mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING SECURITY DETAIL AND CAPITOL POLICE OFFICERS
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2021-1-19

as the most senior Senator in the majority, I have had the privilege to serve as Senate President pro tempore in the 116th Congress. The last time a Senator from Iowa served in this constitutional office was 100 years ago. For the last 2 years, it has been my great honor each day to open the business of the Senate, welcome Chaplain Barry C. Black to lead us in opening prayer and recite the Pledge of Allegiance with my colleagues and staff. It was a distinct honor to enroll bills with my signature before they left Capitol Hill for the President's desk to be signed into law. prgtoken Today, I pay tribute to a group of selfless professionals who was assigned to serve as my security detail. As this body knows, the President pro tempore serves in the Presidential line of succession and receives 24-hour protection. Now, as most Americans might imagine, it took some time to get accustomed to having a security detail following my every step, around the clock, 365 days a year. These dedicated professionals made the transition as seamless as possible. They served with integrity, discretion, and professionalism. Some of them might not have known the journey in store when they embarked 2 years ago on this assignment. By journey, I refer of course to my heavy travel schedule. For starters, I return nearly every weekend to Iowa and whenever the Senate is not in session. And lest anyone imagine there is a nonstop commercial flight between the Nation's Capital and my farm in Butler County, I will disabuse anyone of that fairy tale. prgtoken Agents on my security detail became frequent fliers and intimately familiar with the map of Iowa. My work schedule includes my annual 99 county meetings across the State. Last year, I finished my 40th consecutive year holding meetings with Iowans in courthouses, schools, factory floors, hospitals, and service clubs. Typically, Iowa weather adds a bit of uncertainty to the schedule. Last year, the pandemic opened a whole new can of worms. I want to thank my security detail for doing an exceptional job these past 2 years. I can confirm none of the agents indulges in a treat from Dairy Queen as much as I do. prgtoken My security detail also learned on day one of their assignment that I am an early bird. I like to wake up early and get my morning jog in before the sun crests the horizon. They learned every step of my route in northern Virginia and the country gravel roads in Butler County, IA. The agents showed an exemplary work ethic and respect for punctuality which, as my staff and many Iowans who attend my meetings know, is very important to me. I don't like to waste time or money, especially on the taxpayer dime. prgtoken Today, I salute the following members of the U.S. Capitol Police Dignitary Protection Division: Supervisory Agent David Rib, Agent Eric Boggs, Agent Shane Powell, Agent John Brito, Agent Eric Love, Agent Zachary Madera, Agent Da
OPPOSITION TO H. RES. 21
Paul A. Gosar (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2021-1-19

. Madam , I rise today in opposition to H. Res. 21 and its invocation for Vice President to activate Section 4 of the 25th Amendment. prgtoken The Resolution appears to be ill-conceived, vindictive and disassociated from any factual basis. There is no medical, scientific or other evidence that the President is operating under an infirmity that prevents the faithful execution of our laws. Indeed, no one even so much as asked for such evidence. No independent medical exam was sought. No interviews of cabinet members or testimony was proffered where one or more cabinet members could have presumably attested to some medical or physical infirmity warranting immediate intervention. prgtoken While it is true the President has his detractors, almost all of whom support this ill-advised resolution, attacking one's political opponents by invoking the most dramatic and emergency based provisions in the Constitution is reckless and poses serious harm to the Republic. Unfortunately, as it has been brought to the floor, the political bar has been lowered. I voted no as there is no merit to it and it is plainly a vengeful attack at the outgoing President who has been vilified by leftist prgtoken media and others. I remain concerned that this provision will be brought up against the next president, and the next, and the next, for mere political opportunism. prgtoken Indeed, in light of the incoming president's age and existing infirmities, I fear a movement to remove him without just cause using this provision. I am told that Mr. won the presidency in the greatest popular vote on record in the history of the United States. To me that means the American people knew what they were voting on, embraced him as their choice, and that choice should not be easily disturbed, if ever. More concisely, the American people were well aware of Mr. 's age and health issues and that cannot be used as a pretext to remove him before the natural expiration of his term. This historic victory, greater than the then-historic victory of , cannot be tarnished by congressional machinations to remove the next president. I will not countenance such villainy, nor will the Republic. prgtoken Invocation of the 25th Amendment should be used in the rarest and most exceptional circumstances. That does not exist relative to President , and none was even whispered. And it does not, and will not, exist for President . I go on record now to register my objection to such loose talk, including the formation of a commission to ``investigate'' the 25th Amendment. This is dangerous. It is breezy talk, a bit too comfortable about removing elected officials to replace them. That is the sole prerogative of the people every four years. prgtoken Section 4 of the 25th Amendment addresses an incapacitated President unable to make the decision to relinquish their duties. As the current president is not incapacitated, the current effort fall
HONORING POLICE OFFICERS
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2021-1-19

