mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2022-11-28

a little later today, the Senate is going to vote on the Respect for Marriage Act. prgtoken This vote is an affirmation that the U.S. Senate will stand up and protect the rights of all Americans to marry the person they love. Although this is about codifying rights that same-sex couples already enjoy, this is an important step in a long-running battle for equality. prgtoken During my 1996 campaign for the Senate, I ran on the proposition that there is a fundamental right to privacy in America, and I summed it up by saying ``If you don't like gay marriage, don't get one.'' prgtoken So I became the first Member of the Senate to openly support marriage equality. Soon afterwards, there was a debate on a truly bad law, the Defense of Marriage Act, which I opposed for the same reasons. It was a breach of our country's fundamental right to privacy. Now the Senate has a chance to rectify that wrong and repeal it. prgtoken I am always going to go to the mat to defend the right to privacy in America. The bottom line is that protecting somebody else's rights doesn't take anything away from your own rights. Our country is indisputably stronger when everyone's rights are protected. prgtoken Some Members of this body have questioned why we need to pass this bill when marriage equality is the law of the land. The answer is pretty straightforward. The Dobbs ruling, which overturned Roe v. Wade, showed that the Senate cannot take any modern legal precedent for granted. prgtoken With the possible exception of Brown v. Board, no precedent is safe as long as Clarence Thomas and Sam Alito are openly calling for the Court to revisit major rulings. It is not just Justice Thomas and Justice Alito making these arguments in public. These days, many s have openly talked about their belief that the Court ruled incorrectly in some of the most significant cases dealing with the expansion and recognition of individual rights in America: The Obergefell ruling, marriage equality; the Griswold v. Connecticut ruling, the rights of women to use contraception; even the Loving v. Virginia ruling, the right to interracial marriage. Some Members of Congress have called all those other legal precedents into question. prgtoken These backward debates now unfold in Congress, in courts, and in statehouses. The backdrop behind them is frightening, raising levels of hatred and bile spewed at LGBTQ Americans every day of the week. prgtoken The far right is now targeting gay and trans Americans in an effort to scare everybody else into taking away their rights. There is no question that when leaders participate in ratcheting up antigay rhetoric, it spills out into the real world across the country. prgtoken The community of Colorado Springs is still mourning the lives lost in a mass shooting at a gay nightclub a few days before Thanksgiving. Five people were killed. More than a dozen others were hospitalized with gunshot wounds. prgtoken
HONORING JOE MOTTLOW
Tom Emmer (Republican, MN) \u2014 2022-11-29

. Madam , I rise today to share the story of a fellow Minnesotan, Joe Mottlow. prgtoken On Wednesday June 14, 2017, Joe, (aka- JoeJoe Tough as he's become known since his battle began), was admitted to the hospital with an enlarged spleen. Within the next few days Joe, a previously healthy 35- year-old, learned he had a type of leukemia called ALL (b-cell) IGH which carried with it a measly 15 percent two-year survival rate for adults. prgtoken While he and his mom sat stunned after the doctor left the room, Joe said, ``great news about Mark and Natalie!'' That morning his cousin and wife announced they were pregnant with their first child. Joe's mom began to cry and Joe just consoled her saying, ``let's just have fun with this.'' That's Joe. Always thinking about those he loves. prgtoken This was the beginning of a 5\1/2\ year rolling coaster ride full of laughs, fears, cries and camaraderie--a ride that still continues. Joe, a guy who has never met a stranger, is a different kind of fellow. The most unaverage average Joe you will ever meet--and if you do meet him, know this, he'll never forget YOU. Because not only will you learn his story, he'll learn your story as well. prgtoken Originally it was thought a bone marrow transplant was going to be his cure. Thankfully Joe's brother was a 100 percent match and the transplant seemed to do the trick and cure Joe. Unfortunately, this dreaded pest not only came back, but continued to come back 5 more times. Having a nearly incurable type of leukemia for an adult, Joe has willingly been a trailblazer, trying out new treatments and old treatments used in new ways, to help not only try to cure him, but hopefully open up the door to curing many others. Joe has endured a grueling chemo regiment, two different newer immunotherapy treatments, an experimental CAR-T trial that brought him out to Seattle, another bone marrow transplant and yet another CAR-T trial right in our own backyard at the University of MN. Joe was only the 21st person to attempt this particular type of cure. This one worked for over a year, but this summer Joe learned the beast was back and his time was short. He was told that modern medicine could only hope to promise him three to six months. Joe's bucket list is now the priority--a list filled with connections to others. prgtoken Early on in this journey, his Aunt Allison took Joe to the clinic and observed that cancer does not discriminate. Looking around the waiting room there were rich and poor, young and old. If it wants you, it gets you. She also watched Joe connecting with those in the waiting room. So many stories have been told about Joe helping other patients get through their cancer nightmares. Get up. Get dressed. Smile. Live. prgtoken Joe's smile and inspiration have not gone unnoticed. Joe's doctors let the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society know about this amazing guy their patients kept talking about. How this guy just started talking to th
RESPECT FOR MARRIAGE ACT--Continued
Cynthia M. Lummis (Republican, WY) \u2014 2022-11-29

