mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
BIPARTISAN IMMIGRATION REFORM
Eric Sorensen (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-2-5

I thank Congresswoman Escobar for hosting this important discussion. prgtoken I would be remiss if I didn't say that your home State of Texas is the only State that I have ever lived outside of my own home State of Illinois. So, I have a soft spot for the Lone Star State. prgtoken , I stand here proud to cosponsor the Dignity Act tonight, which is the only bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform bill that currently exists in the House of Representatives. prgtoken This legislation is critical. It does just what we need. It secures our border, strengthens our economy, creates an orderly and humane path to legal status for those who follow U.S. law, and gives law enforcement the tools they need to stop the flow of fentanyl that is hurting and killing members of our families and our neighbors. prgtoken Make no mistake, I am deeply concerned with what is happening at the southern border. It is now Congress' time to act. prgtoken Since the moment I was sworn in, I have tried to work as hard as I can with both sides of the aisle to find solutions to complex problems. I have proposed legislation to increase the number of Customs and Border Protection officers that patrol our southern border. I have proposed legislation that would help identify the fentanyl that is coming into our country. I found colleagues, friends, to come together because we need to work together. prgtoken Unfortunately, House GOP leadership has rejected all of the bipartisan ideas. prgtoken I am a believer that to get things done here in Congress, we need to listen to the perspectives of both sides. In this Congress, the bipartisan path has been the only way that we have gotten results. prgtoken That is how we have been able to fund the government, prevent a catastrophic debt default, pass a bill to lower taxes for businesses and working families. prgtoken We have tried the partisan-only path to solving the immigration and border problem, but that does not work. Securing our border and fixing our immigration system must be done on a bipartisan basis. prgtoken Now, there are Members of Congress, especially my colleagues here on the floor right now, who want to solve the problem, but there are some in the House and the Senate GOP who want to strong-arm us, using the border as a political football in the ultimate display of gamesmanship. prgtoken Just yesterday, a bipartisan group of Senators released a plan to secure the border and fix our broken immigration system. prgtoken This compromised proposal is aggressive about tackling the challenges that we see at the border without straying from our Nation's core values. prgtoken The Senate plan makes our country safer; it makes our border more secure; and it treats people fairly and humanely. prgtoken But less than a day after its release, before most Members have even had a chance to read it, House GOP leadership said it is dead on arrival in the House. prgtoken Now, let's call it what
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2024-2-5

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
HONORING MAYOR JAMES BOULEY
Ann M. Kuster (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2024-2-5

I rise today to recognize and honor the 26 years of dedicated service of Concord's recently retired mayor and my dear friend, James Bouley. prgtoken Over the course of his decades of public service, Jim led with the vision and commitment necessary to transform New Hampshire's Capital City into the thriving and energetic community we enjoy today. prgtoken Over thousands of meetings, events, and hours of hard work, Jim effectively created meaningful change throughout the city. Under Jim's leadership, extensive improvements were made to Concord's Main Street. He revitalized downtown Concord and spearheaded renovations that made Main Street accessible for all, true to the spirit of New Hampshire. He worked to improve city facilities and oversaw the rebuilding of numerous community landmarks, such as the public library and Horseshoe Pond area. prgtoken Mayor Bouley is the definition of a true public servant. Known as a consensus-builder, Jim strove to ensure that all residents of Concord felt their views and values were heard and honored. On behalf of my constituents across New Hampshire's Second Congressional District, I thank Jim for his years of dedicated service and tireless commitment to prgtoken making Concord, the Capital Area, and New Hampshire a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Jim's leadership, dedication, and professionalism have left a lasting legacy. prgtoken My best wishes to Jim and his family in all their future endeavors.
INTRODUCTION OF THE RECOVER ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2024-2-5

today, I introduce the Reducing the Effects of the Cyberattack on OPM Victims Emergency Response Act of 2024, or the RECOVER Act, which would require the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to make permanent the free identity protection coverage that Congress required OPM to provide at that point for 10 years to individuals whose Social Security Numbers were potentially compromised during the OPM data breaches. In 2015, OPM reported that the personally identifiable information of as many as 25.7 million current, former and prospective federal employees and contractors was stolen in two data breaches. I appreciate that Representative C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger is co-leading this bill. prgtoken After OPM announced that it would offer identity protection coverage of limited duration and value, Senator Ben Cardin and I introduced the RECOVER Act in July 2015, which would have provided affected individuals lifetime identity protection coverage and at least $5 million in identity theft insurance. Congress subsequently passed a version of our bill as part of an appropriations bill, but limited the duration of the protection. Under current law, OPM is only required to provide identity protection coverage through fiscal year 2026. Under the bill I am introducing today, OPM would be required to provide coverage for the remainder of the lives of affected individuals. prgtoken The current coverage duration is inadequate, given that there is no limit to when the stolen data may be exploited. Therefore, there should be no limit on the duration of the coverage provided to affected individuals. This bill would give current, former and prospective federal employees and contractors who were affected both some peace of mind and protection. OPM failed to protect these people. It follows that the government must make up for its mistake. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
LNG BAN HURTS AMERICANS
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2024-2-5

