mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
U.S. Supreme Court (Executive Calendar)
Peter Welch (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2023-11-7

. s tonight, and I thank Senator Whitehouse for his work on this. prgtoken You know, the question that is facing, I think, all of us and is troubling Americans is an erosion of confidence in our institutions. We are seeing that with a lot of erosion of confidence in the legislature, which is here to serve the interests of the people we all represent. It is also sometimes with the Executive--huge battles there. And, of course, January 6 was an indication that the norms that have guided us throughout our history--that is, the peaceful transfer of power after the people of this country make a decision about who shall be their elected leader--have all been challenged. prgtoken And now we have the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court has an incredibly important role in the preservation of our democracy because it has the capacity to make decisions about legislative actions and whether what the legislature did fits within the parameters of the Constitution, and it is an awesome responsibility. prgtoken As my colleagues have said, I have an enormous amount of reverence for the institution of the judiciary, and I have an enormous amount of reverence for the particular role of the U.S. Supreme Court. prgtoken I have immense respect for the individuals who have achieved that status of being a member of the U.S. Supreme Court. They serve an important institution. They have a very important job. But they are not more important, as individuals, than any other American. They are not. They have more responsibility. They have a special obligation as Justices of the Supreme Court, but they are not above the law. prgtoken This is not exactly about whether there are legal questions involved. It is about whether they accept the responsibility that goes with representing an institution that must maintain credibility for the American people in order to have the people whom they serve respect their decisions. prgtoken We have a situation in the Supreme Court now. Within our judiciary, we have 850 judges at all different levels. Every single one of those judges is subject to rules that are designed to try to instill public confidence. Those rules require those judges to make financial disclosures. That includes whether they have been the beneficiary of gifts. There are nine people in this country who are in the judiciary who don't adhere to those rules, who don't believe it is their burden to share and disclose with the American people what gifts they have received, and those are the nine Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court. That is outrageous. prgtoken You know, when I talk to Vermonters about this and I say: Do you think that a justice of the Vermont Supreme Court or a Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court should be required to let you know--let the public know--if they got private jet travel to a location to get on a private yacht to take a private vacation? They have an obligation to disclose that. prgtoken And Vermonters
MOURNING THE LOSS OF PAUL BAFFICO
Bradley Scott Schneider (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-11-7

. Madam , as Veterans Day approaches, I rise today to mourn the loss of Paul Baffico, a dear friend and pillar of our local veterans community. prgtoken We met 30 years ago while working together at Sears. Over the years, I learned the full breadth of his story and the depth of his character. Paul served in Vietnam in the 101st Airborne Division, participating in 206 combat assaults. prgtoken Like so many of his era, Paul was not welcomed home the way he deserved. It was an experience that informed his career and his volunteering throughout his life. prgtoken Paul committed his life to serving our Nation's veterans. For more than 15 years, Paul volunteered as a docent at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. prgtoken In 2012, he founded the Lake County Veterans and Family Services Foundation, engaging with and advocating on prgtoken behalf of thousands of veterans and families. prgtoken Paul was a big man and leaves an even bigger legacy, and his memory will forever be a blessing. prgtoken Madam , I include in the Record an oral history Paul shared with the Pritzker Military Museum & Library in 2013. [From Pritzker Military Museum and Library, Nov. 17, 2023] Paul Baffico, First Lieutenant Paul Baffico's story of service truly represents the turmoil our nation faced in the early 1960s--a college student in San Francisco who chose to enroll in the ROTC as Americans were becoming more and more divided on the issue of the Vietnam War, Baffico served with the famed 101st Airborne Division in an area that saw heavy action, before returning home to a community that either couldn't--or wouldn't understand what the military's sacrifice had been about. Differing from some of the public universities at the time, the school that Baffico attended--the University of San Francisco--had a requirement that all students participate in ROTC for their first two years with the option to continue on voluntarily after that. Despite the more conservative nature of the school, the university's proximity to landmarks of 60s counter-culture--Haight-Ashbury, The University of California at Berkeley, and San Francisco itself--made putting on a uniform and going to class that much more intense in an environment where heated debates about Vietnam were raging. Watching as peers were pulled out of class and taken to the draft board, however, and hoping to postpone being drafted himself, Mr. Baffico chose to continue with ROTC after the school's initial requirements had been met. After completing his undergraduate studies, Baffico was trained as a Signal Officer at Ft. Gordon, Georgia before moving on to Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, and finally landing at Ft. Hood, Texas. From there, he deployed to Vietnam and joined up with the 101st Airborne Division as a Signal Platoon Le
Nomination of Julia E. Kobick (Executive Calendar)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-11-7

