mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
BORDER SECURITY
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-1-24

the administration has spent 2 years turning its back on the proven tools and policies that s used to strengthen our southern border--2 years of a functionally open borders policy from Washington and 2 years of chaos and suffering as a result. prgtoken Last week, Customs and Border Protection announced that an already recordbreaking year ended on a particularly catastrophic note. Illegal immigration apprehensions clocked an alltime high of more than 2.7 million during the last fiscal year--by far the highest annual total ever recorded. But then December set an astonishing prgtoken record all by itself at over 250,000 apprehensions. Last month was CBP's busiest month ever recorded. prgtoken The American people are outraged at this willful failure. They rate immigration and the border as one of the single biggest problems facing our country, second only to the economy. prgtoken Two-thirds--two-thirds--of the country disapprove of President 's handling of immigration and the border. That is a 67-percent supermajority of Americans who believe this administration is failing on border security. prgtoken Our ic friends tie themselves in knots making excuses for why they can't simply do their job, enforce Federal law, and secure our border. Their far-left base makes them pretend that we can't enforce the laws on the books unless--unless--we find new ways to be even more generous to people who come here illegally. It is nonsensical. prgtoken Even local officials who belong to the ic Party are rapidly losing patience with the administration's border incompetence. prgtoken The ic mayor of New York, Eric Adams, has spent months sounding the alarm on the catastrophic effects of this administration's functionally open borders. prgtoken He said: This is a national crisis. prgtoken He said: There is no more room in New York. prgtoken Yet the far left attacks him, the mayor of New York, for pointing out the problem. prgtoken The ic Governor of Colorado is taking a cue from Governor Abbott and Governor DeSantis and arranging transportation for illegal immigrants to various liberal jurisdictions that have self-identified as so-called sanctuary cities. prgtoken There is a growing bipartisan chorus that is begging--begging-- President to do his job and secure our Nation. It doesn't take new laws. It doesn't take some new, grand bargain or amnesty. The administration just needs to do its job: Secure the border, and let law enforcement enforce our laws. The administration has all the tools and authorities it needs to tackle this crisis--if a solution were actually what they were after.
HONORING THE LIFE OF ANDY MORRIS, JR.
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2023-1-24

I rise today to recognize and honor the life of Andy Morris, Jr. prgtoken Andy was the son of the late George Randall Morris, Sr and Tami Benjamin Gane. He grew up in a loving home and was the oldest of three siblings. prgtoken Throughout his life, Andy was always very involved with athletics. He was a longtime member of the Brunswick Country Club and, in high school, was a three-sport athlete. prgtoken After high school, Andy attended Valdosta State University, and then began his career with the creation of Skippers' Fish Camp. Skippers' Fish Camp became a wildly successful restaurant and one of my favorite places to eat. prgtoken Above all, Andy loved being a father to his children, Tripp and Addie. Andy will be remembered as a loving father that always wanted the very best for his children. prgtoken Our thoughts and prayers are with Andy and with his family. Recognizing First Bryan Baptist Church
DEBT CEILING
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-1-24

we have seen this movie before. The Senate finds itself in familiar territory. The United States narrowly avoided hitting the debt ceiling over a year ago, but now we are staring down the barrel of another debt crisis. prgtoken The United States hit the debt limit last Thursday, according to the Secretary of Treasury, and now the Treasury is using what they refer to, euphemistically, as ``extraordinary measures'' in order to prevent the government from defaulting on its debts. Unless the Congress takes action in the coming months, the American economy will be confronted with an unprecedented crisis. prgtoken But here is what I find strange: Despite the fact that we are hurtling toward this disaster, the White House seems completely disinterested in finding a solution. President has drawn a redline. He said: We are not going to negotiate on the debt ceiling. In other words, he expects Congress to raise the debt ceiling with no conditions attached and let this reckless runaway spending and outrageous debt continue to rise. prgtoken Now, I don't want to disparage drunken sailors, but it seems to me that that is the model for how the White House is responding. prgtoken It is as if you or I were spending beyond our means on our credit card, and then the issuer of the credit card said: You know, you are going to have to pay the money back at some point. prgtoken And you say: To heck with that. I want you to raise my credit limit even higher, without any demonstrated means or plan to actually pay the money back. prgtoken We know what would happen for you and me is the issuer of the credit card would cancel our credit card, as well it should, if we responded the way that the White House is responding. prgtoken So apparently what the administration plans to continue to do is continue this spending bender. It can't cover the current bills--now it is roughly $30 trillion--and it expects somebody, anybody, maybe nobody, to pay the money back and to deal with this ever-growing national debt. prgtoken We know this is an even bigger problem in inflationary times because the more money the Federal Government continues to spend, it is like throwing gasoline on inflation, and consumers have already experienced sky-high prices--some of the highest prices in 40 years--on everything from gasoline to food, to housing, and to the essentials of life. prgtoken So why in the world does it make sense for the administration to say: We are not even going to talk; we are not even going to negotiate with the House when it comes to the debt ceiling. We are just going to keep spending as much money as we can, racking up more and more debt. prgtoken I know that President has children and grandchildren. Is he concerned for their welfare? prgtoken We are writing checks that we are not going to have to pay back, . You and I are at the age where this bird is not going to come home to roost in our lifetime, but it wi
MARCH FOR LIFE
Thom Tillis (Republican, NC) \u2014 2023-1-24

