mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LOVE AND JUSTICE FOR ALL
Sylvia R. Garcia (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2022-12-12

I rise to recognize how important the recent passage of the Respect for Marriage Act is for America. prgtoken Earlier this year, the Supreme Court's mega- appointed Justices shocked the world with their Dobbs decision. prgtoken House knew that the same reasoning these - appointed judges used in their attack on women's abortion rights could be used on the LGBTQ+ community's right to marry whom they chose. So we decided to be proactive, to put people over politics, to put love over hate. prgtoken Last week, we passed the Respect for Marriage Act to protect the LGBTQ+ community's right to marry whomever they love. prgtoken As a member of the Equality Caucus, I am incredibly proud to have supported the Respect for Marriage Act, which will be signed tomorrow by the President, because in our country, when we say the pledge and we say, ``justice for all,'' it means for all. It means freedom for all. It means protecting our rights for all.
HONORING REPRESENTATIVES G. K. BUTTERFIELD AND DAVID PRICE
Deborah K. Ross (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2022-12-12

I rise today to honor two giants in North Carolina history: My dear friends and colleagues, Congressman G. K. Butterfield and Congressman David Price. prgtoken With a combined four decades of experience fighting for North Carolinians in Congress, G. K. and David have left a lasting legacy on this Chamber and in their communities. G. K. has been a powerful voice for voting rights and accessible healthcare. prgtoken David has worked tirelessly for efficient 21st century transportation as well as affordable housing in North Carolina and beyond. prgtoken It is not possible to describe the breadth of their distinguished careers and profound impact on our State and our Nation. prgtoken I am incredibly grateful for their friendship and mentorship and know they will be sorely missed by colleagues on both sides of the aisle. prgtoken I wish them the best in the next chapters of their lives.
ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2022
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-12-12

finally, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, December 13, and that following the prayer and the pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; that upon the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Douglas nomination, with the time until 12 noon for debate on the nomination; further, that at 12 noon, the Senate vote on confirmation of the Douglas nomination and that the Senate recess following the confirmation vote until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly caucus meetings; further, that at 2:15 p.m the Senate vote on confirmation of the Shambaugh nomination, with 2 minutes prior to the vote equally divided in the usual form; finally, that if any nominations are confirmed during Tuesday's session, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
National Defense Authorization Act (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-12-12

I rise today to speak about the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, about to come before us. prgtoken First, let me say this bill is aptly named in recognition of nearly three decades of service in the Senate of our colleague Senator Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma. I count him as a friend, and I wish him the very best in his future endeavors. prgtoken I am grateful to him, Chairman Jack Reed from Rhode Island, and their staff for working to produce this bill. prgtoken This is the 62nd year that Congress has reached a bipartisan, bicameral agreement to produce this Defense authorization bill. It is about the only thing which you can count on with regularity every year, and I commend Senator Reed and Senator Inhofe for maintaining that tradition and maintaining our commitment to the men and women in uniform and the defense of the United States. prgtoken This fiscal year 2023 Defense authorization bill has a top line of nearly $858 billion for defense and a deserved 4.6-percent pay raise for our troops--that is the largest increase in 20 years--to help military families deal with inflation. prgtoken The bill also supports employment opportunities for military spouses, their kids, and improved military housing and childcare. prgtoken It ensures that the United States can defend effectively against threats from China, North Korea, or any other nation foolish enough to challenge. prgtoken And it boosts military aid to Ukraine, which is at the frontline of democracy, as defense against the Russian thug's brutal and illegal war. prgtoken The bill invests important and innovative capabilities and technologies to improve the safety of military tactical vehicles and discover PFAS-free alternatives to firefighting. prgtoken And it includes several provisions that I requested with Senator Duckworth, from protecting Scott Air Force Base--one of our premier Air Force bases--from divestment to strengthening security cooperation with our Baltic allies, to expanding Federal mental health services after FEMA emergency declarations. prgtoken I am pleased the bill also includes bipartisan provisions from the Judiciary Committee to improve the security of Federal judges and strengthen protection for sexual assault survivors. prgtoken You wonder, What is that doing in this bill? prgtoken This bill is the vehicle for many good things to happen, and the bills that I have just referenced were bipartisan bills coming out of committee which we have hitched a ride on this bill to deliver. prgtoken At the same time, I am troubled by several provisions in the text of the bill. prgtoken First, this bill would lift the Pentagon's policy of requiring servicemembers in the military to receive COVID-19 vaccines. This is an extremely alarming and even dangerous decision. prgtoken Mandatory vaccinations for the U.S. military are not new. They date back to the earliest days before we were a nation, when George Washi
HONORING DJAINA DERVIL
Frederica S. Wilson (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2022-12-12

