mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CONCERNS ABOUT KETANJI BROWN JACKSON
Andrew S. Clyde (Republican, GA) \u2014 2022-4-6

. Madam , I rise today to emphasize my concern about President 's U.S. Supreme Court nominee, Ketanji Brown Jackson, commonly known as KBJ, and to express my deep disappointment for any Senator that votes for her confirmation this week. prgtoken While I do not have a vote on KBJ's confirmation, I do have a voice. And I will continue using my voice to tell the American people the truth. prgtoken The truth is that Ketanji Brown Jackson is incapable of holding criminals accountable. prgtoken Throughout her career, Judge Jackson's sentences have been drastically lower than the national average, even for individuals who have committed the most egregious crimes imaginable. prgtoken When analyzing all criminal case sentencing imposed by U.S. District Courts, Judge Jackson issued significantly lighter sentences, almost 34 percent less than the national average. prgtoken Specifically, the statistics reveal a more sinister pattern when broken down to child pornography and child sex torture cases. prgtoken When sentencing criminals for possession of child pornography, KBJ imposed sentences 57 percent less than the national average. Additionally, she issued sentences 47 percent less than the national average for those convicted of distributing these atrocious images of child sex torture. prgtoken Disturbingly, child sex torture, one of the most heinous crimes of all, is met with compassion and concessions from Judge Jackson. prgtoken In fact, here are some quotes from KBJ in the U.S. v. Hawkins cases involving Mr. Hawkins, an 18-year-old adult man charged with downloading many images and videos of innocent children being tortured by sex offenders. During this case KBJ said: ``I feel so sorry for you''--in reference to Mr. Hawkins himself--``and for the anguish that this has caused all of you.'' prgtoken Judge Jackson feels sorry for the perpetrator. Excuse me? What about the victims and the anguish that this torture has caused them? prgtoken In addition, KBJ stated: ``This seems to be a situation in which you were fascinated by sexual images involving what were essentially your peers.'' prgtoken Peers? Really? prgtoken The vile content Mr. Hawkins possessed depicted boys as young as 8 years old. Mr. Hawkins was 18 at the time, over twice their age. prgtoken Keep in mind, the sentencing guidelines called for up to 10 years in prison for Mr. Hawkins, yet Ketanji Brown Jackson sentenced this predator to just 3 months in jail. Three months. prgtoken Madam , we are not talking about someone who disobeyed traffic laws. This is a man convicted of possessing multiple images of child sex torture. prgtoken This is sickening and wrong, plain and simple. prgtoken It is not just Judge Jackson's record that is worthy of outrage. Revelations from her recent testimony speak volumes to KBJ's interest in legislating from the bench. prgtoken When asked to provide the definition for the word ``woman,'' KBJ absurdly said she could not, adding that she
RECOGNIZING LEE SYKES, OWNER OF TOW BOAT US BEAUFORT, AND CREW MEMBERS JOHNATHON EVANS, JAY BOONE, CROCKETT HENDERSON, LUIS HERRON AND JOHN WILSON
Gregory F. Murphy (Republican, NC) \u2014 2022-4-6

. Madam , I rise today to pay a tribute to the heroic crew members of Tow Boat US Beaufort (TBUS). On February 13, 2022, TBUS was alerted to a possible downed aircraft east of Cape Lookout shoals near Drum Inlet. This aircraft was comprised of eight individuals, including four high school students. The honorable crew quickly departed towards the vicinity of the last known position of the aircraft. At this time, weather conditions were deteriorating, and seas were a rough 3 to 5 feet. prgtoken The wreckage of the aircraft was found before dark, and it was clear that there were likely no possible survivors. The next morning, emergency services called TBUS seeking their assistance in locating the aircraft on the sea floor. While local first responders focused on chasing floating debris offshore, the TBUS crew investigated where the plane struck the water using sonar to locate the wreckage. By 4:00 PM on February 14, 2022, TBUS confirmed they had found the crash site and had remotely operated vehicle footage of the debris on the bottom. That night, TBUS crews would be tasked with running the dive operations, while providing divers and surface support for body recovery. prgtoken The next day, February 15, 2022, TBUS had put together a dive plan and divers to try and access the aircraft. Water temperatures were around 52 degrees on the surface, the current was running approximately 3.9 knots on the bottom in 60 feet of water, and seas were rough at 3 to 5 feet, making this an extraordinarily difficult dive to achieve with limited bottom time. TBUS crews worked until the next day, when all the remains had been recovered for the families. While this was a strenuous job, the selfless heroes at TBUS thought it was a necessary mission to help the grieving families of the victims. Putting divers in during small craft conditions, 50-degree water, and heavy currents makes for very dangerous conditions that highlight the heroic actions of the TBUS crew. prgtoken TBUS crew members involved were Lee Sykes, Johnathon Evans, Jay Boone, Crockett Henderson, Luis Herron and John Wilson. None of this would have been possible were it not for the selflessness and servant attitude of the aforementioned members. Madam , please join me in honoring these incredible and wonderful heroes.
COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS JAYHAWKS MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM FOR WINNING THE 2022 NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION BASKETBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2022-4-6

