mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-12-13

today, Senate s are still working in good faith on border policy changes that will allow the Senate to pass a national security supplemental. I am hopeful that , both here and at the White House, are beginning to recognize how committed we are to addressing the crisis at our southern border. I am hopeful that we can reach an agreement and address two national security priorities. prgtoken Meanwhile, the challenges we are facing at home and abroad are not stopping themselves. As of today, U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria have faced at least 92 attacks from Iran-backed terrorists since October, including just last week against the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. prgtoken Meanwhile, Iran's Houthi proxies are escalating their threats against shipping vessels in one of the busiest choke points of international maritime commerce. Iran and its terrorist network are not deterred. They believe they can try to kill Americans with impunity. prgtoken Yet, last week, leading Senate joined a failed effort to withdraw America's presence in Syria. Three Members of the ic caucus leadership cast votes to retreat--to retreat--in the face of an emboldened terrorist threat. So did the chair of the Foreign Relations subcommittee that deals with the Middle East. prgtoken It is time for our colleagues to get serious about the threats that we face. Fortunately, the Senate is on track to pass the long-awaited National Defense Authorization Act. I am grateful to Ranking Member Wicker and Chairman Reed for the extensive work required to bring this must-pass legislation across the goal line. prgtoken This year, the Armed Services Committee considered 445 amendments, and prgtoken another 121 were adopted here on the floor. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of many of our colleagues on this side of the aisle, the bill they produced asserts the Senate's priorities on a host of national security issues where the administration's approach continues to fall short. prgtoken This year's NDAA recognizes the need to strengthen America's position in strategic competition with China through targeted improvements to critical capabilities--from long-range fires and anti-ship weapons to modernizing our nuclear triad. prgtoken It will authorize further investments in the defense industrial base and expand efficiency and accountability of the lethal assistance degrading Russia's military in Ukraine. prgtoken It will turbocharge cooperation with Israel on future missile defense technologies and ensure our closest ally in the Middle East can access the U.S. capabilities it needs when it needs them. prgtoken It will give America's men and women in uniform a pay raise. prgtoken It will focus the Pentagon more squarely on tackling national security challenges instead of creating new ones with partisan social policies. prgtoken In my home State of Kentucky, it will advance important initiatives to expand production at Blu
HONORING TEXAS-24 HOMETOWN HEROES, THE FORT WORTH POLICE DEPARTMENT
Beth Van Duyne (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-12-13

I rise today to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Heroes, the Fort Worth Police Department. prgtoken For several years, Fort Worth Police officers have rallied together to provide Thanksgiving turkeys to community members in need. Continuing the tradition, this year, Fort Worth police officers provided more than 600 turkeys to families in need. The officers organize turkey giveaways across Fort Worth where they also provide services such as entertainment for children or hot meals to-go. prgtoken Fort Worth's Chief of Police, Neil Noakes, took an active role in distributing turkeys with the help of other officers and volunteers. Chief Noakes made note of his officers' dedication to their community and also highlighted that their roles do not end at law enforcement. By the end of the turkey giveaway, they had distributed three and a half tons of turkey to members of the Fort Worth community. prgtoken I want to thank the Fort Worth Police Department for all they do to take care of our North Texas community while also keeping us safe.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2023-12-13

I rise today to urge the Senate to do more for Americans who have suffered from the aftereffects of the development of our nuclear arsenal. It is profoundly disappointing to see that the necessary updates to the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, spearheaded by Senators Lujan, Hawley, Schmitt, and myself, were not included in the conference report of the National Defense Authorization Act. prgtoken When America developed the atom bomb through the Manhattan Project and tested those weapons through the Trinity tests, our country unknowingly poisoned those who mined, transported, and milled uranium, those who participated in nuclear testing, and those who lived downwind of the tests. prgtoken Don on was one of those who lived downwind. Born in Emmett, ID, Don was born in 1931 and graduated from Emmett High School in 1949. He served in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1953, came back to Emmett to marry the love of his life Donna, and worked as a farmer, dairy deliveryman, mechanic, and truckdriver to provide for his nine children. prgtoken His family describes him as a loving father who taught the values of hard work and integrity and to see the worth and light in others. But because Emmett received the third most radiation from being downwind of the Trinity tests, Don on lived on poisoned ground. He ended up contracting basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer and eventually passed away in 2018. prgtoken His daughter Vonnie shared his story with the Idaho Downwinders, with my staff, and me in the hopes of finally prgtoken righting the wrongs of leaving downwinders behind. Don on was one of the thousands in Gem County, ID, alone and beyond who were unfortunately living in an area downwind of the Trinity tests. prgtoken This is not a matter just affecting conservative or liberal States. The bipartisan nature of the RECA updates is because it affects people regardless of political affiliation. prgtoken To be clear, the government's test of nuclear weapons caused this. It is our solemn duty to compensate those who have suffered because of these tests. The RECA amendments ensure that those who live downwind of the tests receive compensation from the government and provide support to uranium miners who worked during the Cold War. prgtoken I have worked with my colleagues for the past 13 years to attempt to right these wrongs, and July's vote to include RECA amendments in the Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act shows the widespread bipartisan support to help those who have suffered. But it is frustrating and discouraging that bipartisan support from both Chambers of Congress still cannot get this legislation enacted into law. prgtoken While this speech is unlikely to bring the necessary updates back into consideration with this conference report, I am committed to working with my colleagues to update RECA to better refle
NEBRASKA LOVES ITS LAW ENFORCEMENT
Mike Flood (Republican, NE) \u2014 2023-12-13

