mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR--Continued
Brian Schatz (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2024-1-11

I get it. I understand that people are tired of hearing about whatever insane thing just said or did. I get that it is emotionally exhausting; it is intellectually exhausting; it is certainly politically exhausting to be panicked and outraged all the time. And, frankly, it is not possible. prgtoken We have now been living in this reality of 's unending lies and chaos for almost a decade, and people understandably just want to live their lives. They want to go to school. They want to drop their kids off at school. They want to make dinner. They want to maybe get some exercise or read a book or watch a show. They want their life to continue. And so you can't wake up every morning and be one of those people, one of those people who says: Did you see what said? Did you see how crazy it was? Aren't you worried? You can't live life like that. I totally understand. prgtoken But 's lawyers said something this week in a courtroom just a few blocks from here that is impossible to ignore, and it must cause alarm because it was the clearest indication that and his team believe that he can commit any crime in the book--crimes as clear as day--and get away with it without any consequences whatsoever. prgtoken When asked by a Federal judge if a President could be criminally prosecuted for ordering SEAL Team Six to assassinate a political rival, 's lawyer responded, ``He would have to be, and would speedily be, impeached and convicted before the criminal prosecution could proceed.'' prgtoken What does that mean as a practical matter? It means that the President could commit any crime--it means that the President could commit any crime--up to and including ordering the U.S. military to murder a political rival, and there would be no way to hold him accountable as long as 34 U.S. Senators stood ready to vote to acquit. prgtoken Do you think 34 U.S. Senators stand ready to vote to acquit? I don't know, honestly. I don't know. But I can tell you that way more than 34 U.S. Senators voted to acquit former President , who was impeached and then tried by the U.S. Senate twice. prgtoken So I guess what we are saying is, this time, the Senate would stand up because that crime would be more egregious than the other ones. prgtoken Let's back up for a second because during the impeachment trial 3 years ago, 's legal team and a majority of Senate s argued that it was the job of the criminal justice system to deal with statutory crimes--crimes that are in the law books, right--not the Senate. They said the question before Congress was whether or not 's actions rose to the level of crimes against the country, which are different from statutory crimes--a novel argument. And it worked, right? It doesn't have be to a good argument. It doesn't have to be a compelling argument. It just has to work in this body because we have 100 jurors, all politicians, and however the
TIME TO END THE FAILED WAR ON DRUGS
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2024-1-11

I will enter in the Record my comments that I would have made today. prgtoken , I am sad and I am angry. prgtoken I have been working for 50 years leading the effort to end the failed, unfair, cynical, dangerous war on drugs that targeted Black people, that discouraged the legal use of a therapeutic good, something that could have enriched our economy, but instead criminalized behavior, had unintended consequences, and continues to fail us today. prgtoken You have been reading comments lately about the problems we have in terms of the use of cannabis for some pregnant women who are unaware of the impact that that can have on a developing fetus. We are looking at impacts on our children from a cannabis that is much more potent than it used to be. prgtoken We don't have a system that regulates it, that taxes it, that keeps it out of the hands of children. No neighborhood drug dealer looks for identification, and they are perfectly happy to sell kids other, more dangerous and potent drugs. We don't have to do this. prgtoken The House of Representatives has passed a number of items that would remedy this situation. We passed the comprehensive MORE Act that would put it on equal footing. Frankly, we have legislation that would stop the unfair practice of taxing State-legal prgtoken cannabis businesses two or three times higher than regular businesses. No wonder they can't compete with the black market. prgtoken We have a situation now where the State-legal cannabis companies have to pay their taxes with shopping bags full of $20 bills, because we still deny them access to banking services. That is not just unfair; it is insane. It promotes money laundering, and it inhibits the opportunity of enterprises that are legal now for most Americans for either medical or adult use. prgtoken It is time that the Federal Government get its act together and stop making these problems worse. The administration has taken some halting, positive steps, pardoning people who didn't need to be caught up in this in the first place, and they are looking at rescheduling cannabis to make it easier to do the research, and it would overnight end the unfair taxing situation. They would be able to deduct their business expenses. How novel. It is time for Congress to stop making this problem worse. prgtoken The Federal Government created the situation with the failed war on drugs, unfair to millions of Americans, and denied an opportunity for something that the American public has demonstrated time after time they want to happen by their State votes legalizing it. prgtoken It is not too late for this Congress to take the legislation that we have in the process to solve this problem, to be fair in the failed war on drugs, be able to allow State-legal businesses to not be at a disadvantage to the cartels and the cheaters, and get this right. prgtoken After 50 years, it is time to finally end the failed war on drugs and be fair to the American
COMMENDING TAIWAN FOR ITS HISTORY OF DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS, AND EXPRESSING SUPPORT OF TAIWAN'S DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2024-1-11

