mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
WINNEBAGO LAND TRANSFER ACT OF 2023
Deb Fischer (Republican, NE) \u2014 2024-6-20

the Winnebago Land Transfer Act brings a simple issue of fairness to the Senate floor. I introduced this bill with my colleagues after hearing from members of the Winnebago Tribe about the trials they have faced over decades. These trials were sadly imposed by our own government, and that is why our government must resolve them. prgtoken In the mid-1800s, the government forcibly removed the Winnebago Tribe from their homeland. They settled in a new home in 1865--the Winnebago Indian Reservation in my home State of Nebraska. prgtoken The government promised that land to the Winnebago Tribe, and they promised it forever, but they did not keep that promise. In 1970, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers condemned 1,600 acres of the Tribe's reservation land for a proposed recreation project--a project that was never even started. The land seizure launched over half a century of legal battles between the Winnebago Tribe and the U.S. Government-- battles that never brought this matter to a just resolution. prgtoken But America is defined by our striving toward the ideals of justice and equality. Our government was established to protect these ideals, and that is what we will do by passing the Winnebago Land Transfer Act. Our legislation will restore the Tribe's rightful land, transferring the remaining tracts of land back from the U.S. Army Corps. prgtoken The House of Representatives passed this legislation earlier this year, and that is the version we are voting on today. They passed it because, like I said, it is a simple issue of fairness--one that all of us, no matter our political party, can get behind. prgtoken I am hopeful that today the Senate will follow suit, that we will uphold those ideals of justice and of equality. I am hopeful that we will pass this bill to return the land to its rightful owner, the Winnebago Tribe. prgtoken , as if in legislative session, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 411, H.R. 1240.
National Security (Executive Session)
Roger F. Wicker (Republican, MS) \u2014 2024-6-20

for the first time in 24 years, this week, Russian Dictator Vladimir Putin visited the North Korea dictator Kim Jong Un. This rare trip was a sign of a new reality, and it amounts to bad news for the United States and for our alliance and for the forces of freedom around the world. prgtoken An axis of aggressors continues to emerge, and this visit by Putin to Kim Jong Un is just the latest sign. Our adversaries: Russia, North Korea, China, the Ayatollah's Iran have been banding together to create a world that is less free, less peaceful, and less prosperous for the American people. Every Member of the Senate knows this. And we have an opportunity to respond, and there is a glimmer of good news. prgtoken Last week, the Senate Armed Services Committee, of which I am a member, overwhelmingly voted to move the National Defense Authorization bill forward. We wrote the bill specifically to address this rising danger. prgtoken Our near unanimous support for passage of the NDAA is a sign that we agree on at least one thing: The United States is not ready to stand up to this axis of aggressors, this new group who are banding together and assisting each other as they never have before. And we don't have time to waste. prgtoken The Armed Services Committee has put that conviction into practice. Senators from both sides of the aisle added an additional $25 billion to the legislation, to the top line of this legislation--$25 billion dollars which would invest in the munitions and systems we need to confront this axis and to prevent war, to preserve the peace and prevent war. prgtoken Vladimir Putin's visit to Kim Jong Un was more than just a ceremony. The two autocrats signed a defense pact between North Korea and Russia, agreeing to help each other militarily. This new pact is troubling, but it should come as no surprise. It is only the latest step in their growing partnership. prgtoken For 2 years, North Korea has been supplying Russia with millions of artillery shells and hundreds of ballistic missiles for Putin's illegal war against Ukraine. In exchange, Moscow has helped Pyongyang evade the sanctions that previously held back the North Korean economy. prgtoken The Russian-North Korea partnership is just one aspect of the growing axis of aggressors. China has supported Russia's unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine. China has sent weapons components and geospatial intelligence to Vladimir Putin. In return, Moscow has sold all to China. prgtoken Iran has supplied--Iran, in another section of the world, has supplied hundreds of ballistic missiles and thousands of deadly drones for Putin's terror campaign against Ukrainian citizens. prgtoken Russia has returned the favor by sending Tehran advanced air defense missiles and jets. All four of these countries--Russia, Iran, North Korea, and communist China--have supported Hamas's hateful and illegal attack on Israel, and they have supported the Houthis' reckle
Border Security (Executive Calendar)
James Lankford (Republican, OK) \u2014 2024-6-20

