mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
REFORMING INTELLIGENCE AND SECURING AMERICA ACT
Scott Fitzgerald (Republican, WI) \u2014 2024-4-12

. Mr. Chair, the debate today is really focused on whether or not the FBI should be required to obtain a warrant to access U.S. person data. As the quote we are all familiar with says, insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. prgtoken I remind my colleagues of the debate on the previous FISA reauthorization bill in the 115th Congress. Many of my current and former colleagues stood behind this very podium and swore up and down that the FISA Amendments Act of 2017 would provide necessary protections for U.S. person information while keeping our country safe. prgtoken Yet, since the bill became law, there were nearly 3 million U.S. person queries just in 2021 and hundreds of incomplete FISA applications and the use of section 702 to query data on Members prgtoken of Congress, protestors, and even FBI janitors. prgtoken It appears to me that the factor that continues to fall by the wayside in all of the debates that are happening is that human nature plays a part. prgtoken Mr. Chair, that is the dilemma that we find ourselves in. We didn't pick this. This is where we ended up. prgtoken Do we allow human nature to take its course and permit the FBI to continue to abuse U.S. person data, which the Department of Justice IG Special Counsel Durham, the FISA court, and numerous independent review bodies have found to be negligent, inappropriate, and a threat to American privacy, or do we rein in the FBI and fight for our Fourth Amendment rights? prgtoken I choose to side with the latter and support the amendments that limit rather than expand the FBI's ability to query U.S. person data.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 7888, REFORMING INTELLIGENCE AND SECURING AMERICA ACT; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 529, EXTENDING LIMITS OF U.S. CUSTOMS WATERS ACT; PROVIDING FOR...
Marjorie Taylor Greene (Republican, GA) \u2014 2024-4-12

the question today is: Do you trust the government? prgtoken We often hear the claim that it is for your safety, and any time the government tells us it is for your safety, the American people really question what that means. prgtoken The same intelligence community that spied on President 's campaign has been deeply invested in reauthorizing FISA. The same intelligence community that wrote the letter lying, saying that the Hunter 's laptop is not real, deeply wants FISA reauthorized. prgtoken These are also the same people in the intelligence community that abused FISA and spied on hundreds of thousands of Americans, and I would argue they will continue to do it. prgtoken These are also the same people who oppose the FBI having to get a warrant before they can search Americans' data. Yet, we have a clause in this bill today that protects Members of Congress and requires Congress to be notified before they can search Members of Congress' data. prgtoken It is always the rules for thee, but not for me. The problem is that this process to reauthorize FISA has received more effort than Congress has actually given securing the border. If the government really cared about protecting Americans, then they would shut the border down and mass deport terrorists out of our country and criminal illegal aliens, but they are not doing that. No. They are telling us we have got to reauthorize FISA so the government can continue to spy on Americans. prgtoken There has been a lot of games played here in the swamp this past week when it comes to authorizing this bill. We were even told on Wednesday that FISA was completely stopped; yet, here we are voting on virtually the same rule and virtually the same text. The only change has been from a 5-year sunset to a 2-year sunset.
REFORMING INTELLIGENCE AND SECURING AMERICA ACT
Dan Crenshaw (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-4-12

. Mr. Chair, I want to let my fellow Americans know something that might shock them. prgtoken We all know that fentanyl is a scourge on our country. We all know that fentanyl is produced by the Mexican drug cartels. We all know that the precursor chemicals for fentanyl come from Chinese companies. prgtoken What you might not know is that we can't even get a FISA warrant to stop that, to collect intelligence on those production companies, on those attorneys, on those bankers, on those facilitators that help the cartels murder and poison tens of thousands of Americans every single year. prgtoken That is a pretty shocking statement. I bet you didn't know that. You should know that. prgtoken FISA, despite all of the misinformation put out about it, is actually very narrowly tailored. It only allows you to get a warrant on a foreigner in foreign land if it is related to foreign intelligence, if it is related to countering weapons of mass destruction, or if it is related to counterterrorism. Nowhere in there is there anything about counternarcotics, the thing that is actually killing Americans today and every single day. prgtoken My amendment would simply upgrade that categorization to ensure that we can collect intelligence on the Chinese precursor being shipped into Mexico and into our own country so that we can actually stop the death of Americans. prgtoken It is a very narrowly tailored amendment. It is not about all drug traffickers. It does not swoop in a bunch of Americans. It is about international drug traffickers trafficking illicit synthetics that are killing people. prgtoken It is a very simple amendment. It is a bipartisan amendment. It is one of the biggest things that I have learned in my role as chairman on the cartel task force, that we actually are blind to the supply chains of fentanyl. prgtoken To be against this amendment is to say we should give the cartels and China more Fourth Amendment rights and more First Amendment rights than we have. That is what it would mean in practice. I hope that anyone who votes against this amendment stops talking about the cartels being a problem. If we are not even allowed to collect intelligence on the cartels, then what are we doing? prgtoken Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Houlahan).
RECOGNIZING SHERRY DANELLO UPON BEING INDUCTED INTO GEORGIA NURSING HALL OF FAME
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2024-4-12

