mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 7888, REFORMING INTELLIGENCE AND SECURING AMERICA ACT; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 529, EXTENDING LIMITS OF U.S. CUSTOMS WATERS ACT; PROVIDING FOR...
Barry Moore (Republican, AL) \u2014 2024-4-12

3,394,053. That is the estimated number of U.S. person queries conducted by the FBI during my first year here in Congress. The number of improper searches by the FBI is in the hundreds of thousands, according to a DOJ audit. prgtoken We may be voting to reauthorize the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, but the people of Alabama clearly see prgtoken it is being used to spy on Americans like themselves and President . prgtoken That is why I voted in the Judiciary markup and will continue to support the Biggs amendment that requires a warrant or a court order before the query of a U.S. person under section 702. prgtoken We, as Members of Congress, owe it to our constituents to protect their civil liberties. We cannot allow the intelligence community, which recently spent its resources weaponizing against pro-life grandmothers, concerned parents at school boards, Catholics, and 's political opponents, to freely spy on American citizens. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to adopt the rule, and I urge the adoption of the warrant amendment.
HONORING THE LIFE OF JASON JENKINS
Eric Sorensen (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-4-12

I rise today to honor the life of Jason Jenkins, an 18-year-old who shares the same hometown as me, Rockford, Illinois. prgtoken Jason was a student and worked at Walmart in the evenings and on weekends. That was also where he was the victim of a horrific, racially motivated knife attack that ended his life. prgtoken Bystanders jumped to his side and comforted him while trying to stop the bleeding, a powerful testament to the good in our community that will always overpower hate. prgtoken Several of his teachers told me that Jason was an extraordinary young man known for his personality, positivity, and always looking to make people laugh. prgtoken Today, I am grieving with the Jenkins family, their neighbors, his team at Walmart, and his classmates at Auburn High School. prgtoken This has been a rough few weeks for the Rockford community. With every tragedy, it is important that we come together as one family to support each other during these difficult moments. prgtoken We will never forget Jason Jenkins.
HONORING DR. GLORIA SMITH
Elissa Slotkin (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-4-12

today I pay tribute to a trailblazing member of the Michigan State University community: Dr. Gloria Smith. Her lifelong dedication to education, advocacy, and service has left an indelible mark on the university and beyond. prgtoken After earning her doctorate from the University of Massachusetts in 1971, Dr. Smith's journey brought her to Michigan State University where she joined the faculty of the Department of Education. Throughout her tenure at MSU, Dr. Smith distinguished herself as a trailblazer and champion of equity, especially for women of color. prgtoken Her footprint at MSU is immeasurable. In 1972, she played a pivotal role as a member of the steering committee for the Black Women Employees Association of MSU, where she passionately advocated for the hiring of more Black women professors. Her achievements, including becoming the first Black woman to attain full professorship at MSU and being recognized on the university's Distinguished Wall of Professors, serve as a testament to her contributions and enduring influence. prgtoken She lent her leadership and expertise as she served as the Director of African American and African Studies, as a member on the MSU Athletic Board, and on the university's presidential search committee. In 2007, Dr. Smith retired from MSU as professor emeritus in the Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Special Education. prgtoken Dr. Smith's incredible legacy extends beyond the classroom. She was the first Black President of the Michigan Counseling Psychology and Supervision Professional Organization. She has also been a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first intercollegiate historically African American sorority, since 1958. She served as the organization's 18th Great Lakes Regional Director and has truly embodied her sisterhood's mission to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards and to be of service to all mankind. prgtoken Dr. Smith continues to show her commitment to education and serving others as a member of her local chapter of the Links, Incorporated, an organization dedicated to promoting quality education, civic responsibility, and enhancing the quality of life of their communities. She is also a cherished member of her church, The Friendship Baptist Church, where she lives their cote value of serving without restraint. prgtoken With profound gratitude for her extraordinary contributions to Michigan State University and her lifelong mission to uplift her community, it is my honor to recognize her service here, in the People's House.
HONORING THE LIFE OF TONYA SANCHEZ
Teresa Leger Fernandez (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2024-4-12

