mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING LILLIAN J. GARDNER
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-4-5

. Madam , I rise today to acknowledge an outstanding constituent from my district, Lillian J. Gardner, who has served the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) for nearly four decades. After achieving both a bachelor's degree in Business Logistics and a master's degree in Business Administration from the Pennsylvania State University, Lillian joined the Defense Personnel Support Center (now the DLA) in 1983 as an Inventory Management Specialist. Since then, she has held a number of different positions within the agency, working tirelessly to support our Nation's warfighters and becoming an expert in the acquisition field. prgtoken Now, after 38 years of dedicated public service and professional leadership in the Department of Defense, Lillian is entering retirement. She concludes her impressive career as the Director and Chief of the Contracting Services Office. Widely respected for her accurate, strategic, and creative acquisition support to DLA's leaders, Lillian has also demonstrated an extraordinary ability to overcome complex and innumerable challenges, including those that have arisen because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her dedication and diligence have contributed to keeping our military mission-ready. prgtoken We are incredibly grateful for the positive impact Lillian has had on our community and country throughout her time in government service, and we wish Lillian countless blessings during her retirement.
CONGRATULATING SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM ON NCAA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Tom Rice (Republican, SC) \u2014 2022-4-5

it is a privilege and honor today to congratulate the University of South Carolina women's basketball team on winning the NCAA National Championship. It is a great day to be a Gamecock. prgtoken After a heartbreaking loss in the Final Four last year, South Carolina found redemption Sunday night, earning the program's second national championship title with a 64-49 victory over second seed UConn. prgtoken The Gamecock women's basketball team had an incredible season with a 35-2 record, averaging 70 points a game. prgtoken While every member of the team played their hearts out, Aliyah Boston, the Southeastern Conference Player of the Year, won the Final Four Most Outstanding Player award. She is the first South Carolina player to earn that honor since A'ja Wilson in 2017. prgtoken Coach Dawn Staley had an incredible season. Hard work breeds success, and this team is a prime example of that. The national title is a win for South Carolina and every fan who helped cheer them to victory. prgtoken Congratulations, Gamecocks, on being the national champions once again.
PUTIN'S MASS MURDER
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2022-4-5

the civilized world is shocked at the discovery of mass murder by Putin in Bucha, Ukraine. prgtoken It is inspiring the leadership of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the immediate responses by Germany to Italy for expelling Putin's murder-complicit diplomats. prgtoken With innocent civilians discovered having their hands tied behind their backs, shot in the head, it is clear, war criminal Putin must be stopped with immediate military aid. prgtoken is correct to recognize this as part of the worldwide conflict of democracy with rule of law versus autocracy with rule of gun. prgtoken An undisputed atrocity is the Putin murder of the mayor of Motyzhyn and her family. prgtoken I have faith in the Russian people with a great culture betrayed by the war criminal, Putin. There is legislation for defecting Russian troops, diplomats, and Duma members to be provided expedited refugee status to America and up to $100,000 for any Russian military equipment turned over to Ukraine. prgtoken Ukraine will achieve victory. God bless Ukraine. God save Ukraine. Long live Volodymyr Zelenskyy. prgtoken Congratulations to Mayor Dan Rickenmann and the city of Columbia for sending aid to Ukraine.
Nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-4-5

later this week, perhaps in a day or two, the Senate will vote on the nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to serve as a member of the U.S. Supreme Court. prgtoken Last week, I laid out my reasons for my opposition to this nomination, and yesterday, I voted against her nomination in the Judiciary Committee. But I want to make clear that my vote against Judge Jackson is not a rebuke of her legal knowledge, her experience, or her character. Judge Jackson is obviously very smart. She has vast practical experience, which I think is very useful. She is likeable. And she is very clearly passionate about her work. prgtoken The Senate's constitutional duty to provide advice and consent, though, requires us to look beyond Judge Jackson's resume and personality to understand her judicial philosophy and the lens through which she views her role as a judge. prgtoken Certainly, the Senate must evaluate whether Judge Jackson will act fairly and impartially. We have also got to make a judgment whether she will leave her personal beliefs and her policy preferences at the door and whether she will respect the bounds of her role as a judge or attempt to establish new judge-made law. prgtoken This last point is absolutely critical, in my view. The Founders wisely established a system of checks and balances to ensure that no person or institution wields absolute power. The legislative branch, of course, makes law; the executive branch enforces the law; and the judicial branch interprets the law. We have each got our responsibilities under the Constitution. prgtoken And while that is certainly a simplification of the duties of each of the three branches, it does illustrate that there are separate lanes or roles for each branch in our constitutional Republic. And we talked about that during Judge Jackson's confirmation hearing. prgtoken The judge said she understands the importance of staying in her lane. She used that phrase many times during the confirmation hearing. She said she would not try to do Congress's job making laws. prgtoken But over the years--and I think this is a blind spot for Judge Jackson and, frankly, many on the bench, particularly at the highest levels. Over the years, we have come to see a pattern of judges who embrace the concept of judge-made law. prgtoken In other words, it is not derived from a statute passed by the Congress, it is not derived from the text of the Constitution itself, but rather, it is made as a policy judgment without any explicit reference in the Constitution itself. Now, that, I believe, is judicial policymaking or legislating from the bench. prgtoken The Supreme Court over the years has developed various legal doctrines like substantive due process. That is a little more opaque, I would think, to most people than judge-made law, but basically, it is the same thing. It is a doctrine under which judges create new rights that are not laid out in the Constitution. prgtoken
DHS TRADE AND ECONOMIC SECURITY COUNCIL ACT OF 2021
Peter Meijer (Republican, MI) \u2014 2022-4-5

