mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Eric Swalwell (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-1-12

. On January 6th, incited radicalized terrorists to attack the Capitol to stop the counting of electoral ballots. won't protect life and cannot uphold our Constitution, so we must do so today. prgtoken It is time for our country to unite, but unity in a national crisis starts with accountability, and that starts here in the people's House. So let's unite against the violence incited by to stop a peaceful transition of power, and unite for the safety of all Americans. Let's unite against a President whose hate speech led to the death of a law enforcement officer, and unite for the cops, the military who bravely defended the Capitol. Let's unite against , who inspired terrorists to carry a Confederate flag into this Capitol, display a noose, and desecrate the people's House. And let's unite for the custodial staff, largely people of color, who cleaned up after those White supremacists, because they still believe in this democracy, as imperfect as it was that day. prgtoken The most essential function of a President is to protect life and defend liberty. has failed to do that and is failing to do that. So Vice President must invoke the 25th Amendment.
Maxine Waters (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-1-12

on January 6, 2021, domestic terrorists the President has empowered for years stormed the Capitol, desecrated the people's House, and threatened the lives of the , Vice President, and countless other Members and staff. None of us will ever forget that day. prgtoken The invasion of the Capitol was not only foreseeable, it was inevitable because of the many years the President has spent fanning the flames of hatred and racism in our country. prgtoken The facts are clear: The President rallied his supporters at the White House and then sent them to the Capitol to disrupt our democracy and overturn an election. prgtoken I won't spend another second explaining why should have long ago been removed from office. showed us who he was from the very beginning. Too many people turned a blind eye, and, last Wednesday, our country paid the price.
THE PRESIDENT IS MENTALLY UNFIT
John B. Larson (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2021-1-12

. Madam , we recently witnessed an unprecedented attack on the Capitol as a joint session of Congress convened to count and certify the Electoral College votes. This was an attack on not only the hallowed halls of the Capitol, but on the very heart and soul of our democracy: it was an attack on the peaceful transition of power. prgtoken There can be no doubt who instigated the insurrectionists and incited them to domestic terrorism. The President of the United States called on his supporters to march on the Capitol. He told them: ``We're probably not going to be cheering so much for some of them because you'll never take back our country with weakness. You have to show strength, and you have to be strong.'' prgtoken In 2017, Dr. Harold Schwartz wrote this op-ed, published in the Hartford Courant. In it, he describes several mental disorders that may be applicable to the President. It has proven to be remarkably prescient and foreshadowed the events of January 6, 2021. I include it in the Record here so that Members and the public may draw their own conclusions about the President's fitness to serve out the remainder of his term. I, for one, believe that the President is a malignant narcissist lacking the capacity to discharge the duties of his office and call on the Vice President to invoke the 25th Amendment. I'm Not Diagnosing : Just Saying . . . (By Harold I. Schwartz) Psychiatrists are prohibited by the so-called Goldwater Rule from diagnosing public figures they have not personally assessed. This prohibition followed the 1964 election, when Barry Goldwater was the candidate for president and felt by many to have extreme views. He was castigated in a survey of American psychiatrists and unfairly labeled with virtually every diagnosis in the book. Fearful of the implications of diagnosing from afar, the American Psychiatric Association prohibited this activity to protect the credibility of American psychiatry and the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of public figures. On the one hand, the prohibition makes sense. On the other, it's a gag rule preventing psychiatrists from contributing to the conversation. It may not be necessary, however, for a psychiatrist to offer a diagnosis to join the discussion of just what is (or is not) wrong with . Mere information may suffice. In this spirit I bring you, straight from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (the DSM-V, psychiatry's diagnostic bible), the descriptions of several mental disorders. Far be it from me to say they apply to Mr. . You may decide. Let's start in the Personality Disorders section. There are many disorders within this category and their features often mix and match. Here are the characteristics, r
Steve Chabot (Republican, OH) \u2014 2021-1-12