I rise with my colleague from Alaska, Senator Sullivan. He and I are good colleagues. We work together on the Armed Services Committee. I work closely with him. I learn a lot from him. And, usually, on Thursday afternoons, I am learning about an Alaskan of the week from Senator Sullivan. But here it is on a Thursday afternoon, and we are standing to offer a unanimous consent resolution in support of Taiwanese democracy. prgtoken I want to drill that just a little bit more of what a good news story Taiwanese democracy is. As many of you know, Taiwan was a single-party nation under martial law through much of its history through the end of the 1980s. In the late 1980s, Taiwan made a decision. It made a fundamental decision to move toward democracy. prgtoken It had its first legislative elections in the early 1990s and its first Presidential election in 1996. And since that election, as my colleague mentioned, it has had numerous Presidential elections, numerous legislative elections; and, often, those elections have led to transfer in power--transfer of the Presidency from one party to another, transfer of legislative majority from one party to another. prgtoken But Taiwan has built a democracy that is stable enough to withstand that, and its respect for human rights, freedom of religion, free press, and its successful economy has borne proof to the notion that allowing all Taiwanese to participate in democracy has been wonderful for Taiwanese society. prgtoken I think Taiwan is a great example. Often in this Chamber, we are grappling with really tough issues around the world. We wonder: Will Cuba ever be a human rights respecting democracy? Look at Taiwan. What about Venezuela? Look at Taiwan. What about the People's Republic of China? Look at Taiwan. What about Russia? Look at Taiwan. prgtoken It is important that we shine a spotlight on nations that have made the transition from authoritarian to democracy and succeeded socially, politically, culturally, economically in that transition. prgtoken As my colleague said, that is a good-news sign, but it is also a sign that makes dictators very, very worried. prgtoken The purpose for this resolution is to stand and support Taiwanese democracy. As my colleague mentioned, China has been very engaged in dis- and misinformation campaigns surrounding this election. prgtoken The election is this weekend. The inauguration will not be until May. We could even foresee some potential challenge between the election and the inauguration, and we need to stand strong and support Taiwanese democracy to do so. prgtoken Last thing I will say is this: I led a delegation from the Senate about exactly a month ago to Guatemala under some similar circumstances, and the President who was in the chair just a few minutes before you, Senator Butler, came along with me, along with some other Senate and House colleagues. prgtoken There was a Presidential election in Guatemala and Pres
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD RELATING TO "STANDARD FOR DETERMINING JOINT EMPLOYER STATUS"
Suzanne Bonamici (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2024-1-12

. Madam , I rise today in support of workers and franchisees and in opposition to this harmful resolution. prgtoken The joint resolution we are debating today would reverse a rule of the National Labor Relations Board that clarifies who or what is a joint employer. Under this rule, employers can no longer use subcontractors or a staffing or temporary agencies to block the opportunity for hardworking Americans to bargain for fair wages or safer workplaces. prgtoken The administration's joint employer rule will help workers and grow the middle class by restoring the NLRB's ability to consider an employer's control over an employee when determining joint employer status. This is not new. It was the law for decades. prgtoken Also, I want to push back on the arguments that some of my colleagues continue to make that a strong joint employer rule threatens the franchise model. It does not. prgtoken As a lawyer who formerly represented franchisees, I know the franchise model, and I know how it works. A franchisor does not have an employer relationship with the franchisee's employees. Additionally, franchisors do not determine the terms and conditions of their franchisee's employees. It is the franchisee who runs the business and controls the employees. That is freedom. prgtoken In fact, the rule actually helps franchisees, because it discourages franchisors from trying to micromanage the franchisee's employees. In fact, as Ranking Member Scott has made clear, the NLRB has never found a franchisor to be a joint employer. prgtoken Now, the chair mentioned this increase in expenses. Well, they certainly are not the expenses of the franchisees. I would expect that a significant amount of that money has been lobbying against this rule and spreading misinformation about how the sky is falling for franchisees when, I repeat, there has never been a franchisor who has been found to be a joint employer. prgtoken The rule works. Let's stand with workers and defeat this joint resolution. prgtoken For these reasons, I oppose H.J. Res. 98, and I encourage all of my colleagues to vote ``no.''
LET'S NOT BE ENEMIES
Becca Balint (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2024-1-12

