mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
U.S. Supreme Court (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2024-6-5

the Supreme Court term is about to end, which means it is time for and their media allies to bully and harass the Justices. The most recent example of this is the risible attack leveled against Justice Alito for his wife's flags. prgtoken I have nothing to say about those attacks themselves because they are so profoundly unserious, but I do have an observation about how some of the attacks have been leveled. prgtoken Three of our colleagues have taken it upon themselves to write to the Chief Justice and demand Justice Alito's recusal in cases. One went so far as to tell the Chief that he should strip Justices Alito and Thomas of their ability to write majority opinions unless they recuse from the cases liberals don't want them hearing. prgtoken This goes beyond the standard disgraceful bullying my ic colleagues have perfected. Recusal is a judicial act. prgtoken These Senators are telling the Chief Justice, privately, to change the course of pending litigation. This is known as ex parte communication, and it is frowned upon by the ABA's Model Rules of Professional Conduct. prgtoken This matters because at least two of these colleagues of ours--the junior Senator from Rhode Island and the senior Senator from Connecticut--seem to be members of the Supreme Court Bar. If so, they are, therefore, potentially engaging in unethical professional conduct before the Court. prgtoken They may be under the mistaken impression that their persistent attempts to threaten the Federal courts are a permissible use of their legislative office, but they are officers of the Court and bound by a different set of rules than a mere Senator. These rules provide for discipline against those who engage in ``conduct unbecoming'' an officer of the Court. prgtoken I might suggest to our colleagues that unethical ex parte communications seeking to change the course of pending litigation is such conduct and that the Court should take any remedial action it feels to be appropriate. prgtoken The legal profession is in distress. Unethical behavior by attorneys serving political causes, unfortunately, knows no party or faction. It is up to the legal profession to police itself, and in the end, this means that courts, including the Supreme Court, must police their officers. We don't need to appeal to heaven to fix this problem, just to the Supreme Court's power to police the ethical practice of law among the members of its bar.
National Security (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-6-5

before he leaves the floor, I want to say to the Senator from Mississippi how proud I am to stand here beside him as he delivers an inconvenient truth, which is, our national security is not something we can take for granted. You pay for it with your treasure or your blood. That is an inconvenient truth. prgtoken In the course of our Nation's history, we remain the beacon of freedom, opportunity, liberty, and prosperity for the world, but we cannot take that for granted because we see everywhere we look rising threats and challenges to prgtoken America's leadership role in the world. Whether it is in Europe, whether it is in Asia, whether it is in the Middle East, the threats and the challenges go on and on. prgtoken What emboldens our adversaries is when they believe that we lack the resolve and commitment to do what is necessary to preserve the peace. The way you preserve the peace is to make sure none of your adversaries want to take a chance to engage with you militarily because they know they will lose. That is what deterrence is all about. prgtoken I think the Senator from Mississippi has hopefully started a really critical discussion at a critical time when we sort of lurch back and forth between continuing resolutions and an appropriations process that is fundamentally broken; when, in fact, the money we appropriate through that process is only about one-third of the money the Federal Government spends. The Federal Government spends trillions of dollars more on mandatory programs and through the Tax Code. We need to look at all of that spending, and we need to rightsize our commitment to what should be our No. 1 priority, which is the safety and security of the American people and our way of life, and to figure out what that means in terms of where the Federal Government spends money elsewhere. prgtoken And it is a very, very important debate. We shouldn't be afraid of it. Nobody is talking about touching Social Security or Medicare. prgtoken Both President and President has said no matter what the outcome of the election is, neither one of them want to touch it. We could argue the merits of that. Certainly, those debates won't occur without bipartisan leadership, like Tip O'Neill and Ronald Reagan, but in the absence of our addressing those challenges, certainly there are other mandatory spending programs, which are essentially on autopilot, that grow at 7 or 8 percent a year that we can look at and say: Does this still make sense? prgtoken Maybe it made sense 10 or 20 years ago when that program was created, but maybe we ought to look at indexing the amount of money that we spend to inflation, rather than just have an open-ended entitlement. prgtoken And then there is the Tax Code. I know next year we are going to be looking at the expiration of the individual tax rates of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. prgtoken President has said that he is happy to have those expire, which w
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF HERB ELFRING
Tim Walberg (Republican, MI) \u2014 2024-6-5

