mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Social Media (Executive Session)
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2023-5-9

on May 4, 2019, 15-year-old Mason Bogard died after trying to mimic a choking challenge he saw on social media. prgtoken Three days earlier, his parents had found him unconscious in his room with a belt around his neck. There was nothing his doctors could do over that 3-day period to save his life. I am telling Mason's story today, with the permission of his mother, because it is so different from other stories. prgtoken I have shared a lot of these stories about the dangerous influence that online platforms have on our Nation's children. There is no evidence to suggest Mason was trying to hurt himself. This death was an accident. prgtoken We know this because after Mason died, his parents found a self- recorded video on his phone that had happened days prior to the accident. It shows him attempting the same viral challenge that killed him. prgtoken Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to speak with Mason's mom Joann about what she is doing to warn other parents about what is happening on these platforms. prgtoken Even before she lost her son, Joann knew about the dangers that social media could bring into her home. And she did everything in her power to protect her children from it. She used watchdog apps, physically checked their devices, and had candid conversations with the whole family about how dangerous content can be when it is popping up in your news feed. prgtoken At this point, I want to share what Joann told me about her efforts to make online platforms keep their promises about moderating and removing dangerous content like choking challenges. prgtoken And I am quoting Joann: Shortly after Mason's death, I began searching for Choking Challenge videos on all of the platforms. I searched for them weekly and I have reported hundreds. But the typical reply that I receive, if I receive a reply at all is-- prgtoken And she quotes the social media platforms-- ``We found that the reported content doesn't violate our Community Guidelines. We understand that you may not want to see this type content, and you have the option to block the account that posted it.'' prgtoken She went on to tell me that there was no process for an appeal, no way to push for answers from these so-called moderators. The videos stayed online. I would remind my colleagues that the response she is describing was generated after she reported videos of children strangling themselves in order to get clicks. prgtoken This is one woman's story about one precious child--her child--who died because an online platform, a social media platform failed him. But thousands of parents can tell you similar stories about how their children got caught up in viral trends or emotionally spiraled after encountering content that preyed upon their insecurities. prgtoken And while we know that social media isn't the only cause for this decline in mental health, we do know that things have gotten muc
TRIBUTE TO AIRMAN EARL SMITH
Tommy Tuberville (Republican, AL) \u2014 2023-5-9

we will never fully understand--or know--the sacrifices our servicemembers make to keep us safe, both at home and abroad, like Airman First Class Earl Smith of Lincoln, AL. His story of heroism went untold for more than 50 years because of security reasons. His bravery and quick action prevented what could have been the worst nuclear disaster in history. prgtoken Raised on a farm in Hatton, AL, Airman Smith and a friend decided on a whim to enlist in the U.S. Air Force after visiting a recruiting office in their local community. Always up for an adventure, Airman Smith decided to enroll in bomb disposal school after enlisting. He recalls his instructor's prgtoken warning on the first day that you are only allowed one chance to mess up--because just one mistake could be fatal. Nine months after completing his training, his skills were put to the ultimate test while stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina. prgtoken On January 24, 1961, Airman Smith woke up to a midnight call telling him to report to the base as soon as possible. Without any protective gear or fully strapping up his boots, he arrived to the base, where he was then whisked away to the site of a B-52 plane crash 15 miles away. The plane was transporting two nuclear bombs reported to be 250 times more powerful than those used on Japan during World War II. Both bombs had fallen out of the plane during the crash, creating what is now reported as a 100-percent kill zone for surrounding communities. prgtoken Upon arriving to the scene, he immediately noticed one of the bombs was activated. Despite a general ordering him not to touch the bomb until receiving permission from atomic support, Airman Smith knew that time was not on their side. Thankfully, he acted quickly to disengage the bomb, saving countless American lives. prgtoken Airman Smith now proudly travels across Alabama speaking to local groups about his military service, which has now received national and global recognition. If you travel to Eureka, NC, there is a marker that says, ``Nuclear Mishap--widespread disaster averted.'' This is all thanks to Alabama's extraordinary hero--Earl Smith--who I am proud to recognize as May's ``Veteran of the Month.''
Debt Ceiling (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-5-9

