mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Pramila Jayapal (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2021-1-13

. Madam , just over a year ago, I stood on the House floor as we did our jobs and voted to impeach the President of the United States. The facts were clear then: abused the power of the Office of the Presidency to pursue his own personal, political gain. My vote was a vote for the Constitution and for `We, the People' because America is so deeply worth it. prgtoken Six months later, we saw 's radically disparate treatment of a violent mob taking over the Michigan state capitol while threatening to lynch a governor and the harsh crackdown on Black, Indigenous, and people of color demonstrating for civil and human rights in the wake of yet another Black person being murdered by law enforcement. On the one hand, we saw armed white men with swastikas and Confederate flags threatening lawmakers, damaging the statehouse, and seeking to lynch, shoot, and behead the Governor of Michigan with no federal response. In fact, Attorney General Bill Barr told me under oath that he wasn't even aware it occurred. In sharp contrast, we saw Black people and people of color forcibly removed by armed federal officials using pepper bombs and tear gas. This time, the Attorney General was on the scene himself. prgtoken All of these events brought us to January 6, 2021. On that day, I was trapped in the House gallery for nearly two hours as a mob of insurrectionists launched a deadly attack on our Capitol, our country, and our democracy. My colleagues and I took cover as domestic terrorists waved the confederate flag in the People's House; as the temple of our democracy was ransacked in the most deadly and destructive assault on the U.S. Capitol since the War of 1812. The events of January 6 were horrific. We know now that January 6 could have ended in even more violence, harm, and loss of life. We know the mob came ready for combat with nooses, zip ties, bats, bulletproof vests, and pipes. We know they came within seconds of breaching the United States Senate and ran around the inside of this building chanting ``Hang '' and looking for our , Nancy Pelosi. And we know that they had placed bombs at the Capitol, the ic National Committee, and the National Committee. prgtoken Why did they do all of this? Because for months, the man who sits in the White House has refused to accept the will of the American people; has refused to recognize that he lost a free and fair election-- decisively. And then he--and some members of this Congress-- called on his followers to ``be wild.'' They told them to ``stand by.'' Then, they told them to ``fight like hell.'' Next, they proclaimed ``we are going to the Capitol.'' The insurrectionists followed those orders from the President of the United States. They went to the Capitol and fought like hell. They tried to subvert our democracy, but they failed. prgtoken is the smoking gun. That gun is reloaded and whether or not it
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-1-13

. Madam , this vote is not one man, one party, or even one day. It is about protecting our Nation, preserving democracy and the rule of law. prgtoken The facts are clear and undisputed: President used a litany of lies about a stolen election and willfully incited an armed insurrection with the intent of stopping the peaceful transfer of power. He attacked not just the Capitol, not just Congress, he even attacked democracy itself. That is why he must be impeached.
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Gerald E. Connolly (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2021-1-13

. Madam , I thank my friend for yielding. prgtoken The American people are asking: Is there any depravity too low? Is there any outrage too far? Is there any blood and violence too much to turn hearts and minds in this body instead of the usual justification, rationalization, and enabling in false equivalence we have to hear? prgtoken This is a moment of truth, my friends. Are you on the side of chaos and the mob, or on the side of constitutional democracy and our freedom? It is that simple. That is what this vote for impeachment represents. prgtoken Madam , I will not turn a blind eye to the President inciting an armed insurrection against Congress. prgtoken In the leadup to the election and in its aftermath, the President peddled outrageous lies to overturn a free and fair election. prgtoken When that didn't work, he launched an armed attack on a coequal branch of government. prgtoken As the mob closed in, I will never forget it, the banging got louder. (BANG) prgtoken The President watched the violence unfold on television. (BANG) prgtoken s begged him to call off the mob. (BANG) prgtoken Instead, the President attacked his own Vice President whose life was already in danger. (BANG) prgtoken Now five people are dead, and some of my colleagues are calling for unity. prgtoken I support unity, but unity cannot be a subterfuge for avoiding accountability. prgtoken And today, I vote for accountability.
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Jake Auchincloss (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2021-1-13

. Madam , a mob desecrated our Capitol, killed a police officer, and attempted to overthrow our government on the orders of the President of the United States. Immediate impeachment is our duty under the Constitution that compels us to defend against enemies, foreign and domestic. prgtoken As a Marine officer, I defended our democracy from foreign enemies. As a Member of Congress, I am solemnly resolved to defend it from domestic ones. prgtoken With this vote, we strike a blow for moral leadership.
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Marc A. Veasey (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-1-13

