mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Impeachment (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-2-8

it has been more than a month since a violent mob stormed this building and attempted to disrupt the congressional certification of Presidential electors--the vote of those electors. Rather than a peaceful transition of power, some of the mob turned their grievances into violent action. But, again, that is the problem with mobs. No matter what the intentions were of those who were simply exercising their rights to free speech and free assembly, mobs invariably degenerate into the lowest common denominator. prgtoken That element of the mob assaulted police officers, destroyed property, and trespassed in the halls of the U.S. Capitol. Some roamed these halls in search of Members of Congress against whom they actually threatened harm. And if not for the heroism of the men and women of the Capitol Police, the human cost would have likely been higher. prgtoken The criminal acts of the mob were disgraceful and indefensible. Regardless of party or politics, there should be no disagreement on that most basic point. The people making up this mob came to Washington with the idea that the results of the 2020 election were not final. President fed that fantasy by repeatedly claiming the election was stolen, even after he had exhausted all of his legal remedies in dozens and dozens of lawsuits. The President's actions were reckless. He should have known better than to stoke a flame he could not and did not control. prgtoken But the events of January 6 are only part of the story, and it is the congressional response, including impeachment, that I now want to talk about. Simply put, this snap impeachment raises serious questions about fundamental fairness, due process, or, more accurately, a lack thereof. Unlike previous impeachments, there was no formal inquiry, no investigation, no hearings, no witnesses, no cross-examination, no nothing. We know impeachment is not like a traditional judicial proceeding. It is not a court of law. But it does make common sense-- and I think this was the direction we gave the House during the last impeachment trial--that it is the House's obligation to investigate, develop the evidence, and then charge, not the other way around. prgtoken Historically, this has been true for impeachment proceedings. Each time, the House has conducted a full-scale investigation before a vote on the Articles of Impeachment. As I said, that was the case last year when the House spent months deposing witnesses, holding hearings, building a case against the President before ever announcing formal charges. prgtoken But this time around, they took an entirely different approach. In attempting to justify this unprecedented departure from a fair and dignified proceeding, some of our ic friends claim that no evidence needs to be presented, saying that we were all witnesses to what happened on January 6 and that we can be jurors, witnesses, and, in the words of at least one ic Sen
TRIAL OF DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-2-9

in a moment, I will call up a resolution to govern the structure of the second impeachment trial of . prgtoken It has been agreed to by the House managers, the former President's counsel, and is cosponsored by the leader. It is bipartisan. prgtoken It is our solemn constitutional duty to conduct a fair and honest impeachment trial on the charges against former President --the gravest charges ever brought against a President of the United States in American history. prgtoken This resolution provides for a fair trial, and I urge the Senate to adopt it. prgtoken , I send a resolution to the desk on my behalf and that of the leader for the organizing of the next phases of this trial.
TRIAL OF DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
David N. Cicilline (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2021-2-10

distinguished Senators, you just heard from my colleagues about the harrowing events that happened here at the Capitol on January 6 and saw that very disturbing video, and now I would like to turn your attention to what was happening on the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue at the White House. prgtoken The truth is, the facts are that on January 6, did not once condemn this attack. He did not once condemn the attackers. In fact, on January 6, the only person he condemned was his own Vice President, , who was hiding in this building with his family in fear for his life. prgtoken In the first crucial hours of this violent attack, he did nothing to stop it, nothing to help us. prgtoken By all accounts, from the people that were around him, he was delighted. And here is the last thing said that day, and you might remember this from my motions presentation earlier in the week. prgtoken At 6 p.m. on January 6, after all the destruction that you just saw, Capitol Police and the National Guard fighting to secure this building, here is what tweeted: These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long. Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever! prgtoken He got what he incited, and according to , we got what we deserve. 's incitement of this insurrection, including his dereliction of his duty as Commander in Chief to defend the Capitol and the people in it, his complete refusal to condemn the attack while it was going on, and his continuing to incite the violence during the attack require impeachment. prgtoken Now, let's turn to then-President 's conduct that day. I want to start at the beginning, when he addressed his thousands of great patriots, as he called them that morning. Around noon, began speaking at his rally just down Pennsylvania Avenue. Even before finished speaking, his supporters began to walk down toward the Capitol, and they were already starting to chant ``stop the steal'' and ``storm the Capitol'' and ``invade the Capitol'' and ``fight for .'' prgtoken And by 12:53 p.m they had violently forced their way through the barricades here at the Capitol. Now, about 1 o'clock that day, with this chaos just starting, Pelosi, as the Constitution requires, formally commenced the process by which this Chamber certifies election results. prgtoken Within 10 minutes, at 1:11 p.m as if almost on cue, concluded his speech with his final reminder to the thousands gathered there: It was time to go to the Capitol. prgtoken Let's watch. (Text of video presentation of 1-6-2021.) President TRUMP. We're going to the Capitol, and we're going to try and give--and we're going to try and
TRIAL OF DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
Eric Swalwell (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-2-10