. My days since the first cloture vote on the Respect for Marriage Act, as amended, have involved a painful exercise in accepting admonishment and fairly brutal self-soul-searching--entirely avoidable, I might add, had I simply chosen to vote no. prgtoken The Bible teaches that marriage is between one man and one woman. I accept God's Word, including God's Word as to the definition of marriage. I support my church's adherence to that Biblical pronouncement. I support Wyoming statute which codifies that definition. I find solace in people and organizations that share my beliefs. prgtoken I, and many like me, have been vilified and despised by some who disagree with our beliefs. They do not withhold bitter invective. They use their own hateful speech to make sure that I and others who believe as I do know that we are hated and despised by them. Americans on the other side of this issue can relate to ill treatment as well. prgtoken So why have I strayed with such anguish from a path that conforms to my beliefs, my instruction, my faith, to vote for the Respect for Marriage Act? The answer to that question lies in our history, in how we got here as a nation and as a people, and in where we are as a nation and as a people today. prgtoken In the 1600s, colonizers Roger Williams of Rhode Island and William Penn of Pennsylvania cited Scripture and the Protestant reformers to defer to God as the judge of conscience. prgtoken Williams referred to religious liberty as ``liberty of the soul.'' The charter of the Colony of Rhode Island required religious tolerance, ``that all may . . . freely and fully have and enjoy his and their own judgments and consciences, in matters of religious concernments.'' prgtoken George Whitefield's groundbreaking message, without which these United States never would have come into being, emphasized an individual's personal relationship with God, where previously the individual deferred to the church. These became foundational for our current American approach to the relationship between church and state. prgtoken In 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court, in its Obergefell decision, established a constitutional right to same-sex unions, using the term ``marriage.'' prgtoken Tens of thousands of same-sex American couples have married in reliance on that Supreme Court decision. prgtoken The term ``marriage'' now has two meanings: the Biblical and the secular. The Respect for Marriage Act, by design, references neither definition. It uses the term ``individuals.'' The act recognizes that both definitions exist and codifies that a marriage legally entered in one State will be legally accepted by the others. Further, the act provides protection from persecution by a government authority toward a church and its organizations of religious instruction that adhere only to the Biblical definition. prgtoken These are turbulent times for our Nation. Americans address each other in more crude and cruel terms than ever in
RESPECT FOR MARRIAGE ACT--Continued
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2022-11-29

. The Supreme Court declared same-sex marriage as a constitutional right way back in 2015, and the overwhelming majority of Americans support that group. According to Gallup, over 70 percent of Americans believe same-sex marriage should be recognized as valid under law, including a majority of s. prgtoken Despite this strong support, the U.S. Code does not reflect that consensus in America. Current legislation allows States and the Federal Government to prgtoken refuse to recognize valid same-sex marriages. While it is true the Supreme Court has held this law is not enforceable, it still represents Congress's last word on the subject. The American people rightly expect their elected representatives to bring our laws in line with their beliefs. That is part of what this legislation does. prgtoken It is time for the Senate to settle the issue. The Respect for Marriage Act, which passed the House with overwhelming partisanship support, including the support of 46 s on the House side, simply allows interracial or same-sex couples who are validly married under the laws of one State to know that their marriage will be recognized by the Federal Government and other States if they move. This is all in accordance with well-established Supreme Court precedence. prgtoken Settling this issue is well within the constitutional authority of us here in Congress. After all, the full faith and credit clause is part of our Constitution. prgtoken Since the bipartisan passage of this bill by the House of Representatives earlier this year, in response to concerns over religious liberty, this already narrow bill has been significantly amended in the Senate to include robust religious liberty protections. By working collaboratively on a bipartisan basis with religious liberty scholars; faith organizations; Senate colleagues, including some I see on the floor here today; and other stakeholders, we have developed a substitute amendment that contains important protections for people of faith. It has five key changes to the underlying bill. prgtoken Remember, this is a bill that already passed the House with 46 supporters, but these are religious liberty provisions that we have added to it. prgtoken First, it has an express acknowledgement that decent and honorable people hold diverse views about the role of gender and marriage and that such people and their beliefs are due respect. This is an important statement that has implications that protect religious liberty. prgtoken Second, it explicitly protects all existing religious liberty and conscience protections under the First Amendment and Federal laws including the powerful protections provided by the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. prgtoken Third, it guarantees that this bill cannot be used to target or deny benefits, including tax-exempt status, grants, contracts, educational funding, licenses, accreditation, certification, and many others because a per
PROTECTING FIREFIGHTERS FROM ADVERSE SUBSTANCES ACT
Bill Posey (Republican, FL) \u2014 2022-11-29

