mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Mississippi River (Executive Calendar)
John Kennedy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2023-10-4

I want to talk briefly to the Senate today about two issues. With respect to the first issue, I suppose I am talking to my people back in Louisiana as much as I am talking to my colleagues in the U.S. Senate. prgtoken This is New Orleans. This is the Mississippi River, which, as you know, runs through New Orleans. Much of southeast Louisiana, including but not limited to the city of New Orleans, gets its drinking water from the Mississippi River. Of course, the Mississippi River is freshwater, and the Mississippi River is long, wide, and mighty. prgtoken The Mississippi River's source is the northern part of our State. It drains a number of other rivers. This is the southern portion of the Mississippi River. In New Orleans, it kind of meanders around and shifts to the east before it hits south again into the Gulf of Mexico, which is, of course, saltwater. prgtoken You probably never thought about this, . Perhaps you have. Most people haven't. Why doesn't saltwater--the Mississippi River runs into the gulf, which is saltwater, and the gulf is a big area. Why doesn't saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico flow up the Mississippi River? That would be a good question. prgtoken The reason is pretty simple. As I said, the Mississippi River is long, big, wide, and mighty, and it drains a good portion of the United States. When the Mississippi River is at normal levels, it flows very, very quickly and fast, and it keeps the saltwater down here in the Gulf of Mexico at bay. prgtoken But sometimes the Mississippi River gets low, and it flows less swiftly, and that is the situation right now. When that happens--it has happened I think five times in the last three centuries--sometimes saltwater actually comes up from the gulf into the Mississippi River, which is a problem for my people in southeast Louisiana, including but not limited to New Orleans, because they rely on the Mississippi River for their drinking water because it is freshwater. prgtoken This red line represents the saltwater intrusion. Saltwater is creeping up the Mississippi River just like a thermometer. We know, based on historical evidence, that it is not likely to go all the way up the Mississippi River, but that doesn't solve our problem in Louisiana because we depend on the Mississippi River for drinking water. If it gets far enough up the Mississippi River--``it'' meaning the saltwater--then we have a real problem in southeast Louisiana. prgtoken As I say, in the last 25 years, this has happened four times--in 1999, 2002, 2022, and it is happening this year as we speak. I think the time that it happened before was in 1888, if I recall correctly. prgtoken I am an optimist who worries. I am worried about this because about 1 million of my 4.6 million people in my State depend on this river for drinking water, and we are in the middle of watching the saltwater come up the river, and we don't think it is going to stop coming up the r
Net Neutrality (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2023-10-4

the specter of heavyhanded government regulation of the internet reared its ugly head once again last week with the Federal Communications Commission's announcement that it will consider a so-called net neutrality proposal at its October meeting coming up later this month. prgtoken So what is net neutrality? Well, at its most basic level, it is simply the idea that internet service providers shouldn't prioritize or block certain internet traffic at the expense of others. Understood in that way, it is a concept that enjoys broad support in both parties. But that is not what we are talking about with the FCC's net neutrality proposal. Like the FCC before it, the FCC wants to assert broad new government powers over the internet using rules-- get this--that were designed for telephone companies and monopolies back during the Great Depression. prgtoken This is a quote from FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel last week: Today, there is no expert agency ensuring that the internet is fast, open and fair. prgtoken Proving once again that ' faith in Washington experts is undying and that nothing scares a more than the thought of some aspect of society not being regulated by the Federal Government. prgtoken This is not the first time have sounded the alarm about the perils that await us if we don't let the Government regulate the internet with a heavy hand. In fact, back in 2015, the FCC actually implemented the regulatory regime the FCC is now considering imposing again. This opened the door to a whole new host of new internet regulations including--including--price regulations. prgtoken Unsurprisingly, broadband investment declined as a result. That was a problem for Americans generally who benefit when the United States is at the forefront of internet growth and expansion, and it was particularly bad news for Americans in rural States like my State of South Dakota. prgtoken Getting broadband to rural communities is already more challenging than installing broadband in cities or suburbs, and the possibility of heavier regulations act as a further disincentive to expanding business. No big surprise there. prgtoken Fast forward to 2017, and the FCC under Chairman Pai voted to repeal--repeal--the heavyhanded internet regulations passed by the FCC. The prospect of this repeal was greeted with near hysteria from . We were told that internet traffic would slow to a crawl, that innovation would be stifled, that our freedom of speech was threatened, and more. And in the wake of the repeal, none of the things that predicted came to pass. The internet as we know it not only survived, it thrived. Innovation flourished, the internet remained a vehicle for free and open discourse. And internet speeds not only didn't slow down, they got faster and faster. prgtoken During the pandemic, despite the explosive growth of internet usa
Unanimous Consent Request--Executive Calendar (Executive Calendar)
J.D. Vance (Republican, OH) \u2014 2023-10-4