I rise to join my colleagues in a discussion about the right to life and what happened last week in Washington, DC, when tens of thousands of Americans of all ages, races, and religious backgrounds traveled to our Nation's Capital to march for life. prgtoken This March for Life was particularly special since it was the first March for Life after the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision, which made this march a special celebration recognizing the unborn lives saved as a result of that decision. prgtoken I was proud to see many North Carolinians represent our State in the march by participating and fighting for the young babies who do not have a voice. But for the voices expressed in the March for Life, they would be unheard. prgtoken In January 1974, a brave group of committed pro-life leaders led the first March for Life to advocate for a solution to the Supreme Court's judicial activism, in my opinion, in the Roe v. Wade case. prgtoken This year, the March for Life was not only an event to advocate for the unborn, it was a celebration of the end of Roe and the return of pro-life policymaking to the States and, I believe, to the Congress. prgtoken The Dobbs decision is historic and affirms my belief that all life is sacred. Each State government and its duly elected representatives now make the determination about what types of laws they wish to have in place. I, for one, continue to advocate for commonsense measures that the majority of Americans support, like protecting life at crucial points of development and prohibiting horrendous procedures like partial-birth abortion. prgtoken While it is good for us to celebrate the Dobbs decision, as Senators, we must remember that the fight for life in the United States is far from finished. Our work to enact pro-life policies must continue if we are to be a voice for the voiceless. prgtoken I believe Congress must vigorously pursue efforts to defend the sanctity of life. Some have said since the Dobbs decision that this is something that only States should weigh into, and I respectfully disagree. prgtoken Just 2 weeks ago, I was thrilled to see the House pass the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which I am committed to supporting. This legislation would protect newborns who survive failed abortions, born alive, requiring the same degree of care as a newborn baby. I urge Leader Schumer to bring this commonsense bill up to the floor for a vote as soon as possible. prgtoken Last Congress, I cosponsored dozens of pro-life bills. This Congress, I joined multiple bills to shape Federal policies toward protecting life. This includes proposals that would prohibit the use of Federal funds for abortion and prohibit Planned Parenthood from using Federal funding for abortions. prgtoken When I served as speaker of the house in North Carolina, we passed several bills to protect the unborn and to defend life, and it was widely supported by the diverse State of Nor
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2023-1-24

I rise today to honor Sebastian County Judge David Hudson who recently retired after nearly five decades of service to the county and its citizens. prgtoken Judge Hudson grew up in Fort Smith. I have been blessed to know him since prgtoken our days at Darby Junior High School and he has been a dear friend ever since. He earned his bachelor and master's degrees from the University of Arkansas and started working for Sebastian County in 1976 as an administrative assistant. Two decades later, he was elected to his first term as the Sebastian County judge. prgtoken Judge Hudson spent his career improving the financial management of the county while continuing to implement critical projects. Without raising taxes, he led the renovation of the county courthouse, an expansion of the county jail, and construction of a new courts building, waterpark, and EMS facility, all of which have greatly served the county and its residents. prgtoken He was also a champion for the creation of the State's first crisis stabilization unit, which I had the privilege of visiting with Judge Hudson. He worked closely with law enforcement, prosecutors, and mental health professionals to see the completion of this project to provide an alternative to jail and emergency rooms for people experiencing a mental health crisis. Throughout his career, he has been a champion for law enforcement, the court system, and our first responders, and I appreciate his dedication to solving these important issues. prgtoken Judge Hudson distinguished himself as an advocate for the community and a champion of the people who call the region home. Before being elected as county judge, he managed the Sebastian County Emergency Medical Services for 15 years. He also served in a number of roles including as an educator at the former Westark Community College, as well as an active member and leader of numerous civic organizations and State and local boards and commissions. prgtoken I congratulate Judge David Hudson for his outstanding work and years of service to Sebastian County. I appreciate his friendship and excellent leadership which has resulted in improvement and growth throughout the county. I wish him all the best in his retirement.
HONORING THE LEGACY OF CAPTAIN JOHNATHAN BENTON
Jake Ellzey (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-1-24