I rise today to recognize Sherry Danello for being inducted into the Georgia Nursing Hall of Fame. prgtoken The Nursing Hall of Fame was established to show appreciation for the many hardworking nurses in Georgia. Sherry is 1 of 10 nurses to receive the invitation for the 2024 selection. She and her counterparts were chosen on the merits of service and leadership in the field, community life, and philanthropic organizations. prgtoken Sherry is currently the vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer at St. Joseph's Hospital located in Savannah, Georgia. Her responsibilities include covering hundreds of hospital beds, many outpatient services, and other fields of outreach. prgtoken Along with serving on the Healthcare Workforce Commission, a position she was appointed to by Governor Brian Kemp, she sits on many other community boards. prgtoken Sherry's strong commitment and relentless service to the medical field is valued and appreciated by the Savannah community.
REFORMING INTELLIGENCE AND SECURING AMERICA ACT
Keith Self (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-4-12

. Mr. Chair, it appears that the House of Representatives is experiencing a constitutional crisis of conscience. We are actually debating if a warrant should be required for government intelligence agencies to spy on Americans. Frankly, I am stunned this is even called into question, especially amongst my colleagues. prgtoken The Constitution is absolutely clear. We, as Americans, have the right under the Fourth Amendment against unreasonable search and seizures, a right that the FBI has violated in over 278,000 improper searches of Americans and 3.4 million warrantless queries of Americans' private communications. prgtoken These facts are not up for debate. We know this. They have been caught. If we do not pass this warrant requirement, especially in light of these facts, the continued victimization of Americans by the FBI through FISA section 702 will be legitimized. prgtoken As an Army officer, as a county judge, and now as a Member of Congress, for 40 years I have been under oath to defend the Constitution against all enemies. I will do so today. On behalf of over 800,000 of my constituents in Texas District Three: Get a warrant.
REMEMBERING DR. JEROME GREEN
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2024-4-12

I rise today with a heavy heart. I rise to remember Dr. Jerome Green, who died unexpectedly earlier this week. prgtoken Jerome served as the president of Shorter College in North Little Rock, Arkansas, since 2012. As the only private 2-year historically Black college in the country, Shorter College faces unique challenges, challenges that were all embraced by Dr. Green. prgtoken In his time as president, he increased the enrollment of the college, brought back intercollegiate athletics, added academic programs, and more. Jerome was recently named by the HBCU Campaign Fund board as one of The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders Award and Class of 2024. prgtoken Early in his career, Jerome was appointed by then-Governor Bill Clinton to the Arkansas Ethics Commission where he served as chairman. Following his work on the Ethics Commission, he was appointed to the Panel of Conciliators for the International Center for Settlement Disputes, a division of the World Bank. prgtoken Dr. Green has truly dedicated his career to improving the lives of others. He was an exemplary leader in his faith, his devotion to Shorter College, and our country. prgtoken He was a dear friend and will be missed by many. Martha and I are brokenhearted, and we pray for the repose of his soul and for his friends and family.
REFORMING INTELLIGENCE AND SECURING AMERICA ACT
Darin LaHood (Republican, IL) \u2014 2024-4-12

. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I thank the gentleman for his leadership on this bill. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 7888, the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act. prgtoken Over the past year, I have led the Intelligence Committee task force on FISA reauthorization, working with my colleagues to find commonsense reforms to the processes under section 702 to create a balance between protecting national security and preserving constitutional liberties afforded to all U.S. persons. prgtoken It is important to state at the outset that section 702 is used only to target bad actors overseas and our adversaries who are not protected under the Fourth Amendment. It is not used to surveil or target Americans. prgtoken Throughout our process, we regularly engage with national security leaders, former administration officials, and our colleagues both on the Judiciary Committee and throughout the Conference. prgtoken This bill before us makes targeted, meaningful changes to FISA and section 702 without upending the statute in a way that will lead to unintended consequences resulting in the United States being less safe. prgtoken Prior to coming to Congress, I served as an assistant U.S. attorney and chief terrorism prosecutor. I witnessed firsthand the valuable use of FISA. Section 702 is a critical tool that helps the IC defend the United States against the malign actors we worry about daily, and the value of what 702 has done for our country over the last 15-plus years is immense. prgtoken I will mention four existential things that have happened in the last 9 years: the taking out of bin Laden; the assassination of Soleimani, the Iranian leader, by President ; the taking out of al-Baghdadi, the leader of ISIS; and last year, the taking out of al-Zawahiri. The use of 702 in all of those cases was definitive in the taking out of those terrorists. prgtoken I also say, with this bill, it institutes the largest reform of the FBI in a generation. It makes the necessary changes to prevent potential bad actors from improperly utilizing FISA from anything other than its intended use, protecting Americans from foreign threats. prgtoken Particularly, in this day and age, with China, what is going on in the Middle East, and the nonenforcement at our southern border, it is now more important than ever that we have a vibrant, robust 702 in place. prgtoken Lastly, I include in the Record a letter from Mike Pompeo, John Ratcliffe, Devin Nunes, William Barr, and Robert O'Brien, former administration officials that worked in national security, where they specifically support our bill and express grave concerns about the warrant amendment that will be brought up today. December 7, 2023. Hon. Mike Johnson, , House of Representatives, Washington, DC As former officials who have either worked for
REFORMING INTELLIGENCE AND SECURING AMERICA ACT
Tom McClintock (Republican, CA) \u2014 2024-4-12