reserving the right to object, I want to address a few points that my distinguished colleague, the senior Senator from Illinois, made. I will restate a few of the things I have said. prgtoken First of all, he made much about my hold policy being focused on . And, of course, I do think it is preposterous--banana republic stuff--that the President of the United States is trying to throw his opponent in jail in the middle of a Presidential election. prgtoken But this isn't just about . This is about a pro-life father of seven who was harassed and arrested in front of his children like a common criminal. This is about parents who are investigated by the FBI for peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights at school board meetings. This is about a Department of Justice that seems far more interested in politics than in justice. prgtoken So long as that is true, Senator, I will certainly continue to implement my hold policy. prgtoken I want to say a second thing, which is that all I am asking for--all I am asking for--is that my distinguished colleague from Illinois or any other Senator invoke cloture, force a cloture vote, and then force a vote on the Senate floor. I understand that is not easy for a Senate that votes one to four times per day, but the American people--most of them have much harder jobs than we do. I think sticking our thumbs in the air or down to the ground is not too much to ask for people who--as my distinguished colleague said, we asked for this job. We ran for this job. We work pretty hard for this job. I think expecting us to vote on cloture and vote on these nominees on the record is not too much to ask. prgtoken Third point that I will make: I have come to really appreciate and look forward to these exchanges with my colleague from Illinois. I will say this, that I think his criticism and I think his concern come from a very legitimate place. He has made this argument a number of times, the argument that there is something unprecedented about what I am doing. prgtoken What is it--85 nominees were approved during the administration through unanimous consent or whatever the number is--I don't know; I am going off of memory here--and now we have somehow stopped it, we have changed it. prgtoken Well, certainly I have changed it. I have changed it because the Department of Justice has changed. When was President, he was not trying to throw in prison. is President, and he is threatening to throw not just but a whole host of political opponents in prison. That is unprecedented. That is a new thing. Therefore, the way we respond to it must be unprecedented as well. prgtoken I acknowledge something the Senator from Illinois is pointing out here. In years past, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have made an argument that most of my fellow conservatives don't agree with but I do agree with. It i
Border Security (Executive Calendar)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-10-4

according to news reports, September was another recordbreaking month at the southern border. My State, of course, has 1,200 miles of common border with Mexico so we are bearing the brunt and have borne the brunt of this flow of humanity, this humanitarian crisis, which has created now a public safety crisis as a result of unrestrained illegal immigration. prgtoken News reports are that more than 260,000--more than a quarter of a million--more than a quarter of a million migrants crossed the border last month, making it the busiest month on record. I know sometimes it is hard to grasp the immensity of these numbers, but let me put it another way. It is an average of 8,600 migrants coming to the United States every day. Of course, when they come to Texas or Arizona or California, they don't stay there. That is why you are hearing from the Governor of Illinois, the Governor of New York, the mayor of New York City, talking about the impact on their States and their cities. prgtoken Of course, we all know that the fentanyl crisis, which is part and parcel of this open border, has taken the lives of 71,000 Americans last year alone. We know where the precursors come from. They come from China. We know where it is manufactured--in Mexico--and then it comes across the border. The business model of the cartels is flood the border with people, divert the attention of the Border Patrol who have to engage in pushing paper and processing these migrants. Meanwhile, the unprotected border allows for the surge of drugs across the border, and they end up in all 50 States and in every community. prgtoken So it is an average of 8,600 migrants per day, but we have seen surges up to 11,000 people a day, and it isn't going to get any better unless something changes. Former Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson once warned that even 1,000 migrants a day overwhelm the system. We are now operating at more than 8\1/2\ times that pace, on average. prgtoken When migration levels are so high, it impacts all of our missions at the border, even those that have nothing to do with migration. Law enforcement, as I said, shifted from the frontlines. Instead of stopping dangerous drugs, many agents find themselves pushing paper and changing diapers because we have seen 300,000 unaccompanied children come across the border since President took office. prgtoken Unfortunately, as the New York Times has documented, in at least 85,000 instances, when Health and Human Services--the Office of Refugee Relocation--made a wellness call to the sponsors for those children, there was no answer and no followup by the administration. So the administration can't tell you whether they are being trafficked for sex or whether they are being forced to work in dangerous jobs, whether they are getting healthcare, whether they are going to school. They just can't tell you, and they, frankly, don't care. They say: It is
REMEMBERING DIANNE FEINSTEIN
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-10-4