as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the heroic Normandy invasion, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Herb Elfring of Jackson, Michigan, who passed on May 25 at the age of 102. prgtoken From 1940 to 1945, Herb served in the U.S. Army National Guard as a member of the 251st Coast Artillery. He was stationed in Hawaii during Pearl Harbor and is one of the last known survivors. prgtoken By 1944, Herb had completed Officers Candidate School and was promoted to the rank of captain. Herb was awarded medals for his heroism, including a World War II Medal, American Defense Medal, and the American Campaign Medal. prgtoken Following his military service, Herb earned a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan and went on to have a successful career at Consumers Energy. Herb and his late wife, Ruth, were married for 57 years and had five children, eight grandchildren, and their family continues to grow. prgtoken Herb was a giant in the Jackson community and was known to enjoy square dancing, playing euchre, and spending time with his loved ones. He was also an advocate for his fellow veterans, helping start the One Stop Veterans Resources. Herb also helped mentor young veterans, including those from recent conflicts. prgtoken I was honored to know Herb and spend time with him. He will be sorely missed. We honor Herb for his service to our country, his commitment to our community, and his life well lived.
RECOGNIZING BREAKTHROUGH T1D
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2024-6-5

I rise today to commemorate this special occasion--the renaming of JDRF to Breakthrough T1D--and the leadership that this organization continues to provide in its advocacy for children and adults living with type 1 diabetes. prgtoken I am proud to have worked with Breakthrough T1D since my very first year in the Senate in 1997. They are a foundation with a singular focus: to improve the lives of every person affected by type 1 diabetes--T1D--by supporting research for treatments, cures, and ultimately a way to prevent the disease. They are the premier global organization focused on T1D research at every life stage--from stopping or slowing the progression of T1D in the newly diagnosed, reversing it in those who have lived with it for years, avoiding or reversing complications of T1D, and preventing the disease in at risk populations and in future generations. prgtoken Today's rebranding from JDRF--the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation--to Breakthrough T1D represents where we are in the world of T1D. It never has been just an affliction for the young. Anyone, at any age, can be diagnosed with T1D. Using the term ``juvenile'' no longer accurately reflects the organization and its mission. And ``breakthrough'' may speak for itself. The organization is not only at the forefront of supporting research breakthroughs for T1D, but also is breaking through the barriers to improve T1D patients' lives. Both these significant attributes are now rightly reflected in the organization's name. prgtoken Breakthrough T1D will continue to focus on the ultimate goal we all share: that no one suffers from T1D. And we must not stop until that goal is reached. prgtoken But that goal will only be achieved through more research. That is why I am proud to continue my work with Senator Shaheen supporting the reauthorization and funding of the Special Diabetes Program--SDP. The SDP has funded the creation of unique, innovative, and collaborative research consortia and clinical trials networks focused on the prevention, treatment, and cure of T1D for more than 25 years. SDP has enabled the National Institutes of Health to expand T1D research beyond what is possible with annual appropriations and to conduct clinical trials that likely would not be done by the private sector. SDP has been a key component of many significant breakthroughs in T1D research, and I want to highlight two. prgtoken First, the artificial pancreas. The SDP has supported key research that helped develop several glucose management technologies, including the artificial pancreas. The artificial pancreas is a life-changing advance for many with T1D because it automates insulin delivery in response to a person's blood glucose level, replacing fingerstick tests and individual insulin shots. Funding from the SDP over the past decade has revolutionized the field and increased the number of commercially available, FDA-approved artificial pancreas devi
RIGHT TO CONTRACEPTION ACT--MOTION TO PROCEED
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2024-6-5

. The so-called Right to Contraception Act goes far beyond the scope of providing access to contraception. It is important the American people understand what the are peddling. prgtoken Senator Markey's bill creates a precedent to mandate access to abortion drugs for women and girls of all ages. It also allows taxpayer dollars to be funneled to organizations like Planned Parenthood. prgtoken The bill removes conscious freedom protections, which allow our doctors and nurses to maintain their religious and moral beliefs while practicing medicine, a right that we are all afforded in the workplace which should be upheld. prgtoken I would like to remind my colleagues of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act--or RFRA is what we call it here. It is a law that was championed by Senator Chuck Schumer more than 30 years ago. prgtoken The majority leader has really come a long way, hasn't he? Just like President who used to be pro-life. Religious professionals and organizations across the country rely on RFRA for protection from broad government overreach. Yet the are willing to upend that precedent for politics and, more importantly, for abortion. prgtoken Let's be clear what is going on here. From the Senate to the White House, do not have anything to run on--no agenda that resonates with the American people. So instead, they are fearmongering in the name of politics. prgtoken Fortunately, s have a solution: the Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act. prgtoken Like 90 percent of Americans, I believe routine-use contraception should be safe and accessible. That is why I have long worked to increase access to safe and effective over-the-counter oral contraceptives. prgtoken With my bill, we are ensuring women 18 and over can walk into any pharmacy, whether in Red Oak, IA, or Washington, DC, and purchase a safe and effective birth control option. prgtoken This bill creates a priority review designation for over- the-counter birth control options to encourage the FDA to act quickly. prgtoken I am encouraged that as of this year, the first, but the only, over- the-counter option on the market has been approved. But having just one over-the-counter product on the market is just a starting point. prgtoken We need more options that are truly effective for women--women in rural areas, women facing domestic violence. prgtoken In addition, my bill brings much needed transparency and accountability in Federal spending to better understand where gaps are occurring and also to ensure dollars are actually going to supporting women and families. prgtoken GAO will take a 15-year look back at total dollar amounts for contraception reimbursement, inventory stocking, provider training, and patient education efforts to help better inform us as lawmakers and you as taxpayers on where and how our money is being spent. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent th
HONORING WILLIAM "BILL" HERBERT HINDS III
Young Kim (Republican, CA) \u2014 2024-6-5

