mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM FOR WOMEN ACT
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-6-17

a few moments ago, I took the first procedural step to place on the legislative calendar the Reproductive Freedom for Women Act, sponsored by Senator Murray and myself and cosponsored by all the women Senators on our side. This measure affirms a woman's fundamental right to choose and calls for enshrining the protections of Roe v. Wade into law, as most Americans say they want. prgtoken I thank Senator Murray and all of my colleagues who cosponsored the Reproductive Freedom for Women Act, and I will work to bring it to the floor. prgtoken We are only halfway through June, but it has already been a dismal month for MAGA s and their attacks on reproductive freedoms. In the last 2 weeks, Senate s have shown that, for all their attempts to sound moderate on reproductive freedom, when it comes time to vote, they are falling in line with MAGA extremists. prgtoken This month, Senate s have already blocked legislation protecting commonsense reproductive care, like contraception and IVF, as the Acting President pro tempore knows well. House s, meanwhile, voted overwhelmingly on Friday to pass the Defense funding bill, with hard-right poison pills restricting access to reproductive care for our servicemembers. prgtoken And , while speaking to s on Capitol Hill last week, once again attacked the decision of Roe and said abortion should be left to the States, even if States pass terrible restrictions on women's freedoms, as is happening all over the country. prgtoken s cannot escape a simple reality: Their record on women's healthcare is dangerously out of step with the views of most Americans. Poll after poll affirms that a majority of Americans disapproved of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe. prgtoken So I will say it again: So many Senate s and so many House s will try to talk like moderates on reproductive freedoms, but their own record is irrefutably against them. And when it comes time to vote, they vote against women and reproductive freedoms over and over again. The American people know that when it comes to protecting their fundamental freedoms, actions speak louder than words. prgtoken s can't claim to be pro-contraception but then block Federal protections for contraception. But that is just what they did a few weeks ago. prgtoken s can't also claim to be pro-family but then block Federal protections for IVF. But, once again, that is just what they did a few days ago. prgtoken Remember, , to this day, continues to brag about his role in eliminating Roe, aided by s in this Chamber who voted to confirm not one, not two, but three hard-right Supreme Court Justices with the goal of overturning Roe. prgtoken Make no mistake. The MAGA extremists aren't done. If they get the chance, they will push for their ultimate goal of a national abortion ban. prgtoken Many Re
SUPREME COURT ETHICS, RECUSAL, AND TRANSPARENCY ACT
Amy Klobuchar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2024-6-17

I rise because now is the time to pass Senator Whitehouse's legislation to require the Supreme Court of the United States to adopt a binding and enforceable code of ethics, create a process for investigating misconduct, and improve the disclosure and transparency requirements for the Justices on our Nation's highest Court. s Senators Whitehouse and Durbin for their leadership on this issue. prgtoken I have long believed that rule of law is central to our democracy and that preserving public trust in our institutions is vital to the health of our Republic. It is important that the American people have confidence that the Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States are making decisions based on the facts and the law, not private interests. prgtoken The Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States know this, too. In fact, the very first canon that the Supreme Court set out in its code of conduct last November states that ``a Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States should maintain and observe high standards of conduct in order to preserve the integrity and independence of the federal judiciary.'' prgtoken This isn't the first time that Congress has had to address the need for transparency and ethical requirements for government officials. In 1978, in the wake of Watergate, Congress passed the Ethics in Government Act, which requires certain public officials, including Supreme Court Justices and members of the executive branch, to make disclosures about their financial interests, including income they receive from a source outside the Federal Government, gifts, debts they owe, and sales of certain real estate and stocks. prgtoken Unfortunately, in recent years, we have seen an alarming rise in reports of ethically questionable behavior by the Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States in regard to accepting and not disclosing gifts as required under the law. For example, we learned that in 2014, Justice Thomas allowed a billionaire to buy his mom's house and fix it up for her--and pay for the Justice and his wife to take lavish vacations. We also know that same billionaire paid for Justice Thomas to attend a trip to Malaysia on a private jet and a superyacht. That trip was valued at over $500,000 and was not disclosed by Justice Thomas. Justice Thomas was required to report these gifts, but he didn't. Instead, we only found out about it through the work of investigative journalists. prgtoken There needs to be an enforceable code of ethics and mechanisms to investigate, and if necessary, take corrective action when the Justices don't take their reporting obligations seriously. That is how we preserve the American people's confidence in the institutions of government, including the Supreme Court. prgtoken Just like transparency, judges are supposed to be above politics and avoid even the appearance of bias. In 1974, Congress passed a law requiring th
REMEMBERING MICHAEL LOVELL
Tammy Baldwin (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2024-6-17

