgomery. prgtoken Wes Montgomery was born in my hometown of Indianapolis, Indiana on March 6, 1923 to Frances and Tom Montgomery. He was naturally gifted in the musical arts and demonstrated his talents on the 4- and 6- string guitar in his youth. He was a self-taught musician who learned to play the guitar by listening to recordings of another jazz genius, guitarist Charlie Christian. Wes Montgomery developed a unique and innovative finger style playing technique by using the thumb to play base notes simultaneously with the melodic lines. This wonderful style helped to propel his success as a renowned jazz guitarist. prgtoken His musical gifts and performances became famous in jazz clubs in Indianapolis and he was recruited to tour with the Lionel Hampton Orchestra. In 1957, he joined his brothers Buddy and Monk to perform with other bands, and later released the album, the ``Wes Montgomery Trio'' and ``The Incredible Guitar of Wes Montgomery''. One of his biggest hits and most beloved albums was ``A Day in the Life'', which was rated the premier album on the Billboard Jazz Album chart, 2nd on the Billboard R&B Albums chart and 13th on the Billboard 200 chart. prgtoken Sadly, we lost this incredibly bright star far too soon, when he died at his home in Indianapolis on June 15. 1968, at the age of 45. But his music and his legacy still shine in our hearts and wherever his music is played. His beautiful and heartfelt music inspired generations of other musicians, and it continues to fill us with joy today. prgtoken , I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this resolution to honor a Hoosier and an American music legend. I urge the House to support this resolution.
SYRIA WAR POWERS RESOLUTION
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-3-8

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken I rise in opposition to this resolution, and I want to associate myself with the remarks of the chairman and the ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee. prgtoken For all those reasons, we cannot withdraw our 900 troops now because of what was said about ISIS. prgtoken But in addition to that, we are defending the Kurds against certain slaughter at the hands of the Peshmerga if we were to withdraw our troops. prgtoken The Turks, as we know, are supporting the Peshmerga. In addition to which, if we were to withdraw our troops, that increases the worry that Israel has to have about Iran, and that increases the odds of a conflict between Israel and Iran, which is the last thing the Middle East needs or the world needs. prgtoken For all these reasons, I strongly urge this body to reject this resolution. We truly should review all of the AUMFs we have lying around. I didn't know we had one from 1991. This resolution is the wrong vehicle, and it is productive of chaos and probably slaughter. I, therefore, oppose it.
DISAPPROVING THE ACTION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COUNCIL IN APPROVING THE REVISED CRIMINAL CODE ACT OF 2022
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2023-3-8

I rise in opposition to the resolution by Congress to overturn a law that was duly passed and enacted by the elected representatives of the people of the District of Columbia. prgtoken I support self-determination. I support self-governance. I support full democracy for the nearly 700,000 residents of the District of Columbia. Citizens who pay more Federal taxes collectively than the people in 21 States, citizens who serve their country in the Armed Forces, citizens who live in the Capital of the oldest democracy deserve the same rights to full democracy and self-determination as the citizens who live in any other State or any other city in the United States of America. prgtoken That is why I have long championed and supported the cause of DC statehood. But I want to point out, that is a fight not only for voting representation in the House and the Senate but also for the principle of local economy, the principle of self-determination also known as home rule. prgtoken In my view, this resolution is an attack on the democratic rights of the people of the District of Columbia, which has its own duly elected democratic representatives: the Mayor and the DC Council. Its residents and citizens are fully capable of deciding their own law and deciding their own future. prgtoken The Congress should not be overriding the will of the people of DC as reflected in their elected representatives. This process of directly overruling a law passed by the District of Columbia has not been used for 30 years--not for 30 years--and we should not start it now. prgtoken This bill was passed by the DC Council. It was vetoed by the Mayor. And I share some of the concerns that have been expressed by the Mayor. But then, the city council overruled the Mayor's veto by a vote of 12 to 1. And here is what the Mayor of the District of Columbia says; that while she had differences with what the council did, she strongly, strongly encourages this Senate to uphold the larger principle of democracy for the people of the District of Columbia. prgtoken Here is a letter she sent to all of us on February 23. [A]s Mayor and the Chief Executive Officer of the District, I call on all senators who share a commitment to basic democratic principles of self-determination and local control to vote ``NO''-- prgtoken Vote no-- on any disapproval resolutions involving duly enacted laws of the District of Columbia. prgtoken The Mayor points out in this letter that she is in a back-and-forth with the council to try to address some of the concerns that she has expressed, concerns which I understand and which I share. But she is very clear that the U.S. Congress should not be bigfooting the decisions made by the elected representatives of the District of Columbia. prgtoken No other jurisdiction in the United States of America has its laws subject to veto by the U.S. Congress. We all have Governors of our State. We
CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF PATRICK EIDING
Donald Norcross (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-3-8