I rise to honor William ``Bill'' Herbert Hinds III, a longtime Saddleback Valley Unified School District educational leader from Trabuco Canyon, who recently passed away at 64 years young. prgtoken Hinds served Saddleback Valley USD for 29 years as a middle school history teacher, activity director, and assistant principal at Mission Viejo High School, a middle school principal at Alisos Intermediate, and principal of Laguna Hills High School for the past 9 years. He was also a Saddleback Valley USD graduate himself, graduating from Mission Viejo High School in 1988. prgtoken I know Principal Hinds was a pillar of our Saddleback Valley USD community, and I join in mourning his passing and in recognizing the tremendous impact he has made in the lives of so many students. prgtoken My heart is with his children, Nathan and Alice, and his loved ones during this time.
National Security (Executive Session)
Roger F. Wicker (Republican, MS) \u2014 2024-6-5

. and my colleagues, for too long, political leaders have shied away from being honest and having a difficult conversation with the American people about our national security. Elected officials have kicked the can down the road, failing to tell the country just how dangerous the world has become. It is past time to confront this issue. prgtoken Many Americans do not know that the safety we enjoy has been secured by a global network of U.S. military bases, diplomatic efforts, and international coalitions, as well as massive amounts of equipment and ammunition. We have taken our security for granted, not knowing that much of it has been enabled by a previous once-in-a-generation investment made decades ago. prgtoken President Ronald Reagan led Congress to rebuild the U.S. military in the 1980s. I will hasten to add that it was a bipartisan Congress who joined President Reagan in this effort. Americans have been living off that investment ever since. prgtoken Because of those efforts, we have rested easy under the umbrella of overwhelming military superiority. Today, though, our military streak is diminishing to dangerous lows--dangerous lows. That umbrella of security has become a false sense of security. The U.S. Navy is the smallest and oldest it has been in over eight decades--80 years. Our Air Force is shrinking. Much of our military infrastructure is out of date. prgtoken This is a fact, and it is no secret. Time and again, U.S. military leadership comes before Congress and tells us we are facing the most dangerous security environment since at least the Cold War, if not since World War II. prgtoken Most Americans don't know that we are long overdue for a generational replenishment of our weaponry. We have delayed updating our military even as China has gotten closer and closer to matching our military might. The news gets even worse: China is actually multiplying its strength by spearheading a new axis of aggression, joined by Russia, Iran, and North Korea. So far, China has not moved against us because its dictator, Xi Jinping, knew he would lose, but just over the horizon, he might have reason to feel differently. prgtoken We in Congress must tell the American people what is at stake. Failing to deter China would immediately trigger a global economic depression. Losing to Beijing would extend the hardship, darkening the course of the entire 21st century. I am not trying to be alarmist, but we need to be honest. prgtoken This bleak future is possible but not inevitable. I recently introduced a detailed plan to rebuild American military might and restore our ability to deter threats. It would be a downpayment for our future. It would be expensive--many worthwhile things are expensive-- but it would be far less costly than war. prgtoken Political neglect has put us in this vulnerable position. It does not have to be this way. My goal is to launch a much needed conversation about how we can turn t
HONORING THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican, IA) \u2014 2024-6-5

as a 24-year Army veteran, I rise today in honor of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, a day etched in the annals of American valor and sacrifice. prgtoken It was on the shores of Normandy that our brave troops, with hearts full of patriotism and determination, stormed the beaches to confront tyranny head-on. prgtoken Let us remember those courageous souls who gave everything for the cause of freedom. Their bravery and unwavering spirit embodies the very essence of what it means to be an American. prgtoken As we reflect on this anniversary, let us reignite the flames of patriotism within our hearts. Let us stand united in our commitment to uphold the principles of liberty and justice for which they have fought so gallantly. prgtoken Today, we honor their legacy by reaffirming our dedication to the ideals that made America great. Let us pledge to never falter in our defense of freedom and to always remember the sacrifices made on that fateful day. prgtoken God bless America, and may we forever cherish the memory of our heroes.
CONGRATULATING NANCY GARDNER ON HER RETIREMENT FROM EDUCATION
Lisa C. McClain (Republican, MI) \u2014 2024-6-5