. Mr. Chair, I don't discount the mounting dangers we face from enemies abroad, but we also cannot discount the dangers we face at home from the very powers that this bill would continue. prgtoken As has been pointed out, the FBI abused these powers 278,000 times in a single year and turned them against American citizens by phishing for January 6th and Black Lives Matter rioters, probing political donors, and even piercing congressional offices. prgtoken John Adams believed that the indiscriminate searches by British officials became the first spark of the American Revolution. Having lived under such a tyranny, the Founders protected us with the Fourth Amendment. Before authorities can search through our records, they have to get a warrant from an independent judge by showing probable cause to suspect that we have committed a crime. prgtoken Now, there are many excellent reforms in this bill, and I applaud them, but they largely depend on these agencies policing themselves, and experience warns us that is just not enough. Without a warrant requirement, I fear these powers will, once again, be turned against our fundamental liberties and these days that scares me as much as a terrorist attack. prgtoken Just imagine how much safer we would all be if we stationed a soldier in every house, but we have the Third Amendment to protect us against that tyranny, just as we have a Fourth Amendment to protect us against the tyranny of indiscriminate searches. prgtoken Benjamin Franklin's warning echoes from his age to ours today: ``Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.'' Let that not be history's judgment of us.
REFORMING INTELLIGENCE AND SECURING AMERICA ACT
Eric A. "Rick" Crawford (Republican, AR) \u2014 2024-4-12

. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken Mr. Chair, to my folks at home: Are you concerned about counterterrorism threats? I am, too. prgtoken FISA section 702 informed the planning for the February 2022 U.S. military operation that resulted in the death in Syria of Hajji `Abdallah, the leader of ISIS. That is one example. prgtoken Are you concerned about fentanyl? I am, too. We were able to leverage FISA section 702 intelligence to identify a foreign actor overseas who was supplying a pill press machine and other equipment to drug cartels in Mexico to help thwart that fentanyl threat. prgtoken Are you concerned about cyber threats? I am, too. prgtoken FISA section 702 played an important role in the U.S. Government's response to a cyberattack on Colonial Pipeline back in 2021 and other cyber threats that have taken place since then. prgtoken Are you concerned about threats to our troops? I am, too. prgtoken FISA section 702 has identified threats to U.S. troops and disrupted planned terrorist attacks on those troops overseas in places like the Middle East, a U.S. facility, specifically in the Middle East. Section 702 was used to monitor communications as those terrorists traveled to execute those plans. prgtoken We can't overstate the importance of 702, and I know you are concerned about the rights of the American people. I am, too. prgtoken I am an American, just like you are. That is why there already is a warrant requirement in place. We are protecting U.S. persons. We can't allow 702 to expire and expect that we are going to have good results at the end of the day. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I support section 702, and I urge a ``yes'' vote.
INFLATION IN CALIFORNIA
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2024-4-12

this week, the United States Congress' Joint Economic Committee released a report based on the consumer price index for March. prgtoken They found that in my home State of California, the average household is paying $1,222 more per month to purchase the same goods and services since January 2021. Cumulatively, the average California household has spent $26,929 more due to inflation in that same period of time. prgtoken Compared to January 2021, the average household in California spent $173 more per month on food. This is $25 more each month than just 1 year ago, a cumulative of $3,900 more in food costs since January 2021. prgtoken The average household in California is spending $161 per month more in energy costs and $5,000 more out of their pockets since that period of time in January 2021. prgtoken Shelter and housing has gone up $4,600 more since January 2021. prgtoken What is the root cause of this? There are a couple of basic features. The cost of energy drives everything, and government spending has inflated. We have to stop.
RECOGNIZING CHIRICAHUA NATIONAL MONUMENT
Juan Ciscomani (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2024-4-12