I, along with Congressman Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania's First Congressional District and Congressman Dwight Evans of Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District, rise today to celebrate the retirement of Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO President, Patrick Eiding. prgtoken Over the course 21 years, Patrick Eiding has served the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO to the best of his ability. First elected in January 2002, Patrick served a total of 5 full terms as the organization's President of the Council. prgtoken Prior to his tenure leading the Philadelphia AFL-CIO, Patrick Eiding served for over 25 years as the Business Manager and Financial Secretary of the Insulators and Asbestos Workers Local 14 where he oversaw both Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Southern New Jersey. prgtoken Throughout his career, Patrick Eiding successfully moved up through the leadership structure within the organization. Beyond his service to the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO, Eiding serves as the Secretary- Treasurer of the Philadelphia Building Trades Council; a member of the Executive Council of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO; and sits on the General Board of the National AFL-CIO where he represents the Central Labor Councils located in the northeast region of the United States. prgtoken He has been a strong advocate for the interest and concerns of working-class families while serving as a member of the union, board, and commissions for several organizations. Some of which include the Philadelphia Area Labor Management Committee, the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and several more. prgtoken Today, Patrick Eiding continues to serve as the newly appointed member of the Philadelphia Works Incorporated and actively participates as a commissioner on the city planning commission of Philadelphia. prgtoken , I ask you to join Congressman Boyle, Congressman Evans, and me, in honoring and commending Patrick Eiding of the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO, as we celebrate his retirement and dedication to serving the organization and their many working families throughout his career.
CONGRESS MUST ADDRESS STUDENT DEBT
Robert Garcia (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-3-8

. Madam , I rise today as an educator who spent 10 years as a college instructor and administrator to support the President's student debt relief plan, which is now currently under threat by the Supreme Court. prgtoken When I was in the classroom, I saw my students taking out loans to pay for basic needs like rent or food. We tell young people to get an education, to go to college, to work toward your chance at the American Dream, but for so many, that means taking out tens of thousands of dollars in student loans. prgtoken Student loan debt also disproportionately impacts low-income students, and millions of students may not have access to financial training or advice. prgtoken To this day, I am also paying off my student loans, and I have former students who continue to struggle with student debt years after they have graduated. prgtoken Yes, we need to do more to address college affordability and access, but we must address student debt. prgtoken If the Supreme Court takes the dangerous, irresponsible step of ending relief to student borrowers, then Congress has a duty to codify the President's debt relief plan and protect these 40 million Americans.
INFLATION IS DEVASTATING TO AMERICANS
Michael Cloud (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-3-9

I rise today to honor the life of a true hero of the Crossroads, Mr. Claud Jacobs. prgtoken A native of Yoakum and Victoria, Texas, Claud lived a life of extraordinary service to his community. His life's motto, ``You always get back more than you give'' guided him through public service in the Governor's office and in starting multiple businesses that helped his neighbors. prgtoken Claud's faith in our savior Jesus Christ led him to be a friend to all, prgtoken dedicating his time to training young people in his community. prgtoken In 1968, his passion for at-risk youth led him to help found the Bluebonnet Youth Ranch and raise millions of dollars through charity events. prgtoken For his extraordinary work, in 1986 Claud Jacobs was knighted as a Knight of Saint Gregory by Pope John Paul II. prgtoken Claud was a friend to everyone in our community, it seems, and I know he was a friend of mine. We will miss his optimism, his warmth, and his can-do spirit. prgtoken May God bless his family as we remember him and his legacy.
RECOGNIZING THE BELEN JESUIT WOLVERINES
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-3-9