as National Law Enforcement Day approaches, I rise today to salute our men and women who keep our communities safe each and every day. prgtoken It wasn't long ago that law enforcement was almost universally respected in America. The blue uniform was a symbol not just of law and order but also of community peace and harmony. Policemen and policewomen belonged among the most trusted community members, alongside nurses, teachers, firefighters, and postal workers. prgtoken However, something happened in 2020. Antipolice riots erupted in communities across the country. Places like Seattle, Minneapolis, and Chicago were besieged by violence. Violent protestors set up a law enforcement-free zone in Seattle known as CHAZ. prgtoken Civil unrest in Minneapolis led to one-half billion dollars' worth of damage while city leadership failed to keep order after George Floyd's death. Folks looked at the Magnificent Mile in Chicago while the world watched America burn. prgtoken Nevertheless, this destruction wasn't tolerated in Nebraska. prgtoken When disorder erupted in two of our major cities, then-Governor Pete Ricketts cracked down. He deployed State patrol and National Guard members to assist communities and protected businesses and homeowners. prgtoken Since the national unrest in 2020, Nebraska has doubled down on our commitment to supporting our men and women in blue. While some States have repealed traditional protections for law enforcement, Nebraska has maintained qualified immunity. This is critical to ensuring law enforcement officers can do their jobs without the threat of frivolous lawsuits or complaints. prgtoken Last year, before I came to Congress, I was the proud cosponsor of the Law Enforcement Attraction and Retention Act in the Nebraska legislature. This bill provides a variety of cash incentives for individual officers to help law enforcement agencies retain their workforce. It received almost unanimous approval from that body. prgtoken This year--and I want to double down on this--the legislature in Nebraska passed the First Responder Recruitment and Retention Act. It covers 100 percent of tuition for law enforcement officers, firefighters, and their children who want to get a college degree from a community college or a State college or university. We are the first State in the Nation to give police officers, their families, and their children free college, recognizing that what they do is important and that it is needed. prgtoken If someone is living in one of those places where law enforcement is under attack, I want them to look at Nebraska. Look at what we can do for them and their family. We have a variety of opportunities available in law enforcement. The Nebraska State Patrol is the finest statewide agency in the Nation led by an outstanding colonel, John Bolduc. prgtoken Our two biggest cities have fantastic large agencies that provide lots of opportunities to advance. If someone likes to hunt, we
WHOLE MILK FOR HEALTHY KIDS ACT OF 2023
John W. Rose (Republican, TN) \u2014 2023-12-13

. Mr. Chair, today I rise in support of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act which will allow schools to offer both unflavored and flavored whole milk for students. prgtoken Whole milk provides children with 13 essential nutrients for growth, development, immunity, and brain function. Whole milk also serves as the top source of protein, calcium, potassium, and vitamin D for children. prgtoken I am a proud cosponsor of this vital legislation, and I thank my good friend, Chairman Thompson, for introducing this commonsense bill. prgtoken For too long, poor Federal policy has kept whole milk out of our school cafeterias. This commonsense legislation puts the health and well-being of our children first. As the father of two young sons myself, I am proud to support this bill, and I urge my colleagues to join me in doing so. prgtoken Also as a father, I would note that I see every day the illustration of how my children react to whole milk versus skim milk. I would just give that firsthand impression. prgtoken I also would say the science supports it. prgtoken , I include in the Record these scientific studies, as well. prgtoken Comparison of the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Diet and a Higher-Fat DASH Diet on Blood Pressure and Lipids and Lipoproteins: A Randomized Controlled Trial
DIRECTING CERTAIN COMMITTEES TO CONTINUE ONGOING INVESTIGATIONS INTO WHETHER SUFFICIENT GROUNDS EXIST FOR THE IMPEACHMENT OF JOSEPH BIDEN, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
Ralph Norman (Republican, SC) \u2014 2023-12-13