as we have stated, the impact of stopping the export of liquefied natural gas affects all Americans. prgtoken We have had individuals from all over, Representatives, who know the impact financially to their constituents. They know the impact on jobs to each one of the Americans who are in the natural gas industry. We understand, and this is not lost on us. prgtoken , from California (Mr. LaMalfa).
Vote on Laroski Nomination (Executive Calendar)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2024-2-5

. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Wyoming (Mr. Barrasso), the Senator from Tennessee (Mrs. Blackburn), the Senator from Indiana (Mr. Braun), the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Budd), the Senator from West Virginia (Mrs. Capito), the Senator from Louisiana (Mr. Cassidy), the Senator from Texas (Mr. Cornyn), the Senator from North Dakota (Mr. Cramer), the Senator from Texas (Mr. Cruz), the Senator from Montana (Mr. Daines), the Senator from Missouri (Mr. Hawley), the Senator from Wyoming (Ms. Lummis), the Senator from Kansas (Mr. Moran), the Senator from Nebraska (Mr. Ricketts), the Senator from Idaho (Mr. Risch), the Senator from Utah (Mr. Romney), the Senator from Florida (Mr. Rubio), the Senator from Alaska (Mr. Sullivan), and the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Tillis). prgtoken Further, if present and voting: the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Budd) would have voted ``yea'' and the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Tillis) would have voted ``yea.''
TRIBUTE TO SERGEANT LLOYD MICHAEL AUSTIN
Tommy Tuberville (Republican, AL) \u2014 2024-2-5

many of our veterans come home with scars, including scars you can't see. After fighting America's battles, they come home to fight their own personal battles. One American warrior who knows this well is SGT Lloyd Michael Austin of Mobile. prgtoken He grew up in a military family, the son of a World War II veteran. After graduating from Williamson High School, he enlisted in the Army to continue his dad's legacy of military service. Sergeant Austin deployed overseas during Desert Storm and Desert Shield. There, he drove a truck for multiple combat missions. After being diagnosed with PTSD from his time in combat, Sergeant Austin returned home to Alabama. prgtoken He found himself fighting a different war, as he struggled with substance abuse. He became isolated from family and friends, and even attempted to take his life. Thankfully, he survived and found help. Now, after more than 17 years sober, Sergeant Austin uses his own experience to help others. He works with Vets Recover, where he helps veterans struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. He is also a pastor at Love Me Anyway Ministries. prgtoken Sergeant Austin visits hospitals and treatment centers to encourage people, with special help from his poodle and service dog Ivy. His story has given hope to many Alabamians during some of the darkest moments in their lives. Alabama is grateful to have compassionate servant leaders like Sergeant Austin. It is my honor to recognize him as the February Veteran of the Month.
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF MIKE BRODERICK
Zachary Nunn (Republican, IA) \u2014 2024-2-5

I rise today to honor the life and service of Philip Mike Broderick, a firefighter from Des Moines who lost his brave battle with liver cancer on January 14, 2024. prgtoken Prior to spending nearly 16 years with the Des Moines Fire Department, Mike spent two decades serving our nation in the United States Army. He was a man who put service over himself for his entire life, and his commitment to ensuring safety for his community and his nation was unwavering. Those who knew him personally shared he was an incredible friend, a devout husband, a loving father, and someone who served his country and community with purpose and care. Mike Broderick leaves behind his wife Emily and daughters Grace, Ireland, Piper, and Campbell. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mike Broderick's commitment to our Nation and the entire Des Moines community. I join his family and those closest to him in mourning his loss. May his memory not be forgotten.
LNG BAN HURTS AMERICANS
Garret Graves (Republican, LA) \u2014 2024-2-5