. Madam , I rise today to honor Djaina Dervil on her accomplishments and to congratulate her on receiving the United States Department of State Gilman Scholarship. prgtoken Djaina ``Nina'' Dervil is a rising senior at Florida State University pursuing a major in Behavioral Neuroscience and a minor in Chemistry. She was born and raised North Miami Beach, where she still calls home. prgtoken Her Gilman Scholarship enabled her to develop her grant-writing abilities and expand her STEM exploration. She worked with Seed Science on grant writing in the areas of environmental awareness and STEM education. Using the Gilman Scholarship, Djaina travelled and conducted research within the United States. She credits the Gilman Scholarship with contributing to her drive to conduct further research and to continue in academia. prgtoken She wants to acknowledge her mother, Sonnie Noel Dervil, and her father, Jules Dervil, for their sacrifices and efforts to fuel her education. She also wants to thank her brothers, Jodson Noel and Nikson Noel, for their support, assistance, and guidance. It's because of her family and support system that she was able to excel and secure this scholarship. prgtoken Following her undergraduate studies, she plans on securing an MD/PhD and applying through the Fulbright program to pursue her Masters in the United Kingdom. prgtoken On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Djaina Dervil for her accomplishments.
Nomination of Tamika R. Montgomery-Reeves (Executive Session)
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2022-12-12

. Today, it is my honor to rise in support of the Honorable Justice Tamika Montgomery-Reeves to be confirmed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. prgtoken Just a few months ago, in September of this year, I had the privilege to introduce Justice Montgomery-Reeves at her Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing, where she was prgtoken joined in the audience by her large family and I think most of the State of Delaware. prgtoken As my colleague from Illinois, the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, will attest, we needed a few extra chairs at that hearing in order to accommodate Tamika's family and her friends. Many Delawareans, including the entire Delaware Court of Chancery and the current chief justice of the Delaware Supreme Court, either made the trek down I-95 or on the Amtrak train that morning to cheer on Justice Montgomery- Reeves. Today, we bring her nomination one step closer to final confirmation. prgtoken My colleague from Delaware, Senator Coons, and I have often said that those of us in the Senate could learn a thing or two from the First State. When it comes to nominating judges, Delaware's Governor is tasked with filling vacancies on some of the Nation's most highly regarded State courts, including the Court of Chancery and the Delaware Supreme Court. prgtoken The Governor routinely seeks advice from a bipartisan judicial nominating commission but is also required to nominate judges from both political parties. We literally have an overall political balance across our judiciary. This rule, enshrined in our State's constitution, brings balance to our court system. I believe it has served our State and our Nation well for over a century. I think it is a pretty good model for the rest of the country, actually. prgtoken Twenty-five years ago, when I was privileged to serve as Governor of Delaware, I had the opportunity to nominate a new chancellor--or what some would call a chief justice--to the Delaware Court of Chancery. I could have nominated a . I ended up nominating Bill Chandler. prgtoken Bill Chandler was born in Sussex County in southern Delaware and previously worked for two Governors--Pete du Pont and Mike Castle. I will tell you, I took some heat politically for that nomination, but I believed that he was the best qualified person for the job, and all these years later, I still believe that. It didn't matter what political party he was from; I knew he would be one heck of a chancellor, and, boy, was he. prgtoken As chancellor, Bill Chandler earned the respect of our Nation's business and legal communities as a fairminded judge with the utmost integrity, and along the way, he hired and mentored countless law students and law clerks. As it turns out, Bill Chandler hired a young law student, a native of Mississippi, who was a law student at the University of Georgia. He nominated her to be one of his clerks in 2006. Her name was and still is Tamika Montgo
Nomination of Tamika R. Montgomery-Reeves (Executive Session)
Christopher A. Coons (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2022-12-12