I rise today in full support of this impeachment inquiry. I hope all the public tuned into the Rules Committee yesterday. My question: What are you scared of? What facts do you not want to come out? That was so evident. You spent more time quoting , January 6, anything but the facts about what Hunter and his family did. prgtoken The checks don't make themselves up that are written to this family. LLC accounts don't make themselves up. These are facts. What more to come out that you are hiding is so evident. prgtoken This resolution follows the bar set by during the impeachment proceedings in 2019. We are playing by the same rules the set. If thought this process was fair for President , they should think it is fair for President . prgtoken The evidence against the s I think will come out and finally show what the trail is and the fact that there are consequences. You cannot just say you are innocent and not have to prove it. I fully support this inquiry.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Ted Budd (Republican, NC) \u2014 2023-12-13

as we enter the holidays this year and experience prgtoken the typical sights and sounds of the season--perhaps, it is the annual trip to buy a Christmas tree, perhaps in western North Carolina, if you are from the region. For some, it is the solemn lighting of each candle on the menorah. Often, it is the joyous family gathering, the giving of gifts, and the making of life-long memories. prgtoken But for the 130 hostages still being held by terrorists in Gaza, the holiday season is one of pain and isolation. For their families, this holiday season is filled with pain and uncertainty. prgtoken This week, I met again with both some of the families of recently released hostages and the families of those who are still being held. Their heartache is something that no person should ever have to face. The heartache is something that no person should ever have to face. When you compare the joy of the holidays with the pain of this situation, you can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of both anger and sadness, but also a sense of resolve. prgtoken What if they were my loved ones? What if they were yours? prgtoken Each and every one of these families deserves for their loved ones to be released immediately and unconditionally. Rest assured, all levels of the U.S. Government are working with our allies and partners to get these hostages home and to get them home safely. prgtoken But until that happens, there is still something that all of us can do. And you don't have to be an elected official to send prayers of comfort to these families. You don't have to be here on the Senate floor to speak out on their behalf and to call for their release. And you don't have to be politically active to commit yourself to not forget these men and women, especially during this season. prgtoken Deuteronomy 31:6 tells us: Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you, and He will never leave you or forsake you. prgtoken , I want every one of these family members to know that our country is behind them and that we support them and that we are praying for them. prgtoken .
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2023-12-13

10,109--the number of people who were apprehended trying to come across the border illegally yesterday. Those are the people who were caught. That doesn't count the people who got away and who Customs and Border Patrol know got away. Then there are all the unknown ``got-aways.'' But over 10,000 people in a single day were apprehended trying to come across our southern border illegally. To annualize that, again, you are talking 3\1/2\ to 4 million people a year. Four million people is larger than 24 States in the United States of America. That is the dimension of the problem that we are talking about and that we are trying to get the White House and the here in the Senate to focus on and address. prgtoken I don't think it is a surprise that aren't interested in making the illegal immigration crisis at our southern border a priority. After all, the President and have spent almost 3 years now ignoring, minimizing, or actively abetting this crisis. But over the past few days, we have had a chance to see the true depth of their animosity to border security, because it has become increasingly clear that the are so opposed to serious border security measures that they are willing to sacrifice aid to Ukraine and other allies, including Israel, in order to keep the border open. That is right. The are holding up an aid package for our allies because they are not willing to take meaningful steps to secure our border. prgtoken Now, I strongly support aid to allies like Ukraine and Taiwan and believe that supporting these nations is in our national security interest, and s have been ready to take up the national security supplemental for weeks. But we have asked for one thing--just one thing. We have asked that, while we are looking after our national security interests abroad, we also address the national security crisis here at home, that we give the safety of the American people the same priority as the safety of our allies. prgtoken National security begins at home, and we have an obligation to the American people to address the crisis at our southern border that is threatening the security of our Nation. prgtoken And while it is hard to understand how any can fail to understand the gravity of the situation at our southern border, let me just run through some of those numbers again. We have had three successive recordbreaking years of illegal immigration at our southern border under President . prgtoken In October 2023, which is the latest month for which we have data, U.S. Customs and Border Protection encountered 240,988 migrants at our southern border, which is the highest October number ever recorded. That is nearly a quarter of a million individuals in just one month. prgtoken Last Tuesday, as I mentioned, there were a staggering 12,000-plus encounters at our southern border, the highest daily total ever recorded. That was f
CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. ANNE SKLEDER
Andrew S. Clyde (Republican, GA) \u2014 2023-12-13