I rise today to honor the inspiring life of Tonya Sanchez. prgtoken Tonya was the director of the Presbyterian Health Services Community Clinic in Cuba, New Mexico, who passed away in February. prgtoken She implemented programs and activities to connect with her community. From toy drives to Halloween carnivals and art competitions, Tonya strived to make everyone feel welcome. She encouraged them to take pride in their home as rural Latino Americanos and as Nuevomexicanos. prgtoken Tonya had recently launched her campaign for village council. Even after her passing, she won more votes than others who ran. prgtoken She was eager to listen and to build with her community. Through her immense care and compassion, Tonya created an unrivaled impact on everyone she met. prgtoken Tonya spearheaded one of my congressionally supported community projects for rural workforce housing for the Presbyterian Medical Center in Cuba. I will cherish the photos of the event celebrating the project with Tonya. prgtoken I am heartbroken that such an amazing person was taken before her life could shine even brighter. I am proud to have met her, and I hope to carry on the work that she started in our home State and in her beautiful village. prgtoken Her legacy will live on through her children, the countless lives that she touched, and the beautiful workforce housing that she made possible in Cuba, New Mexico.
HONORING SHARON J. STONE
Abigail Davis Spanberger (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2024-4-12

I rise to thank Ms. Sharon Stone for 35 years of dedicated service to our Nation, prgtoken Ms. Stone, known as ``Sherry'' by friends and family, has made outstanding contributions to our country for more than three decades as part of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). prgtoken Ms. Stone's career with the DoD started in 1989 with Army Medicine in Europe where she served for 10 years and played a pivotal role in implementing centralized medical business operations across Army Europe, aligning personnel, workload, and financial systems. In 1999, she was named the Army Medical Expense and Reporting Program Manager. As Program Manager, she provided crucial medical cost accounting education and training to Army military treatment facilities, significantly impacting the Medical Expense and Performance Reporting System. prgtoken In 2004, Ms. Stone spearheaded the development of the U.S. Army Medical Command (MEDCOM) Performance Planning Program, translating strategy into action and facilitating the budget allocation of $6.3 billion for healthcare delivery. In February 2018, Ms. Stone received recognition from the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army for her contributions to MEDCOM and the Army. prgtoken Finally, in December 2018, Ms. Stone was requested to lead, develop, and implement the Defense Health Agency's Quadruple Aim Performance Planning process. Since then, Ms. Stone created a single, integrated, transparent process to align military treatment facilities with the Defense Health Agency's priorities. Ms Stone received the DoD Spirit of Service Award for her display of honor, integrity, and excellence through outstanding support as a public servant to the U.S. Department of Defense in recognition of her work. prgtoken Throughout her career, Ms. Stone has trained over 30,000 personnel across the Military Health System. Her commitment to service and her passion for sharing her knowledge and skills have proven to be valuable assets to her team. Her contributions have had a profound and positive impact on the Military Health System. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating and thanking Ms. Sharon Stone for 35 years of service to our country, and in wishing her the best in her retirement.
HONORING THE CAREER OF CHIEF ANTHONY "TONY" SACCONE
Joe Courtney (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2024-4-12

I rise today to recognize and honor a long time, career first responder from Eastern Connecticut, Chief Anthony ``Tony'' Saccone. Chief Saccone has diligently served and protected his hometown, Ledyard Connecticut, specifically Ledyard's village of Gales Ferry. On Saturday April 13, 2024, Tony will be honored at a retirement celebration by his family, department colleagues and friends, recognizing his talented, faithful adherence to duty. prgtoken Chief Saccone was born and raised in Greenbush N.Y. where he attended and graduated Watervliet High School. He was brought up in a large, loving family by his father who prgtoken worked as a lineman, and his mother who stayed home to care for Tony and his six siblings. After graduation he volunteered to serve his country in the U.S. Navy and was assigned to serve on a destroyer based at Norfolk, VA. After an honorable discharge, he pursued further education and acquired an associate degree in Fire Science and Technology. He married his wife, Noreen, in 1987 and moved to Ledyard where they raised four children. His time in the naval service and his training in fire science, led Tony to pursue a career as a firefighter at the Submarine Base fire department. Unsurprisingly, he took to the task, and he continued to work at the Submarine Base as a firefighter for over 20 years the mission of the subbase department is very specialized, given the highly complex and value of A large fleet of fast attack submarines homeported there. Tony handled that portfolio with highest degree of professionalism and proficiency it required. Not one to settle for just that task, Saccone took it upon himself to take a second job at the Gales Ferry Fire Company, where he also excelled and has since tirelessly served his community up to this day. prgtoken Chief Saccone's involvement in both fire departments extended beyond the details of his job description. He rapidly accelerated through the ranks and became the Fire Captain at the U.S. Naval Submarine Base and Chief of the Gales Ferry Fire Company. His leadership skills are exhibited in his character; as Captain and Chief of these departments, he prioritized mutual trust, respect, and communication between him and the crews. He led by example, expecting the same excellence of his team as of himself. His organizational skill proved to be an asset when Chief Saccone managed a $250,000 budget for Gales Ferry and balanced it each year since beginning his position as Chief in 2008. It is through the leadership of Saccone that Gales Ferry and the Submarine Base Fire crews can provide high quality service to their communities. prgtoken As a natural leader, Chief Saccone recognized his potential to extend his service to his community and town from a political position. He was voted to the Ledyard Town Council, where he fearlessly advocated for the community as a whole and the Gales Ferry Fire Department. I had the honor to get to know Chi
REFORMING INTELLIGENCE AND SECURING AMERICA ACT
Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2024-4-12

. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I rise in support of the reauthorization of section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which was first passed by Congress in 2008. prgtoken FISA codified what had been a secret and legally unauthorized practice of warrantless collection of phone, email, and other communications of non-U.S. persons located outside of the United States in response to the deadly 9/11 attack that killed thousands of Americans. prgtoken As they planned that deadly attack, al-Qaida plotters used U.S. communications facilities, and American foreign intelligence picked up the chatter. However, the stovepipe that kept this intel from domestic law enforcement created the situation where domestic law enforcement could not protect us from the threat because they did not know of the plot before it happened. If section 702 had been in place prior to 9/ 11, the FBI could have been able to prevent the attack. prgtoken Additionally, allowing section 702 to expire would expose Americans to grave danger, like the horrific massacre of Israeli Jews on October 7; the military style assaults, for example, that happened in Russia recently; and other mass-casualty events, the limits of which are only limited by the depravity of those who would plan them. prgtoken Mr. Chair, that is why I rise in support of this legislation.
COMMUNITY AND SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH CENTERS
Andrea Salinas (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2024-4-12

I rise today to highlight the important role that community and school-based health centers play when it comes to Americans' mental well-being. These centers provide a wide range of mental and physical health services, regardless of a patient's ability to pay. prgtoken I recently visited several community health centers in my district along with SAMHSA Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Tom Coderre. During our visit, we met with staff, providers, and local stakeholders to learn more about how Congress can better support these facilities. prgtoken What I gained from those conversations is that we simply do not have enough mental health providers to meet community needs, especially in rural areas. prgtoken Addressing the mental health workforce shortage has to be a top priority. For my part, I have introduced legislation that will help create a strong workforce pipeline and relieve the pressures on individual providers. I will continue to push for more funding for community health centers and other organizations that are truly helping to fill the gaps in mental healthcare because mental health is just as important as our physical health, but we can't expand access to care without also increasing support for providers who are on the ground working to put an end to the mental health crisis in America.
REFORMING INTELLIGENCE AND SECURING AMERICA ACT
Daniel S. Goldman (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-4-12

. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of this bill that includes an absolutely essential national security program. However, I will support this bill only if the amendment that would impose a warrant requirement on queries regarding American citizens fails. prgtoken First, a warrant is simply not needed because the query in question is not a new search. It simply identifies any contacts or communications with Americans within the universe of information that was already lawfully obtained from the original search, and that original search can only be of foreign nationals on foreign soil. prgtoken I spent 10 years as a Federal prosecutor and obtained hundreds of search warrants. Based on that experience, I can say with confidence that requiring a warrant would render this program unusable and entirely worthless. prgtoken Based on the information available to law enforcement, it would be impossible to get probable cause to obtain a search warrant from a judge in a timely manner. Additionally, even if it were possible, the time required to obtain a search warrant from a judge would frequently fail to meet the urgency posed by a terrorist or other national security threat. prgtoken A warrant requirement is unnecessary and unworkable and I, therefore, urge my colleagues to oppose the Biggs amendment.
HONORING SANDY SEARS
Frederica S. Wilson (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2024-4-12

I rise today to honor Sandra ``Sandy'' Sears, an outstanding leader in the Greater Miami community. prgtoken Ms. Sears received a master's degree in management in 1975 from Northwestern University, Magna Cum Laude. In 2007, she attended the Wharton School CEO Program for Health Care Leadership. prgtoken Ms. Sears is a retired senior executive in the Jackson Health System. She served for 39 years in senior level leadership, retiring as the Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Jackson North Medical Center. Ms. Sears developed the affiliation agreement between Jackson North and the FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, which distinguishes Jackson North as an academic community hospital. Ms. Sears is now continuing her commitment to public service in the capacity of Special Advisor, U.S. Congressional House of Representatives. prgtoken Ms. Sears serves with various organizations, including the Miami Alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and she serves as a member in the Miami-Biscayne Bay chapter of the Links Incorporated. She is also a member of the executive committee of the Vice Provost's Council at Florida International University which is a community relations board on the Biscayne Bay Campus. prgtoken Ms. Sears is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Black Heritage Planning Pillars Award for her contributions to the upward mobility of the African-American community throughout the years. She has been named one of the ``Outstanding Black Leaders in Dade County,'' recognized for outstanding community services and leadership by a number of agencies such as Dade County Black Affairs, King of Clubs Greater Miami, Miami-Dade County Health Department, recognized as Outstanding Woman of Distinction and Caring, recognized as One of South Florida's Most Accomplished in Health Care, recognized as an Outstanding Pioneer in Health Care, and in 2013, she was named one of South Florida's Top 50 Most Powerful Business Leaders by Legacy Magazine. prgtoken , please join me in honoring Ms. Sears for all she has achieved. She exemplifies the high quality of volunteerism and civic leadership that we aspire to instill across the country.
REFORMING INTELLIGENCE AND SECURING AMERICA ACT
Nancy Pelosi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-4-12

. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his great leadership of the Intelligence Committee, and I thank our members of the Intelligence Committee on both sides of the aisle for their important work to protect our national security. prgtoken Having served there, I know it is a place where we strive for bipartisanship. prgtoken Mr. Chair, as the gentleman indicated, I came to this committee in the early nineties, and my purpose was to protect the civil liberties as we protected the national security of our country. I had two purposes. One was to stop the proliferation of nuclear weapons, and secondly, on par with that, was to make sure that we protect the civil liberties. prgtoken Over the course of that time, I have voted for legislation that is less than what I would have liked but advanced the cause. Both the chair and the ranking member have put forth a very clear idea about why 702 is important, and I associate myself with their remarks. prgtoken I just want to say to this: I went in, in the early nineties. I became the ranking member, the top on the committee. For 20 years, I was in the Gang of Eight, in terms of receiving intelligence, up until last year when I stopped being the of the House. For that whole time, it has been about what this means to the civil liberties of the American people. prgtoken I had a bill that we brought when former President was President that addressed some of our FISA concerns that didn't go all the way. This bill does. prgtoken In this legislation, there are scores of provisions that could strengthen our case for civil liberties. Some of them are improvements on existing law. Some of them are new provisions in the law to protect the civil liberties of the American people. prgtoken Therefore, the Biggs amendment seriously undermines our ability to protect national security, and I urge our colleagues to vote against it. prgtoken I don't have the time right now, but if Members want to know, I will tell them how we could have been saved from 9/11 if we didn't have to have the additional warrants. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge a ``no'' vote on the Biggs amendment and a ``yes'' vote on the bill.
REFORMING INTELLIGENCE AND SECURING AMERICA ACT
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-4-12

. Mr. Chair, such time as I may consume. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of meaningful reform to FISA section 702 and in strong opposition to a mere fig leaf or, even worse, an expansion of 702. Unfortunately, we will not know which of these paths we are taking until the conclusion of this debate. prgtoken What I know at this moment is that the base text before us right now is completely inadequate. Although it has some perfectly fine provisions, it does not represent real reform. Some of the proposed amendments that will be coming up today would take us in the wrong direction, and changing the sunset from 5 years to 2 years does absolutely nothing to improve the bill. prgtoken Ultimately, this legislation should only move forward if it contains an amendment to mandate that the intelligence community obtain a probable cause warrant before they search the 702 database for Americans' private communications. prgtoken Some of my colleagues appear confused about how 702 collection works and what we mean when supporters of a warrant requirement refer to ``backdoor searches'' for U.S. person information. Let's be clear about what we are talking about. prgtoken FISA section 702 permits the intelligence community to sweep up the communication of foreign targets located overseas. When these communications are obtained, they go into what is known as a 702 database where all the 702 data is housed. prgtoken If the U.S. Government wants to target a U.S. person for foreign surveillance, U.S. person meaning an American or legal permanent resident, they already can. They do this by getting a warrant under title I of FISA, a separate and distinct part of FISA from section 702. The government cannot target Americans under 702 because 702 does not protect the constitutional rights of the targets of the surveillance. Foreigners not located on U.S. soil do not have constitutional rights, so this is not a problem. prgtoken What is a problem, however, is that massive amounts of Americans' communications are still swept up in 702 searches. If a U.S. person communicates with a foreign target, that American's communications with the target end up in the 702 database, too. While we do not know precise numbers, we know that a vast amount of Americans' communications is swept up every year. prgtoken The intelligence community is not supposed to search the 702 database for U.S. person identifiers, like our names, phone numbers, and addresses without cause. Searching for Americans' private communications in the 702 database, communications the government otherwise would not have access to without a warrant, is the constitutional equivalent of conducting a warrantless search. prgtoken We know that the government breaks this law all the time--278,000 times, in fact, at last count in 2021 alone. Officials are supposed to find it reasonably likely that a query will turn up evidence of a crime or foreign intelligence infor