. Madam , let's be clear about one thing. If we were on the eve of a President being sworn in and his ic predecessor had said the same thing that this President said and incited his followers, his mob, to descend upon the Capitol, we would be joining them, not making comparisons. Because guess what? I don't care about no base. prgtoken I care about this democracy and this country, and what happened the other day should never happen again. We need to stand up and do the right thing.
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
G. K. Butterfield (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2021-1-13

. Madam , President 's incitement to violently overturn the results of a free and fair election is an attack on our rule of law. prgtoken Any President, any Member of Congress who obstructs the electoral college or attacks judges and the court system when there is no evidence to support their contentions undermines the public's trust and confidence in the judicial process. prgtoken How do my colleagues expect ordinary citizens to respect and trust the courts in civil and criminal matters all across this country? Think about that as you make this decision. prgtoken Vote ``yes'' on the Articles of Impeachment.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H. RES. 24, IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Al Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-1-13

I had tears well in my eyes as I heard Mr. Hoyer, and I know that hearts are hurting. This is a very sad time in the history of our country. No one is celebrating. No one wants to see this occur. prgtoken , I was at the Committee on Rules by way of Zoom. I was there for the entire hearing. Those Members on the other side, this is something that they understand and they take seriously. Regardless as to what is said, I could sense that they are hurting too. prgtoken I just want to thank everyone for all that has happened and the appreciation that has been shown.
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Diana DeGette (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2021-1-13

. Madam , just over a year ago, I stood right there where you are standing today as we took the solemn step of impeaching the President of the United States for pressuring a foreign leader to take unlawful actions to help him in his reelection. prgtoken Just 1 week ago, almost to the hour, I laid right there on the floor of the gallery above us. I heard gunshots in the 's lobby. I heard the mob pounding on the door. They were an angry mob, incited by the President, trying to stop certification of a legitimate election. prgtoken It is clear the President learned nothing in the last year. Yesterday, the President said again he did nothing wrong. prgtoken This man is dangerous. He has defied the Constitution. He has incited sedition. And he must be removed. prgtoken We all took a pledge on January 3 to uphold the Constitution. We must honor that oath. We must vote ``yes'' on this Article of Impeachment.
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Lauren Underwood (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-1-13

. Madam , it is the honor of my life to walk into the Capitol and onto this House floor to carry the voices and values of the people of Illinois' 14th Congressional District to this hallowed institution. The Capitol itself is the global symbol of democracy, and the Congress that meets here is charged with upholding the very first Article of our Constitution, written 233 years ago. The Capitol is where democratically elected Americans from across the country convene to represent their communities. It truly is--and must remain--the People's House. Last week, the People's House was invaded by people who committed acts of terror and desecrated this sacred space. prgtoken In the days since the January 6 attack on the Congress, hundreds of concerned Illinoisans have reached out to my office to share messages of disbelief that such an attack was plotted openly yet not prevented; messages of anger at the violence and the hate that was on display that day, and at the elected leaders who capitalized on those sentiments; messages of fear for the fragility of our democracy. I also received many messages of support and concern for the safety of myself and my staff, which was a great comfort to us all, and for which we are immensely grateful. prgtoken One of my constituents wrote to me about feeling ``disheartened, deeply saddened, shocked, and angry'' about the events of January 6 and all that led up to them, and another wrote about ``uncertainty and fear.'' Another wrote simply that ``there are no words to describe my horror.'' I, too, felt all of those emotions as I watched the attack unfold just beyond my office, and moved heavy furniture to barricade my office doors. prgtoken One constituent wrote to ask me a question: ``What will our future look like if we continue to allow future U.S. leaders to lead and support these types of attacks on our democracy?'' It's a question that I am asking myself today, and that we are all here to answer: ``What will our future look like?'' She wrote about the need for consequences, not only as justice for the perpetrators of this attack, but also as a message for posterity. prgtoken Over the past week, we in Congress have solemnly considered the most appropriate response to the President's incitement of insurrection--an attack that not only cost several people their lives, but also threatened a cornerstone of our democracy: the peaceful transition of power. It is our duty to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable, and that no historical sanctuary is granted to those who have ignited this fire. We have had to face the ugly truth that this attack was incited by a President seeking to violently overturn the results of a democratic election and reject the will of the American people. prgtoken That is why today, we must impeach this President. This is an act toward preserving the integrity of our democracy. This is a message to future Americans about who we are as a nation, and
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Mike Levin (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-1-13