I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Brenau University's 10th president, Dr. Anne Skleder, who tragically passed after bravely battling cancer at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta. prgtoken Born in Pittsburgh, Anne studied psychology at the University of Pittsburgh and later earned her doctoral degree from Temple University. Dr. Skleder then incorporated her passion for people and learning into a successful career in academia--mentoring, teaching, and serving students for years. prgtoken Breaking glass ceilings, Anne went on to become the 10th and 1st woman president of Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia. Yet it was not the title that she cherished, but rather the opportunity to improve the lives and futures of Brenau University students. prgtoken Her leadership extended beyond the campus, as she served on the executive committee of the Atlanta Regional Council of Higher Education and was a board member for numerous organizations, including the Women's College Coalition, National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, and the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce. prgtoken Our sincere condolences are with Anne's family as they mourn her loss. While her leadership and impact on our community will surely be missed, we cherish Dr. Skleder's legacy and find comfort in knowing that she has found eternal peace with her beloved parents and brother in the presence of our Heavenly Father. prgtoken Georgia's Ninth District will always remember the incredible impact that Dr. Skleder had on students at Brenau University and on our community as a whole. Honoring Exceptional Businesses in Lumpkin County
CONDEMNING ANTISEMITISM ON UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES AND THE TESTIMONY OF UNIVERSITY PRESIDENTS IN THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND THE WORKFORCE
Brandon Williams (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-12-13

I thank the chairwoman for yielding. prgtoken , I thank Representative Stefanik, my colleague from New York, for introducing this much-needed legislation. prgtoken With issues as critical as mitigating anti-Semitism and protecting our Jewish community, it is vital that we speak today with moral clarity. prgtoken Just days ago, in a hearing in the House Education and the Workforce Committee, we heard shocking testimony from the presidents of what were once our most esteemed educational institutions. prgtoken Each one of these institutions has more than 100 years of history educating our youth. prgtoken One, Harvard University, is closing in on 400 years of history. prgtoken These schools have an embarrassment of riches: Billions of dollars in annual revenue, much of it from Federal funds, billions more in endowments--no, tens of billions of dollars in endowments--they have the resources to reach any educational goal. prgtoken When pressed on the solution to the problem of anti-Semitism, each of them testified that education was, in fact, the solution. Education is supposed to be the solution to anti-Semitism. prgtoken Yet, with all of that history, with all of those resources, with the esteem of our society and the world, these universities are ground zero for rampant, virulent, obscene, and inhuman anti-Semitism. prgtoken The hearings last week exposed not only the lack of moral leadership at these schools; it also exposed a sickness in the culture of our elite universities. prgtoken If calling for the murder and genocide of fellow students for the crime of being Jewish is not immediately and completely repugnant, then there is no moral compass at the heart of these institutions.
CONDEMNING ANTISEMITISM ON UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES AND THE TESTIMONY OF UNIVERSITY PRESIDENTS IN THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND THE WORKFORCE
Glenn Grothman (Republican, WI) \u2014 2023-12-13

like most Americans, I happened to be in the room because I am on the committee and was a little bit startled and stunned by the lack of concern for rampant anti-Semitism in the most prominent universities in this country--the leaders who were chosen to lead those universities. prgtoken We have to ask ourselves why is it happening on our premier campuses? prgtoken I can go out in Wisconsin, all the hard workers in the factories, all the hard workers on the farms, all the people working in retail, I don't see any evidence of this. As a matter of fact, I don't think there is anywhere in the State of Wisconsin I would go and find this sort of thing. prgtoken Nevertheless, we seem to be fighting it in our universities. prgtoken The question is: Why is that so? Is there anything out there that would give an indication that you have a possibility of anti-Semitism? prgtoken Part of it, I think, is coming from recent immigrants who are carrying grievances from long ago to the United States, but the more concerning one is the spoiled, upper-middle classes that make up so many of the college students and professors. prgtoken I think what we are coming out of is what I will call the bored upper-middle classes looking for something to do and the unhappiness out of that boredom that leads them to anti-American, but also anti- Semitic and anti-Israel. Because when they see Gaza and Israel, they see one successful Western country and they see an unsuccessful crooked country, and it leads them to be so mentally muddled up that they can't see what is wrong with the horrific murders that took place.