mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
REMEMBERING COLIN C. SMITH
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2024-5-1

with a heavy heart, I come to the floor of the U.S. Senate to pay my respects for the unexpected and tragic passing of a young Iowan earlier this year. Colin C. Smith lost his life at age of 37, while scuba diving in February. He had a longtime passion for this deep sea pursuit and was a seasoned diver. For 20 years, he had enjoyed scuba diving in Grand Cayman and always looked forward to visit this special place with his family. prgtoken During his undergraduate years, Colin served as an intern in my Senate office. This was just the first rung on his ladder of government service. He also landed a White House internship during the administration. After graduating from the University of Iowa in 2009, Colin went on to earn his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law. prgtoken Then, Colin returned to his Hawkeye roots in 2012 and launched his legal career at the Nyemaster Goode Law Firm in Des Moines. Not long after that, he answered the call to public service and accepted the opportunity to serve as Legal Counsel for two chief executives for the State of Iowa, Governors Terry Branstad and Kim Reynolds, respectively. Most recently, he was a partner in the Sullivan and Ward Law Firm. prgtoken His professional achievements matched his ambitious travel itinerary exploring the world. Not even a year ago, Colin had returned from a 2- week trek to Antarctica. I am told his globetrotting bucket list included bringing his beloved daughter Maddie on a safari to Tanzania this summer and to places around the world as she grew older. May Colin's zeal for adventure and discovery carry on through his daughter. prgtoken Barbara and I send our condolences to Colin's family and loved ones. We are grateful to call his parents Jim and Cindy Smith good friends. In your time of bereavement and mourning, our hearts go out to you. No parent ought to experience the grief of laying a child to eternal rest. Take comfort in the joy Colin's life brought to all who knew and loved him. May his memory bring you peace in the years to come.
TRIBUTE TO LURYS JULIANA DOMINGUEZ
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2024-5-1

I recognize Lurys Juliana Dominguez, a fall 2023 and spring 2024 intern with my Orlando office, for the hard work she has done for my office and the people of Florida. prgtoken Lurys graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in political science and a minor in legal studies. She is a dedicated and diligent worker who was devoted to getting the most out of her internship experience. prgtoken I extend my deepest gratitude to Lurys, and I look forward to hearing of her successes in the years to come.
HONORING THE 2024 TRUMAN SCHOLARS
Dusty Johnson (Republican, SD) \u2014 2024-5-1

I rise today to recognize the 2024 Truman Scholars. prgtoken This year, the Foundation received 709 applications from 285 institutions. After a review of the students records of leadership, public service, and academic achievement the independent selection panel selected 60 students from 54 U.S. colleges and universities to receive this honor. prgtoken This year's nominees are: Kaylyn Ahn, Daniel Arakawa, Daniel Block, Jackson Boaz, Christian Boudreaux, Allison Boyd, Paul Boyd, Elizabeth Caldwell, Anna Dellit, Grant Dillivan, Juan Dills, Alex Drahos, Jane Drinkwater, Adelaide Easter, Desaree Edwards, Ray Epstein, Gavin Fry, Bitaniya Giday, Eli Glickman, Axel Hawkins, Lezlie Hilario, Adaure Iwuh, Rincon Jagarlamudi, Elijah Kahlenberg, Alyssa Kemp, Lisa Kopelnik, Aravind Krishnan, Pranav Krishnan, Kayle Lauck, Julie Ann Laxamana, Reese Lycan, Kelsey Monaghan-Bergson, Alexandra Mork, Jackson Morris, Laila Nasher, Yudidt Nonthe Sanchez, Tej Patel, Yadira Paz- Martinez, CJ Peterson, Jay Philbrick, Marley Ramon, Thomas Riggs, Camila Rios-Picorelli, Edwin Santos, Diego Sarmiento, Isaac Seiler, Albiona Selimi, Jahnee Smith, Jaiden Stansberry, Sophia Stewart, Anitvir Taunque, Alex Taylor, Wena Teng, Mikayla Tillery, Grace Truslow, Lee Waldman, Ella Weber, Trenton White, Mielad Ziaee, Zane Zupan. prgtoken Established in 1975, the Truman Foundation is the Nation's living memorial to the thirty-third president. According to the foundation's website their mission is to recognize aspiring leaders at an important inflection point in their prgtoken development. Students are recognized in their junior year and rewarded for their aspirations to enter public service. After being selected, students receive a scholarship for graduate or professional school, participate in leadership development activities, and have special opportunities for internships and employment with the federal government. prgtoken Congratulations to all of this year's nominees, and I look forward to seeing where each of them go in their future.
Israel (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2024-5-1