there is a difference between a refugee who was fully vetted, that America has welcomed historically and should continue to, and we will. We worked for decades to be able to honor refugees and to be able to do our part in what is happening around the world. That same standard for refugees, where an individual is identified, the family is vetted, they go through the process both at the U.N. and through the United States to be able to identify how to be able to help that family, that same definition for ``refugee'' is also used as a definition for ``asylee.'' It is the same definition, but there is a dramatic difference between the two. prgtoken The refugee has been fully vetted. We know who they are; we know the situation; we know the crisis that their family has gone through; and our Nation, like multiple nations around the world, engages to see what we can do to help that family in trauma. That is who we are as Americans. It is whom we will continue to be. prgtoken The challenge is when we have thousands of people cross our southern border requesting asylum whom we don't know who they are, who are not vetted, that begin to take advantage of American generosity, and it becomes a challenge for us to be able to filter who really qualifies as a refugee/asylee as they are crossing the border and who is just taking advantage of our system. prgtoken That is a challenge. It has been a challenge for us for years, but it has dramatically accelerated in the last 3 years. This year we will have 2\1/2\ million people that will cross our southern border. The vast majority of those will ask for asylum, and they will be released into the United States awaiting a hearing, sometimes 8 to 10 years in advance, to be able to make their case that they qualify. In the meantime, we don't know who they are. They have not been vetted. We don't have background information for those individuals. prgtoken Last week, the FBI picked up eight individuals with direct ties to ISIS that were in our country, that in the last 2 years had crossed our southern border--had blended in with the rest of the folks who requested asylum--requested asylum and then disappeared into our country. prgtoken Thankfully, our FBI was able to pick up that these eight individuals were in Los Angeles, New York, and Philadelphia, preparing to be able to carry out acts of violence in our country. We are grateful for the work of the FBI to be able to do that, but why aren't we filtering these individuals at the border? prgtoken We are not evaluating criminal history even in the country they are coming from. How do I know that? I know that because I work with DHS, and I am fully aware of what their process is. We fingerprint individuals, and we see if they are on the Terror Watchlist; that is, we know them, we have been tracking them internationally, or if they are on the Interpol international criminal list. prgtoken But if they are on a list in their o
Nomination of Mustafa Taher Kasubhai (Executive Calendar)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-6-20