in a few moments, the Senate will confirm Julia Kobick as district judge for the District of Massachusetts. prgtoken I have great news: The Senate is about to confirm the 100th woman and the 150th judge overall to the Federal bench since we took the majority. prgtoken One judge at a time, this ic majority is making the Federal bench look more like America, and that is why the confirmation of the 100th woman to the court is so important. It is not only double the amount confirmed by President in all his 4 years, it is also considerably more women than any full first term of any President. In fact, two-thirds--two-thirds--of all the judges we have confirmed under President are women, and we have confirmed more women of color to the bench than any other President's entire time in office. prgtoken These hundred women are historic taken together, but they also include many who are historic in their own right. They include, of course, the first Black woman confirmed to the Supreme Court, Ketanji Brown Jackson. They include the first Muslim-American woman on the Federal bench. They include the first Navajo Federal judge, and much more. We are getting the bench to look like America. It has been long overdue, but it is happening and happening in large steps under this Senate ic majority. prgtoken Now, I want to let America know we are proud to have reached this historic milestone, but we are not slowing down. Confirming more women on the bench is long, long overdue. The Senate, which has made strides more than any year to make that a reality, will continue to keep working to confirm more judicial nominations in the weeks and months to come. prgtoken .
Unanimous Consent Request--H.R. 6126 (Executive Session)
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2023-11-7

reserving the right to object, there are some fundamental flaws in the arguments my colleagues are making for the Senate to do only half of its job, to say nothing of the partisan, so-called pay-for here--which is a giveaway to billionaires--that actually costs our Nation money and sets a dangerous precedent that our allies are fair game to be used as partisan bargaining chips. prgtoken First, we should not be pitting funding for Israel against funding for Ukraine and other needs. There is no need given the widespread support for providing assistance to both nations on both sides of this aisle. There is strong support for providing the assistance the President requested for Israel, and there are also bipartisan supermajorities in both the House and Senate in favor of Ukraine aid. That is because most of us on both sides of the aisle understand that while there are important differences, the challenges we and our allies are facing around the world today are connected. prgtoken Just last month, over 300 House Members voted for Ukraine aid, so pretending that this doesn't have the votes to pass the House simply doesn't pass muster. There is strong support here in Congress to address these urgent priorities in one package, and that is exactly what I am working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to do right now. prgtoken Secondly, our allies in Ukraine can no more afford a delay than our allies in Israel. Ukraine is at a critical point in a brutal war to defend its sovereignty against Putin's bloody invasion. We must not give Putin a win and throw Ukraine to the wolves for political expediency. After all, what sort of message does it send about our commitment to our allies if we delay Ukraine aid further, especially after we have already missed our earlier opportunities to get this done? prgtoken For American leadership to have any weight in the world, our word has to mean something. Our commitments have to be ironclad. That means we do not abandon our allies in their time of need, period. prgtoken Failing to stand by Ukraine now will only embolden Putin and other dictators looking to trample democracies, which brings me to my last point. prgtoken While the challenges we and our partners face across the globe have different natures and nuances, we have to be strategic enough to understand that they are connected, they are urgent, and they should be addressed as part of one package. prgtoken The Chinese Government is watching how we respond to Putin's aggression in Ukraine. Putin is wanting the Hamas attack to give him an opening to distract the world from aiding Ukraine against his brutal invasion. prgtoken In fact, we know that a Hamas delegation visited Moscow recently. So let's stop pretending there is no common thread. prgtoken And, make no mistake, Hamas is hoping that we ignore the humanitarian needs in Gaza so it can drive people to despair and anger and, ultimately, extremism. prgtoken
RAISING A QUESTION OF THE PRIVILEGES OF THE HOUSE
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-11-7