I am on the floor of the U.S. Senate today to congratulate and to commend the University of Kansas men's basketball team on its national championship victory. This is KU's fourth NCAA national championship title, the second under the tenure of Hall of Fame Head Coach Bill Self. prgtoken The University of Kansas's men's basketball program boasts a storied history and track record of excellence and success, and the inventor of the game of basketball, Dr. James Naismith, served as the program's first coach. prgtoken KU can also now boast having the most NCAA victories of any Division I basketball program in the country in addition to now four--four--NCAA championships. prgtoken It is moments like this that Kansans remember forever. Whether you are watching the game from your living room, on the jumbotron at Allen Fieldhouse, or from your favorite hangout on Mass Street, 10, 20, 30 years from now, Kansans from across the country will remember where they were on April 4, 2022, when KU clinched the national title in a nail-biting game against North Carolina's Tar Heels. prgtoken It was the KU men's basketball team that inspired me to go to the University of Kansas when I was in high school. I am a first-generation college graduate, and the University of Kansas was probably not the place that most of my peers and friends from my small town in Northwest Kansas went to. But, no, it wasn't because I was recruited to play basketball for the basketball team; it was that I had the opportunity to attend on my first visit to the University of Kansas a basketball game in Allen Fieldhouse. From that one game, I knew this was where I wanted to go to college. The energy and excitement of KU basketball inspired me, encouraged me, caused me to wonder--and I think it is true of countless others, to decide they wanted to be a Jayhawk. prgtoken On Monday night, KU rallied to overcome a deficit of 15 points at halftime to beat North Carolina 72 to 69--the largest comeback in an NCAA basketball national championship game. I am not sure what Coach Bill Self--but I am going to ask him--I am not sure what Coach Self said to his players in the locker room during that halftime, but in true Kansas fashion, the KU Jayhawks came back and beat the odds to clinch the championship. The team showed tremendous heart, determination, and resolve in that comeback victory. prgtoken KU's Ochai Agbaji scored 12 points and was named ``Most Outstanding Player'' of the Final Four. prgtoken Kansas forward David McCormack scored 15 points and had 10 rebounds and made 2 critical baskets late in the game. prgtoken Kansas forward Jalen Wilson scored 15 points and had 4 rebounds. prgtoken Kansas guard Remy Martin contributed 14 points to help the Jayhawks secure the title. prgtoken Kansas guard Christian Braun of Burlington, KS--a smalltown, middle- of-the-State native--scored 12 points and had 12 rebounds, demonstrating to other smalltown athletes like h
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3807, RESTAURANT REVITALIZATION FUND REPLENISHMENT ACT OF 2021, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Michelle Fischbach (Republican, MN) \u2014 2022-4-6

with all due respect, restaurants and small businesses are facing difficulties, and one of those challenges is high energy costs. Delivery costs go up. It costs more for their employees to get to work. It costs more for all of those things because of high energy costs. So this does affect restaurants and small businesses. I think this affects restaurants, small businesses, and every American. prgtoken , I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Obernolte).
Title 42 and the Border (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2022-4-6

we are moving from disaster to catastrophe at our southern border. Last week, the administration announced that title 42 COVID-19 restrictions, which had provided for the immediate deportation of those who crossed the border illegally, will end in May. prgtoken Now, it is ironic that just as the administration presses for more COVID funding, it is apparently declaring COVID is over at the border. Now, I just want everybody to think about the inherent contradiction in what is being said here. By ending title 42, the administration says, for all intents and purposes, the pandemic is over; it is over at the border. But, today, it was announced that the student loan program-- repayments on student loans--would be extended until the month of August. Why? Presumably because of the pandemic. prgtoken There is still a policy in place, , if you can believe this--yesterday, I had the chance to question, at the Senate Finance Committee, Secretary Becerra of the Health and Human Services Department about a policy that is in place right now that has not yet been repealed that requires children under 5 in Head Start facilities to wear masks--masks not just when they are in the classroom but when they are outside on the playground--children under 5, to wear masks. prgtoken Now, who says that is a bad idea? Well, for one, the World Health Organization. The World Health Organization isn't exactly a conservative-leaning institution. The World Health Organization says that it is not necessary for children under 5 to wear a mask because there is no discernible health or safety benefit derived from that. prgtoken So that policy is still in place. Kids under the age of 5 at Head Start facilities still have to wear masks, not just inside but when they are outside. prgtoken Now student loans, again, have been deferred. You don't have to repay your student loans at least until August. It has been extended again. prgtoken These policies reflect a belief on behalf of the administration that we are evidently still in a pandemic that requires these policies to stay in place. prgtoken So the student loan deferral request has been made or is going to happen. They are just going to do it. So they are doing that by fiat. And this rule that requires children under 5 to wear masks suggests we are still very concerned about the pandemic and about the spread of COVID-19. Yet, , title 42 is going to be lifted at the border, which is a pandemic measure. It was put in place as a result of the pandemic and has enabled our officials at the border, Customs and Border Protection, to be able to at least somewhat manage the flow of illegals coming across the border. Think about that. Think about the inherent contradiction, the messages that you are sending--in addition, I would add, to the $10 billion, which was originally $15 billion, that is being requested by the administration to deal with COVID. prgtoken So
CRISES THE WHITE HOUSE IS CAUSING AT HOME AND ABROAD
Tim Burchett (Republican, TN) \u2014 2022-4-6