I rise today to recognize the Chiricahua National Monument on the centennial anniversary of its designation as a national monument. prgtoken Recently, I visited the Chiricahua National Monument and explored parts of the 12,000 acres of hiking trails, campgrounds, and scenic views. prgtoken Chiricahua National Monument is one of the most treasured landmarks in Arizona. This ``Wonderland of Rocks'' features unique, boulder- balancing rock pillars formed by volcanic eruptions. These abstract formations draw visitors from across the nation and around the world to the Southeast corner of our state. prgtoken It is a privilege to have this incredible landscape in our own backyard. Not only does it provide great recreational opportunity and natural habitat, it is also a major driver for southern Arizona's economy. prgtoken The monument annually supports over 40 jobs and produces $4.4 million of economic output, with 60,000 visitors that come each year generating $4.1 million in spending. prgtoken Last year, I proudly introduced a bipartisan bill, the Chiricahua National Park Act (H.R. 1479), aiming to update the national monument to the status of a national park.
REFORMING INTELLIGENCE AND SECURING AMERICA ACT
Chip Roy (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-4-12

. Mr. Chair, pretty much the entirety of the debate that has been done here has been focused on the warrant requirement, right. prgtoken The reason that we have this particular amendment before us right now is simply to just be able have more reporting and more understanding of what is happening in the FISC. But there is always constant resistance by the intelligence community to looking under the hood. Because it is always the case that they want to use the fear. ``Perhaps it is a universal truth that the loss of liberty at home is to be charged against danger real or pretended from abroad.'' James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, May 13, 1798. prgtoken The fact is, the Founders knew precisely what would occur, that the government, in the quest to have power in the name of stopping foreign adversaries and in the name of fear, would use that power against our own citizens. That is what is occurring. That is what is happening. prgtoken We have before us real and obvious abuses--278,000 of those abuses, going after the American people. And our response is a bunch of technical stuff that chases the actual core problem. prgtoken Our friends don't want to get into peeling back the hood of what is happening in the intel community because our friends are the intel community. prgtoken Mr. Chair, .
CONGRATULATING MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY VETERANS BUSINESS OUTREACH CENTER
Michael Guest (Republican, MS) \u2014 2024-4-12

I rise today to congratulate the Mississippi State University (MSU) Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) on being recognized as the 2024 Veterans Business Outreach Center of the Year. prgtoken Director Mark Scott has worked tirelessly to make the MSU VBOC a place where Veterans are served well. Natalie Rhode, the program director, has also played a key role in the center's success. prgtoken The Veterans Business Outreach Center is focused on small business development for Veterans and their spouses. The center was founded in 2015 and covers Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. prgtoken The Small Business Administration selected the MSU VBOC this year for its successes and unique contributions to the local community. prgtoken Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. The MSU VBOC is committed to excellence while supporting many local Veterans as they invest in their communities. prgtoken This award is a testament to the hard work by the outstanding team on the front lines at the VBOC. prgtoken I am thankful to have the opportunity to congratulate the Mississippi State University Veterans Business Outreach Center on the occasion of this award, and I look forward to continuing to work in Congress on behalf of our Veterans.
RECOGNIZING MRS. PAULINE BIEDKA'S 100TH BIRTHDAY
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2024-4-12

I rise today to recognize Pauline Biedka, a remarkable constituent from my district, and to pay tribute to her on the celebration of her 100th Birthday on April 13, 2024. prgtoken The daughter of Philomena and Luke Della Vella, Pauline was born on April 13, 1924 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania--one of nine children Pauline married her husband Peter, a World War II Veteran in 1942. They moved to Bristol, Bucks County and built their forever home. They had a daughter and two sons. prgtoken Pauline was a ``Rosie the Riveter'' during World War II and the Korean War. During that time, she worked at Fleetwings and Kaiser Metal in Bristol, Pennsylvania. In addition, Pauline was a Neshaminy School District crossing guard for twenty-five years. prgtoken Pauline was and still is a devoted wife, remains an amazing mother, grandmother of six, and great-grandmother of twelve. prgtoken , I ask my esteemed colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to please join me in extending our heartfelt congratulations, sincere well-wishes, and all of God's Blessings to Pauline Biedka on the celebration of her 100th Birthday.
REFORMING INTELLIGENCE AND SECURING AMERICA ACT
Michael R. Turner (Republican, OH) \u2014 2024-4-12

. Mr. Chair, in conclusion, as we look at this debate and this bill, which is about spying on foreigners abroad, Hezbollah, Hamas, the Chinese Communist Party, giving them constitutional protections is unprecedented. There is no court that has ever done it. There has been no bill that has passed this House that gives constitutional protections to foreigners abroad. prgtoken Americans' constitutional rights are preserved in the Constitution. This amendment undermines our security by giving Americans' constitutional rights here in the United States to foreign adversaries. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge a ``no'' vote on the Biggs amendment, and a ``no'' vote on this amendment. prgtoken Mr. Chair, .