I am the only Palestinian American serving in Congress. My perspective is needed here now more than ever. prgtoken I will not be silenced, and I will not let you distort my words. Folks forget I am from the city of Detroit, the most beautiful, Blackest city in the country, where I learned to speak truth to power, even if my voice shakes. Trying to bully or censure me won't work because this movement for a cease-fire is much bigger than one person. It is growing every single day. prgtoken There are millions of people across our country who oppose Netanyahu's extremism and are done watching our government support collective punishment and the use of white phosphorus bombs that melt flesh to the bone. prgtoken They are done watching our government, , supporting cutting off food, water, electricity, and medical care to millions of people with nowhere to go. prgtoken Like me, , they don't believe the answer to war crimes is more war crimes. prgtoken The refusal of Congress and the administration to acknowledge Palestinian lives is chipping away at my soul. Over 10,000 Palestinians have been killed. The majority were children. prgtoken Let me be clear: My criticism has always been of the Israeli Government and Netanyahu's actions. prgtoken It is important to separate people and governments, . No government is beyond criticism. The idea that criticizing the Government of Israel is anti-Semitic sets a very dangerous precedent, and it is being used to silence diverse voices speaking up for human rights across our Nation. prgtoken Do you realize what it is like, , for the people outside of the Chamber right now listening in agony to their own government dehumanizing them, to hear the President of the United States we helped elect dispute death tolls as we see video after video of parents and dead children under rubble? prgtoken , do you know what it is like to feel rising hate crimes, to know how Islamophobia and anti-Semitism make us all less safe, and to worry that your own child might suffer the horrors that 6-year-old Wadea did in Illinois? prgtoken I can't believe I have to say this, but Palestinian people are not disposable. We are human beings just like anyone else. My sity, my grandmother, like all Palestinians, just wants to live her life with the freedom and human dignity we all deserve. prgtoken Speaking up to save lives, , no matter faith, no matter ethnicity, should not be controversial in this Chamber. The cries of Palestinian and Israeli children sound no different to me. What I do not understand is why the cries of Palestinians sound different to you- all. prgtoken We cannot lose our shared humanity, . I hear the voices of advocates in Israel, in Palestine, across America, and around the world for peace. I am inspired by the courageous survivors in Israel who have lost loved ones yet are calling for a cease-fire and the end to violence. I am grateful to the people in the streets for the peace movemen
RECOGNIZING THE CAREER OF MONICA BIBBS
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2023-11-7

I rise to recognize the critically important and remarkable work of Monica Bibbs, who recently stepped down as Director of School Strategies & Logistics at the W.B. Patterson Elenrentary School, a public school in the District of Columbia. prgtoken At W.B. Patterson Elementary School, Ms. Bibbs delivered high-quality work on time, prioritized tasks and managed her time well and demonstrated excellent organizational skills. prgtoken Ms. Bibbs began her teaching career in 1987 at H.D. Woodson Senior High School as a mathematics teacher. In 2007, she went to work in central administration as a secondary school numeracy coach and mathematics content specialist. prgtoken In 2014, she went to work at W.B. Patterson Elementary School as an Assistant Principal, where she worked collaboratively to achieve team goals and contributed positively to team dynamics, fostering a positive work environment. In 2016, she began serving as Director of School Strategies & Logistics, a role she performed with dedication and a strong work ethic until her retirement this year. prgtoken , I ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Monica Bibbs and her nearly 35 years of incredible service to public schools in D.C.
RAISING A QUESTION OF THE PRIVILEGES OF THE HOUSE
Ayanna Pressley (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-11-7

I rise in opposition to this censure resolution that is blatantly Islamophobic, anti-democratic, and an utter waste of time. prgtoken This resolution is as dishonest as it is unproductive. Any Member who denies that Congresswoman Tlaib has opposed the killing of civilians-- Israeli, Palestinian, and American alike--is willfully ignoring the truth. prgtoken Representative Tlaib was elected by voters in Michigan to do exactly what she does best: advocate for a better, safer, more just world. She leads with love, speaks truth to power, and seeks justice even when her life and that of her family and her staff are threatened. prgtoken As a daughter, mother, sister, friend, advocate, and effective, duly- elected, three-term, first-ever Palestinian-American Member of Congress, she has been a much-needed voice in an institution that has too often failed to listen. prgtoken Today, s are again attacking a ic colleague just because they don't like what she has to say. It is another shameful but predictable ploy of distraction from the real traffickers of hate who are obsessed with policing progressive women of color. prgtoken , I oppose this offensive resolution for every little girl from Michigan to the Middle East who sees herself when they see the leadership of Representative Rashida Tlaib, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 4664, FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024
Suzanne Bonamici (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2023-11-7