I thank the ranking member from Oklahoma for yielding. prgtoken , I rise today to support the Protecting Firefighters From Adverse Substances Act. It has been a pleasure to work across the aisle on proposals to address the dangers posed by PFAS not just to firefighters but also to our environment. prgtoken It has been a pleasure to cosponsor the House companion to this bill and support its passage. prgtoken This bill will direct the Department of Homeland Security to provide training designed to reduce and eliminate exposure to PFAS from firefighting foam and personal protective equipment, to prevent PFAS from firefighting foam from being released into the environment, and to give firefighters and other emergency responders information on alternatives that do not contain PFAS. prgtoken This bill is another step we are taking together in a bipartisan spirit to address the consequences that we have learned far too late. prgtoken The firefighters' motto is ``Be Ready,'' and this bill helps better prepare our firefighters. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this important legislation.
TRIBUTE TO PAUL E. HOPKINS, JR.
Jefferson Van Drew (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2022-11-29

. Madam , last month, I had the pleasure of attending the Salem Community College Foundation Veterans Dinner. At the event, Paul E. Hopkins, Jr. was honored for his service to our country in the United States Navy from May of 1969 to January of 1971. He earned the rank of Quarter Master 3rd class during his time in the Navy. Paul was decorated with three noteworthy medals including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. He should be very proud of his selfless devotion to the United States Navy, and I want to thank him sincerely for his service to our great nation, God Bless Paul, and God Bless our United States of America.
REMEMBERING FELIPE VALLS, SENIOR
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2022-11-29

I pay tribute to the life and legacy of Cuban-American businessman and icon, Felipe Valls, Sr who unfortunately passed away. Many know Valls Sr. as the founder of world- renowned Versailles Cuban Restaurant, but many more know of the indelible mark he left on the Cuban exile community throughout south Florida. His life was a true testament to the American dream and he demonstrated a well-lived life in a nation that welcomed him and gave him the opportunity to create a culinary landmark in my home State of Florida. Felipe's legacy will live on through his beloved family and friends. Jeanette and I unite in prayer for the repose of the soul of this great Cuban-American entrepreneur.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-11-29

the world's eyes are trained this week on the people of China who appear to be engaged in the largest and most widespread protests against the country's repressive Communist Party government since 1989 and the events of Tiananmen Square. prgtoken While most of the rest of the world has learned how to adapt to the coronavirus, mitigate its worst effects, and get on with living our lives, the people of China, where the whole crisis began, are still trapped in a ``Groundhog Day'' of permanent pandemic measures. prgtoken Chairman Xi's so-called Zero COVID policy is managing to be both horribly repressive and totally ineffective at the very same time-- horribly repressive and totally ineffective at the very same time. They have had unending cycles of punishing lockdowns, repressive quarantines, and mass testing. prgtoken Reports and social media posts are flying around the country--like allegations that the government let people burn up in an apartment building fire rather than break quarantine and that a 4-month-old baby girl died because the COVID rules did not allow her to get proper medical treatment. Of course, sadly, none of this is new or an aberration. This is actually perfectly in line with the CCP's long and brutal history. prgtoken As in the past, the CCP is failing their citizens and lying about it. When the rest of the world tunes in to World Cup matches, they see cheering crowds. But in China, the broadcasts censor views of the stands to prevent their citizens from seeing unmasked foreigners enjoying actually a normal life. prgtoken The people of China have put up with this dystopian state of affairs for nearly 3 years now, and now their patience has ended. Across China's major cities, residents are taking to the streets and speaking out. Local, civil protests are not uncommon in China, but these protests appear to have a different character--more widespread, more bold and brave, more fed up. prgtoken Unsurprisingly, demonstrators have received harsh treatment from the authorities who reportedly have beaten protesters and detained a foreign journalist covering the events. prgtoken The state media keeps parroting propaganda, but video evidence of the protests and the heavyhanded response is getting through the CCP's ``Great Firewall.'' Thus far, the people have not backed down. prgtoken Now, you hear some people suggesting that if a clumsy authoritarian nation is facing such troubles at home, it must pose less of an international threat than we thought. Ah, but this is precisely wrong. Vladimir Putin's previous aggressions against Georgia and Ukraine, its operations in Chechnya and Syria, and now this latest brutal war show exactly how even clumsy and dysfunctional regimes can inflict a terrible toll on free nations and free peoples. Iran, North Korea, and Syria have spent decades proving the very same thing. Of course, China isn't declining; it is continuing to expand and modernize its mili
RESPECT FOR MARRIAGE ACT--Continued
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2022-11-29

