mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Unanimous Consent Request--H.R. 467 (Executive Session)
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2024-5-15

recognizing that there has been an objection, I would like to point out a couple of things, though. prgtoken As regards permanently scheduling fentanyl-related substances would do nothing to limit overdoses: Congress has extended fentanyl scheduling on a temporary basis multiple times, and this has led to fewer overdoses and led to the creation of fewer new fentanyl-related substances. prgtoken Next, the idea that designating them all as schedule I would limit the ability of researchers to study fentanyl is just not true. There is no indication that the temporary scheduling of fentanyl analogs has stifled research. The DEA, the Drug Enforcement Agency, has approved every research study since 2018. But this bill goes further by putting a robust process in place to study fentanyl. It does not disrupt ongoing things, but it actually creates an expedited process for certain FDA studies to be done in partnership with Federal Agencies. prgtoken Lastly, that somehow this would contribute to overincarceration: The bill does not permanently bar DEA or HHS from continuing to look at the risks associated with it. If something has no risk, they can establish it has no risk. Therefore, it would not lead to overincarceration. prgtoken But we do know that fentanyl is a dangerous--a dangerous--substance, and if we are concerned about the overincarceration of a certain population of our society, I can guarantee you that that population, like every population, is having people dying today from fentanyl overdose; that whichever group of Americans we are speaking of, they are losing someone today from fentanyl; and that this bill would help save a life in that particular group and, most importantly, in all groups. prgtoken With that, though, recognizing there is an objection, .
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2024-5-16

this week is Police Week--a week to honor our Nation's law enforcement officers. These men and women have had a challenging few years. Unsurprisingly, calls to defund the police and attacks on the vital work that they do left a lot of officers discouraged and demoralized--even as they were asked to shoulder the same burdens with less support. prgtoken Fortunately, I think time has started to provide a corrective. As we have watched crime take a toll on American cities, I think governments and individuals are more and more remembering just how much we need the men and women who bring order and safety to America's streets. prgtoken And I hope and pray that we are coming to this week with a greater appreciation for the essential work that these men and women perform. prgtoken I said ``essential,'' and they are. But let's remember something else as well. Police officers aren't just necessary, they are noble. They sign up for a heroic line of work, for a job that asks them to get up in the morning and go out and put themselves in danger to keep the rest of us out of it and that asks them to do that day after day, week after week, month after month, and year after year. And they do it willingly, gladly. prgtoken When they aren't doing the big things--the hard, heroic work of confronting dangerous situations and individuals--you can frequently find police officers doing the little things as well: speaking to a school class, helping out a stranded motorist, buying shoes for a child in need. Police officers don't just defend our communities; they play a vital role in building them up. prgtoken I am particularly grateful for our law enforcement officers in South Dakota who work so hard in communities across our State. They have shared challenges faced by other police departments across the country over the past few years, including dealing with deadly drugs like fentanyl coming over the border and making their way around the United States. And they face some specific South Dakota challenges. prgtoken I am also deeply grateful for the Capitol Police here in Washington, DC, who spend their days ensuring Members of Congress, their staffs, and the many visitors to the U.S. Capitol Building can go about their days in safety. And I am grateful to their families. Having a husband or a wife, a dad or a mom who is a police officer is not always an easy thing. Knowing that your parent or spouse may not come home from work one day is a difficult burden to carry. prgtoken In this Police Week, as we contemplate the service and sacrifice of our Nation's police officers, it is important to remember the service and sacrifice of their families as well. prgtoken Before I close, I want to mention the heroic service of Moody County's Chief Deputy Ken Prorok of South Dakota, who was killed in the line of duty in February of this year. I just want to read a couple of lines from the Officer Down Memorial Page on Chief Deputy Prorok
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2024-5-16