I spoke yesterday about the failures of America's so-called elite universities to maintain academic rigor, student safety, and basic order as their faculty and students become more radicalized. prgtoken The most alarming aspect of this chaos on campuses is the brazen expressions of anti-Semitism, but the world's oldest form of hate isn't just driving self-appointed student commissars to intimidate Jewish students and grind campus life to a halt. Half a world away, deep and virulent hatred of the Jewish people and a refusal to even acknowledge the Jewish State of Israel's right to exist is what animates the world's most active state sponsor of terrorism and motivates its network of proxies to carry out barbaric violence like the attacks of October 7. prgtoken We are not talking about imagined sins of some postmodern, anti- colonial theory. We are talking about the intentional--intentional-- torture, hostage-taking, rape, and murder of civilians. And these same forces also loathe Israel's closest ally, the United States--the ``Great Satan.'' They attack American personnel. They threaten American interests and global commerce. prgtoken But just as college administrators fail to restore order amid anti- Semitic chaos on campus, the administration is failing to compel a murderous adversary to stop spilling Israeli and American blood alike. Rather than helping Israel destroy the terrorists or impose consequences on Tehran sufficient to abandon its strategy of terror, the Commander in Chief seems to be most concerned with restraining our closest ally in the Middle East from doing everything necessary to restore its security. prgtoken At nearly every step, the administration has tried to prevent, slow, or micromanage Israel's efforts to pursue Hamas terrorists. It is as if the President wants the appearance of calm and a respite from inconvenient headlines rather than a decisive victory over terrorists that can lead to a just and lasting peace. prgtoken The micromanagement is accompanied by flights of pure fantasy. It is all well and good for administration officials to express hope for the prospects of a future two-state solution, but it is about time they started dealing in the present day, where the dominant power on the Palestinian side doesn't even want one. Hamas makes no secret of its aspirations to destroy Israel ``from the river to the sea.'' And, remember, geographically, that means the entirety of the Jewish State. prgtoken Neither, sadly, do the thousands of American college students who have taken up this genocidal refrain. Whether these campus agitators even grasp its implication is really beside the point. Hamas and its backers in Tehran know the score. prgtoken Let's deal in the real world, where successive, corrupt Palestinian leaders have rejected reasonable proposals for peaceful coexistence and where cease-fire was the nominal state of affairs before savage terrorists explo
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.'S LETTER FROM BIRMINGHAM JAIL
Shelley Moore Capito (Republican, WV) \u2014 2024-5-1

well, today is May 1, which is National College Decision Day. This is normally such an exciting occasion for students in my home State of West Virginia--and your home States--would be finalizing those really fun and hard decisions about which college or university to attend in the fall. There is much to look forward to. prgtoken This year, the customary hopefulness has been replaced by anxiety, fear, and apprehension as confusions and questions take hold regarding the availability of support that has long accompanied one of the most important decisions of our young students' lives. prgtoken When it comes to the 2024 FAFSA applications, the data from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission paints a very bleak picture. prgtoken Compared to the same time last year, freshmen--these are national statistics--freshmen FAFSA completion rates are down 35.3 percent. For Pell-eligible students, FAFSA completion rates are down 32 percent. For nontraditional students 25 and older, FAFSA completion rates are down 35 percent. These are national figures. The total number of high school students who completed FAFSA is down 39.6 percent, and the total number of high school students who submitted a FAFSA is down 31.6 percent. prgtoken These percentages ring true in my home State of West Virginia. Back home, because of President 's FAFSA fiasco, 3,643 West Virginia students are left hanging in the balance, severely jeopardizing college access and affordability for students in West Virginia, many of whom are that first-time college goer in their family. prgtoken This is just another way that President and his administration are threatening a form of the American dream and destroying the vision to implement a simplified FAFSA process that was intended by Congress. prgtoken So how did we get here? Well, this is an interesting statistic here, too. FAFSA completion rates among West Virginia students age 25 or up-- so those are students maybe who took a couple years in the military, in the workforce, and they want to go back to school--are down 35 percent. prgtoken So how did we get here? In December of 2020, when I was here, Congress passed the FAFSA Simplification Act to simplify and improve the process of applying for Federal student aid. prgtoken Federal student aid and the FAFSA were first authorized in 1992 as a way to provide a critical lifeline for our students. prgtoken In 2020, Congress made this simplification effort a bipartisan priority championed by my friend, whom we miss dearly, Senator Lamar Alexander, a former Cabinet Secretary of the Department of Education. But unfortunately the administration's implementation of this law has not made things better for students. Instead, it has created an unmitigated disaster caused by an inexcusable failure of leadership from the White House and the Department of Education. prgtoken The deadline to update the FAFSA should have come as no surprise. Co
VANDALISM AND ANTI-SEMITISM, NOT PROTESTS, ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2024-5-1