today, as popular winds blow against the man and woman of faith, we should look to the Constitution and remember that ``Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof . . . '' We do a disservice to all Americans if we elevate the rights of one group at the expense of another. prgtoken On the one hand, there is no existing threat to same-sex marriage. It is and will remain legal nationwide regardless of the outcome of this legislation before us, the Respect for Marriage Act. On the other hand, we have current, real, sustained ongoing assaults on religious freedom. prgtoken How we proceed today will do nothing to the status quo of same-sex marriage in this country. It is legal and will remain legal regardless of the outcome of this legislation. It will, however, if enacted, have profound consequences for people of faith. prgtoken In the wake of the Dobbs decision, proponents of this legislation have conjured up a series of hypothetical scenarios, resulting in an imagined threat to the ability of same-sex couples to marry and enjoy the privileges of marriage. prgtoken The rhetorical slippery slope goes something like this: First, they claim that some unknown, unnamed State is on the verge of passing an unknown, yet-to-be-proposed or imagined law prohibiting same-sex marriage. Next, they imagine that Federal district courts will uphold this hypothetical State law despite the crystal-clear direction within the Dobbs and Obergefell opinions from the Supreme Court. prgtoken Should that adventure of unlikely hypotheticals transpire, they envision a case making its way all the way up to the Supreme Court of the United States. All of this despite the lack of political will anywhere in the United States to prohibit same-sex marriage. prgtoken Should that happen, proponents of this bill contend that there is a nonzero chance that one Justice could decide to analyze the right to marry not through the prism of substantive due process, as it has been since Obergefell was decided in 2015, but rather through the lens of the 14th Amendment's privileges or immunities clause. prgtoken Proponents of the bill cite a single line within Justice Thomas's concurring opinion and suggest that one Justice could effectively destroy legal recognition of same-sex marriage not just prospectively but undoing currently legal same-sex marriage. prgtoken Now, this is a complete fantasy. I am not aware of a single State in the United States threatening to pass any law infringing the ability of any same-sex couples to marry or enjoy privileges associated with marriage; nor am I aware of a single State threatening to invalidate, within their borders, marriages entered into in other States; nor is it at all clear that Justice Thomas himself was suggesting that Obergefell be overturned. He was suggesting that it be analyzed, like all substantive due process juris prudence, to fi
SAFEGUARD TRIBAL OBJECTS OF PATRIMONY ACT OF 2021
Lisa Murkowski (Republican, AK) \u2014 2022-11-29

I would like to begin my brief comments here this evening by acknowledging the Senator from New Mexico and agreeing so much with him on this very, very important issue as we seek to protect objects of patrimony, whether in New Mexico or in my State of Alaska or in the home State of the chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee. It has been a travesty and it has been a crime that we have seen many of these objects that have been taken as art collections, that have been taken with no appreciation of the heritage, of the richness, of the tradition, and the respect to the Native people to whom they belong. prgtoken And so the STOP Act, or the Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act of 2021, is significant. I am proud to be the lead cosponsor, along with Senator Heinrich, on this. It is an issue that many in my State have been urging action on. prgtoken So I do not rise this evening to object to passage of the STOP Act, but at the same time I am acknowledging the significance of this, I also want to raise another bill that is also very important to my State, H.R. 441. We call it the Don Young Alaska Native Health Care Land Transfers Act. prgtoken This is something that I have been working on for several Congresses now, with my friend the late Congressman Young. We took three land transfer bills. We consolidated them into one. We thought it was a pretty simple effort. All we are asking to do is to convey IHS land to two of our Alaska Native Tribal health consortia, as well as the Tanana Tribe in the interior part of the State. prgtoken We passed stand-alone legislation on these three IHS bills earlier this Congress, but instead of passing that legislation, the House did what the House often does. They amended it with technical amendments. They sent it back here as one consolidated bill. That is H.R. 441. prgtoken But, again, it is about public health, delivery of healthcare to Alaska Native people in rural and underserved villages, many of which are off the road system. But these simple land transfers would enable construction projects to move forward, to reconstruct and to construct, in some cases, new healthcare facilities to provide care to Alaska Native people, and to also ramp up the delivery of clean, safe drinking water and sanitation facilities in rural villages, which are so key to improving public health. prgtoken I think we all would agree that basic services such as water sanitation are pretty important--so everything we can do to help facilitate that. I have pushed the urgent button on these land conveyance issues because time is running out. Construction seasons are very, very limited in Alaska, and so I have been trying to help facilitate that. prgtoken I have good commitments from my colleagues who are here on the floor this evening to help us move through this process on our side, or certainly on the House side as well, so that we can see final resolution o