I would like to thank my colleague and senior Senator. prgtoken As a member of the Delaware bar myself for 30 years and a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I could not be prouder of the moment we are about to participate in here in the U.S. Senate confirming the next member of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. prgtoken It was 30 years ago that I was a clerk on that same court for Judge Jane Roth of Wilmington, DE, a distinguished jurist, a remarkable mind, and a great leader in the Delaware bench and bar. prgtoken And I am thrilled that, as we left Thursday evening, we had, by a bipartisan vote of 57-to-39, the cloture vote that set up the confirmation vote that is about to happen here; and of those votes, nine were from our colleagues. prgtoken Frankly, she should be confirmed here unanimously, as she was by the Delaware State Senate, but we are in a more divided, more partisan time, and I am thrilled that we had as strong and bipartisan a vote in the committee and here in the Senate as we have. prgtoken It reflects the fact that Justice Tamika Montgomery-Reeves is a highly qualified, well-rounded, skilled nominee to the Third Circuit. prgtoken The Third Circuit is one of those Federal circuit courts that provides a critical role. The most important cases in our country go to Federal courts, although Delaware jurists would disagree, and of the courts that hear those cases--overwhelmingly district courts--only a few of those cases are appealed and make it to a circuit court, and a tiny number of cases make it to the U.S. Supreme Court. prgtoken So for the States represented on the Third Circuit--Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and the U.S. Virgin Islands--this is likely the last stop for almost every major appeal. prgtoken And in just a few moments, someone known for her skill, her intellect, her patience, her compassion will be confirmed by this Senate and sent on her prgtoken way to serve on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. prgtoken She is very highly regarded in Delaware as a member of our supreme court. She is someone highly regarded by our bench and bar. prgtoken We have, in front of our committee, letters of endorsement from Governor John Carney as well as former Governor Jack Markell. prgtoken And as you heard from my colleague, the Delaware State Senate unanimously endorsed her. prgtoken She served on the Delaware Court of Chancery, the premier business court in our country, from 2015 to 2019. prgtoken And she is a trailblazer: the first Black woman to serve on the Delaware Court of Chancery and on the Delaware Supreme Court and soon on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. prgtoken Her confirmation today will add diversity to a court that represents three States and the Virgin Islands, which are demonstrably diverse. And in our country, this helps to further advance representation and justice. prgtoken I want to thank my chief counsel, Cassie Fields, for playing a central role
JAMES M. INHOFE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2022-12-12

I am pleased that we are closing out the Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support for 23 important measures to make our communities more secure and improve Department of Homeland Security operations in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023. prgtoken I am particularly pleased that we were able to reach agreement on the Nonprofit Security Grant Program Improvement Act to expand and strengthen this vital program so that more nonprofits and houses of worship can access security assistance at this time of heightened threats of violent extremism and terrorism. With antisemitic and other violent threats on the rise, it is clear this legislation is needed now more than ever. prgtoken I also want to thank Ranking Member John Katko, as he retires from Congress, for his contributions to the Homeland Security Committee and his critical support throughout this process for the Committee's bipartisan package found in Division G of the NDAA. prgtoken While the package reflects the contributions of so many of my colleagues, l would like to give special acknowledgment to Congresswoman Val Demings who championed the Homeland Security Capabilities Preservation Act. This legislation directs DHS to explore ways to provide needed bridge funding to cities to preserve homeland security capability gains accomplished through the Urban Area Security Initiative grant program when they no longer receive such funding. prgtoken With respect to cybersecurity, I am pleased that we were able to reach agreement on bipartisan provisions that originated in the Committee on Homeland Security. They include Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin's legislation to reauthorize the Secret Service's National Computer Forensics Institute, Congresswoman Elaine Luria's bill to authorize DHS's President's Cup Cybersecurity Competition, and legislation authored by Congressman Eric Swalwell aimed at improving DHS's cybersecurity training to protect industrial control systems. prgtoken While I am enormously proud of the bipartisan homeland security provisions that were included, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge my disappointment that we were not able to reach agreement with the Senate on amending the law to treat TSA's workforce like most other Federal employees or authorize the vital work of DHS's Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. We will continue to seek an agreement on these critical measures. prgtoken Lastly, I am particularly proud that the NDAA honors my late friend, Congressman A. Donald McEachin, by including his bill, the DHS Mentor- Protege Program Act, to help small businesses better compete for DHS contracts. It is a fitting tribute to my friend that we came together to pass a bill to open doors of opportunity to small businesses-- something that he was passionate about doing. prgtoken , the full list of Homeland Security Committee measures that will be enacted by this year's NOAA is as follows: prgtoken H.R. 6825
RECOGNIZING CITY OF JOLIET
Bill Foster (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-12-12