. Madam , I rise today in opposition to House Resolution 847 and to reiterate our commitment to equal justice under the law. prgtoken As Members of this distinguished body, we all take an oath to support and defend the Constitution. Unfortunately, the Financial Services and General Government bill we will consider this week will undermine the constitutional rights of Americans. prgtoken In this legislation, Federal public defenders face a steep cut--an underfunding of nearly $100 million. This is unacceptable and will disrupt equal access to justice. prgtoken Nearly 90 percent of defendants in Federal criminal cases cannot afford an attorney, which is their constitutional right to have. If there are not enough Federal defenders, cases could be delayed, and the cost will be more in the long run. prgtoken Defendants will be referred to private panel attorneys, who typically have less experience and cost more. That makes no sense. prgtoken This is not a partisan issue, . This is an issue of constitutional rights, and it is smart fiscal policy. prgtoken For several years, I have led bipartisan efforts to adequately fund Federal public defenders, and this year, I have led several bipartisan calls to fully fund our Federal defenders. prgtoken We must defeat this rule and return the bill to committee so we can follow through on our constitutional responsibility to adequately fund Federal public defenders. It is their right to have counsel. If it is not afforded, they will be referred to panel attorneys, who cost more. That makes no sense, . prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent to include in the Record a letter from the Defender Services Advisory Group, emphasizing that failing to adequately fund Federal public defense will inflict a cascade of dangerous and damaging consequences on their program, on clients, and on our criminal justice system.
RAISING A QUESTION OF THE PRIVILEGES OF THE HOUSE
Cori Bush (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2023-11-7

. St. Louis and I rise today in opposition to this censure resolution and also in opposition to the reckless manner that people in this House speak when they don't realize or don't care that they put targets on the backs of actual people, most of whom are Black and Brown, because of a lack of care and the lack of understanding and a lack of seeing the humanity of folks who look like Rashida Tlaib. prgtoken It is outrageous that my colleagues are blatantly, blatantly attempting to silence the only Palestinian-American Representative right here. prgtoken It is outrageous, but it is not surprising. Let me tell you, Mr it is not surprising because this place is where 1,700 Members of Congress, this elected body, enslaved Black people. It is not surprising, because they thought it was right. prgtoken It is not surprising because this is a place where Members continue to claim that the insurrection on the Capitol just appeared to look like a normal tourist visit. prgtoken It is not surprising because this is the place where our Black and Brown staff members repeatedly speak of experiencing racism, sexism, Islamophobia, get pushed off of elevators, xenophobia and more right here in this workplace. This is the place. prgtoken Let me say this: She mourns for the 1,400 Israelis who lost their lives.
U.S. Supreme Court (Executive Calendar)
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2023-11-7

I want to thank Senator Whitehouse for his leadership on this issue--persistent, consistent, constant in seeking the truth; very simply, seeking the facts. prgtoken We are here about the authorization of a subpoena to three individuals--Harlan Crow, Leonard Leo, and Robin Arkley--who have engaged in, we know for sure, a pattern of gift-giving, including lavish vacations, private jet flights, school tuition, and even a luxury RV. These wealthy political activists have given those gratuities, we know for sure, but we know very little else because the Supreme Court has no code of ethics. prgtoken The U.S. Supreme Court could defuse a lot of the degrading rumor and speculation if it were simply to do as every other branch of government, as every other judge except for the U.S. Supreme Court does and impose a code of ethics. Its refusal to adopt a code of ethics lies at the core of our reason for being here today. prgtoken But, in my view, these subpoenas are part of an effort to save the Court from its own self-inflicted ethical crisis. It is an ethical conflagration of its own making. The Supreme Court Justices are the only Federal judges who are not subject to a binding and enforceable ethical code, and that leads to the next point. prgtoken The Judicial Conference is a creation of this body, the U.S. Congress. We are looking into what the Judicial Conference should be doing and what it may know and should be held accountable for knowing. Our investigative effort directly concerns a creation legislatively of the Congress. It is perfectly proper. It raises no constitutional issues. prgtoken All this stuff about the independence of the Supreme Court--yes, it is an independent branch of government, but it is not nonaccountable. Funds for it are appropriated. Rules of evidence are created. There are numerous ways that it, in effect, is held a part of an overall and overarching Government of the United States of America. prgtoken The small circle of individuals here who have engaged in these gifts--all of them far-right, wealthy donors; some of them having cases before the Court--raises issues that are profoundly important to the credibility of the Court itself. So, again, we are seeking to save the Court, in a sense, from its own potentially self-inflicted continuing degrading and diminishing. prgtoken The fact that the polls show the Supreme Court has plummeted in public opinion is not the reason for us to investigate, but they reflect a secrecy, combined with these potentially improper gifts, that is undermining the Court as an institution. prgtoken I say it sadly because I was a law clerk on the U.S. Supreme Court to Justice Harry Blackmun--who, by the way, would not even go to dinner with someone who might at some point in the future have a case before the Court. I have argued cases before them, before the U.S. Supreme Court. I have real reverence for the Court as an institution. So I am especially