what we are seeing on college campuses throughout the country isn't First Amendment-protected protesting or free speech. It is vandalism, assault, breaking and entering, and anti- Semitism. prgtoken We have seen pro-Hamas sympathizers set up no-go zones for Jewish students and faculty, physically blocking them from entering their universities, where they have units and where they have paid their dues, the whole works. prgtoken We have seen pro-Hamas sympathizers send a UCLA student to the emergency room after beating her unconscious just because she is Jewish. What is this, 1939? prgtoken We have seen pro-Hamas sympathizers break into and occupy university buildings, break windows, spray-paint, and rename a building ``Intifada Hall,'' as seen on Humboldt's campus up in northern California. prgtoken We have seen pro-Hamas sympathizers assault police officers and even take a Columbia University janitor as a hostage. prgtoken The law is clear: Destroying property, blocking traffic, assault, and taking a hostage are illegal. Elite university students at Yale, Columbia, and UCLA should know better. prgtoken Furthermore, history has made it clear: If your group is creating no- go zones for Jewish people or actively attacking students who disagree with you or students just because they are Jewish, you are in the wrong. prgtoken These are not protesters.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Tom Cole (Republican, OK) \u2014 2024-5-1

had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 162; YEA on Roll Call No. 155; YEA on Roll Call No. 156; YEA on Roll Call No. 157; YEA on Roll Call No. 158; YEA on Roll Call No. 159; YEA on Roll Call No. 160; YEA on Roll Call No. 161; NAY on Roll Call No. 170; YEA on Roll Call No. 171; NAY on Roll Call No. 168; YEA on Roll Call No. 169; NAY on Roll Call No. 166; YEA on Roll Call No. 167; NAY on Roll Call No. 164; and YEA on Roll Call No. 165.
DENOUNCING THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION'S IMMIGRATION POLICIES
Jefferson Van Drew (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2024-5-1

there are more drugs and human trafficking at the hands of cartels at our border and more threats to our national security. Every day this President allows this crisis to continue, it becomes apparent to me--and this is harsh, but I believe it is true-- the chaos is intentional. He is seeking to change the very fabric, the very structure, the America that we know to forever to hold on to his own political power. That must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. prgtoken No, this isn't a waste of time. No matter how many times it takes, no how many times we have to say it, we will not succumb, we will not give up, and we will not stop, because we are fighting for the United States of America, and it is worth it. prgtoken , I support this resolution, and I urge its passage.
ALASKA'S RIGHT TO PRODUCE ACT OF 2023
Kevin Hern (Republican, OK) \u2014 2024-5-1

I rise today in support of the Alaska Right to Produce Act, and s Pete Stauber and August Pfluger for the work with RSC's House Energy Action Team to put the legislation forward. prgtoken , it has been noted here that we talk certain ways but vote others. I think nothing is more evident than what we just saw just a few minutes ago where the gentlewoman from Alaska supported the bill but is going to vote ``present.'' prgtoken You are either with Alaska or you are not. The s are with Alaska. I just want to note for the record that we are going to vote to support Alaska. prgtoken This legislation is only necessary because of the disastrous policymaking coming out of the administration. It is hard to believe today that the national average for a gallon of gas in 2020 was just over $2. Under President , the United States was well on our way not only to being energy independent, but energy dominant. prgtoken Where do we and our allies get our oil from when we are not producing it ourselves? We get it from Russia, Venezuela, and other bad actors around the globe. prgtoken Let's be clear: Halting domestic production of oil and gas does absolutely nothing to lower our dependence on oil and gas, as the climate lobby wants you to believe. It just increases our dependence on people like Vladimir Putin. prgtoken I don't want the United States to rely on anything from Vladimir Putin. The solution is so simple: Use the resources under our own feet. The Alaska Right to Produce Act reverses the damaging policies from to unleash our domestic energy potential. prgtoken Alaska has been blessed with tremendous oil and natural gas deposits, and the people of Alaska are incredibly supportive of utilizing those resources. prgtoken This bill empowers the Native Alaskan communities and residents of the State to profit from the resources under their own soil. In a future where America is energy dominant, the only loser is Vladimir Putin, and others like him. prgtoken It helps our allies when we can provide them with oil and gas so that they are not reliant on Putin, either. It helps our own people by lowering costs and providing cleaner, more affordable energy sources, and it helps Alaska reap the benefits of the resources in their land.
FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (Executive Session)
Ted Cruz (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-5-1