7 of the last 10 debt limit increases were attached to bipartisan government spending deals. All three of the debt limit increases from 2017 through 2020 were attached to bipartisan government spending deals. prgtoken So there is no reason why our country should be drifting toward crisis. The solution is clear; it has been clear for months. President needs to negotiate on spending with McCarthy. prgtoken The has been at the table since February. House s are the only people in town who have passed any bill that prevents default. President has been MIA. prgtoken House and Senate have no plan, no proposal. They have no bill to raise the debt ceiling that could pass either in the House or the Senate, let alone both. prgtoken So the choice is President 's: Either he drives the country into default or he comes to the table. prgtoken Four years ago, in 2019, the roles were reversed. s held the White House. held the White House. I was the majority leader. And my advice to the President then was the same as my advice to the President now: raise the debt limit by negotiating spending levels with the . prgtoken That administration listened. They sent Secretary Mnuchin to hammer out a debt deal with Pelosi. They struck a compromise. Spending levels were set, and the debt limit was raised. prgtoken That is what a responsible Senate majority leader would be telling the White House today: Sit down with the and strike a deal. prgtoken Any compromise flushed out by the House and the ic White House will pass the Senate easily. So President 's actions will either prevent default or guarantee default. prgtoken It is just that simple. It is up to the President. prgtoken Either President causes an economic disaster of his own creation or he picks up the 2019 playbook and negotiates with McCarthy. prgtoken Everybody knows this is on President . Rank-and-file House and Senate have publicly called on the White House to negotiate. prgtoken The Washington Post--the Washington Post--ran an entire editorial entitled, ``It's time for to call McCarthy!'' prgtoken Last week, an entire news story detailed how the White House is garnering no support from nonpartisan leaders or experts for their bizarre strategy of sleepwalking into disaster. prgtoken The people around President , including the Senate ic leader, seem to think they can wish away the results of the midterm election. They want to pretend the American people didn't flip the House. prgtoken That is not how it works. In divided government, you negotiate. The President and the need to talk, just like in 2019. We need a bipartisan spending agreement, just like 7 of the previous 10 debt limit deals. I will be joining the White House meeting later today, and I will continue to support the . prgtoken .
ISSUES OF THE DAY
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2023-5-9

from California for yielding. prgtoken , I rise to recognize Marcus Smith, who is the president and CEO of Speedway Motorsports and the owner of the North Wilkesboro Speedway. prgtoken Marcus and his family have helped lead the charge to restore the 75- year-old racetrack so that countless racing enthusiasts can experience and celebrate the history of stock car racing. prgtoken The entire Wilkes County community is buzzing with anticipation over the upcoming NASCAR All-Star Race which will be hosted at the North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 21. prgtoken Thanks to the dedication of Marcus and his family in seeing this project through to fruition, a piece of North Carolina's history is back in the spotlight for the entire country to see. prgtoken This is no small feat, . prgtoken Congratulations to Marcus Smith and the Smith family on this monumental accomplishment. Recognizing Terri Parsons
ADVANCED WEATHER MODEL COMPUTING DEVELOPMENT ACT
Max L. Miller (Republican, OH) \u2014 2023-5-9

. Madam , I feel the same way and echo the sentiment, and I thank the gentlewoman for her comments. prgtoken As I mentioned in my opening remarks, H.R. 1715 is a good government bill that leverages existing Federal research dollars to advance weather and climate science that will protect American lives and property. It is bipartisan, commonsense legislation, which is why it recently passed unanimously through the committee. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to support this bill once again, and .
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2023-5-9

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and congratulate CSM Steven Veazey on his upcoming retirement from the Arkansas Army National Guard after 44 years of distinguished military service to our great Nation. prgtoken CSM Veazey had an exceptional career in the Arkansas National Guard. For the past 12 years, he has served as the senior enlisted adviser to the adjutant general and Arkansas Governor on all issues regarding the welfare, readiness, morale and proper utilization and progress of the Arkansas enlisted force. prgtoken After enlisting in the Army in 1979, CSM Veazey would go on to serve in various duties and leadership roles as an infantryman. He deployed in support of the U.S. peacekeeping mission in Bosnia and twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. As the senior enlisted leader of the Joint Forces of the Arkansas National Guard, his integrity, character and transparent leadership built an enduring trust with the 8,000 enlisted members under his command. His passion for building a trained, ready, and resilient force will have lasting positive impacts on the Arkansas National Guard, the servicemembers, and their families. prgtoken As the ranking member of the appropriations subcommittee responsible for ensuring our Armed Forces and their families have the infrastructure and facilities to support their needs, I met with CSM Veazey as he encouraged congressional support to strengthen National Guard priorities and military readiness. Arkansas can be proud of his advocacy and leadership that integrally contributed to the U.S. ability to maintain our military superiority. prgtoken On behalf of the U.S. Senate and a grateful nation, I extend my deepest appreciation to CSM Veazey and his family for their many years of exemplary military service and sacrifice. I wish him nothing but the very best in the future.
Gun Violence (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-5-9