. Now, , on a related matter, a great deal has already been said about the disgraceful events of January 6. More will be said in the weeks ahead. prgtoken I understand the FBI has already made at least 100 arrests, and the Justice Department reports more than 275 persons under investigation--a number that is climbing fast. I want to commend the work of the Department to swiftly investigate and bring offenders to justice. prgtoken As I have stated, January 6 saw failures of institutions, protocols, and planning. Those failures did not just leave Congress itself exposed; they also left the courageous men and women of the Capitol Police themselves in a totally untenable situation. prgtoken So today, I want to reaffirm the huge respect and gratitude that I have--and I believe all Senators have--for the men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police who put their own safety on the line every single day that they clock in and stand guard. prgtoken Neither the institution of Congress nor the American people will ever forget the bravery and the valor of Officer Brian Sicknick, who sacrificed himself to protect this place and those inside it. prgtoken We will not forget our friend Officer Howard Liebengood. prgtoken And we will never forget our debt to all the brave CP officers and their families. prgtoken It is more than just comforting to come to work in a place protected by such fine men and women, at risk to themselves. It is also very humbling. prgtoken We are also grateful to the local officers from DC, Virginia, and Maryland, to Federal law enforcement officers, the National Guard, the Secret Service, and all the other professionals who helped subdue the criminals and secure the Capitol on the 6th and are working together to protect peace and order this week. prgtoken Tomorrow, a new President and Vice President will swear their oaths of office. They will also do so safely and securely because so many brave men and women have sworn their own oaths to support and defend our Constitution. prgtoken We salute you all.
HONORING KRISTINE SVINICKI
Michael K. Simpson (Republican, ID) \u2014 2021-1-19

. Madam , it is with great pride and enthusiasm that I take a few moments to recognize the tremendous career of public service of Ms. Kristine Svinicki, who recently announced that she will step down later this month as Chair of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. prgtoken As the Representative of Idaho's Second Congressional District and Chair and Ranking Member of the House Energy and Water Appropriations subcommittee, I have spent my career advocating for the expanded use of safe and reliable nuclear energy. In that effort, I had the distinct pleasure to work closely with Kristine in a number of capacities, and like everyone else who has worked with her, I found her to be a consummate professional and dedicated public servant. prgtoken After graduating from the University of Michigan with a degree in nuclear engineering, Kristine's career led her to the Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy and the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management. Her time with DOE also included a stop at the Department's Idaho Operation Office in Idaho Falls. Kristine was later detailed by the DOE to the U.S,Senate where she supported Idaho Senator Latty Craig on a variety of energy issues. After a stint with the Senate Armed Services Committee, in 2007 President nominated Kristine to serve as a Commissioner on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and in 2017, President Donald J. designated her as Chairman. prgtoken During her three terms at the NRC, Kristine brought unparalleled knowledge, passion and leadership to her work. Kristine never came to a meeting unprepared, and I always left hearings and meetings with her impressed by her insights and persuasiveness. prgtoken As the nuclear industry has faced challenges, the federal government has worked to support the current fleet of reactors as appropriate, to modernize the regulatory process to allow advanced reactor technologies to enter the market and to right-size the staff at the NRC. In all of those issues, Commissioner and Chairman Svinicki brought a steady hand and a constructive ``let's get to work'' attitude to the process. prgtoken Chairman Svinicki's commitment to public service has been exceptional and she is a role model for those who want to serve our government and make an impact in a positive way. Kristine blazed her own trail, and she will leave behind scores of friends, colleagues and coworkers who will miss her intellect, her commitment to public service and her wry sense of humor. prgtoken While Kristine was born and raised in Michigan, we in Idaho like to claim her as one of our own. I am so proud of all Kristine has accomplished, and more importantly how she did it. On behalf of so many grateful Americans, I want to say thank you to Kristine for her service and extend my best wishes in the future.
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2021-1-19