. Madam , what each of us chooses to do today, whether we vote to hold this President to account or look the other way, we will be remembered by history, by our children and their children. prgtoken The facts are clear, the evidence of 's insurrection overwhelming. History calls on us to do what is right rather than just politically expedient. Let us look back on this day with honor, not disgrace, knowing we were up to the oath we all took.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H. RES. 24, IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-1-13

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken , last week, Congress was under siege by a mob motivated and directed by the President of the United States. Our Vice President was a target of that mob. Members of Congress, both and s, were targets of this mob. And I witnessed, for the first time in my life, Americans fighting Americans, all at the behest of our own President of the United States. As Americans, we can do better. prgtoken I will vote for impeachment today for our Nation, for our children, and for our grandchildren. I will be voting for impeachment so that America will once again be the shining city upon the hill whose beacon light guides freedom-loving people everywhere. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to join me and vote for impeachment.
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Elaine G. Luria (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2021-1-13

. Madam , the perpetrators of this heinous attack on our Nation's democracy were Americans encouraged and emboldened by President because he could not accept the outcome of a free and fair election. prgtoken His actions are seditious, and the President has proven that he is not fit to serve. History will look back on this moment to see who stood strong in support of American democracy. prgtoken As my colleagues have said, we must come together, but our Nation cannot begin to heal until there is accountability for the atrocity we witnessed last week.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H. RES. 24, IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Ilhan Omar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2021-1-13

I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. prgtoken Let us not mince words about what happened last week. It was a violent attempt to interrupt our democratic process. It was a targeted blow at the most essential process that makes us a democracy. It was directly and specifically incited by the President of the United States. prgtoken For years, we have been asked to turn a blind eye to the criminality, corruption, and blatant disregard to the rule of law by the tyrant President we have in the White House. We, as a nation, can no longer look away. prgtoken The President not only incited an insurrection against our government but has, in word and deed, led a rebellion. prgtoken We cannot simply move past this or turn the page. For us to be able to survive as a functioning democracy, there has to be accountability. prgtoken We must impeach and remove this President from office immediately so that he cannot be a threat to our democracy. prgtoken I stand ready to fulfill my oath of office. I challenge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to do the same.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H. RES. 24, IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Peter A. DeFazio (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2021-1-13

this was not a one-off. It was a long time coming. It was a part of a plan to perpetuate in office. prgtoken 's campaign strategy was: The election, the only way we can we lose is if it is stolen. It is stolen; it is fake. ``It is stolen,'' repeated by many of his fellow travelers on that side, more than 150 times by over the summer. prgtoken Then, they litigated to disqualify voters. That didn't work. prgtoken Then, they litigated to throw out ballots. Well, that didn't work. prgtoken Then, they attempted to delay the count with State legislatures. Well, that didn't work. prgtoken Last ditch, the President called down to Georgia and said: Can't you find me more votes? prgtoken And then, one last desperate plea: Stop the January 6 certification. And the President talked about that on September 26. He said: You know, if it goes to Congress, there is one vote per State, and we have an advantage. prgtoken So, I think this was part of a plan to disrupt the electoral college of the United States. prgtoken Giuliani: ``Trial by combat.'' prgtoken : ``You will never take back our country with weakness.''
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Mary Gay Scanlon (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2021-1-13

. Madam , on January 6, President launched an attack against the United States Capitol. I, too, urge my colleagues to unite, but to unite in love of country, and to hold this President accountable. prgtoken What unites our country is respect for the rule of law. Without accountability for those who would shatter the rule of law by overturning a Presidential election, we cannot take seriously the cries of being a united people. prgtoken This President remains a serious threat to our country and he must be held accountable.
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Henry Cuellar (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-1-13

. Madam , I rise in support of the impeachment. prgtoken It is very simple. What we saw on January 6 was a person, the President of the United States, incite a crowd to come and attack the Capitol. We have to make sure that we stand up for democracy. prgtoken If we don't do this, then what are we going to stand for? prgtoken We stand for democracy. We stand for American values. And I stand for the impeachment of .
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Pete Aguilar (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-1-13