it has been a rough weekend in Texas. Last weekend, tragedy struck the city of Allen, TX, and a driver in Brownsville drove into a group of migrants, killing a number of them and injuring others. In both cases, the circumstances surrounding these incidents are still being investigated. prgtoken On a beautiful Saturday afternoon, people of all ages visited a popular outdoor mall in the suburbs north of Dallas. That is where Allen is. Shoppers filtered in and out of stores with their children and were enjoying what appeared to be a normal weekend, but, as we know now, the day took a tragic turn when a man drove up to the crowded shopping mall and got out of his car with a gun and began firing. Shoppers ducked behind cars and ran into stores. Customers crowded into tiny storage rooms. Parents used their own bodies to protect their children. The shooter murdered eight innocent people and wounded seven others before being killed himself by police. The victims were between the ages of 3 and 37. prgtoken A patch on the shooter's clothing and his social media posts suggest that he might have espoused White supremacist and other extremist views. As I said, law enforcement is still gathering information about him and his motives, but what we know so far is that he was discharged from the army prematurely due to mental health reasons. But it is unclear if that discharge or any other factors would have legally disqualified him from purchasing a firearm. prgtoken Obviously, a dishonorable discharge, a felony conviction--those sorts of things--would result in your being prohibited under existing law from purchasing a firearm, but we don't know whether there are other circumstances beyond his premature discharge from the army after only 3 months due to mental health reasons which rise to the level necessary to invoke one of those disqualifying actions. prgtoken So at this moment, there is still a lot we don't know. And, of course, at times like this, we are all trying to make sense of this unspeakable tragedy. Obviously, I am eager to learn more about the circumstances that led to this attack. But one thing is for sure, and that is local law enforcement officials leading this investigation and searching for answers have already done heroic work, thanks to an Allen Police Department officer who was at the mall for other reasons and who was able to respond quickly and neutralize the shooter. But for that police officer, many others would have been injured and died. prgtoken So I am grateful to the police officers, the emergency medical technicians, and healthcare workers who responded to this tragedy--as I said, especially the heroic officer who responded to gunfire and immediately ran toward the danger. prgtoken The shooter was carrying multiple weapons and had five additional guns in his car. If not for the quick action of that police officer, there is no question that even more families would be grieving tod
AMERICA'S IMMIGRATION STORY
Jasmine Crockett (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-5-9

as a Texan, I rise today to speak on the expiration of title 42, but our immigration story neither begins nor ends there. prgtoken As a child, I was taught songs like ``America the Beautiful,'' but today I can honestly say that beauty must really be in the eye of the beholder because the inhumanity that is playing out around migrants is far from beautiful. prgtoken Congress needs to pass humane, substantive, and sustainable, bipartisan immigration reform that provides for an orderly, transparent, and efficient process for asylum seekers, clears out the decades-long backlog, and keeps our communities safe. prgtoken For years, House and Senate have worked to pass immigration reform with little to no support from our colleagues. prgtoken I am left asking: Is this what America the beautiful looks like? prgtoken s are constantly fanning the flames of hate instead of offering help to a country that is craving more leadership and less lies. s have essentially decided that immigrants make for great political pawns. The problem is, we aren't playing chess. This is real life, with radical rhetoric that has real-world consequences and getting people killed. prgtoken Just this weekend a man in Brownsville, Texas, used his truck to plow through and kill eight people sitting at a bus stop. We have got to do better. America really needs to be beautiful. prgtoken I ask unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks. prgtoken As a Texan, I rise today to speak on the expiration of Title 42. But our immigration story neither begins nor ends there. prgtoken As a child, I was taught songs like ``America the Beautiful'', but today I can honestly say that beauty must be in the eye of the beholder, because the inhumanity that is playing out around migrants is far from beautiful. prgtoken Congress needs to pass humane, substantive, & sustainable bipartisan immigration reform that provides for an orderly, transparent, and efficient process for asylum seekers, clears out the decades-long backlog, and keeps our communities safe. prgtoken For years, House and Senate have worked to pass immigration reform, with little to no support from our colleagues. prgtoken I'm left asking, is this what America the Beautiful looks like? prgtoken s are constantly fanning the flames hate instead of offering Help to a country that is craving more leadership and less lies. s have essentially decided that immigrants make for great political pawns. The problem is, we aren't playing chess, this is real life, with radical rhetoric that has real-world consequences-- getting people killed. prgtoken Just this weekend a man in Brownsville TX used his truck to plow through and kill 8 people sitting at a bus stop next to a shelter for migrants. And four years ago, a man radicalized by republican rhetoric walked into a Walmart in El Paso and murdered 23 people he believed were invading the bord
CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS CALLS FOR GUN SAFETY LEGISLATION
Jonathan L. Jackson (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-5-9