I recognize the Belen Jesuit Wolverines varsity basketball team, winners of the FHSAA Class 5A State Championship Title in Boys Basketball held in Lakeland, FL, on March 4, 2023. prgtoken The Belen Jesuit Wolverines basketball team, led by Coach Gaston ``Chachi'' Rodriguez, finished their regular season with a 28-4 record. They claimed the school's first State championship in the sport. Considered underdogs with an undersized roster, Belen defeated Daytona Beach Mainland High School in the championship game with a final score of 49-30. Senior Javi Rosell's 22 points led the team, followed by sophomore Bryce Fitzgerald with 13 points, including 11 of 12 freethrows made. The championship game was tied after the first quarter, but Belen broke open with 13 steals and forced 23 turnovers from Mainland's team during the rest of the game. The Wolverines' 30 points allowed in the championship game were the fewest scored by an opponent over the past decade. prgtoken I extend my best wishes to the entire Belen Jesuit family, Principal Roca, Coach Gaston Rodriguez, players Kevin Garcia, Joshue Perez, Ryan Cuellar, Javi Rosell, Bryce Fitzgerald, Alec Arnholt, Ej Gross, Carlos Santana, Alejandro Lopez, Max Klemick, Vincent Lima, Al Madrigal, Dillon Diaz, Nicolas Portuondo, and Ignacio Falla. I look forward to hearing of their continued success in the years to come.
TRIBUTE TO JAMES L. BUCKLEY
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-3-9

today, I would like to extend best wishes to the former Senator from New York, James L. Buckley. One hundred years ago today, on the 9th of March, Jim was born the fourth of 10 children, just as the Roaring '20s were getting underway. As he celebrates his 100th birthday, an impressive milestone by all accounts--I am also told he is the oldest living former U.S. Senator among us--Barbara and I wish Jim and his family a happy celebration. prgtoken Jim Buckley was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1970 as a candidate of the Conservative Party, making him the first third party candidate to win election to the U.S. Senate in four decades. Representing the State of New York in the 92nd through 94th sessions of Congress, he served during a rocky period in U.S. history that included the Vietnam and Watergate era. Before ever putting his name on the ballot for public office, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942, serving our country in uniform during World War II. He received his law degree from Yale University in 1949 and, from there, pursued a career in the law as an attorney and in lawmaking as a U.S. Senator. prgtoken Our congressional service overlapped during the 94th Congress, when I was a freshman Member of the U.S. House of Representatives. We didn't have the opportunity to serve together here in the upper Chamber. Senator Buckley ran for reelection as a in 1976, losing to Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, with whom I served until his retirement in 2001. prgtoken As conservatives, Senator Buckley and I share a commitment to shared principles, limited government, sanctity of life, States' rights, and safeguarding constitutional rights, including political free speech. In fact, his name will be attached for posterity to a landmark decision of the U.S. Supreme Court, Buckley v. Valeo. Then-Senator Buckley led a coalition of free speech advocates to challenge amendments made to the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 because they interfered with First Amendment rights. prgtoken Students of history, political junkies, and legal scholars recognize that this case has shaped the landscape of free speech and campaign finance for the last five decades. In 1976, the High Court arrived at two important conclusions regarding campaign finance laws. On the one hand, the Supreme Court found that contribution ceilings on individual contributions did not violate the First Amendment. However, in a vote of 7-1, it struck down restrictions on campaign expenses and found they did violate the First Amendment as an infringement on free expression. prgtoken Following his time in the legislative branch, Senator Buckley went on to serve in the Reagan administration in the U.S. State Department. From 1982-1985, Senator Buckley served as president of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in Germany, essentially a clarion of the airwaves fighting communism. From there, he continued his lifelong devotion to public servi