I thank the gentleman for yielding to the great State of Tennessee. prgtoken , a recent CNBC survey illustrates how Americans are feeling about inflation. Fifty-two percent of adults reported they are under more financial stress today than they were 1 year ago. prgtoken The poll also shows how consumers spending habits changed over the last 6 months in response to rising prices: Fifty-three percent say they are cutting back on dining out; 39 percent are driving less; 32 percent switched from a brand-name product; and 29 percent canceled a vacation. prgtoken The economy is in a tailspin, , thanks to President 's Big Government agenda. His failed policies are making the cost of doing business more expensive, and those increased costs are passed directly on to consumers. prgtoken Many companies use catchy slogans and taglines to advertise their services but, in this economy, some businesses might rethink their marketing campaigns. prgtoken Remember the $5 foot-long at Subway? It costs at least $10 for a foot-long sandwich from Subway these days, . prgtoken Southwest Airlines' low-cost flight motto is ``Wanna Get Away?'' Flights are now so expensive; Southwest should change its offers to Wanna Go One Way? Did you catch that? One way, since that is all travelers obviously can afford. prgtoken Walmart tells customers they will ``Save Money, Live Better'' by shopping at its stores. Americans are probably thinking more along the line of Spend Money, Live Worse after making a trip to Walmart in recent weeks. prgtoken Finally, , lots of folks are doing their banking with Capital One, which asks ``What's in Your Wallet?'' Pretty soon Capital One will be asking consumers What's Left in Your Wallet?'' Thanks to rising prices. prgtoken , Americans are really just fed up with President 's handling of the economy. From the same CNBC poll I referenced earlier, 61 percent disapprove of the President's response to inflation, and 81 percent fear a recession is coming in 2022. And I would dare say, CNBC is not the most conservative folks out there. prgtoken Earlier this week, thank goodness, Elon Musk, he swooped into Twitter to save the company from the woke politics that are running it into the ground, censorship being one of those. prgtoken President needs a similar hero who can come in and stop this administration from destroying the economy. Alternatively, he could simply give up on his Big Government agenda that is failing American citizens, . prgtoken I appreciate Vice Chairman Johnson's lackluster leadership and his constant mention of complimentary snacks which are not here, coming forthwith.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Letter From Birmingham Jail (Executive Calendar)
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2022-4-6

. I hope, sirs, that you can understand our legitimate and unavoidable impatience. You express a great deal of anxiety over our willingness to break laws. This is certainly a legitimate concern. Since we so diligently urge people to obey the Supreme Court's decision of 1954 outlawing segregation in the public schools, at first glance, it may seem rather paradoxical for us to consciously break laws. One may well ask: ``How can you advocate breaking some laws and obeying others?'' The answer lies in the fact that there are two types of laws: just and unjust. I would be the first to advocate obeying just laws. One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. I would agree with St. Augustine that ``an unjust law is no law at all.'' Now, what is the difference between the two? How does one determine whether a law is just or unjust? A just law is a man made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God. An unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law. To put it in the terms of St. Thomas Aquinas: An unjust law is a human law that is not rooted in eternal law and natural law. Any law that uplifts human personality is just. Any law that degrades human personality is unjust. All segregation statutes are unjust because segregation distorts the soul and damages the personality. It gives the segregator a false sense of superiority and the segregated a false sense of inferiority. Segregation, to use the terminology of the Jewish philosopher Martin Buber, substitutes an ``I it'' relationship for an ``I thou'' relationship and ends up relegating persons to the status of things. Hence segregation is not only politically, economically and sociologically unsound, it is morally wrong and sinful. Paul Tillich has said that sin is separation. Is not segregation an existential expression of man's tragic separation, his awful estrangement, his terrible sinfulness? Thus it is that I can urge men to obey the 1954 decision of the Supreme Court, for it is morally right; and I can urge them to disobey segregation ordinances, for they are morally wrong. Let us consider a more concrete example of just and unjust laws. An unjust law is a code that a numerical or power majority group compels a minority group to obey but does not make binding on itself. This is difference made legal. By the same token, a just law is a code that a majority compels a minority to follow and that it is willing to follow itself. This is sameness made legal. Let me give another explanation. A law is unjust if it is inflicted on a minority that, as a result of being denied the right to vote, had no part in
CRISIS AT THE SOUTHERN BORDER
Thomas P. Tiffany (Republican, WI) \u2014 2022-4-6