Senator Dianne Feinstein served the State of California in the Senate for over three decades. During that time, she emerged as a leading figure in the fight against America's use of torture on terrorist suspects and exposed the CIA's inappropriate spying on Congress. prgtoken One of her legacies will be her investigation into the torture of suspected terrorists after 9/11. She did what Congress is supposed to do: hold the executive branch accountable to the Constitution, to our laws, and to the American people. Her efforts culminated in a report over 6,000 pages long documenting a plethora of disturbing interrogation practices. When the report was released, Senator Feinstein stated, ``I came to the conclusion that America's greatness is being able to say we made a mistake, and we are going to correct it and go from there.'' prgtoken Although Senator Feinstein was generally an ally of the intelligence community and the surveillance state, she declared war on the CIA and accused the Agency of improperly accessing a Senate computer network to tamper with her inquiry into the detention and interrogation program. prgtoken An investigation proved Senator Feinstein correct. The CIA's Inspector General concluded that employees improperly accessed--spied-- on the Senate Intelligence Committee's network. Then-CIA Director John Brennan, who initially declared that the CIA ``wouldn't do that'' and called the accusation ``beyond the scope of reason,'' apologized to Senator Feinstein for infiltrating her committee's computer network. prgtoken My colleagues would do well to emulate Senator Feinstein by demanding an end to unconstitutional surveillance, defending the separation of powers, and learning to adopt a healthy suspicion of the intelligence community.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2023-10-4

I rise today to acknowledge MaryBeth Clare for her significant contributions to the Mountain Home Air Force Base and Idaho's blind community through the AbilityOne Program. prgtoken The AbilityOne Program, a partnership with the National Industries for the Blind--NIB--and a network of agencies, give individuals who are blind an opportunity for employment. Employment creates a sense of purpose through hard work and independence. Every individual should have the opportunity to feel this sense of fulfillment, regardless of a disability. prgtoken MaryBeth Clare has been a familiar face at the AbilityOne Base Supply Center at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Mountain Home, ID, for more than 3 years. She does not let her loss of vision hinder her creativity or innovation on the sales floor. MaryBeth has made notable efforts to feature AbilityOne products in the store, increasing sales significantly during her time on the base. MaryBeth's hard work has led her to be named a NIB Winner of the 2023 Peter J. Salmon Direct Labor Employee of the Year Award. This honor is well earned. prgtoken I commend MaryBeth for her hard work and service at the Mountain Home Air Force Base. You make Idaho proud.
REMEMBERING JACK H. LUCAS
Cindy Hyde-Smith (Republican, MS) \u2014 2023-10-4

I am honored to pay tribute to the memory of a true American hero, Jacklyn ``Jack'' Harrell Lucas. prgtoken Jack, a long-time resident of Mississippi, and the youngest marine to ever receive the Medal of Honor, left an indelible mark on American history. During the Battle of Iwo Jima, Jack jumped between two live grenades to shield three of his fellow marines from the explosion. This act of heroism caused him significant injuries. Even after his time in the military, Jack continued to inspire generations through his commitment to veterans' causes and his advocacy for those who suffered in service to their country. Jack Lucas took his final salute on June 5, 2008, in Hattiesburg, MS, leaving behind his wife, their five children, and a legacy of patriotism and service to this Nation. prgtoken On October 7, 2023, the Navy will commission its first Arleigh Burke Flight III guided-missile destroyer. DDG-125 will bear the name of this distinguished son of Mississippi, Jack. H. Lucas. The USS Jack H. Lucas was built at Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoula, MS, further highlighting Mississippi's commitment to the defense of the United States. prgtoken Jack's heroism will continue to inspire generations of Americans for years to come. As we reflect upon the life of Jack H. Lucas, let us honor his memory by dedicating ourselves to upholding the principles for which he so bravely fought.
Tribute to Jonathan Stahler (Executive Calendar)
Christopher A. Coons (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2023-10-4