twice in the last week, President has suggested that inflation was 9 percent when he took office and claimed credit for bringing it down. The Washington Post gave him a rating of four Pinocchios for that very tall tale. In reality, inflation in January of 2021 was 1.4 percent. As of this month, prices have increased 20 percent since then. By one estimate--listen to this-- the average U.S. household has to spend an additional $1,074 every month to keep up the same standard of living they had when President took office. prgtoken The numbers don't lie, and neither do the American people. They know nonsense when they hear it. prgtoken A 32-year-old engineer from Nevada who voted for the President in 2020 told reporters he is frustrated with the way the White House frames the economy. Here is what he had to say: It is concerning to me when I keep seeing press come out of the White House where they keep saying the economy is good. That is really weird because I am paying more on taxes and more on groceries and more on housing and more on fuel. So that doesn't feel good. prgtoken Small business owners in particular have been hard hit by increased prices. They have smaller margins to absorb the increased cost for materials, labor, and other operating expenses, and they risk losing customers every time they raise their prices. prgtoken One small business owner in New York, a fourth-generation roofer, reported: We've increased more in the last four years than we had in 10. . . . We don't have a choice. prgtoken The owner of a small printing company in Washington State described painful price hikes as ``death by a thousand paper cuts.'' He went on to say: People are tired of price increases. . . . We are tired of price increases. prgtoken That is that. The American people are tired of price increases, they are tired of lies about it, and it is safe to say they are tired of omics. China prgtoken , on another matter, this week, Putin is in Beijing attending what Russia and China have called a ``friendship without limits,'' but last week, it was President Xi who took to the road, and, notably, his warmest welcome was in Budapest, Hungary. prgtoken The visit from PRC's leader came as more of our European NATO allies are waking up not only to the harsh reality of Russian aggression but also to the linked threats facing Western security and prosperity, to the urgent requirements of defense production, and to the particular challenge the PRC poses as a systemic rival. prgtoken But Hungary? Not so much. Viktor Orban's government has cultivated the PRC as its top trading partner outside the EU. prgtoken It has given Beijing sweeping law enforcement authorities to hunt dissidents on Hungarian soil. prgtoken It was the first European country to join Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative, which other European
RECOGNIZING OFFICER KENNETH KORCHAK
Gus M. Bilirakis (Republican, FL) \u2014 2024-5-16

I rise today to recognize and honor the service of one of my constituents, Officer Kenneth Korchak, of the Port Richey Police Department. Officer Korchak started his career at the Port Richey Police Department as a part-time Telecommunicator. He had already attended and graduated from the law enforcement academy and was subsequently hired as a Reserve Officer in addition to his telecommunicator duties. Officer Korchak volunteered to work patrol whenever Patrol Supervisors requested coverage for a shift. His work ethic and proactive mindset resulted in him being hired as a full-time Officer. After being promoted, he volunteered for dual duties whenever Telecommunicator coverage was needed. Officer Korchak put the agency's needs ahead of his desire to work as a Patrol Officer. He also has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to professional development, as evidenced by his participation in coursework to continually refine his skill set. Officer Korchak is one of the most proactive officers in the agency, and this is reflected in agency's monthly statistical data. prgtoken These are just a few examples of the hard work, dedication, eagerness to help, and servant leadership that Officer Korchak exhibits every day when he comes to work. He is a shining example of what it means to be a Port Richey Law Enforcement Officer. His work ethic should be a benchmark for which other first responders should strive to attain. It is evident that Officer Korchak has made a profoundly positive impact on our community and is qualified to be recognized as a First Responder of the Year for Florida's 12th Congressional District.
Unanimous Consent Request--H.R. 7109 (Executive Calendar)
Bill Hagerty (Republican, TN) \u2014 2024-5-16

first, I would like to remark that the border security bill that my esteemed colleague references would simply increase the processing of illegal aliens into this country. If this language were incorporated in it, we would stop the incentive for illegal migration. That would be the fix. That was not in the bill. The bill that he referenced would not have addressed the border security at all. prgtoken My ic colleague is objecting to legislation that would actually restore the one-person, one-vote principle, and it would end the perverse incentive under which illegal immigration increases political power. prgtoken It is indisputable that Congress can direct that a citizenship question be included in the census. It was included in the census for most of our history up until 's administration took it out in 2010. prgtoken And the Constitution says that the census shall be conducted ``in such Manner as [Congress] shall by Law direct.'' prgtoken Congress does, indeed, have the authority to do this; in fact, we have had the citizenship question until 2010. prgtoken Second, on the question of what population is counted for apportioning House seats and electoral votes, the Constitution says that you count the number of persons in the United States. prgtoken It doesn't mean literally everyone in the United States. We don't count people here on vacation; we don't count people here on temporary stays. Why would we count people who are here and who have broken in illegally? It means citizens who are members of the American political body--a body that votes on representation--and who have permanent allegiance to our constitutional system. prgtoken In fact, it may be unconstitutional to count illegal aliens under the 14th Amendment because that dilutes some citizens' votes and undermines the principle of one person, one vote. prgtoken The constitutional argument is simply a dodge for the indefensible position that opposition to this bill means support for the notion that more illegal aliens should mean more political power for the States and the communities that attract.
NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
Cindy Hyde-Smith (Republican, MS) \u2014 2024-5-16