Kamala who? In all seriousness, it is unfortunate that Vice President has not fulfilled her mission to be the border czar. It is awful. prgtoken Did you see the news today in regard to the free phones that the White House Press Secretary talked about today, free phones for migrants? prgtoken Think about it. I was down in Panama almost a year ago and went to the Darien Gap. Who did I see? IOM, the International Organization for Migration. Where do they get their money? They get a lot of their money from the United Nations. Who puts the most money into the United Nations? Yes, Americans do. prgtoken Back home on the farm, we used to refer to this as--my colleague from Texas just said how many, how many? I would say to you also: How much? prgtoken We used to refer to it as eating your seed corn. Americans pay an international organization to send debit cards for these people to take themselves up the Panama pipeline all the way to the southern border. Then you pay for a bus ride to get them to the airport. Then you pay for an airline ride: Philadelphia, Baltimore, wherever. They are going around the country. prgtoken Then you pay for the education, the free education they are going to get. prgtoken You pay for the healthcare. prgtoken That is what you Americans are paying for every single day for over 2 million people, and it is about to get worse. prgtoken To highlight how it is going to get worse and how obtuse this side of the aisle is, we are sitting in the Committee on the Judiciary today creating another loophole in the Virgin Islands. There is another loophole that is being created for visa waiver privileges, something that we saw in the Mariana Islands that was created about a decade ago under the administration where they allowed parole for people to be able to come in, Chinese nationals. prgtoken There were maybe, like, eight births that were being done on those islands prior to this change that was quietly made in the law. It accelerated to--there were, like, 600 births of Chinese nationals that happened in the Mariana Islands as a result of this loophole. prgtoken If you want to see the reporting on it, The Wall Street Journal did an excellent job. It was one of our intelligence agencies in 2017 that really dug into this. prgtoken Yes, here is this huge loophole, and they want to now create it in the Virgin Islands. That is what we are voting on tonight in the Committee on the Judiciary. prgtoken They want to create another loophole, and they are, like, oh, it will only be a few people. Do the American people believe that?
ORDER OF PROCEDURE
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2022-4-6

I rise in strong support for Senator Schumer's request for unanimous consent for the Senate to proceed to the en bloc consideration of H.R. 6968, the Russian oil ban, and H.R. 7108, the Russian permanent normal trade relations legislation. prgtoken I want to thank Senators Schumer, Wyden, Wicker, Paul, Cardin, Murkowski, Manchin, Lankford, Risch, Menendez, Cornyn, and Sullivan. It is a long list of Senators who worked hard on this legislation to get us to this point. They exemplify how you can be both principled and reasonable. prgtoken I want to especially again thank Senator Schumer. We did work carefully and long together. We spent tireless days working to try to make sure that this worked out. We, I think, both acknowledge that we respect the good faith that each of us has shown in moving this forward and getting it to this point. prgtoken Thanks to the efforts of all of these Senators, the Senate is in a position to pass these important bills. Importantly, their efforts in this Chamber reflect the best of what Ukraine desperately seeks to preserve and that which Vladimir Putin is determined to destroy: freedom and representative government. prgtoken That is why the legislation at issue is so important. It strikes directly at Putin and cuts off the lifeblood for his war machine and his autocracy by banning U.S. imports of Russian energy products, including petroleum, natural gas, and coal. It places Russia and Belarus in the same pariah status as North Korea and Cuba for trade. prgtoken The congressional action, including the certification criteria in the bills, is critical because it signifies a standing commitment to the Ukrainian people and to our NATO allies that is more durable than Putin's machinations in Ukraine. This legislation will inspire our allies to take similar actions against Russia. prgtoken As President Zelenskyy told us when he asked for the ban, ``[It] can be called an embargo [or it can be] just morality.'' prgtoken Because this legislation is so critical to the support of Ukraine, we must act in unison on these bills and call on Pelosi to promptly vote on this legislation in the House, where it will also receive a resounding vote in favor. prgtoken Therefore, I strongly second Senator Schumer's request and also ask that the Senate agree to it.