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the great city of Joliet, Illinois. For the last 10 years, I have had the honor of representing Joliet and the surrounding areas as part of Illinois' 11th Congressional District. prgtoken Joliet is the third largest city of Illinois, with a storied history intertwined with our State. Due to changing of the Congressional maps, however, I will no longer be representing Joliet. This great city will be represented by my colleague, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood in the 118th Congress. prgtoken No matter what opinion you have about the redistricting procedures in Illinois, and all around the country, for that matter, one thing is clear: I was not in the room when these maps were drawn that took Joliet away from me. prgtoken While I am sad that my work with the Joliet communities and all of the great organizations there is coming to a close, I am so proud to reflect upon what we have accomplished for the Joliet community and of the tremendous upward arc of progress in Joliet that we have seen over the last decade. prgtoken I have so many fond memories of my time representing Joliet. For the last decade, Joliet has given me, a scientist, a reason to celebrate the work of science fiction with the Joliet Public Library's annual Star Wars Day. prgtoken Every June, the community comes together to parade down Ottawa Street along with the Imperial Storm Troopers, Jedi Knights, and Ewoks in full costume. prgtoken Aside from giving everyone an excuse to channel their inner child, Star Wars Day also promotes literacy, science, technology, engineering, and math in a fun and exciting atmosphere that captivates young minds. prgtoken Joliet was also the backdrop for the 1980 classic film, The Blues Brothers, which features Joliet Jake and Elwood leaving the Old Joliet Prison at the beginning of the movie. prgtoken That is why I was, as Elwood says in the film, ``on a mission from God'' to help secure the $3 million for the Old Joliet Prison to repair and rehabilitate this cultural and historical landmark for generations to enjoy, as well as to benefit what seems to be an endless stream of German tourists who stop by the prison, take a selfie in front of it on the way down the historic Route 66 corridor that travels through the Joliet area. prgtoken And just this past August, the entire community came together to watch Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi perform at the Old Joliet Prison. prgtoken Joliet has accomplished many things of national significance, as well, including being chosen as the site for what will be the largest manufacturing plant for electric school buses in North America, and which recently started production. prgtoken One of my greatest priorities in Congress was securing funding for the Joliet's Brandon Road Lock and Dam, which is currently the last line of defense in preventing invasive Asian Carp from reaching Lake Michigan and all of the lakes and tributaries of the Great Lakes Basin.
RECOGNIZING JAYLEE LYNCH
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2022-12-13

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Jaylee Lynch, Garden City, Michigan's longest-serving city council member, as she celebrates 23 years of service, including 4 years as Mayor of Garden City. prgtoken A lifelong resident of Garden City, Jaylee Lynch has embodied the spirit of public service. The people of Garden City hold a special place in her heart and took pride in representing a welcoming community. Jaylee Lynch's dedication to her city was evident in the work she championed to ensure the expansion of the fire department, community center, and downtown redevelopment. prgtoken During her tenure, Council Member Lynch advocated for the issues most important to the residents of Garden City as a representative on the Conference of Western Wayne. Outside of her official work, Council Member Lynch is an active member of several service-oriented organizations, including the Garden City Kiwanis Club. prgtoken Please join me in showing appreciation for Garden City Council Member Jaylee Lynch for more than two decades of public service for her 15 years of service to the people of Michigan's 13th District Strong, as we wish her well on her future endeavors.
LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL AMERICANS
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-12-13

I rise today to celebrate progress in America's pledge to provide liberty and justice for all Americans. prgtoken Today, President signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law. The legislation ensures equal rights and protection for married couples regardless of the color of their skin, where they live, or whom they love. prgtoken This act is long overdue and necessary as threats remain to undo the hard-fought ruling giving same-sex couples the fundamental right to marriage equality. prgtoken I am honored to have cosponsored this bill, and I am proud this day has finally come.
Unanimous Consent Request--Executive Calendar (Executive Calendar)
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2022-12-13

I rise to discuss the nomination of Musetta Tia Johnson, who is nominated to be a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, the senior appellate court for the military, with exclusive jurisdiction over the Uniform Code of Military Justice. prgtoken Ms. Johnson was favorably reported out of the committee on April 5, 2022, and has been pending on the Senate calendar ever since. I am unaware of any objection to her nomination with respect to her qualifications to be a judge on this appellate court. prgtoken When confirmed, Miss Johnson will be one of five judges on the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, often referred to as the supreme court of military law. This court, which is composed of civilian appellate judges, has been operating without its full quota of confirmed judges for this entire judicial session, where it considered important jurisdictional and substantive military criminal law issues. prgtoken Importantly, the fiscal year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act implemented extensive changes to the UCMJ, including a statute that would criminalize sexual harassment under some circumstances. Ms. Johnson will play a critical role on the court of appeals in reviewing challenges and issues with the recent sexual assault and sexual harassment statutes, including defendants' rights under the UCMJ. Without Ms. Johnson, the court risks deadlock, which will further hamper the military's ability to maintain good order and discipline. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent that the Senate consider the following nomination: Calendar No. 861, Musetta Tia Johnson to be a judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces for a term of 15 years; that the Senate vote on the nomination without intervening action or debate; and that, if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.