what happened last Wednesday at the Capitol never should have happened. The actions of those who attempted to breach the Capitol Building, and then ultimately did, are inexcusable. Lawlessness and violence are never acceptable, whichever side of the political divide one may fall. Those who broke the law should be and will be identified and prosecuted. prgtoken In the aftermath of last week's tragic events, most Americans continue to be saddened, angry, and wanting answers, and they are looking to us to provide a positive example of how to bring our Nation back together. Unfortunately, if what we are doing this evening is any indication, Congress might not be up to the task. prgtoken The ' attempt to invoke the 25th Amendment and to once again impeach President a week before he will be leaving office anyway are, in my opinion, misguided. The push to encourage the Vice President to invoke the 25th Amendment is especially ill advised. prgtoken The Constitution is clear that the role for Congress to play under the 25th Amendment is to decide if the powers provided thereunder have been properly invoked in the event of a dispute between the President and Vice President or the majority of the Cabinet. In other words, we are to serve as judges under the 25th Amendment, not instigators. prgtoken By encouraging the Vice President to take action, supporters of this resolution are abandoning our constitutional role, which could have a significant legal consequence down the road. And even more importantly, rather than help to heal a divided nation, the ' effort will likely drive us even further apart. prgtoken Instead, , we should be turning our attention toward uniting the American people. It is time for us to tone down the political rhetoric, to work together, to solve the problems that face our Nation. It is time for us to put aside our differences and find common ground. After all, we are all Americans.
Marjorie Taylor Greene (Republican, GA) \u2014 2021-1-12

. Our Vice-President-elect, , posted the Minnesota Freedom Fund bail link, encouraging people to donate money to bail criminals out of jail. prgtoken , I include in the Record Vice-President-elect ' tweet about the Minnesota Freedom Fund. @Kamala If you're able to, chip in now to the @MNFreedomFund to help post bail for those protesting on the ground in Minnesota. 4:34 p.m. 6/1/20 Sprout Social
Dan Bishop (Republican, NC) \u2014 2021-1-12

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken Two questions, as we begin another 24 hours that will deepen the wounds of the country and the disaffection among Americans: prgtoken First, will you stop at nothing? prgtoken Second, is there any hypocrisy too far? prgtoken Let's call this what it is: An ultimatum, an attempt to intimidate and bully Vice President . They are not seeking just the same ends as the gentleman from California (Mr. McClintock) said, they employ the same means. They seek to bully the Vice President to abuse power under the 25th Amendment, intended to provide for temporary or sudden incapacity of the President while they claim to be scandalized about the President bullying the Vice President one week ago to abuse power under the 12th Amendment. prgtoken With all due respect for the gentleman from Maryland, he has not answered: Why are you doing this now? prgtoken Tonight, the Vice President has clarified in a letter sent to all of us at 7:34 p.m. that this resolution has absolutely no other purpose. Here are three key things he said: ``I urge you and every Member of Congress to avoid actions that would further divide and inflame the passions of the moment. Work with us to lower the temperature and unite our country. . . . `' prgtoken Quote: ``As you know full well, the 25th Amendment was designed to address Presidential incapacity or disability.'' prgtoken Quote: ``Under our Constitution, the 25th Amendment is not a means of punishment or usurpation.'' prgtoken And listen to this one carefully: ``Last week, I did not yield to pressure to exert power beyond my constitutional authority . . and I will not now yield to efforts in the House of Representatives to play political games at a time so serious in the life of our Nation.'' prgtoken The Vice President has given you your answer before you ask the question. No legitimate purpose to this resolution remains. Your ultimatum does violence to a core feature of the architecture of the Constitution. The Framers were emphatic about their purpose to avoid making the President a creature of Congress. The 25th Amendment was not ratified to change that, as you well know. Please do not pervert this important protection to undermine the Constitution.
HONORING HARKER HEIGHTS, TX COUNCILMAN JOHN REIDER
John R. Carter (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-1-12

. Madam , I'm honored to celebrate and recognize the extraordinary work of Harker Heights, TX Councilman John Reider. His eighteen years of dedication to his beloved city are the reflection of a true and devoted public servant. prgtoken With his ``can-do'' spirit and high-minded vision, John is a trusted community leader. He brought his tremendous work ethic and commitment to excellence to every challenge he encountered. It's public servants like him that make Harker Heights the welcoming, successful city that it is. prgtoken While John isn't tired of the privilege of public service, he knows that everything has its season and the time has come to allow the next generation of leaders to take the stage. Stepping away from his office won't give him much idle time as he remains a vital part of the Central Texas community, operating a successful property management company with his beloved family. prgtoken Retirement is meant to be celebrated and enjoyed. It is not the end of a career, but the beginning of a new adventure. It is my honor to recognize the selfless service of John Reider as he starts this new chapter of his life. On behalf of Central Texas, I thank him for his superb work and wish him the very best.
Warren Davidson (Republican, OH) \u2014 2021-1-12