I have served on the Senate Judiciary Committee my entire time in the Senate. As the Presiding Officer knows, one of the responsibilities of the Judiciary Committee is to vet and to vote on a President's nominees for judicial office. prgtoken These are unique jobs because they last literally a lifetime, so it is very, very important that we vet these nominees. In my case, in the case of Texas, Senator Cruz and I have appointed a group of the best lawyers in the State of Texas on something we call the Federal Judicial Evaluation Committee to help us screen the people who want to serve on the Federal bench, and so we are then in a position to enter a conversation with the White House, whether it is a or a , about whether or not we will vote for and support that nominee for the Federal judiciary. prgtoken There is something called the blue slip which is unique to the Senate Judiciary Committee where, if a home State Senator does not return a blue slip on somebody that the President has nominated, the committee will not process that nominee. prgtoken So the Judiciary Committee has a very important role and one I think consistent with the responsibilities of vetting and considering these lifetime-tenure judges. prgtoken For 13 years, I was a judge myself on the State court bench in Texas, so I have some strong views about the qualities that make for a good judge. A good judge is not a policymaker wearing a black robe, because judges don't stand for election--or at least Federal judges do not. prgtoken So I have been watching very closely President 's judicial nominees to make sure they meet at least the minimum standard to serve on the Federal bench, but I have to say that President 's unqualified judicial nominees are a problem. Not all of them but some of them stand out, and one in particular continues to face big problems in this Chamber. prgtoken Earlier this week, the Senate was expected to vote on Judge Mustafa Kasubhai, who was nominated to serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon. He was set to receive a vote on Tuesday, but Senator Schumer pulled that down. He is the one who sets the schedule in the Senate. He pulled that down at the last minute because he obviously did not have the votes to confirm this nominee. prgtoken They were expected to push that vote to today because perhaps there would be enough Senators that would be absent the day after the Juneteenth holiday that it would actually change the outcome and make it more likely that he would be confirmed. But then it became obvious that this nominee was so controversial that even a poor attendance day would not lead to his confirmation. All I have to say to that is, thank goodness. prgtoken Our colleagues have delayed Judge Kasubhai's confirmation vote again, and I sincerely hope this will mark the end of the road for this particular nominee. Given everything we know about the judge, it is
Unanimous Consent Request--S. Res. 742 (Executive Session)
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2024-6-20

the women of the FDIC do deserve more than a fly-by-night confirmation. This needs to be carefully considered. Simply put, this position at this time is too important. prgtoken We are talking about an Agency that for literally decades has been plagued by some of the most toxic working conditions that any of us have ever seen. prgtoken So we know that President has nominated Commissioner Romero to replace a scumbag--we know that--but it doesn't mean that her nomination shouldn't be carefully scrutinized. So we do hope we can put some time and consideration into the nomination. prgtoken But I would say that getting rid of Martin Gruenberg today would state to the employees of the FDIC that the President takes these allegations seriously and that he does want to prevent sexual harassment, hopefully setting the stage for future leaders within the FDIC, because right now, those employees do not feel they have been heard. Allowing Martin Gruenberg to continue in the position is just furthering--furthering--the way they feel, and they feel very little at this time. prgtoken Sexual harassment has no place in this workplace or any workplace. The President needs to send a strong message to the FDIC that it will not be tolerated.
HONORING MR. DALE F. LAMBERT ON HIS RETIREMENT AFTER 33 YEARS IN THE ELECTRIC UTILITY INDUSTRY
Richard Hudson (Republican, NC) \u2014 2024-6-21

I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mr. Dale F. Lambert on his retirement after 33 years of working in the electric utility industry. prgtoken Dale is the embodiment of the American Dream. He started off with the Randolph Electric Membership Corporation as an Apprentice Lineman in 1984. He then served as a District Manager before working his way up to CEO, a position he has held for the last 17 years. Thanks to his hard work and dedication we've been able to keep the lights on. prgtoken Dale is not only committed to making sure folks in Randolph County have reliable access to power, but he is also deeply involved with the community. Dale frequently volunteers with his church, the Beulah Baptist Church, as well as the Asheboro Rotary Club and the NC Jaycee Burn Center Advisory Committee. Dale is dedicated to improving the lives of the folks around him and is truly a steward of our region. Dale has given 33 great years to Randolph County, and while we will miss him dearly, I'm sure he is looking forward to spending more time with his wife Regena and their wonderful children and granddaughter. prgtoken , please join me today in congratulating Mr. Dale F. Lambert on his well-earned retirement after a 33-year career in the electric utility industry.
CONGRATULATING PATRICK ROWAN
Rick W. Allen (Republican, GA) \u2014 2024-6-21