. Mr , I rise to recognize Nancy Gardner, who retired in April of this year after 44 years of selfless commitment to education. Throughout her incredible career, Nancy served the Port Huron Area Schools, Landmark Academy, and the East Shore Leadership Academy, which she founded and has led over the last decade. prgtoken A Michigan native, Nancy earned her Bachelor of Science from Northern Michigan University and went on to earn two Master of Arts degrees from Central Michigan University. After graduating, she earned her special education teaching certification and quickly began serving those in need. She later returned to education to serve as a special education teacher and Assistant Principal for Holland Woods Middle School in Port Huron. In the evenings, she worked part-time as a substance abuse therapist and registered social worker. Nancy has also furnished a reputation for her knowledge in crisis management, having received special training from the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1999-2000. prgtoken Nancy has traveled both inside and outside of the United States to receive--and offer--training to accommodate different learning styles. prgtoken Throughout her inspiring career in education, Nancy has spearheaded remarkable change and has, without a doubt, changed the academic landscape in Port Huron and beyond. I am confident that her decades of instruction, leadership, and commitment to education will leave a lasting impact for many years to come. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the occasion of Nancy Gardner's retirement after 44 years in education.
WELCOMING PASTOR TRAVIS O'NEAL
Brian J. Mast (Republican, FL) \u2014 2024-6-5

I thank my pastor, Pastor Travis O'Neal, for coming to open the House with prayer this morning. prgtoken He has pastored Christ Fellowship Church for roughly the last 8 years in Port St. Lucie, Florida. He makes sure that there is a home and a place for people to find the Lord and to grow in their walk with the Lord to make disciples. prgtoken I thank the pastor for his prayer, and I ask that we heed the words that he said to us this morning that we seek the Lord's counsel. prgtoken I ask that his prayer be granted that the Lord's hand guide us in our work here, and most of all, I ask that the Lord fulfill what the pastor prayed for, which is that God bless the United States of America.
CELEBRATING GREEN TOWNSHIP'S 200TH ANNIVERSARY
Thomas H. Kean, Jr. (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2024-6-5

I rise today to celebrate and congratulate Green Township on their 200th anniversary. I am extremely grateful to be able to be here today and celebrate this incredible milestone. Over the past 200 years, Green Township has shown itself to be a lively area with a strong community. In 1824, Green Township emerged from the northern parts of Hardwick and Independence townships. Over the decades, Green Township has gone through significant changes, including expansions, the incorporation of Fredon Township, and the rise of vibrant communities like Tranquility and Greendell. As we reflect on its history, we can use the past two centuries as reminders of the resilience and changes our community has gone through, and the future that is to come. I am honored to have such an amazing township in the 7th Congressional District, and I look forward to what is to come.
FRIVOLOUS CASE
Daniel Meuser (Republican, PA) \u2014 2024-6-5

what we saw in New York City this past few weeks was an abuse of our justice system against an individual who happened to be the former President of the United States and perhaps the next President. It was a frivolous case, and it was a clear attempt to undermine democracy. prgtoken Between the lack of evidence, the inability to clearly define a crime, the questionable players involved, and the timing, the American people saw it for what it was. Prosecuting political opponents like this happens in Third World countries, not in America. prgtoken I look forward to the players involved, the district attorney, having to answer for their actions before the Judiciary Committee's Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government in near time. prgtoken Make no mistake that this verdict will be appealed and the outcome overturned.
RECOGNIZING NATIONAL TRAIL DAY
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2024-6-5

I rise today to recognize National Trail Day and the amazing trails across my district. prgtoken The Pine Creek Rail Trail, located in Lycoming and Tioga Counties, is held as one of the 10 best places to take a bike tour. prgtoken The Allegheny River and Samuel Justus Trails pass through Clarion and Venango Counties and run through the heart of the Oil Heritage Region. prgtoken The Great Shamokin Path was once the route used by Native American Tribes and is in Armstrong County. prgtoken The Redbank Valley Rail Trail was named the Pennsylvania Trail of the Year in 2020 and crosses through Armstrong, Clarion, and Jefferson Counties. prgtoken Traversing Clarion, Elk, Forest, and McKean Counties is the Knox and Kane Rail Trail. This 74-mile trail is full of scenic trailways in and around the Kinzua Bridge State Park to Clarion Junction. prgtoken In McKean County, part of the Knox and Kane Rail Trail is the Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge Trail, which was recently awarded Pennsylvania Trail of the Year in 2023. prgtoken , this National Trail Day, I encourage you to get outside and explore the trails in your area.