I rise today, from the 1st Congressional District of the Great State of Illinois, to include in the Record a letter signed by over 650 faith leaders urging President to declare Mother's Day as a National Day of Prayer, Mourning, Repentance, and Contemplation To End Gun Violence. Over 650 Faith Leaders Call for Mother's Day To Be Declared a National prgtoken Day of Prayer, Mourning, Repentance, and Contemplation, To End Gun Violence Dear President : The epidemic of gun violence has become so dire that nearly 1 in 5 adults in the United States have lost a family member to a gun death. Mass shootings have escalated so much in recent years (23% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic began) that as of April 12, there have already been at least 147 mass shootings so far this year. It is a war taking place in our schools, houses of worship, supermarkets, movie theatres, homes, businesses nightclubs, and more. While some may throw up their arms and say that this is a battle too large to win, we, an interfaith coalition, made up of Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and other faith traditions, remember the miracles of ancient times and remain optimistic that this scourge can be overcome. Do we really believe as a nation that the second amendment and the profits of those who manufacture AR-15-style assault rifles, Hellfire missiles, and other instruments of death should take primacy over our rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness? We thank you for having last year pushed through Congress the first major gun violence protection legislation in 30 years, for highlighting the issue during this year's State of the Union, and the executive order you issued last month. Given the gravity and urgency of this issue, we ask for more. We appeal to you to declare this Mother's Day, Sunday, May 14, 2023, to be a national day of repentance, mourning, prayer, and reflection to address the culture of gun violence that is staining our collective soul. We ask for our lawmakers and faith institutions to reflect this Mother's Day on how we are allowing gun manufacturers, the gun lobby, and a culture of gun worship to hold our country hostage. Mary, a role model for motherhood, stood at the foot of the cross witnessing brutality, inhumanity, and death being inflicted on her child. Today we are all parents looking on as the brutality and death from another mass shooting is inflicted on our children. At the same time, we are painfully aware that gun violence is a racial justice issue. Black Americans are twice as likely as white Americans to die from gun violence. Esther was counseled by her uncle Mordecai that she was born for such a time a
Nomination of L. Felice Gorordo (Executive Session)
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-5-9

I come to the floor today in support of Felice Gorordo, the nominee to be the U.S. Alternate Executive Director of the World Bank. prgtoken At a time when China is increasingly willing to use its economic power to pressure other nations to do its bidding, when Latin America is trying to recover from the economic impact of the COVID pandemic, when Putin's war in Ukraine threatens the food supply of developing nations around the world, strong, dependable leadership at the World Bank has never been more important. And Felice Gorordo has the experience and vision the United States needs to tackle the challenges the World Bank faces today. prgtoken His journey starts the way mine does. He is the son of Cuban exiles who fled dictatorship in their country. His parents came to the United States in search of the American dream. His dad was in law enforcement, and his mom was a teacher. From them, Felice learned the importance of public service. prgtoken He will be a tireless advocate for the democratic values that our Nation and both of our families hold so dear, and he will succeed because of his commitment to helping others, which he has demonstrated throughout his life and career. prgtoken Felice founded Raices de Esperanza, which means the ``roots of hope.'' It is a nonprofit that empowers young people in Cuba through technology and entrepreneurship. He also worked for both the and administrations in advancing the U.S.'s national interests--no matter which party was in the White House. prgtoken He should be in this post because, in the wake of COVID, his understanding of finance, economic statecraft, and technology will help the United States and its like-minded partners make the concerted push to prevent economic collapse in the developing world. prgtoken He should be in this post because we need to make sure that China doesn't continue getting away with their malign influence at the institutions that we, the United States, created to shape the international order. prgtoken If confirmed to his post at the World Bank, Felice will advocate for our values. He will stand up for democracy and human rights. So I urge my colleagues to support the nomination of Felice Gorordo to the post of U.S. Alternate Executive Director for the World Bank. prgtoken .