. Shortly after 2 p.m the Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police were overwhelmed by President 's mob. Perimeters were broken. The Capitol had been breached. Those officers kept fighting back for hours and hours to hold th line. They fought to defend the Capitol Building and all of us within it. prgtoken But they weren't there just to protect us--and they did--and our staff and the custodial staff and all the people who work so hard in this building. They were there to protect the votes of the American people that were being counted that day. I will show you more later about what that day was like for those brave officers. prgtoken But first, let's go back to what was happening where Manager Plaskett left off in the House Chamber. Rioters who had entered the building through the Senate quickly spread out through the Capitol. Many headed toward the House and Senate Chambers. After Pelosi was ushered out, Chairman McGovern was presiding in the House, attempting to keep the counting process going. prgtoken On our phones, Members were receiving security updates and watching social media to see the horror that was going on outside. We never thought it would make its way in. prgtoken By 2:25 p.m rioters who were already in the building opened the east side doors of the Capitol Rotunda to let more of the mob in. They quickly flooded through the doors, overwhelming the officers. prgtoken This is new security footage of those doors, and, as before, the mob is identified with the red dot on the model of the Capitol. If you look closely, you will see the first person through the door is holding the flag. (Video presentation.) prgtoken At the same time, just one floor below, the mob finally pushed through a line of Capitol Police officers and overtook the area. We all know that area in the Capitol as the Crypt. This is directly beneath the Rotunda at the very center of the Capitol. (Text of video presentation.) (People chanting: ``Open up.'') The Officer. No harm. No harm. prgtoken Inside the House Chamber, a security officer suspended the floor debate to update Members. (Text of video presentation.) The Officer. We have a person with tear gas in the Rotunda. Please stand by. There are masks under your seats. Please grab a mask. Place it in your lap, and be prepared to don your mask in the event the room is breached. prgtoken We were told there were tear gas masks underneath our seats and to be prepared to grab them. prgtoken Determined to keep the count going, Chairman McGovern called the House back into session, but only 4 minutes later, at 2:30 p.m the House abruptly recessed. A new security announcement was made. (Text of video presentation.) The Officer. Be prepared to get down under your chairs, if necessary. So we have folks entering the Rotunda and coming down this way. So we will update you as soon as we can, but just be prepared. St
TRIAL OF DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2021-2-10

that is not my motion. You have ruled on a motion--you ruled on something that was not what I moved. What I asked was, statements were attributed to me, repeatedly, as to which I have personal knowledge because I am the source. They are not true. I never made those statements. I ask that they be stricken. This has nothing to do with whether or not they are based on depositions, which they are not. It is simply based on the fact that I am the witness. I am the only witness. Those statements are not true, and I ask that you strike them.
TRIAL OF DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
James Lankford (Republican, OK) \u2014 2021-2-10

. Thank you. prgtoken Now, while this was going on, Officer Eugene Goodman responded to the initial breach. You all may have seen footage of Officer Goodman previously, but there is more to his heroic story. In this security footage, you can see Officer Goodman running to respond to the initial breach. (Video presentation of 1-6-2021.) prgtoken Officer Goodman passes Senator Mitt Romney and directs him to turn around in order to get to safety. On the first floor, just beneath them, the mob had already started to search for the Senate Chamber. prgtoken Officer Goodman made his way down to the first floor, where he encountered the same insurrectionists we just saw--watched--breach the Capitol. In this video, we can see the rioters surge toward Officer Goodman. Recall that the rioters are in red, and Officer Goodman, in this model, is in blue. Watch Officer Goodman, who backs up the stairs. (Text of video presentation of 1-6-2021.) (People chanting: ``USA.'') Unidentified . That's my muffin. I paid for that. Unidentified . You work for us. Unidentified . Where is the meeting at? Unidentified . Hey, where do they count the fucking votes? Unidentified . Hey! Hey! Unidentified . Do it! Do it! Unidentified . Where are they counting the votes? Where are they counting the votes? Unidentified . Right there. Hey. Unidentified . These people. These people. These people. We have no weapons. We have no fucking weapons. Unidentified . No, no. Unidentified . Motherfucker. prgtoken Although they were shouting that they did not have any weapons, we know from the earlier video that that is not true. The second assailant through that breach was the one carrying a metal baseball bat. We know there were other weapons there that day. prgtoken Did you hear the other shouts? We're here for you. He's one person, we're thousands. prgtoken And-- Where do they count the votes? prgtoken They were coming at the urging of to keep Congress--a separate branch of government--from certifying the results of a Presidential election. prgtoken As the rioters reached the top of the stairs, they were within 100 feet of where the Vice President was sheltering with his family. And they were just feet away from one of the doors to this Chamber, where many of you remained at that time. prgtoken I also want to show you a different angle from the security footage of Officer Goodman's acts. This video is on the second floor of the Senate wing of the Capitol. The red dot, as you recall, represents the insurrectionists. The blue dot is Officer Goodman, who led the mob away from the Chamber, just minutes earlier. (Video presentation of 1-6-2021.) prgtoken On the left-hand side of the video, just inside the hallway is the door to prgtoken the Senate Chamber. And watch how Officer Goodman provoked the rioters and purposefully draws th
IN RECOGNITION OF KALLI TAYLOR
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-2-11