I rise today to answer a simple but a complex question and, in doing so, to acknowledge and to honor the work of one of the most dedicated, gracious, thoughtful, decent public servants I have ever known: my chief of staff, Jonathan Stahler. prgtoken The question I am answering is: Who is this man, this Jonathan Stahler; and why was I so blessed to have the years I have enjoyed, to serve alongside him; and what has his impact been on my office, my State, this Senate, and me? prgtoken After close to 18 years in the Senate--5 years with former Senator Bayh of Indiana and nearly 13 in my office--Jonathan is embarking on a new journey. He is headed to the north to serve at the United Nations as Chief of Staff to our Ambassadors there, and his last day with this institution and my team is fast approaching. prgtoken I have given other floor speeches. I have had other departing dedicated and talented staff. Jonathan hired nearly all of them. Jonathan, uniquely, among those I have thanked and honored, has played an absolutely central--a central--role in shaping my office, in transforming the culture, and in delivering a harmonious, productive, supportive team. He hired, mentored, and motivated great leaders. My team is immeasurably better because of Jonathan's values, his commitment to public service, and his focus on others. prgtoken Let's take a little biographical tour first. Jonathan is from Newton, MA, from a blessed State in New England--not Delaware but still a wonderful State--that has produced many talented members of this body. He received his degree from an outstanding institution--Washington University in St. Louis--where he studied political science and government. prgtoken And informed by the boundless optimism and idealism, the dedication to make right what is wrong about our Nation and to improve our world that his mother gave him as an animating spirit, he moved here 20 years ago to work for the Children's Defense Fund, a remarkable organization led by a talented woman, known as one of Washington's most effective and tireless antipoverty, antiracist, oriented toward progress, data- driven change organizations. prgtoken Having arrived here 20 years ago to begin that work, he then decided he was in love with this institution and started just a few years later, initially as a legislative correspondent for Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana. He rose to be an LA and then a deputy LD and was a well- trained, well-prepared legislative team leader when I arrived here late in 2010 having won a special election, looking for someone who could help shape my then-ill-formed legislative ideas. prgtoken I was fortunate enough to recruit and hire Jonathan Stahler to be my legislative director. It was one of the best choices I have made in my entire career. prgtoken As LD, Jon was famous for having an open-door policy, for welcoming anyone who needed time and a listening ear, comfort, encouragement, direction, rea
APPOINTMENTS AUTHORITY
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-10-4

I ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding the upcoming adjournment of the Senate, the President of the Senate, the President pro tempore, and the majority and minority leaders be authorized to make appointments to commissions, committees, boards, conferences, or interparliamentary conferences authorized by law, by concurrent action of the two Houses, or by order of the Senate.
Nomination of Susan Kim DeClercq (Executive Calendar)
Debbie Stabenow (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-10-4

I rise today to strongly support the nomination of Susan DeClercq, whom President nominated to serve as the U.S. District judge for the Eastern District of Michigan; and we will be having that vote shortly. prgtoken One of the things that people consistently say about Ms. DeClercq is how warm and personable she is. She is, in a word, kind, but don't let that fool you. She can go toe-to-toe with anyone in the courtroom. Ms. DeClercq is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan and Wayne State University School of Law. prgtoken Her first job out of law school was serving as a clerk to U.S. District Judge Avern L. Cohn. Judge Cohn was a force of nature who spent 40 years on the Federal bench, retiring at age 95. He was a bit gruff, but he had an open mind and an open heart--two attributes Ms. DeClercq has carried throughout her career that spans the public and the private sectors. prgtoken Currently, she is director and counsel for special investigations at Ford Motor Company. Before that, she spent 18 years in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan in a variety of leadership roles, including as Chief of the Civil Division. prgtoken She has fought to protect people's civil rights over and over and over again--an example: a Michigan family that was literally kicked out of a restaurant because their children suffered from a genetic skin disease. She successfully represented an auxiliary firefighter, a U.S. Army reservist who was denied a promotion, which was extended to coworkers with less experience, after he returned from Active Duty in Afghanistan. prgtoken In all of her cases, she has won the respect of everyone in the courtroom. As one Michigan lawyer said: If I had to lose to anybody in litigation, I am glad it was Ms. DeClercq. prgtoken It is worth noting that, if confirmed, Susan DeClercq will be Michigan's first Federal judge of East Asian descent. Susan DeClercq is an outstanding nominee who received bipartisan support during her cloture vote earlier today. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support her confirmation. prgtoken , and I would ask unanimous consent that the scheduled vote begin immediately.
Nomination of Brendan Abell Hurson (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-10-4

today, the Senate will vote to confirm Judge Brendan Hurson to the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. prgtoken Born in Washington, DC, Judge Hurson received his B.A. from Providence College and his J.D. from the University of Maryland Carey School of Law. After clerking for Judge Margaret B. Seymour of the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, Judge Hurson began his legal career at Schulman, Hershfield, and Gilden, PA as an associate, where he worked on a variety of civil and criminal litigation matters on behalf of individuals, small businesses, and small to mid-size corporations. He then went on to work as an assistant Federal public defender in both Maryland and the U.S. Virgin Islands, where he appeared in court routinely, litigated substantive motions in close to 40 Federal cases, and tried 18 cases to verdict. In February 2022, Judge Hurson was appointed to serve as a U.S. magistrate judge for the same district to which he is nominated. In his time on the bench, he has written approximately 77 opinions. prgtoken The American Bar Association unanimously rated Judge Hurson ``well qualified'' to serve on the district court, and he has the strong support of Senators Cardin and Van Hollen. prgtoken Judge Hurson's deep ties to the Maryland legal community, combined with his significant courtroom experience, make him an excellent addition to the Federal bench. prgtoken s for supporting his nomination.