I thank Dr. Joyce for organizing this Special Order tonight. prgtoken I thank the administration, actually. I thank the administration because they came out a week from Friday and admitted what we knew all along. They paused American energy. prgtoken , it is consistent with what we have seen out of this administration for the last few years. They go out there and say, yes, Russia should be able to build the Nord Stream 2 pipeline to facilitate Russian energy, but the Keystone pipeline in the United States can't be built. It is pro-Russia; it is anti-U.S. prgtoken It is not just that, . Let's look at what is happening. Since Putin has invaded Ukraine, the European Union is still dependent upon Russian natural gas today 14 percent of the natural gas being supplied to the European Union is coming from Russia. Let me say it another way: It is a billion dollars a month. Of course, it was twice or three times that before the invasion. prgtoken What is happening is this billion dollars a month today is actually funding the Russian war against Ukraine. At the same time, this administration is out there banging on Congress to give them $60 billion in aid for Ukraine. prgtoken I have an idea: Stop funding the Russian war. How do you do that? Dr. Joyce said this a little while ago. You can look at the National Energy Technology Lab analysis looking at U.S. natural gas. Compared to Russian gas, Russian gas has 41 percent higher emissions. prgtoken , let me say it another way: If we had taken 1 year of Russian gas that was supplied to the European Union and supplanted it, replaced it with U.S. gas, it would have reduced emissions to the tune of 218 million tons of emissions. prgtoken Do you know what? It would have been for free. We could have just supplanted U.S. gas with Russian gas. We could have kneecapped Vladimir Putin and those billions of dollars he received. We could have helped the economy in the United States. We could have strengthened our economic ties with our allies. prgtoken This doesn't make any sense, , but this is what we are seeing out of this administration over and over again. Their policies are resulting in Iran profiting $60 billion--$60 billion to Iran as a result of this administration's flawed energy policies. prgtoken We lost three servicemembers and had 30-plus more injured because we are funding Iran that is funding the Houthis that is funding Hezbollah that is funding Hamas that is funding the Islamic Jihad and other terrorist organizations. prgtoken This is unbelievable. Higher costs for American families, higher emissions, and lower energy security--this makes no sense. It lacks common sense, and it is simply not in America's interests. prgtoken I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for hosting this tonight. Most importantly, , we have to bring common sense back to American energy policy.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2024-2-5

4 years ago, as a candidate for the ic nomination, President promised his base functionally open borders: I would in fact make sure that . . . we immediately surge to the border all those people who are seeking asylum. prgtoken That was President when he took office 3 years ago. As people surged to the border, they insisted that the President had told them to come, and by his actions, we know they were exactly right. prgtoken The administration invited a crisis at our southwest border. In the tradition of Washington dating back decades, they chose an issue over its solution, and then they made it worse. The President of the United States threw out essential border security tools like ``Remain in Mexico,'' froze new funds for commonsense measures like border wall construction, and abandoned the brave men and women of the CPB and ICE to clean up his mess. prgtoken President 's border crisis has upended life in communities across America. Flows of deadly fentanyl have snuffed out precious lives in States like Kentucky. Catch-and-release has confronted even the bluest so-called sanctuary cities with the harsh realities of unchecked illegal immigration. prgtoken For 3 years, the President and his administration have tried to convince the American people not to believe their own eyes. They tried in vain to pretend that we weren't facing a crisis, but the country knows better. This is a humanitarian and security crisis of historic proportions. prgtoken Senate s have insisted--not just for months but for years-- that this urgent crisis demanded action. Three months ago, we asked our colleague Senator Lankford to lead that action. In just the time since Washington finally decided to join him at the negotiating table, the President's border crisis made history all over again. December saw the highest daily and monthly tallies of illegal border crossings ever on record. The crisis has literally never been worse. This is the reality as the Senate begins careful consideration of the border security agreement announced last night. prgtoken The gaping hole in our Nation's sovereign borders on President 's watch is not going to heal itself, and the crater of American credibility after 3 years of the President's foreign policy will not repair itself either. prgtoken Today, our adversaries are emboldened. As terrorists and authoritarian thugs challenge the strongest military in the world, our Commander in Chief is hesitant--hesitant--and self-deterred. It is long past time for the President to demonstrate more resolve and start imposing decisive costs on those who dare to attack America, and it is now time for Congress to take action on supplemental national security legislation that finally meets those challenges head-on. prgtoken I have spoken at length for months about the urgent need to invest in American hard power, stand with ou
CLIFTON OPPORTUNITIES NOW FOR VIBRANT ECONOMIC YIELDS ACT
Lauren Boebert (Republican, CO) \u2014 2024-2-5