today, I come before the House of Representatives to honor the legacy of Captain Johnathan Benton. Captain Benton tragically lost his life on January 16, 2023, in a small plane crash. prgtoken Johnathan was a man of service. He served our country faithfully for over 25 years in the Air Force. During that time, he was a command pilot with over 4,000 hours in the C-130 and KC-135. He was also an instructor and evaluator pilot. prgtoken He spent over 750 days deployed in support of conflicts in Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. He eventually retired as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force's Air National Guard for the State of Oklahoma. prgtoken After his time in the military, Johnathan served as the Government Affairs Committee chairman for CAPA as well as the Allied Pilots Association. prgtoken Johnathan never stopped serving our country. Through his role as chairman for CAPA and APA, he continued to advocate on behalf of Americans. prgtoken To his wife, Bridget, and two children, Nathan and Ashlynn Marie, I am truly sorry. Your husband and father was a great man. He had a great big heart and loved you all dearly. What he gave our country cannot be summed up in a 1-minute speech, but the legacy he leaves and the good works he has done will last forever.
RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF ROE V. WADE DECISION
Michael Guest (Republican, MS) \u2014 2023-1-24

on July 4, 1776, our Founding Fathers in the preamble to the Declaration of Independence wrote these words that form the very foundation of our great Nation: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. prgtoken , I stand before you today to say that we cannot and to say that we will not forget the duty of this Congress to defend the inalienable right to life. prgtoken We cannot forget the devastating impact that Roe v. Wade caused on families and the unborn. prgtoken That devastation would have continued if Dobbs v. Jackson--a case that proudly originated in my home State of Mississippi--had not come before the Supreme Court and opened the pathway to allow States to protect life. prgtoken If our great Nation can unite around any singular issue, it should be that life is sacred, that life is a gift from God, and that life should be protected.
MARCH FOR LIFE
Roger Marshall (Republican, KS) \u2014 2023-1-24

last Friday, during the annual March for Life, it was once again encouraging to see tens of thousands of young Americans travel to the National Mall to show their support for the most important human rights issue of our time: the right to life. prgtoken This year, we celebrate the 50th year that the March for Life has taken place, marking a significant, multigenerational milestone for this celebration of the sanctity of life. The fact that this event is now in its 50th year is a testament to the truth and justice of our mission. prgtoken I thank and congratulate everyone who kept this movement alive for the past five decades, and I especially want to thank all the brave pro-life Americans who made their voices heard as part of the March for Life. prgtoken For half a century now, Americans have brought their voices to Washington to halt the mass elective abortions of perhaps a million unborn American lives every year in our Nation. prgtoken Abortion is not a political issue to me; it is a human rights issue. And this is not a political battle we fight but, rather, the tip of the spear in a spiritual battle for the heart and soul of this Nation. prgtoken This year's momentous March for Life truly was a celebration, as our Nation's Supreme Court has finally freed us from the undemocratic, pro- abortion decision forced on the American people in 1973. My prayer is that our God will heal the emotional and physical wounds that were ripped open across this Nation by this ruling. prgtoken As we celebrate this victory for life, all of us should pause and thank God for giving us a majority of Supreme Court Justices who had the courage to overturn Roe v. Wade. This Supreme Court, by an overwhelming 6-to-3 ruling, defied the left's mob-style intimidation tactics, and in too many extreme cases, they overcame even the vile threats on their lives as well as on their families' safety and privacy. prgtoken The Court's majority stuck to constitutional principles and cast aside the pro-abortion status quo even in the face of threats by the current Senate majority party and its current majority leader. The way our Justices stood up to the opposition represents true leadership and the very best of America. prgtoken Let us commend our Senate leader and the Senators who fought for the lives of the unborn, who, when we had control of the White House and the Senate, had the courage, the fortitude, the willpower, and the know-how to shepherd three principled Justices through the confirmation process and ascend to the highest Court in the land. prgtoken This tremendous lifegiving decision also would not have happened without Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch and her team, who championed their State's pro-life law. They forever etched their place in history. prgtoken The rights and lives of millions of American human beings are now protected as a result of the Dobbs decision. prgtoken As an obstetrician, I had the
200TH ANNIVERSARY OF FOXCROFT ACADEMY
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2023-1-24