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken , I can't say it better than the Vice President said it himself. Vice President said, ``Last week, I did not yield to pressure to exert power beyond my constitutional authority to determine the outcome of the election, and I will not now yield to efforts in the House of Representatives to play political games at a time so serious in the life of our Nation.'' prgtoken , I include this letter in the Record. The Vice President, Washington, DC, January 12, 2021. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, , House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Madam : Every American was shocked and saddened by the attack on our Nation's Capitol last week, and I am grateful for the leadership that you and other congressional leaders provided in reconvening Congress to complete the people's business on the very same day. It was a moment that demonstrated to the American people the unity that is still possible in Congress when it is needed most. But now, with just eight days left in the President's term, you and the ic Caucus are demanding that the Cabinet and I invoke the 25th Amendment. I do not believe that such a course of action is in the best interest of our Nation or consistent with our Constitution. Last week, I did not yield to pressure to exert power beyond my constitutional authority to determine the outcome of the election, and I will not now yield to efforts in the House of Representatives to play political games at a time so serious in the life of our Nation. As you know full well, the 25th Amendment was designed to address Presidential incapacity or disability. Just a few months ago, when you introduced legislation to create a 25th Amendment Commission, you said, ``[a] President's fitness for office must be determined by science and facts.'' You said then that we must be ``[v]ery respectful of not making a judgment on the basis of a comment or behavior that we don't like, but based on a medical decision.'' Madam , you were right. Under our Constitution, the 25th Amendment is not a means of punishment or usurpation. Invoking the 25th Amendment in such a manner would set a terrible precedent. After the horrific events of this last week, our Administration's energy is directed to ensuring an orderly transition. The Bible says that ``for everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven . . . a time to heal . . . and a time to build up.'' That time is now. In the midst of a global pandemic, economic hardship for millions of Americans, and the tragic events of January 6th, now is the time for us to come together, now is the time to heal. I urge you and e
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H. RES. 21, CALLING ON VICE PRESIDENT PENCE TO CONVENE AND MOBILIZE THE CABINET TO ACTIVATE SECTION 4 OF THE 25TH AMENDMENT TO DECLARE PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP...
Brett Guthrie (Republican, KY) \u2014 2021-1-12

I thank the gentleman from Oklahoma for yielding. prgtoken All of us just still are speechless about what happened last Wednesday. It is just amazing that it happened here, and I condemn it in the utmost words as a violent act against the Capitol Building. We must find those who did it, and we must prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. prgtoken Every time I travel to Washington, the first thing I look for, as I did today, is if I could see it from my airplane window or if I could see it driving across the Potomac, the dome. I always feel pride that the people of the Second District of Kentucky, , allow me to serve under the dome. prgtoken When I got here today, it is still here. It is still standing. It is still the beacon throughout the world. It is bruised, but it is there. It is something that we all hold dear. prgtoken The protection of this building, that dome, this building, the office buildings but, most importantly, the people who work here, not those of us who are just elected to be here but those of us who work here and in service, I have faces I have talked to tonight on the floor that--I was not on the floor when it happened, but I knew the faces of the people who were, not just my colleagues, but those standing at the doors here tonight, , who have been through so much. prgtoken We can't let this happen again. If we defeat the PQ, the amendment my friend from Oklahoma has is a bipartisan commission to examine the circumstances and the attack, as well as its aftermath. prgtoken It will be modeled after 9/11 Commission to reduce duplication and increase communication and info-sharing between relevant government entities and law enforcement. The goal is to investigate, find the facts, and deliver reports so this can never happen again, and so we can better protect the Capitol complex and, most importantly, the employees that work here, serving our great country. We will protect them moving forward. prgtoken We all want answers, and this is the most prudent step at this time. We will follow wherever the facts lead us and take appropriate actions in response. prgtoken I urge the defeat of the PQ and the adoption of the amendment.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H. RES. 21, CALLING ON VICE PRESIDENT PENCE TO CONVENE AND MOBILIZE THE CABINET TO ACTIVATE SECTION 4 OF THE 25TH AMENDMENT TO DECLARE PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP...
Debbie Lesko (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2021-1-12

I rise in opposition to the rule. prgtoken Over the last week, we have heard calls from both parties' leaders, past and present, about the need for unity in our Nation. We have heard President-elect and other members of the ic Party call for unity, a path forward for our Nation full of mutual consideration and respect. prgtoken Yet here we are today with charging in the opposite direction, further dividing our Nation by calling for the invocation of the 25th Amendment by the Vice President. prgtoken Let's consider this for a moment. My ic colleagues are demanding Vice President invoke the 25th Amendment and take over as President. With these calls, it is clear they have full faith in the Vice President and his ability to act in a manner that is consistent with his constitutional responsibility. Simply put, they trust him to do the job. prgtoken Yet the very demand they are making insinuates that Vice President cannot be trusted to make the decision to invoke the 25th Amendment on his own. It calls into question the core of his judgment. prgtoken If you trust someone to lead our Nation and be the acting President, shouldn't you also trust that same person to take the steps necessary to safeguard it if needed? prgtoken With that, I urge opposition to the rule.
Jim Jordan (Republican, OH) \u2014 2021-1-12