I rise today to congratulate my constituent, Patrick Rowan, upon his acceptance to the United States Naval Academy. prgtoken As a future midshipman, he will be joining the ranks of the world's most elite naval force, guided by the motto, ``Semper Fortis'' prgtoken The service and sacrifice of America's military personnel have safeguarded our Nation since its inception, defending our way of life from Lexington to Normandy. prgtoken And throughout our history, American servicemembers have demonstrated tremendous courage and strength, beating back tyranny to the ends of the earth. prgtoken I was glad to sponsor Patrick's nomination and I am confident that his talents will distinguish him among his peers during his time at the Academy and thereafter. prgtoken Congratulations to Patrick, I know that he will make this Nation proud.
HONORING ROGER C. JONES
Blake D. Moore (Republican, UT) \u2014 2024-6-21

I am thankful for this opportunity to honor the success and achievement of Mr. Roger C. Jones. Along with countless individuals in northern Utah, I congratulate Roger on his retirement from the Bear River Association of Governments (BRAG) and express my gratitude for his 51 years of service to our communities. Northern Utah has been fortunate to have had such a dedicated civil servant for so many decades. Born and raised in Logan, Utah, Mr. Jones embodies the best qualities that Utah, and our Nation, has to offer. prgtoken Prior to starting his career with BRAG, Mr. Jones served as an officer in the United States Army in Vietnam. Upon returning home, he completed his MBA at Utah State University and took what he thought would be a 6-month position with BRAG. That 6-month job turned into 51 years of continuous efforts to better communities throughout Northern Utah. prgtoken Soon after joining the organization, Roger implemented new functions and carried out responsibilities delegated to BRAG by the state, helping local governments adapt and integrate new programs for healthcare planning, aging services, substance abuse treatment, and law enforcement planning. prgtoken In 1986, Roger was appointed Executive Director and, in this position, worked to improve integration of the various government organizations within the Bear River Association of Governments. Under his watch, BRAG became the model for multi-county government associations. prgtoken It is people like Roger Jones and his team who have made Utah's First Congressional District, and all of Utah, the incredible place it is. prgtoken I join all who have been touched by Roger's service in thanking him for his work for our great state. I wish Roger nothing but the best in his well-deserved retirement.
INTRODUCTION OF THE VETERANS LEGAL SUPPORT ACT OF 2024
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2024-6-21

today, I introduce the Veterans Legal Support Act of 2024, which would allow the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide support to law school clinical programs that provide pro bono legal and support services to veterans, including assistance with disability claims and foreclosures. There are at least 22 law schools that have clinics devoted to veterans' legal needs, including the William & Mary Law School Veterans Benefits Clinic, which was the first recipient of a ``best practice'' certification from the VA. There are many other law schools, such as the University of the District of Columbia's David A. Clarke School of Law, that are interested in starting their own VA-certified clinics. More needs to be done to sustain and increase the number of these programs. prgtoken I was a tenured professor at the Georgetown University Law Center and continued to teach a seminar there after being elected to Congress. I saw the expert assistance that clinical programs provide their clients. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this bill, a concrete measure that would assist our veterans, who put their lives on the line for this country.
HONORING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF GUNNERY SERGEANT STEVEN M. PHONG
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-6-21