I rise today to recognize the life and exceptional career of Michael Lovell, president of Marquette University, who died on June 9, 2024 at the age of 57. Mr. Lovell's passing has deeply impacted not only the Marquette University community, but also the entire State of Wisconsin. prgtoken Mr. Lovell was born in 1967, and from a young age, he excelled in academics. Lovell earned a bachelor of science, master of science, and PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. However, his commitment to science did not end there. Lovell authored over 100 articles in engineering journals, contributed to 12 book chapters, and collaborated on a book titled ``Tribology for Scientists and Engineers.'' As a researcher, he spearheaded investigations securing nearly $30 million in research grants from various sources, including foundations, corporations, and government entities like the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Education. His work yielded multiple technological advancements, resulting in the acquisition of 7 patents and 14 provisional patents. In recognition of his contributions, Lovell was formally inducted into the National Academy of Inventors. prgtoken In 2008, Mr. Lovell arrived in Milwaukee to serve as the dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Lovell went on to serve as the interim chancellor of UWM and then secured the permanent position in 2011. Just a few years later, in 2014, Lovell was presented with the opportunity to take on the role of Marquette's president. He stated, ``It became clear to me I was called to Milwaukee six years ago to become Marquette's president. It was never really my plan, but I'm just glad I decided to follow it.'' prgtoken Michael Lovell's decade-long stewardship of Marquette University exemplified a profound commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and community development, all rooted in the Jesuit values that guided his leadership. His tenure as Marquette's first lay president marked a transformative era for the institution, characterized by tireless dedication to its mission and the well-being of its students, faculty, and staff. prgtoken Beyond the confines of academia, Michael Lovell's influence extended into the fabric of Milwaukee itself. His collaborative spirit and vision for partnership brought together diverse stakeholders to address pressing societal challenges and drive economic growth in our communities. From his instrumental role in establishing the Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute, to his advocacy for initiatives tackling issues like poverty and psychological trauma, Lovell's legacy as a catalyst for positive change will endure for generations to come. prgtoken Yet, amidst his professional achievements, Michael Lovell's personal journey stands as a testament to resilience, faith, and unwave
RECOGNIZING THE KRESGE FOUNDATION
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-6-17

I rise today to honor the work and legacy of the Kresge Foundation, an organization founded and headquartered in suburban Detroit, as they celebrate 100 years of philanthropy. Over the past century, the Kresge Foundation has remained true to its profoundly simple yet decidedly impactful founding mission to ``promote the well-being of mankind,'' while also serving as a leader and example for philanthropic efforts the world over. It is a privilege and honor to recognize the centennial milestone of this singular organization on June 11, 2024. prgtoken The Kresge Foundation was founded in Detroit in 1924 by department store businessman and philanthropist Sebastian Spering Kresge, whose S.S. Kresge Co.--and later, Kmart--brought affordable goods to everyday Americans in communities across the country. To help commemorate the 25th anniversary of his company's founding, Mr. Kresge set aside a $1.3 million gift for the initial endowment of his foundation, followed up shortly after by an additional donation of 500,000 shares of common stock in the S.S. Kresge Co. This founding endowment not only allowed the Kresge Foundation to establish itself and its mission but to grow alongside the company it shares its name with, ultimately expanding into the global philanthropic organization it is today. prgtoken Beginning with its first charitable donation in 1925--a $100 grant to the Salvation Army of Detroit--and expanding outward from there, the Kresge Foundation has built a record of transformative and innovative philanthropic work over its history. Through its grant-making efforts, particularly the use of its signature challenge grants, the Kresge Foundation has awarded over $5 billion in funding over its 100 years to worthy causes across all 50 States, Washington, DC, two U.S. territories, and 18 countries around the world. prgtoken Today, its multifaceted work spans six key priority areas, which include arts and culture, community development, the city of Detroit, environment, education, and health and human services. From supporting cutting-edge medical research at the Kresge Eye Institute in Ann Arbor to building bridges to promising futures for Detroit school children at the School at Marygrove, the foundation's impact truly spans the breadth of human endeavor and need. prgtoken Perhaps its cornerstone partnership, however, lies with its commitments to prgtoken the city of Detroit and its residents. Across the history of the foundation and the city itself, the collaboration between the two has proven indispensable, with the Kresge Foundation playing a key leadership role in navigating the city's ever-evolving opportunities and challenges. Notable efforts include opening up access to the city's waterfront with the creation of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy; setting the city on a sustainable, forward-looking path through the drafting of the Detroit Future City plan; stabilizing and reconnecting neigh
Nomination of Mustafa Taher Kasubhai (Executive Session)
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2024-6-17