I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4476, the DHS Trade and Economic Security Council Act. prgtoken The importance of our Nation's economic security cannot be overstated. For our country, economic security means peace and stability. It means the ability to be entrepreneurs and to freely produce and consume goods and services. For each of us as individuals, it means a secure livelihood, safe communities for our children to grow up in, and opportunities to build new institutions and contribute to society. prgtoken The level of economic security that we enjoy depends largely on the flow of goods, services, and information across our borders. prgtoken Over the past few years, we have seen this flow interrupted significantly. Our supply chains were challenged and, at times, overwhelmed. Unfortunately, these challenges are likely to continue and increase because of the dependencies we have built on hostile nations, including our overwhelming trade with China. prgtoken Vladimir Putin's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine is just another reminder of the global dependency on prgtoken Russian energy production and the devastating national security consequences of being economically dependent on our adversaries. prgtoken The threats to our economic security are numerous and growing and cannot be overstated. The peace and prosperity of our country is at risk. prgtoken We saw the first inklings of this threat at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic when the U.S. could not find enough personal protective equipment for its hospitals and medical providers, and China threatened our security by imposing export restrictions on masks and ventilator components, preventing U.S. companies from getting the deliveries they needed from their own subsidiaries. prgtoken This was just the tip of the iceberg. We know that China is working hard to expand its global economic reach in a variety of ways. prgtoken A report by the DHS Homeland Security Advisory Council correctly stated that: ``DHS has no choice but to play a larger role in economic security issues. It is charged with preparing for all manner of crises . . . from major hurricanes to terrorist attacks.'' prgtoken The report also highlighted the threat that China poses, and it stated that these new, long-term threats are economic, and the new weapons are trade deals, technological innovation, and critical supply chain dependencies. prgtoken The U.S.-China strategic competition is increasingly driven by who controls these underlying systems and the rules by which we advance our economic interests. We cannot allow ourselves to be behind the curve in the next national or global disaster. We need to get ahead of it. prgtoken To that end, the report made two recommendations on how the Department can combat China's influence while also contributing to our economic security. prgtoken First, the report concluded that to keep the civilian side of our economy functioning in a time of crisis, Congress sh
RUSSIA DESERVES MORE SEVERE SANCTIONS
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-4-5

I rise to condemn Vladimir Putin and the Russian Army. These brutal and violent thugs have attempted to rehang the Iron Curtain for the sole purpose of committing abject violence against the free and sovereign people of Ukraine. The killing of women and children outside of Kyiv is a vile act. These acts amount to war crimes. prgtoken It is time to deliver the lethal aid that the Ukrainian people need to deter the violent acts that the Russian people commit upon Ukrainians. prgtoken It is time to cut off Russian exports to the free world. No country that values the sanctity of life should want to buy their goods from Russia. No place, where free people live, should use the energy that Russian refineries produce be accepted. prgtoken The administration must hold the line and impose severe sanctions against Russia for their multiple murderous acts, and the people of Ukraine must know that Americans stand with them in their fight for freedom.
UPHOLDING THE FOUNDING DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION AND ESTABLISHING A CENTER FOR DEMOCRATIC RESILIENCE
Andy Harris (Republican, MD) \u2014 2022-4-5

I rise with concern about some of the wording in the preamble. I think this is the reason why we should actually go through the normal process, not a suspension process for something as critical as this resolution. prgtoken Clearly, I have no argument against the threat that Russia has against democracies in Europe. My problem is with page 2, line 3: ``. . . internal threats from proponents of illiberalism.'' That is a progressive, leftwing dog whistle for Poland and Hungary. Why in the world, as Russia is attacking Ukraine, and Poland is the center for bringing our military assistance into Ukraine, why in the world in a preamble would we appear to attack one of our NATO allies? prgtoken It is unnecessary. It is unwise. prgtoken Again, having a Center for ic Resilience, I don't have an argument with that. My argument is with the preamble that clearly includes inflammatory language toward two of our best allies in NATO: Poland and Hungary.
Biden Family (Executive Session)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2022-4-5