every year, our Nation comes together to honor and remember the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their fellow citizens. This week, National Police Week, stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication and sacrifice of law enforcement officers across our Nation, including those in my own State of Mississippi. prgtoken Every day, our law enforcement officers put on their uniforms, kiss their loved ones goodbye, and head out into the unknown, knowing that they may encounter danger at any moment. They stand as guardians of our communities, ensuring that peace, law, and order prevail, often at great personal risk. prgtoken We owe a debt of gratitude to these heroes, whose selflessness and bravery serve as an example of what it means to be a patriot. Their commitment to uphold the law, protect the innocent, and serve justice is at the foundation of what makes our Nation great. prgtoken As we honor those who have fallen, it is important that we also remember the families they have left behind. This week, we, as a nation, join the spouses, children, parents, siblings, fellow officers, and friends in mourning the loss prgtoken of these men and women. Their sacrifice is no less profound, and their resilience and strength get at the heart of what it means to be an American. prgtoken Even in the face of adversity, our officers have remained steadfast in their commitment to serve. prgtoken It is important to me that every officer in Mississippi knows that I greatly admire you for your loyalty, grit, and determination throughout such challenges. I will continue to work to ensure you have the resources you need to do your job. prgtoken My State of Mississippi is blessed with amazing law enforcement, who are not only hometown heroes, but also an integral part of our communities. Every loss of an officer is deeply felt by all. prgtoken I would like to specifically remember and honor the two fallen officers from Mississippi whose names have been added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year. These officers died heroes in service to their communities, and we are humbled by their service and sacrifice. prgtoken We remember: Madison County Police Department's Officer Horren Randy Tyler, 64, who was tragically shot and killed on June 1, 2023, after a man opened fire on officers during a hostage negotiation. Randy's colleagues regarded him as a leader and mentor, seeking his guidance in challenging situations, trusting his 27 years of experience. He leaves behind his wife, four children, and three grandchildren. prgtoken And we also remember: Mississippi Bureau of Investigation's Lieutenant Jeris Deon Davis, 51, who succumbed to Covid on December 29, 2020. Lt. Davis served in law enforcement for 22 years, including as an officer with the Mississippi Highway Patrol. prgtoken As we reflect on the lives lost and the sacrifices made, let us recommit ourselves to suppor
RECOGNIZING FORT MORGAN FIRE DEPARTMENT
Jerry L. Carl (Republican, AL) \u2014 2024-5-16

I rise today during National Police Week to recognize the historic acts of Deputy Bellew and members of the Fort Morgan Fire Department. prgtoken On April 19, Corporal Boros, Deputy Bellew, and other members of the Fort Morgan Fire Department rescued three distressed swimmers off the coast. The fire department began the operation with special equipment. Once Deputy Bellew arrived, he removed his duty belt and body armor and put on his swim vest, jumped in the water, and saved the swimmers. prgtoken That day, three people in the water were saved while swimming. That day, three people were saved from drowning. I cannot be prouder to represent District One, which is filled with brave, dedicated law enforcement officers like Deputy Bellew. prgtoken With many voices screaming to defund the police, we must emphasize how vital our officers are to us. Every day, these men and women tirelessly serve the American people, and I cannot thank them enough. prgtoken I will always back the blue.
BORDER ACT
James Lankford (Republican, OK) \u2014 2024-5-16

can I just recap for this body. Starting in last October, a group of us sat down to have a serious conversation about the border. prgtoken We had a Senator from Connecticut, Chris Murphy; we had an Independent Senator, Kyrsten Sinema, from Arizona; and a conservative Senator from Oklahoma. prgtoken We all understood the problem is serious, and there are very real threats to our national security, our economy. It was spiraling out of control on the border. prgtoken October was the highest month ever in the history of our country. November was the highest number ever in the history of our country. December was the highest number ever in the history of our country, with the largest day of illegal crossings in the history of our country, in December, of 12,000 people in a single day. Things were spiraling out of control at the border, and they continued. prgtoken So we sat down in a serious conversation and said we had differences of how to be able to resolve this, but we all want to be able to fix this. So we spent months trying to be able to hammer out a resolution. prgtoken It was a serious dialogue that we hoped to be able to get to a conclusion, but we failed to do that. We created a bill that, I felt like, was a great bill with common ground in it. It didn't have everything that I wanted in it, but it did have the essentials in it to be able to change the way we do asylum, to be able to change the processing. It literally took it from the very first person that crossed the border each day would be detained, quickly screened, and then deported--the very first person. prgtoken If we had a caravan of up to 5,000 people across the day, we can't control that; so in that situation, instead of detaining, quickly screening, and deporting, we would just detain and deport, because there was no time to do the screening. We weren't going to release people in; we were going to turn people around. prgtoken It changed the structure dramatically from what was happening on the border. I felt like this was a good bill to be able to move forward, and I moved in good faith to be able to get that done. prgtoken But it is also well-known here that I had disagreements, some within my own party--the majority within my own party--that said this is not the time to be able to resolve this. It is what it is. prgtoken It is the political nature of what is going on right now. I understand that. But the problem is still unresolved. prgtoken Yesterday, we had 5,500 people that illegally crossed the border yesterday--yesterday. prgtoken Last month, we had 174,000 people that illegally crossed our border last month. That would have been the highest month ever--in fact, it would have been the highest month in the past 20 years if it wasn't for the last 3 years under the administration. It would have been higher than any month under President , under President , under President . It would have been higher th
LEOSA REFORM ACT
Barry Moore (Republican, AL) \u2014 2024-5-16