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , what happened at the Capitol on January 6 was as wrong as wrong can be. It is not what America is about, and we condemn this violence. We commend the men and women of the Capitol Police for their bravery, and we mourn the loss of those lives that were taken last week. prgtoken s have been consistent. We condemn the violence last summer; we condemn the violence last week. have been consistent about one thing: their endless quest to overturn the 2016 election. They are still trying to overturn the 2016 election after the 2020 election. This has been an obsession with the . prgtoken In the first round, the first impeachment was based on the anonymous whistleblower. The majority tried to remove the President from office based on a guy whom we weren't allowed to see, know who he or she was, and couldn't cross-examine; who was an anonymous whistleblower with no firsthand knowledge; who was biased against the President; and who worked, interestingly enough, for . prgtoken So continuing this quest is not, as has been said so many times on the floor tonight, what the country needs. It is not what the country needs, particularly after the year the country has lived through. prgtoken I hope we will not vote for this, that this thing will go down, and I urge my colleagues to vote against the resolution sponsored by the gentleman from Maryland. prgtoken , .
Yvette Herrell (Republican, NM) \u2014 2021-1-12

I rise in opposition to the misuse of the 25th Amendment. prgtoken To preserve separation of powers, the authors of the 25th Amendment correctly intended section 4 to be initiated by the Vice President, not by the request of Congress. prgtoken Process concerns aside, the fact is, removing the President from office will not heal our Nation. It will not bridge our partisan divides, give Americans hope, or bring us together. It will only make things worse. prgtoken With just days away until President leaves the White House and just days into our new Congress, we have more important things to do. We should be working to hold Big Tech accountable. We should be working to help families and small businesses get through the pandemic. We should be working on jobs, on infrastructure, on energy, and all the other issues our constituents sent us here to address. prgtoken I am appalled by the violence that took place here last week. Those who assaulted police officers and forced their way into these hallowed halls are responsible for their criminal acts and must be brought to justice. prgtoken I cannot support the 25th Amendment, but I am also tired of the double standard, the double talk, and the double trouble that we have brought upon the American people. We have to stand for our Constitution. This is our Nehemiah moment, and we better take advantage.
Lauren Boebert (Republican, CO) \u2014 2021-1-12

I rise today to oppose yet another witch hunt. We should take at their word when they say: Never let a good crisis go to waste. prgtoken While section 4 of the 25th Amendment has never been used, a plain reading of the text, coupled with the context of its ratification, contemplates a very different scenario from the one we are currently in. prgtoken It envisions a President's disability resulting from serious illness or injury. To suggest it should be used in a different context violates the very intent of the 25th Amendment. prgtoken To be clear, this resolution is a divisive political stunt which would have no force of law and is a waste of our time. prgtoken , this resolution is a clear overreach, as invoking the 25th Amendment is not something Congress can initiate, and this must be initiated by the executive branch. prgtoken talk about unity, but clearly that is just talk, as their actions only further divide us. Their hypocrisy is on full display this week with this 25th Amendment stunt, Articles of Impeachment, censure bills, and other efforts to try to punish s for false accusations of inciting the type of violence they have so frequently and transparently supported in the past. prgtoken Throughout 2020, we witnessed welcome, encourage, and even normalize violence. For them, violent riots were effective in advancing their agenda.
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF PENNSYLVANIA STATE REPRESENTATIVE MIKE REESE
Guy Reschenthaler (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-1-12

. Madam , I rise to celebrate the life of Pennsylvania State Representative Mike Reese, who passed away on January 2, 2021, at the age of 42. Representative Reese was a loving husband to his wife, Angela, father, mentor, and role model to his children Addison, Michael, and Claire, and friend to many in our region and across the Commonwealth. prgtoken A lifelong Pennsylvanian, Representative Reese graduated from Duquesne University and obtained a Master's in Business Administration from Seton Hill University. Prior to his service in the state legislature, Representative Reese taught and served as an administrator at local schools and institutes of higher education in southwestern Pennsylvania. He also held the position of Chief of Staff for former Westmoreland County Commissioners Terry Marolt and Phil Light and assistant director and financial administrator for Westmoreland County. prgtoken In 2008, Representative Reese was elected to represent the 59th Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, serving portions of Westmoreland and Somerset Counties. Throughout his service, Representative Reese was a tireless advocate for the people of southwestern Pennsylvania. His hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed, and he held several leadership roles, including Caucus Secretary and Caucus Chairman. prgtoken Madam , it is with profound sadness that I recognize the loss of State Representative Mike Reese. Representative Reese's accomplishments and legacy will leave a lasting impact on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and he will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and community.