here we are in a new year, a new opportunity to actually do something for our people back home. prgtoken It is discouraging and frankly embarrassing that this has been the least productive Congress in U.S. history. The chaos and dysfunction in this Congress under leadership has caused legislative paralysis and has prevented us from focusing our attention on the critical needs of our constituents. prgtoken More than that, the chaos, the fearmongering, and the dehumanizing rhetoric have dragged us ever closer to a crippling cynicism. prgtoken We are sent here to act in service of our communities and our constituents. We can't do that when we demonize each other, when we dehumanize each other, when we dehumanize our fellow Americans. We can't do that when we don't treat ourselves with basic human dignity. prgtoken This isn't some naive notion. It is reality. The nihilism and cynicism is threatening our democracy. It is eroding our communities. It is killing us. prgtoken Let's get back to being spirited political opponents and move away from being enemies.
UKRAINE AND ISRAEL AID
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2024-1-12

. Madam , it has been 687 days since Putin invaded Ukraine. prgtoken It has been 379 days since we secured our last aid package for the Ukrainians. prgtoken It has been 97 days since Hamas launched its brutal terror attack on Israel and took numerous Israelis and Americans hostage. prgtoken It has been 79 days since Mike Johnson became speaker, 71 days since he made aid to Israel contingent on completely unrelated partisan IRS cuts, breaking not only 75 years of bipartisan precedent but also the principles of the One Subject at a Time Act, which he sponsored back in 2017. prgtoken Madam , how many days will it be until Congress stands up for freedom and democracy once again? The answer ought to be today. prgtoken Instead, we find ourselves mired in the chaos sown by a majority party that refuses to give us a clean vote. prgtoken It must stop or I fear democracy's days may be numbered. prgtoken Let us act and let us act now for the Ukrainians and for the Israelis, to oppose criminal invasions and terrorism.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF COACH JIM HLAFKA
Nikki Budzinski (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-1-12

it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Bunker Hill basketball Coach Jim Hlafka, who passed away last month at 90 years old. prgtoken The love and respect Coach Hlafka had for his players and the game was truly immeasurable. Under his leadership from 1959 to 2002, Bunker Hill teams had a record of 754-347. prgtoken During that time, he not only coached the Minutemen to six regional championship wins, but he also made lifelong impressions on countless young people. prgtoken Coach was known for his brilliant coaching and humility. He was always proud to talk about his players' accomplishments more than his own. prgtoken Jim Hlafka's unwavering dedication to the game of basketball and his leadership will never be forgotten throughout the Bunker Hill community. May his leadership, passion, and wisdom live on for generations of athletes to come.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD RELATING TO "STANDARD FOR DETERMINING JOINT EMPLOYER STATUS"
Mark DeSaulnier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-1-12

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding and say hello to the Chairwoman. prgtoken When workers come together to bargain collectively for better wages, hours, and working conditions, workers, families, and our entire economy succeeds. However, they can only negotiate for these things if, in keeping with the principles of the National Labor Relations Act, all parties with power to control their employment are required to be at the table. prgtoken The administration's joint employer rule makes sure that that is possible, and we should be supporting it, not trying to undo it. prgtoken If someone is hired by a subcontractor and that subcontractor has no ability to change the pay and hours of its employees because they are predetermined by the prime contractor, it might understandably refuse to bargain over those issues. Without the prime contractor at the table, these workers are denied their right to negotiate over these fundamental parts of their jobs. prgtoken The -era joint employer rule allowed companies to control the workplace like an employer but dodge the legal responsibilities of one. The administration's updated rule will set the law back on track, ensuring that if a company controls a worker's essential terms and conditions of employment they are accountable to answering to those workers directly. prgtoken As a former union member and the current ranking on the House Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee of the Education and the Workforce Committee and a member of the Labor Caucus, I have seen firsthand that labor unions can be key to improving working conditions, pay, and a worker's voice. prgtoken When workers succeed, America succeeds. prgtoken I am also a former small business owner, and I appreciate that, as part of prgtoken its due diligence when putting this updated rule together, the NLRB did an analysis and concluded that it would not have an undue economic impact on small businesses. prgtoken I encourage my colleagues to vote against this resolution which would harm workers by overturning the administration's joint employer rule.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD RELATING TO "STANDARD FOR DETERMINING JOINT EMPLOYER STATUS"
Mark Takano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-1-12