I rise today to honor the achievements of Gunnery Sergeant Steven M. Phong. prgtoken Gunnery Sergeant Steven M. Phong is a native of Long Beach, California. He graduated Recruit Training at San Diego, California on October 7, 2005 as a Private First Class. prgtoken After completion of Recruit Training, he attended Marine Combat Training School (MCT) at School of Infantry, Area 52, Camp Pendleton, California. Once completing MCT he attended Military Occupational School (MOS) at Camp Johnson, North Carolina for training at Supply School for the Enlisted Basic Supply Course. prgtoken In February of 2006, he reported to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Marine Corps Air Control Squadron 2, 2nd Marine Air Wing to serve as the Procurement and Fiscal Clerk. prgtoken In August of 2014, Corporal Phong reported to Anti-tank Training Company, Site Support Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and served as the Company Supply Administrations Chief, Embarkations Chief, and the Anti- Terrorism Assistant Officer. prgtoken Corporal Phong assisted in deploying and redeploying marines in support of Marine Expeditionary Unit 31's Unit Deployment Program and the Georgia Train and Equip Program. He also supervised logistics movements for training programs including Northern Strike, 29 Palms Integrated Training Exercise, Cold Weather training, African Lion and Red Flag Alaska. prgtoken In April of 2018 Sergeant Phong reported to 3d Supply Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group in April 2018 to serve as the Battalion Supply Administrations Chief. prgtoken Sergeant Phong attended the Supply Chain Management Intermediate Course at Camp Futenma, Okinawa, Japan from August to September 2018. prgtoken In August 2019 Staff Sergeant Phong then assumed the billet of the Battalion Supply and Material Management Chief in 3d Supply Battalion in August 2019. prgtoken On August 13, 2021, Staff Sergeant Phong reported to Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Pacific and assumed his duties as the Supply and Material Management Chief. There he worked in a joint branch environment and supported multiple warfare training courses. prgtoken Gunnery Sergeant Phong is currently serving as a Canvassing Recruiter in Recruiting Sub-station Orange County. prgtoken Gunnery Sergeant Phong's personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and celebrating the achievements of Gunnery Sergeant Steven M. Phong.
RECOGNIZING THE LEGACY OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL ALEXANDER JEFFERSON
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-6-21

I would like to recognize the late Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Jefferson, a World War II Tuskegee Airman and one of Michigan's most decorated pilots as we prepare to dedicate a community gathering space in his honor. Born in Detroit, he was the descendant of formerly enslaved people and would go on to become a Black trailblazer. prgtoken One of the original Tuskegee Airmen, the U.S. Army's first Black Air Corps, Jefferson served as a P-51 fighter pilot with the Red Tail, 332nd Fighter Group 301st Fighter Squadron in Ramitelli, Italy. His unit bravely escorted bombers into action, providing critical protection from enemy aircraft and without losing a single plane. Jefferson was captured as a prisoner of war on August 12, 1944, three days before the invasion of Southern France, after he was shot down while firing at German radar stations on the coast. Presumed dead, he was held for more than nine months. He was liberated by U.S. Forces on April 29, 1945. prgtoken Following the war, Jefferson dedicated himself to education as an instrument instructor in advanced flight training at the Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama, continuing the storied Air Corps' legacy of excellence in flight. He was discharged from active duty in 1947 and retired from the reserves in 1969. In his civilian life, Jefferson worked as an elementary school science teacher in Detroit, where he would retire as an assistant principal in 1979. prgtoken He has received numerous awards and accolades for his bravery and his selfless service for our country, including the Purple Heart Award. He represented the best of Detroit. As we celebrate the dedication of the plaza in his honor, we offer our thanks for the service and legacy of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Jefferson.
FAIRNESS IN REDISTRICTING
Wiley Nickel (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2024-6-25

last week, I joined the All Veteran Group to raise awareness and draw attention to my bill, the FAIR MAPS Act, by skydiving from 14,000 feet in Cumberland County, North Carolina, just outside of Fort Liberty. I was proud to elevate the issue of partisan gerrymandering to new heights and call out the need for fair maps in North Carolina and across the country. prgtoken My bill, the FAIR MAPS Act, combats partisan gerrymandering by establishing independent, nonpartisan redistricting commissions in every State. The FAIR MAPS Act has the potential to double the number of competitive House seats. If signed into law, that is a big deal. prgtoken In North Carolina and across the country, partisan gerrymandering has been used as a tool by politicians to manipulate the outcomes with surgical precision. Gerrymandering disenfranchises voters and leads to hyper-partisanship. It is the main reason we are on track to be the least productive Congress in our Nation's history. prgtoken It is simple. Voters should choose their politicians, not the other way around. While my name won't be on the ballot this year, I am not giving up or going out quietly. I am going to do everything I can to fight for fair maps, end partisan gerrymandering, and protect the right to vote for every single North Carolinian. Women's Rights