I rise in support of H.R. 2997, my Clifton Opportunities Now for Vibrant Economic Yields Act, the CONVEY Act. prgtoken This commonsense bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey 31.1 acres of land that the Federal Government no longer wishes to manage to Mesa County for economic development in Clifton, Colorado. Mesa County will purchase the land for fair market value. prgtoken For over 5 years, Mesa County has been stuck in red tape as they have been diligently pursuing the acquisition of this parcel of land that is on the BLM disposal list. This land holds immense value for Mesa County as it presents a critical opportunity for economic development in Clifton, an area of the county that has struggled economically. prgtoken I have worked closely with BLM, the committee, and the Mesa County commissioners to cut through the bureaucracy and expedite this process. The Principal Deputy Director at the Bureau of Land Management, Nada Wolff Culver, said: ``The BLM supports H.R. 2997,'' the CONVEY Act, ``and the direct sale of the parcel to Mesa County.'' prgtoken The economic potential of this land will allow Mesa County to attract job creators and foster an environment that encourages economic prosperity for Clifton. prgtoken Once Mesa County is able to secure the land, they will establish an economic development board to solicit input from local stakeholders. prgtoken According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, this bill would reduce Federal spending. It also ensures the funds from the sale of this land will be deposited into the Federal Land Disposal Account, established by the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act, and retained by the Bureau of Land Management Colorado office, so the funds from the sale will actually be used in Colorado. prgtoken More than 55 percent of Colorado's Third District and 73 percent of Mesa County's land area is Federal land. As Mesa County continues to grow, the county is significantly limited in the land it has available to develop. prgtoken These large Federal footprints often stifle local communities that lack power in decisionmaking over the land in their own backyards from moving forward on important development opportunities. prgtoken I am proud to empower local communities and jump-start rural economies through innovative solutions that reduce our Federal footprint and cut bureaucratic red tape that is stifling economic growth with the CONVEY Act. prgtoken It has been a pleasure to work on this piece of legislation and to offer this to Mesa County to see what they come up with for their economic development. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this simple, straightforward bill, .
RECOGNIZING FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY BASEBALL COACH MIKE MARTIN, SR.
Neal P. Dunn (Republican, FL) \u2014 2024-2-5

I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Florida State University legend Mike Martin, Sr. prgtoken On February 1, 2024, the Seminole community said ``goodbye'' to a man who encapsulated greatness. Coach Mike Martin spent over 40 years with the Seminole baseball program. He finished his coaching career with his 40th winning season and 17th College World Series appearance. Coach Martin's career record was 2,029 wins, 736 losses, and four prgtoken ties earning him the title of the all-time winningest coach in any National Collegiate Athletics Association sport. prgtoken But Mike Martin was so much more than a coach to his former players and many others. Throughout his incredible career, Coach Martin produced 20 first-round draft picks and 60 Major League players. As news of his passing spread, players flooded social media with heartfelt messages honoring Martin. The legendary Deion Sanders remembered Coach Martin as ``a legend, a winner but most of all a good man.'' Former San Francisco Giants catcher and first baseman Buster Posey said: ``I will always feel lucky to have played for Mike Martin . . .'' prgtoken May we all remember the trailblazer that is Mike Martin, Sr and the impact he had on not only Florida State University, but all of college baseball. prgtoken To quote the movie The Sandlot: '' Heroes get remembered but legends never die . prgtoken Coach Mike Martin will always be one of those legends. prgtoken Rest easy, ``11.''
HOMETOWN HERO--MARK "HAWKEYE" LOUIS
Beth Van Duyne (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-2-5

host of the popular radio show, Hawkeye in the Morning, Mark ``Hawkeye'' Louis is an avid baseball card collector. Since his childhood, Hawkeye spent years collecting Major League Baseball cards, with the collection eventually totaling an impressive 17,000 cards. Instead of letting the collection continue to collect dust, he decided to give back to our community by selling the cards and donating the proceeds. prgtoken Hawkeye decided the enormous impact of donating the more than $10,000 in proceeds would make him more proud than hanging onto the cards ever could. His background in volunteer work and fundraising at DFW children's hospitals made Cook Children's Hospital in Fort Worth the perfect choice. prgtoken Hawkeye's story is inspiring and his selfless donation will help hundreds of children in our district. I want to thank Mark ``Hawkeye'' Louis for his ongoing support of North Texas children and children's hospitals throughout our community.