I thank Senator Johnson. I will just quickly say that the journalists in this town have an obligation to investigate. They ave an obligation to uncover the facts and the evidence. They have failed time and again. prgtoken What has been reported recently is simply the tip of the iceberg. The question now is: Instead of accusing us of peddling Russian disinformation, will the media actually engage in true investigative journalism? Will the media act with intellectual honesty, or will the media continue to cover all this up for the administration? prgtoken Now, Congress has a constitutional responsibility to engage in oversight of the executive branch. The administration has been totally unresponsive to our oversight requests; specifically, requests that relate to the criminal case. prgtoken Is Nicholas McQuaid recused from the Hunter case? No answer from the Department. Does the Department possess FISA information on Patrick Ho, Hunter 's associate? The Department told a Federal court they do. They told me and Senator Johnson that they aren't sure. Can you imagine that? prgtoken When Hunter communicated with Patrick Ho, were his communications captured by our intelligence community? Is the administration intentionally withholding this material from Congress out of fear of what we will find? prgtoken In light of the administration's total failure to respond to our questions, these are legitimate questions to ask. The Justice Department's actions have cast a cloud over the case. The American people are rightly skeptical of the impact it may have on it. prgtoken Transparency brings accountability. This week, Senator Johnson and I have done what we can to bring transparency to our oversight work for the American people. We will continue to do so. prgtoken . prgtoken .
MY LIFE HAS BEEN BLESSED
Fred Upton (Republican, MI) \u2014 2022-4-5

it seems like just yesterday when a number of community leaders encouraged me to run for Congress. Against all odds, we ended up winning a very hotly contested primary, and the journey began. prgtoken Throughout my career, I have leaned on lessons from my Reagan White House days where my boss and mentor was Ken Duberstein, who later was his chief of staff. prgtoken Reagan worked both sides of the aisle to get things done, caring less about who got the credit, and I made a promise that such a principle would be my guiding light. Especially in these days of divided government, that is the only way one can actually get legislation enacted. prgtoken There has been something special in my household with highlights and lowlights that we often discuss at the dinner table. As I reflect back, there have certainly been more highlights representing the wonderful and diverse corner of southwest Michigan. These folks are truly the salt of the earth, and I love them all. I really do, even the few that don't always love me. prgtoken As chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee, a huge highlight was 21st Century Cures. Hailed as the most important piece of legislation passed in that Congress, it laid the foundation for Operation Warp Speed and faster drug approvals, including the first vaccine that Pfizer produced in Kalamazoo. prgtoken Now, once again, with my partner Diana DeGette, we are pursuing Cures 2.0 with all the disease and patient groups who joined us on Cures. prgtoken My driving mission has been jobs and the economy. Whether it was working on a North American energy independent plan, pursuing renewable resources, and, yes, dealing with climate change. Changing the tax laws so that no longer do we have the highest corporate tax rates in the world, which drove so many of our job creators someplace other than America. Being the lead with John Dingell on the auto rescue plan. The industry and all the jobs that came with it was simply too big to fail. prgtoken Pipeline safety, protecting the Great Lakes, and our drinking water has also been my focus. Every family in America deserves clean water. prgtoken I have been more than willing to stand up for the less fortunate and vulnerable, including my vote last week to cap the price of insulin. prgtoken I have had the opportunity to visit our brave troops in harm's way overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan, and witnessed the tragedy of war like we see today with Putin's invasion in Ukraine. It was critical to pass the recent humanitarian and military aid. Yes, it was. prgtoken And, of course, I witnessed 9/11 here and pushed hard on the recommendation by the 9/11 Commission to protect against such an attack again. prgtoken As a former Boy Scout, I believe in leaving the campground better than when you found it. I have worked with seven administrations, seven House s. None of them would call me a rubber stamp. If it is good policy for Michigan, it is good e
Nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson (Executive Calendar)
Tom Cotton (Republican, AR) \u2014 2022-4-5