our colleagues across the aisle very often told us that we didn't need firearms to protect ourselves, that they would send the police, and then last year and the year before, they were calling to defund the police. The very constituents that they said, don't worry, you can call the police, they want to defund. prgtoken Now, they want to disarm retired law enforcement officers, who could be Johnny-on-the-spot, in many cases, to save civilian lives. prgtoken , I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation, and .
ISRAEL SECURITY ASSISTANCE SUPPORT ACT
Ken Calvert (Republican, CA) \u2014 2024-5-16

I rise today in support of the Israel Security Assistance Support Act. This bill reverses President 's misguided attempts to withhold vital security assistance to Israel as they fight to defend their citizens from terrorists. prgtoken Just last week, we observed Holocaust Remembrance Day, commemorating the 6 million Jews who were murdered by Nazi Germany. The memory of those lives horrifically taken endures 80 years since the end of the Holocaust. A plaque at Auschwitz states: ``Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.'' prgtoken , we can never forget. prgtoken On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists launched a massive, unprovoked war on Israel, killing 1,200 innocent people and taking 240 hostages, including American citizens. It was the worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. prgtoken The Israeli people are still reeling from the barbaric attacks on that day. They are unable to begin healing while still separated from their loved ones taken hostage, and they are determined to ensure no further innocent Israeli lives are taken by radical terrorists. prgtoken Over the past 6 months, Israel has been repeatedly attacked by Iran and its terrorist proxy groups: Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. Each one of these groups has vowed repeatedly to destroy the State of Israel. prgtoken The only reason these attacks have been unsuccessful is because of Israel's robust military and because of their missile defense capability, honed by years of defending itself from attacks. prgtoken Hamas and others who seek the end of the Jewish state have not run out of weapons, resources, or willpower. In this unprovoked conflict they started, they are using none of these things to defend innocent civilians, preferring to use them instead as human shields. prgtoken Hamas has made a choice to continue the conflict by tormenting their hostages and hiding behind civilians. It is time to stop appeasing terrorists and provide Israel with the weapons and support necessary to end this war. prgtoken The United States affirmed our resolve to stand with Israel less than a month ago when we passed supplemental appropriations for Israel with strong bipartisan support. This message could not have been clearer. prgtoken Astoundingly, last week, The Washington Post reported that President ordered a pause on weapons ready for delivery to Israel-- literally on the truck ready to be sent to the airport and flown out to Israel immediately. These are weapons that were previously approved by Congress and the administration. These include 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs that are intended to strike Hamas' extensive tunnel network. prgtoken It was also reported that the administration was reviewing planned transfers of 6,500 joint direct attack munition kits which would bring precision to the fight and help minimize civilian casualties. prgtoken The administration is ignoring the fact that the Sta
RECOGNIZING JOEL KRETZ
Dan Newhouse (Republican, WA) \u2014 2024-5-16

. Madam , today I rise to recognize a newly retired public servant and good friend of prgtoken mine from the State of Washington, representative Joel Kretz. prgtoken Since 2005, Joel has been dutifully serving the people of Washington's 7th legislative district. As the largest and most rural district in the State, his dedication may be exemplified in just how long his commute is, over 600 miles round trip between Olympia and his ranch in central Washington. prgtoken He has been a champion of responsible land management, a crucial advocate in the fight for wildfire management, and a true defender of the western way of life. prgtoken His legislative accomplishments, though many, are not the most interesting thing about Joel. He is a true cowboy, world-class horse breeder, and the embodiment of what it means to be from rural America. Did I say that he is also a great friend of mine. prgtoken Now it is time for Joel to hang up his coat and tie, put on his cowboy hat and kerchief, and focus on the long honey-do list of his wife, Luska, that she has waiting for him. prgtoken I am delighted about Joel's retirement. He has more than earned it.