I come to the floor today to state my strong support for Judge Mustafa Kasubhai's nomination to serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon. prgtoken There are a number of reasons why I believe Judge Kasubhai's nomination is appropriate, but today I will focus on what I think are three priorities of his. First is public safety; second is understanding rural communities; and third, his nomination has broad support from leaders across the political spectrum. prgtoken During his 6 years serving as a Federal magistrate judge on the Oregon district court, Judge Kasubhai has demonstrated a commitment to the rule of law and community security--so much so that the judge's nomination has been endorsed by the Oregon Association Chiefs of Police, the Acting U.S. Marshal, and others in law enforcement. prgtoken The Oregon Association Chiefs of Police took special note of Judge Kasubhai's record. They called that record a ``distinguished record of service and dedication to upholding the rule of law, as well as his unwavering commitment to supporting crime victims and law enforcement'' as one of the many reasons that the Oregon Association Chiefs of Police is backing his nomination. prgtoken In one case earlier this year, Judge Kasubhai ordered a White supremacist, alleged to have defaced a synagogue, to be held in detention while court proceedings were ongoing. Judge Kasubhai deemed this individual too great a threat to the community, despite defense counsel calling for him to be released on home confinement. This is just one example which shows Judge Kasubhai's commitment to prioritizing public safety. prgtoken Second, the judge knows and understands the challenges facing rural communities across the country. Before serving as a magistrate judge, he practiced law in Klamath Falls, OR. For those who aren't familiar with my State, this is a very rural area with an agricultural and natural resource-driven economy. prgtoken Judge Kasubhai has been there for these communities. Anyone with Judge Kasubhai's resume would have had a lot of opportunities available to them, and it says a lot about the judge's character and care for rural Oregonians that he chose to go where his skills were most needed, and he saw that he could make a difference in rural Oregon. prgtoken In talking with Judge Kasubhai, it is clear that his time working in Klamath Falls gave him a firsthand understanding of how the judicial system affects rural communities. I have no doubt that he will use this knowledge to ensure that his decisions are fair to all and take into account the needs of communities, large and small. prgtoken Finally, not only did Judge Kasubhai advance through a bipartisan judicial selection commission in my State, he also brings with him letters of support from leaders across Oregon and the political spectrum. Notably, he has the support of both a judge appointed by President , who called him ``the very
SUPREME COURT ETHICS, RECUSAL, AND TRANSPARENCY ACT
Laphonza R. Butler (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-6-17

I rise today to join my colleagues in urging that the Supreme Court be held to a higher standard of transparency and accountability and that we immediately pass the Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act. prgtoken Let me begin by thanking my colleagues Senators Whitehouse and Durbin for their tireless work on this issue. They understand that Congress has a responsibility to hold those in places of power to account, and I am proud to join their effort. prgtoken The American public's confidence in our democratic institutions has reached new lows. In February of this year, a poll by the Marquette School of Law found that 60 percent of respondents disapproved of the Supreme Court. And who could blame them? The egregious behavior we have seen from some Supreme Court Justices in the last few months is deeply concerning and has eroded trust in our institutions. The highest Court in the land is no place for anyone with personal bias and questionable ethics. prgtoken Take for example, Justice Clarence Thomas, who failed to disclose significant gifts and financial transactions from wealthy conservative billionaires. Meanwhile, Justice Thomas's wife involved herself in efforts to overturn the 2020 Presidential election results. How should the American public expect Justice Thomas to ``faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon him?'' They can't. prgtoken Or consider Justice Samuel Alito who similarly accepted undisclosed trips and gifts funded by conservative benefactors. And an inverted American flag--a symbol carried by January 6 insurrectionists--was seen at his home less than 2 weeks after the violent attack on the Capitol. How should the American public expect Justice Alito to ``faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon him?'' They can't. prgtoken So it should come as no surprise to us that more than half of Americans disapprove of the Supreme Court. But maintaining the public's trust and confidence in the Court is essential to the credibility of the judicial branch. The Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act is our first step toward slowly, but surely, rebuilding that. prgtoken In 2022, while speaking at the annual convention of the American Constitution Society, Justice Sonia Sotomayor said, ``We have to have continuing faith in the court system and our system of government,'' adding that she hoped ``to regain the public's confidence that we--as a court, as an institution--have not lost our way.'' prgtoken It is our job as the U.S. Congress to ensure that our way truly is not lost. Establishing basic transparency of those who interpret the highest law of the land are not just matters of common sense, it is a moral imperative. It is a necessary function of Congress to keep those in power in check. If we fail to fulfill this responsibility, then we ultimately fail the millions of Americans we are sworn t
Gun Violence (Executive Session)
Christopher Murphy (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2024-6-17