the Senate will soon vote on the nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to be Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. I will vote against her nomination. prgtoken Judge Jackson may be a fine woman, but she is a dangerous judge. She built her career as a far-left activist, and it didn't change when she put on a robe 10 years ago. She personifies activism from the bench. She has crusaded to undermine criminal sentences, and she cannot be trusted to interpret the law or the Constitution as written. prgtoken Judge Jackson's record makes clear that her brief stint as a criminal defense attorney wasn't motivated merely by a devotion to equal representation of all. It was part of a deep commitment to leniency for criminals. Indeed, she has continued to act as a de facto lawyer for criminals from behind the bench as she did from in front of it. prgtoken Judge Jackson's average sentences for criminals are 34 percent lighter than the national average for criminal cases and 25 percent lighter than her own court's average, the DC District Court. prgtoken Disturbingly, some of the most sensational examples of her soft-on- crime attitudes are cases involving child pornographers. She has given more lenient sentences than recommended by the sentencing guidelines in every single child pornography case where the law allowed it--every single one, every time. Individuals sentenced by Judge Jackson for child pornography possession receive, on average, 57 percent lighter sentences compared to the national average. For child pornography distribution, the sentence is 47 percent lighter than the national average. prgtoken These aren't just numbers. These are predators, and they go on to commit more of the most heinous crimes imaginable because Judge Jackson lets them off so easy. In one case, Judge Jackson gave child pornographer Wesley Hawkins just 3 months--3 months--in prison when the sentencing guidelines recommended 8 to 10 years--3 months versus a recommended 8 to 10 years. Judge Jackson even gave him a sentence that was one-sixth as long as what her own probation office recommended. And a few years later, when Hawkins should have still been in prison for his original offense, he did something else that got him 6 more months in custody. That is twice as long as his original sentence. prgtoken When all 11 s on the Judiciary Committee sent a letter asking for details of what happened to justify this new sentence, Judge Jackson refused to provide any further information--so much, I guess, for looking at her record, as she urged us to do. prgtoken Her leniency isn't limited to child pornographers, either. In 2017, Judge prgtoken Jackson apologized--she apologized--to a fentanyl kingpin--his own words: kingpin--because she couldn't find a way to sidestep the law to give him less than the mandatory minimum sentence. She was very sorry that she had to give him such a long sentence. prgtoken But I guess, where th
RECOGNIZING IDAHO'S COMMUNITY COLLEGES
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2022-4-5

along with my colleagues Senator Jim Risch, Representative Mike Simpson, and Representative Russ Fulcher, we honor Idaho's community colleges during this Community College Month. prgtoken In order to meet the needs of a competitive job market, the importance of providing Idahoans with the opportunity to enhance their education has grown tremendously. Idaho's four community colleges are a central part of preparing young people and adults for postsecondary education, successful careers, and productive lives. prgtoken Our community colleges not only link students to Idaho's 4-year institutions through cooperative agreements, but also provide dual enrollment opportunities for students pursuing advanced learning while in high school through partnerships with the K-12 sector. Through collaboration with Idaho's business community, Idaho's community colleges also help grow the skillset necessary to prepare students for Idaho's workforce. prgtoken The recognition of April as Community College Month by the American Association of Community Colleges and the Association of Community College Trustees provides an opportunity to spotlight the valued role of Idaho's community colleges in enhancing Idahoans' quality of life and contributing to Idaho's economic success. We commend Idaho's community colleges and the educators who inform and inspire through these local assets for being a conduit for opportunities for so many Idahoans.
TRIBUTE TO OFFICER SAMANTHA FAORO
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-4-5

we have all heard the phrase ``law enforcement family.'' This law enforcement family is a diverse family with representatives from all walks of life. This family is not bound by traditions of race, religion, color, or sex. This family is all inclusive. Today, I want to provide an example of this family and how they came together to save the life of a fellow law enforcement officer. prgtoken On January 28, 2022, Kentucky State Police Trooper Michael Sanguini was shot multiple times while conducting a traffic stop in on County. According to the preliminary investigation, he was struck six times, of which three shots were stopped by his ballistic vest. One shot struck his portable radio, and another struck his issued taser, with one shot striking his body. prgtoken Although many officers from multiple agencies responded to assist the injured trooper, I want to recognize Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Officer Samantha Faoro for her quick response and actions of assistance. Officer Samantha Faoro is a native of Colorado, who moved to Kentucky to pursue her career with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. She graduated from the police academy in February 2021 and was assigned to work in on County. Officer Faoro comes from a family of first responders, continuing the life of service to protect the great Commonwealth of Kentucky. prgtoken Officer Faoro was working in the area of Cynthiana, KY, when she heard Trooper Sanguini state he had been shot. Without hesitation, Officer Faoro responded directly to the scene to provide assistance to a fellow officer in need. Upon arrival to the scene, she observed the wounded trooper and quickly transported him to the hospital. Trooper Sanguini quickly received medical treatment for his gunshot wounds because of the quick action of Officer Faoro. prgtoken It is my privilege to stand here today and recognize another great officer such as Officer Samantha Faoro. She exemplifies the law enforcement motto, ``To Protect, and To Serve.''