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.
ORDER OF BUSINESS
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-1-20

just to let the Members know the order of business, we will first install Senator Leahy as President pro tempore. We will then have some other mechanical business. I will then give my maiden speech as majority leader of the U.S. Senate, and then we will-- (Applause, Senators rising.) --and then we will hear from Senator McConnell. prgtoken There may be a vote this evening.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR (Executive Session)
Mark R. Warner (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2021-1-20

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session and the Intelligence Committee be discharged from further consideration of PN 78-10, the nomination of Avril Haines to be Director of National Intelligence; that the Senate proceed to its consideration; that there be 10 minutes of debate on the nomination equally divided in the usual form; that upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate vote without intervening action or debate; and that, if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
NOMINATION OF AVRIL DANICA HAINES
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2021-1-20

I rise to discuss the nomination of Avril Danica Haines to be Director of National Intelligence. I think my colleagues know that in a few minutes, the Senate will be voting on her nomination for this key position. prgtoken I briefly intend to outline where I think things stand on several sensitive issues with the 18 agencies that make up the intelligence community. prgtoken The administration and Ms. Haines have an opportunity and a duty to turn the page on the coverups and lawlessness of the outgoing administration. That is why I asked Ms. Haines at her confirmation hearing whether she would abide by a law that I authored requiring an unclassified report on who was responsible for the killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi. prgtoken Jamal Khashoggi was a U.S. resident who was lured to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul and brutally murdered. Despite press stories that the Saudi Arabian leader was responsible for the killing, the administration stayed mum, just stonewalled. For a whole year, the administration just ignored the law that I wrote. So I asked Ms. Haines at our hearing whether she would follow the law and provide that unclassified report on who was responsible for Jamal Khashoggi's murder. Ms. Haines' response was straightforward. She said she would provide the report and comply with the law. prgtoken That statement, frankly, as modest as it was, was a sea change, colleagues, from the obstructionism and stonewalling of the administration. The administration had basically taken the position on laws like this transparency measure that it was kind of optional for the executive branch to comply. prgtoken So Ms. Haines' direct commitment to making that key report on the role the Saudi leaders in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, in my view, was a real step forward for the rule of law, for accountability, and for human rights. And I will say as a journalist's kid that it was a real step forward for the freedom of the press everywhere. prgtoken The second subject I discussed with Ms. Haines was a particularly troubling aspect of the CIA's recent history. The CIA spied on the staff of the Senate Intelligence Committee when the staff was writing the torture report. As Deputy Director, Ms. Haines didn't hold anyone accountable. In my view, this abuse, this spying on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, basically, colleagues, turns the whole concept of oversight on its head. The U.S. Congress is supposed to do oversight on the executive branch and not visa-versa. prgtoken In response to my questions at the hearing, Ms. Haines admitted that the spying on the committee was wrong. She also agreed that she supported recommendations to expand accountability and would apply that expanded accountability to the intelligence community at large. And when she was asked about the CIA's baseless efforts to have committee staff prosecuted, she agreed that there o
DREAM ACT
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-1-20

earlier today I was proud to join my colleagues in witnessing the inauguration of President and Vice President on the west front of the U.S. Capitol. prgtoken I remembered, as I walked away from that inauguration ceremony, the experience I had 4 years ago. There was a luncheon. Traditionally there is a luncheon given for the new President and Vice President. That luncheon was my first opportunity to meet President . I had never met him before. prgtoken I went up to him at the head table, and I introduced myself and said: I just want to tell you that I am working in the U.S. Senate for the DREAM Act. I believe that these Dreamers deserve a chance to become part of America's future. prgtoken President , minutes after having taken the oath of office, said: Senator, don't worry about those young people. We will take care of them. prgtoken That was my first conversation with President . What transpired afterwards is a matter of record in the history of this country. We know also what happened in this Capitol Building just 2 weeks ago. prgtoken That is why this inauguration was so different. We were battling a deadly virus and possibly a deadly attack by American terrorists. The U.S. Capitol was as closely guarded as I have ever seen it. We estimate that 25,000 soldiers--National Guard and Active-Duty soldiers--were in town to protect us from all around the United States, including 260 from the State of Illinois, I am very proud to announce. They did their job and did it well. I thank them for their service and sacrifice and separation from their families. But at the same time, we are facing a deadly virus. In the midst of a global pandemic, today's celebration had to be tempered so that people were safe from wherever they sat and from wherever they gathered. prgtoken President and Vice President understand that our Nation prgtoken faces a unique set of circumstances. They also understand that we are a unique nation. What makes us special is that people from all over the world come to our shores to become Americans, not because of their race or ethnicity but because they embrace America's values. prgtoken Never before in American history have those ideals been tested as they have been in the last 4 years. A hallmark of the former administration was a relentless attack on immigrants. One of the main targets were the very Dreamers whom I spoke to President about, young immigrants who came to the United States as children. prgtoken It was 11 years ago that I joined with then-Senator Dick Lugar of Indiana on a bipartisan basis to call on President to use his legal authority to protect Dreamers from deportation. Our argument was simple: These young people were brought to the United States as children. Their parents made the decision to come here. They grew up here, went to school here, pledged allegiance to that very flag every day in
59TH INAUGURATION CEREMONIES
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2021-1-20