. and colleagues, this is a speech I have been thinking about giving for a long time. I think it is a speech somebody needs to give, but it is hard. There is some really awful stuff I am going to talk about, things that cut deep when we think about who we are, when we think about how we handle crises and emergencies, about the things we need to do as a human race to feel safe. prgtoken I want to talk to you today about what happened on May 24, 2022-- almost 2 years ago--at an elementary school in Uvalde, TX. After 2 years of review, investigation, hand-wringing, grief, and anger, we now have as full a picture of what happened that day as we ever will, and we need to talk about it because it is important. prgtoken Here is what we know: 1 hour and 17 minutes after a gunman entered Robb Elementary School and opened fire on two classrooms full of children, 54 minutes after a school police officer got a call from his wife, who said that she had been shot in her classroom, 38 minutes after a 9-1-1 dispatcher told police there were confirmed victims in the classrooms, only then did a team of officers finally enter room 111 at Robb Elementary School and kill the gunman--1 hour and 17 excruciating minutes. The kids inside those classrooms--9, 10, 11 years old--and their teachers waited to be saved by the people whose job it was to keep them safe. prgtoken The students in rooms 111 and 112 had prepared for this moment. They had practiced what they should do if something like this were to happen: Drop to the floor. Sit along the walls farthest from the door and the windows. Crouch under desks, countertops--anywhere you could be safe. prgtoken They stayed silent--so silent that the officers on the other side of the door thought that there couldn't possibly be children inside. Surely, they would be crying out. But they were doing, in fact, exactly what they were told to do. They were doing their part. prgtoken As the minutes went on, outside the classroom stood not 10 armed officers, not 50, not even 100. Outside the classroom and surrounding the school, 376 armed officers were present--outside the classroom. prgtoken Inside the classroom, 10-year-old Ailyn Ramos hugged her friend Leann Garcia to stop her from screaming out in pain. prgtoken Inside the classroom, Elsa Avila, a teacher in room 109, tried to stay conscious after a bullet ripped through her stomach. Her students whispered to her: Miss, we love you. You're going to be OK. prgtoken They told each other: Don't let her go to sleep. prgtoken Inside the classroom, 10-year-old Khloie Torres and Miah Cerrillo called 9-1-1, begging for help. prgtoken Inside the classroom, Khloie and Miah's classmate Kendall Olivarez sobbed in pain as she lay stuck under their teacher, who had already been killed. prgtoken As 33 students and 3 of their teachers spent an hour and 17 minutes trapped in a room with an active shooter, there were hundreds of armed ad
Disaster Relief Funding (Executive Session)
Peter Welch (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2024-6-17

the United States had 75 major disaster declarations since July of 2023. Just last week, a flood tore through southern Florida, and it is only a matter of time before another State is hit. prgtoken This ``natural disaster'' caucus is growing, and it is growing quickly. It is a caucus none of us want to join nor do we ask to join, but instead are forced into it with a single mission: to help our constituents--our communities that have been through unimaginable suffering and pain--to get the resources that they need. prgtoken Vermonters know all too well the immense toll a natural disaster takes. It takes it on our communities and our economy. prgtoken Nearly 1 year ago, Vermont experienced nonstop rain over a period of several days. It led to flash flooding, washouts, and mudslides all across our State. It was brutal. Homes and businesses and farms and public infrastructure were damaged, and many were destroyed. It was an all-hands-on-deck moment, and neighbors helped neighbors dig out. From the municipal level to the Federal Government, we tried to help people get back on their feet. And we did get back on our feet, but the damage--if it was your home, if it was your business, if it was your farm--is still lasting. prgtoken I have come to the Senate many times since the floodwaters receded to share stories of Vermonters. Their stories are of resiliency through hardship. Vermonters have stories of community and grit and determination. And I am proud, of course, of Vermonters, but I believe that this is the case in communities throughout our Nation. prgtoken But our recovery, despite that, is far from complete I will say it loud, clear, and directly: Vermont needs more recovery money. What happened to these families and to these businesses was an act of nature--no fault of their own--but they deserve a shot to get back on their feet. prgtoken And as I revisit communities that were hit hard by flooding--places like Barre, Johnson, Hardwick, Montpelier, Ludlow, and Londonderry--it is clear that work to recover from this flood will last for years. There are home and business buyouts that are stalled, farmers who need help, and resiliency projects that need to get done before the next flood comes--and it will be coming. prgtoken We need supplemental disaster funding, and we really do need it now. The funds need to be flexible so that our communities in Vermont, in Hawaii, in Texas, in Florida, in California, and in other States can use the funds as needed for their recovery to their unique needs. prgtoken A flood and a fire require different recovery strategies, and that should be reflected in the funding. That is why the community development block grants for disaster recovery are so critical. They are flexible. They are local-led. These funds give the communities the flexibility needed to rebuild and recover, allowing them to prepare for future disasters and safeguard their communit