Foxcroft Academy in Dover-Foxcroft, ME, was established on January 30, 1823, with a mission of bringing quality education to pioneer families in our new State. On this 200th anniversary, it is a pleasure to congratulate this outstanding school for its dedication to excellence and opportunity. prgtoken The history of Foxcroft Academy demonstrates that commitment. It was the first school chartered in Maine after we achieved statehood 3 years earlier. It is one of the oldest private day and boarding preparatory high schools in America. prgtoken That charter was the result of extraordinary vision. The school's namesake, Colonel John Foxcroft, born to a prominent Massachusetts family, was successful in business and amassed a considerable fortune. His wealth enabled him to acquire thousands of acres of prime timberland in the wilderness of Maine. With the growing cities of early America nearby, he could have exploited this natural resource and added greatly to his fortune. prgtoken Instead, he chose to offer opportunity. He opened his land up to those less fortunate; he encouraged settlers to come to clear farmland, construct mills, start businesses, and build their homes and their futures. The people of the fledgling settlement raised $100 to build a wood frame building to create a school and a true community. prgtoken Today, Foxcroft Academy sits upon a beautiful 125-acre campus with a full array of state-of-the-art academic, athletic, and residential facilities. More than 350 day students live in Dover-Foxcroft and neighboring towns, and an additional 100 international students come from 20 countries around the world. prgtoken Foxcroft Academy is renowned for high achievement in academics, athletics, and the arts. Its designation as an Apple Distinguished School recognizes its successful integration of technology into education, and its inclusion in the International Baccalaureate Program acknowledges its commitment to helping students become good global citizens. prgtoken The school's motto is ``Knowledge is Power.'' Whether graduates go on to college, the workforce, or the military, they leave Foxcroft Academy empowered to succeed. prgtoken Foxcroft Academy was founded with a pioneering, innovative spirit that is carried on today by students, faculty, administrators, and supporters. This bicentennial year is a time to celebrate a school that holds a special place in Maine's history and in its future.
SHORTAGE OF HOUSING RENTAL UNITS
Glenn Grothman (Republican, WI) \u2014 2023-1-24

we have another issue I think that this body ought to take up and that the news media ought to be looking into--and that is another cost of the huge number of illegal immigrants entering this country. prgtoken It has been brought to my attention by property developers that we already have a shortage of over 4 million rental units or residential units in the country. When we let in another 2 million people a year, what do you think happens? prgtoken It further causes a shortage of rental units and sometimes single- family units in this country, which results in what? prgtoken The law of supply and demand is driving up rents because of all the people coming in the country. We know already--a huge, new expense for schools as we have to educate illegals. We know about President 's vow to pay for free healthcare for illegals, which he is fulfilling. prgtoken But for the individual looking for rental units, is their rent going up $100, $200, or $300 as we continue to have this shortage. prgtoken It is time the press got on this issue. It is time that the Congress got on this issue, and let people know--particularly in the southern United States--if your rents are going up, it is because of all these people that are being allowed in the country.
ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2023
Raphael G. Warnock (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2023-1-24

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 25; that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and the Senate be in a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
HONORING JACK AND JILL OF AMERICA, INC.--IN CELEBRATION OF THE 85TH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS FOUNDING
Dwight Evans (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2023-1-24

I rise today to honor Jack and Jill of America, Inc. in celebration of the 85th Anniversary of the organization's founding. Jack and Jill of America is a service organization of mothers dedicated to empowering African American children and families, ensuring they have the knowledge and resources to grow into young leaders. Jack and Jill of America Inc. was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on January 24, 1938 by Marion Turner Stubbs Thomas with an idea conceived by Louise Truitt Jackson Dench to nurture and develop African American children. Joined by a trailblazing group of several other African American mothers, they overcame the challenges of racism and the Great Depression by uniting to provide their children with enriching experiences, activities, and friendships. Throughout the past 85 years, Jack and Jill of America has considerably expanded, currently consisting of 262 chapters organized in 7 regions across the United States and a membership of more than 17,000 mothers. Accordingly, Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated is regarded as the largest and most prominent African American family organization representing over 40,000 family members nationwide including mothers, fathers, and children ages 2 through 19. Commemorative events will be held in Washington, D.C. January 27, 2023, through January 29, 2023 with the theme, ``Tell Them We Are Still Rising.'' prgtoken The 3rd Congressional District of Pennsylvania extends congratulations to Jack and Jill of America, Inc. for their commitment to shaping the lives of African American children for 85 years in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and throughout the United States.