today, before the American people and the world, the peaceful transfer of power that has helped define our Nation for more than 230 years was carried out. We swore in the 46th President and the 49th Vice President of the United States. prgtoken President and Vice President are both alumni of the U.S. Senate. They are well known to us in this Chamber. They begin their terms with both challenges and opportunities before them, and with the prayers of our whole Nation at their backs. prgtoken President made unity the major theme of his inaugural address. He pledged to be a President for all Americans, to work as hard for the many millions of Americans who did not support his candidacy as he will for the millions who did. So I congratulate my friend from Delaware. I look forward to working with him as our new President wherever possible. prgtoken Our country deserves for both sides, both parties, to find common ground for the common good everywhere that we can and disagree respectfully where we must. Last fall, the American people chose to elect a narrowly divided House of Representatives, a 50-50 Senate, and a President who promised unity. The people intentionally entrusted both political parties with significant power to shape our Nation's direction. May we work together to honor that trust. prgtoken Earlier today, I was honored to present our former colleague, Vice President , with a flag that flew over her historic swearing in as our Nation's first woman Vice President. This groundbreaking achievement elicits national pride that transcends politics. All citizens can applaud the fact that this new three-word phrase, ``Madam Vice President,'' is now a part of our American lexicon. So, once again, our sincere congratulations to our former colleague from California on this day. prgtoken I also join my colleagues in warmly welcoming our three newest Senators. Senator Padilla of California and Senators Ossoff and Warnock of Georgia have been sent to this Chamber by their home States to represent their neighbors and to serve our Nation. We have plenty of Senate business to discuss at length in the days ahead, but, for now, I just want to congratulate each of our new colleagues. I look forward to working alongside them.
NOMINATION OF AVRIL HAINES
Tom Cotton (Republican, AR) \u2014 2021-1-20

for the information of other Senators who want to know if we have a vote tonight specifically on the nomination of Avril Haines to be Director of National Intelligence, I was the last person to object to holding that vote. I no longer object. prgtoken I wanted to have a question for the record answered. Miss Haines, thankfully, responded to my question yesterday. I want to thank Senator Rubio and Senator Warner for helping us get that answer. prgtoken Specifically, in her open session yesterday, she gave an answer to Senator Wyden that suggested the intelligence community might reopen investigations into detention interrogation programs from 2001 to 2006. She clarified, in the private setting that we had, that she had no intention to open up those investigations and expose operations officers inside the CIA to criminal prosecution or adverse employment action or even holding it against them in potential future promotions or placements. prgtoken She has confirmed that in the written record. I am glad to see that we are not going to reopen that period. prgtoken I want to thank Ms. Haines for providing the answer. prgtoken Most importantly, I want to thank our brave operations and paramilitary operations officers in the CIA for what they do, always, to keep this country safe. I am ready to vote on this nomination. I believe the rest of the Senate is as well. prgtoken the floor. prgtoken .
OPENING DAY OF IOWA LEGISLATURE'S 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2021-1-20

on January 11, I had the honor of administering the oath of office to Iowa's speaker of the house, Patrick Grassley, who also happens to be my grandson. It was a privilege for me and my family to participate in the opening day of the Iowa Legislature's 89th General Assembly. Pat has represented the people of house district 50 since 2007. He is in his second year serving his caucus as speaker. prgtoken In addition to celebrating Pat's professional accomplishments, we were also moved by the prayer that was written and shared by our great granddaughter Reagan, alongside her siblings Indee and Chance, as the legislature convened. prgtoken I ask unanimous consent that a copy of Reagan's prayer be printed in the Record following my remarks. prgtoken She is 11 years old. Barbara and I are truly blessed to spend memorable days like this one together as a family.