. Madam , I rise in strong opposition to this resolution. prgtoken The National Labor Relations Board, under President , issued a final rule this past October that restores the Board's ability to consider the extent to which an employer controls the terms and conditions of someone's employment. So what does this mean? prgtoken Well, the NLRB rule prevents employers from skirting accountability for complying with workplace prgtoken laws. Under the administration, their NLRB 2020 rule severely hampered the American worker's ability to hold employers accountable. prgtoken I reject the characterization by the chairwoman that the administration rule was pro-freedom. There is nothing pro-freedom about the administration rule, except for the freedom to steal wages, to exact unfair labor practices, and other violations. That is a perversion of the word ``freedom''. prgtoken A trend called fissured work has become commonplace. What does fissured work mean? Fissured work is when a company adopts a dynamic of contracting and subcontracting. Instead of hiring the workers directly, they subcontract it out. That is how they avoid responsibility for being fair to the workers. prgtoken A prime example of this is temping. Today, roughly 3.1 million Americans are employed by a temping agency. These temporary work arrangements are characterized by their short duration, and employment can range from just a handful of days to months. prgtoken So let's say a company needs to hire a front-desk receptionist and enlists the help of a staffing agency. For an individual seeking a job opportunity who may not be able to secure full-time, long-term employment, maybe as quickly as he or she would like, a temporary staffing agency may seem very enticing. prgtoken If hired, the receptionist sent out by this staffing agency would essentially be performing work on behalf of a client company that directs the employee's work but does not receive a check signed by that client company, but, rather, the staffing agency writes the check. prgtoken This common practice is one for companies to pay employees less for work than a traditional, full-time employee would receive. In addition, many times these employees have hostile or unsafe workplaces. prgtoken Now, these fissured work arrangements at temp agencies often result in a lack of clarity regarding employer responsibilities and may become challenging for workers who are interested in organizing a union to negotiate collectively or hold employers accountable for labor standards. prgtoken For that receptionist who wants to negotiate his or her pay, the conversation with the company proves difficult to have. Who do you negotiate with: the temp agency or the company? prgtoken Fissured work is unfortunately rampant, and it is critical companies are not able to evade bargaining and responsibility of workers. This is the problem that the NLRB joint employer rule seeks to fix. prgtoken
RECOGNIZING RICHARD FRANCIS BRANI
Abigail Davis Spanberger (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2024-1-12

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Staff Sergeant Richard Francis Brani, a U.S. Army veteran who served during World War II and was recently awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his gallantry during the Battle of the Bulge. prgtoken Nearly 80 years ago, Mr. Brani valiantly served in three campaigns in the European Theater, including on the Western Front, where he distinguished himself as part of the 84th Infantry Division ``Railsplitters.'' prgtoken From the beaches of Normandy to the forests of the Ardennes, Mr. Brani and his regiment faced freezing temperatures, fierce enemy fire, and insurmountable odds as they warded off German forces. Amidst trials that tested their resolve, their bravery never wavered. prgtoken Last month, and at 100 years old, Mr. Brani was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for demonstrating extraordinary heroism during this critical turning point in World War II. prgtoken Mr. Brani's service is a reminder of the sacrifices made by an entire generation, the sacrifices that led to the freedoms we hold dear today. prgtoken On behalf of a grateful Nation, I stand before the United States House of Representatives to thank Staff Sergeant Richard Francis Brani for his devoted service to our extraordinary country.
SALUTING THE LATE CAROLYN MIDDLETON HALL
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2024-1-12

with sadness but yet with the joy of her life, I rise today to salute Carolyn Middleton Hall, who passed away in December 2023. prgtoken Carolyn Middleton Hall was married to our beloved Anthony Hall, a pilot, a great civic leader, a former member of the Houston City Council, and a champion of opportunity and equality for our community. She is the mother of Anthony and Ursula, two successful young people who are also contributing to this community. prgtoken I rise to salute the late Carol Middleton Hall for all she has done to make Houston a better place for all of us to live. She was a great educator and a lover of improving the lives of young people. She came from a political family. She spent her life with her father and uncle fighting for workers' rights and making sure that unions were strong in our community. prgtoken As her husband ascended to public life, being one of the pioneers as an African American serving in Houston, Carolyn was right there. You can always say that she was his best advocate for getting votes, with her smiling face, her willingness for service, and her unselfishness. Carolyn was right there helping to generate votes for her daughter, who is now serving as a judge. prgtoken She was also generating friends. You could not help but be a friend to Carolyn Middleton Hall. prgtoken Today, , I ask my colleagues to remember her and be reminded by our moment of silence that we will take as I conclude in order to honor an American whose name you may not know at every dinner table, but you should know of her kindness, her love, her belief in America, and her championing of the civic system of government, voting, and equality. prgtoken I champion and honor the late Carolyn Middleton Hall. May she rest in peace, and may she rest in power. I thank my dear sister, a Link and an AKA.