I rise today in strong support for the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. This bill, negotiated by Chair Cantwell and myself, with the leadership of the House Transportation and Infrastructure and Science Committees, is a bicameral and a bipartisan accomplishment. It is the culmination of many months of work between us and our staffs and is reflective of the priorities of a great many Senators. prgtoken On the side alone, more than 200 Member priorities were included. I am especially proud of the numerous provisions that make for a safer and more convenient travel experience for Texans and for consumers across the Nation and the provisions that will help grow Texas's thriving aerospace sector. It will make significant strides in aviation safety, the primary mission of the FAA--and something that I know that all of us care deeply about. It will provide a clear path forward to integrate new advanced aviation technologies and will make it easier for fliers to get upfront information on ticket prices. prgtoken A flurry of near misses at our Nation's airports, multiple concerning maintenance reports of United Airlines' flights, and the alarming decompression event of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 have together raised serious concerns with the safety of our airspace. Aviation safety has been, and will continue to be, one of the very top priorities of the Senate Commerce Committee. When the people of Texas board a flight, they expect their flight--and their families--to be safe. prgtoken As a result, I am proud to say that our bill includes numerous crucial safety provisions, such as requiring 25-hour cockpit voice recorders in all commercial aircraft. This safety upgrade will allow the National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA to have access to vital information needed during accident investigations. This became abundantly clear after the cockpit voice recorder in the Alaska Airlines flight was lost because of an outdated 2-hour requirement. That is unacceptable, and it should never happen again. With this bill, it will not happen again. prgtoken In response to recent runway surface incidents, this bill establishes a zero tolerance runway safety policy. It prioritizes projects that improve surface surveillance; it establishes a Runway Safety Council; and it requires a timeline and an action plan to actually get better runway and tarmac incursion technologies installed at airports that need them. prgtoken Air traffic controller shortages have plagued airports across the country--including in my home State of Texas--putting travel safety at risk. This legislation aims to relieve the strain on air traffic control by directing the FAA to hire the maximum number of air traffic controllers, hopefully aiding the many facilities that have been understaffed for far too long. prgtoken At a time when aircraft safety seems to be in the news every other day, our bipartisan bill makes important upgra
HONORING ALEXANDRIA CARBONE AND MARISSA RAMIREZ
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2024-5-1

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the heroic actions of two Claxton High School students. prgtoken Dedicated soccer players, Alexandria Carbone and Marissa Ramirez were at their local Dairy Queen for an after-practice treat when they witnessed a medical emergency. Both Alexandria and Marissa jumped in to perform CPR on the man as they waited for first responders. prgtoken Their situational awareness and preparedness saved a life that day. While many people may know the basics of CPR, it can be very challenging to put knowledge into action in high-pressure situations. prgtoken Both of these young women demonstrated selflessness and bravery by stepping up and stepping in. They want this to serve as a reminder to be aware of your surroundings and to always be compassionate towards those in need. prgtoken They were recently honored by their city council, and it is my pleasure to honor these outstanding individuals here today. I thank Alexandria and Marissa for their actions and example.
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.'S LETTER FROM BIRMINGHAM JAIL
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2024-5-1

last week, the majority on the Federal Communications Commission voted to classify broadband internet service as a ``telecommunications service'' under title II of the Communications Act. This is an effort that is known as net neutrality. prgtoken Now, the internet has been under title I, an information service, but our ic colleagues at the FCC and the administrations have sought to put this under title II and regulate it like they do the telephone line. prgtoken This action is nothing less than a Big Government takeover of the internet, which will decrease investment in broadband and hurt the American people's access to high-speed internet. prgtoken Now, how do we know this? Here is how: Under President , the FCC enforced the failed regulation on the American people between 2015 and 2017, with harmful consequences. So we have done this before. prgtoken Now, back then, claimed that net neutrality was desperately needed to prevent internet service providers from blocking content, throttling speeds, and creating fast lanes that favored users who can pay for access. One Senator argued during this debate back in 2015 that without the heavy-handed regulation, the internet would ``cease to exist.'' And another from their official Senate Twitter account claimed that without net neutrality, internet users would only ``get the internet one word at a time.'' prgtoken Now, of course, we all know this never happened. Internet service providers never lived up to the ' doomsday predictions, even after the FCC, under President , repealed the net neutrality regulation. prgtoken In fact, the internet has seen more development, faster speeds, and lower prices since President 's administration repealed that -era net neutrality order. While the order was in effect, from 2015 to 2017, investment in broadband fell. It actually fell. It decreased for the first time in a nonrecession period. For the first time ever, it decreased. Why was that? Government regulation. By comparison, the industry spent $102 billion on capital expenditures in 2022, up from $76 billion in 2016. prgtoken At the same time, without so-called net neutrality, Americans have enjoyed faster broadband speeds with a freer internet--free of net neutrality regulations. By the end of 2019, 94 percent of Americans had access to high-speed broadband. In 2015, just three-fourths of Americans had that access. Between 2016 and 2019, the share of rural Americans without high-speed internet was actually cut in half. With greater investment and competition, the repeal of net neutrality also made internet access more affordable. prgtoken Between 2016 and 2021--this is a period of time without net neutrality rules--during that period of time, broadband prices decreased in the range of 14 to 42 percent. Think about that. The price of access went down. It shows you that free market