. Madam , on January 3, we stood here on this floor and swore an oath to defend our Constitution against enemies, foreign and domestic. Three days later, that oath was put to the test when a violent mob tried to break down those doors to stop us from performing our constitutional duty. This mob was not without a leader. prgtoken On that day, the President told them to walk to this Capitol, 16 blocks from where he stood. They were radicalized by his lies and conspiracy theories he spent months fueling, many of which I have heard on this floor the last week. He needed to say only two words to end the violence: ``I concede.'' Because that is what leaders do in a democracy. Because that is what we do in the United States. They put politics aside and put country first. prgtoken Madam , as I look to our colleagues over on the other side, I wonder how many of them will demonstrate that leadership and join us in holding President accountable for inciting this deadly attack, and I wonder how many will uphold our oath and put our country first to defend this Constitution from the threat in the White House. To do anything less, is to turn your back on the oath altogether.
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Cedric L. Richmond (Democrat, LA) \u2014 2021-1-13

. Madam , I rise today in my last floor speech in prgtoken this body to do what I was sworn to do on the first date: To protect and defend the Constitution. prgtoken President put the domestic terrorists on notice by saying, ``Stand back and stand by.'' He then summoned them to D.C directed them to march on the Capitol, and then he sat back and watched the insurrection. prgtoken Some of my colleagues--some of which may well be coconspirators--in their latest attempt to placate and please this unfit President, suggests that we shouldn't punish for his actions in order to unify the country. That is the climax of foolishness. prgtoken Let me suggest to them: Stand up. Man up. Woman up. And defend this Constitution from all enemies, foreign and domestic, including Donald J. . prgtoken In the first impeachment, s said we didn't need to impeach him because he learned his lesson, so no need to remove him. prgtoken Well, we said, if we didn't remove him, he would do it again. Simply put, we told you so. prgtoken Richmond out.
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2021-1-13

. Madam , the decision to impeach a President is a grave one--it is a vote that no Member wishes to cast in their lifetime. In my nearly four decades of service in the House of Representatives, I have voted to impeach a President only twice--both times during President 's term in office. The criminal invasion of the U.S. Capitol last week created this unprecedented moment in U.S. history when liberty lovers must respond in the strongest legal manner. prgtoken Members of Congress take an oath to defend our Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. During my service, U.S. Presidents of both parties understood their duty to our Constitution, until now. I frequently reflect on the incalculable bravery and sacrifice of those Americans who came before us, who, from the battlefields of Antietam to the beaches of Normandy, fought and died to ensure that not only would freedom and liberty live on in these lands, but so too would our Union itself. prgtoken During these last four years, our beloved country has become divided to an extent not seen since Reconstruction--a division so powerful that the daily business of our Congress has ground to a near halt, at severe expense to the People's work. This is occurring because of the severe breakdown, political divisions, and incitement exacerbated by lies and conspiracy theories recited at length by the President himself. He has belligerently refused to accept the results of this past election. With a clenched fist, he and his allies continue to spew divisive vitriol claiming no institution in this country, from the free press to independent election officials, can be trusted--that the only person worthy of the American people's confidence is himself. prgtoken A week ago today, that division boiled over, culminating in a vicious attack by a mob on the U.S. Capitol, a place that holds national and international significance as the temple of liberty and representational democracy. Members, staff, and the Vice President, who were working to certify the election results of the 2020 Presidential Election, were forced to flee for their lives as a mob of violent insurrectionists broke through the doors and windows of the Capitol, desecrated the halls, and violently attacked Capitol Police, killing one and injuring over 50. The invaders, many in paramilitary attire, called for the execution of the Vice President, the of the House, and other Members. Some carried law-enforcement style handcuffs, bear spray, and firearms, while others erected gallows outside and placed pipe-bombs nearby. All the while, President failed to take any meaningful steps to call off the attack, despite calls imploring him to do so as the events played out on live television. The attack was explicitly incited by as he dispatched marchers to the Capitol `to fight.' His incitement of the attack represents quite possibly the most significant example of compl
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
John Garamendi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-1-13

. Madam , I rise today determined to fulfill our sacred oath to protect and defend the Constitution from all enemies, foreign and domestic. Last week's violent insurrection on the Capitol was a stain on our democracy. A riotous mob incited by the President stormed these very Halls, beat and murdered police officers, planted pipe bombs, and left our Nation shocked and in mourning. prgtoken The President's rhetoric, actions, and refusal to accept responsibilities are an imminent threat to our Nation. I vote to impeach the President. I urge my colleagues to do the same.