. Madam , I rise to congratulate Kalli Taylor of Bedford, Pennsylvania, for her selection to participate in the National Association of Music Education's 2021 All-Eastern Honor Ensembles as a member of the Treble Chorus. prgtoken The Treble Chorus is comprised of 120 members from nine states. Kalli was selected from a poll of more than 1,000 applicants to participate-- a testament to her outstanding musical talent. As a student at Bedford Area High School, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to music. She is a member of Varsity Singers, the school's select choir, and has starred in three school musicals. prgtoken Kalli's dedication to music demonstrates her commitment to hard work, determination, and dedication. I congratulate Kalli on her selection for the Treble Chorus and wish her every continued success.
TRIAL OF DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-2-11

I ask unanimous consent that on Friday, February 12, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. that, notwithstanding adjournment, the Senate be able to receive House messages and executive matters, committees be authorized to report legislative and executive matters, and Senators be allowed to submit statements for the record, introduce bills and resolutions, and make cosponsor requests, and, where applicable, the Secretary of the Senate, on behalf of the Presiding Officer, be permitted to refer such matters.
OFFICER EUGENE GOODMAN CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL ACT
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2021-2-12

I am pleased to join the majority leader's request. prgtoken January 6 was a day of fear for those who work here in the Capitol and of sadness for many more watching from afar, but that awful day also introduced our Nation to a group of heroes whom we in Congress were already proud to call our colleagues and to whom we owe a great debt. prgtoken In the face of lawlessness, the officers of the U.S. Capitol lived out the fullest sense of their oaths. If not for the quick thinking and bravery of Officer Eugene Goodman in particular, people in this Chamber may not have escaped that day unharmed. Officer Goodman's actions reflect a deep personal commitment to duty and brought even greater distinction upon all of the brave brothers and sisters in uniform. So I am proud the Senate has taken this step forward, recognizing his heroism with the highest honor we can bestow. (Applause, Senators rising.)
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2021-2-12

this week I have the honor of recognizing Lesley Robinson of Phillips County. Lesley recently made history when she became the first woman elected as the Montana Stockgrowers Association's second vice president. prgtoken Lesley is not afraid to be the first in any venture. Her past experience as a leader in Montana began in 1996 when she became the second woman ever elected to serve on the board of directors for the Montana Stockgrowers. Lesley also ran for office and was elected as a Phillips County commissioner in 2005. During her 12-year tenure as a commissioner, Lesley was a strong advocate for Phillips County and rural Montana. She also had a leadership role on the Executive Committee for the National Association of Counties. Most recently, Lesley served as former Congressman Greg Gianforte's State director. prgtoken As a fourth-generation rancher, Lesley knows the importance of hard work. She and her husband, Jim, own a commercial cow/calf and yearling operation near Zortman, MT. Her past leadership roles and ranching experiences have led her to be a fierce voice for agriculture and the importance it has as Montana's No. 1 economic driver. prgtoken It is my honor to recognize Lesley for her leadership and service to Montana. I look forward to hearing about her continued success.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTION
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-2-12

I rise today to talk about an issue of critical importance to California: doctor shortages. prgtoken First, I want to express my deepest appreciation and gratitude to the entire medical community, particularly the doctors, nurses, and support staff who have been on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic. Amidst a severe shortage of protective equipment, they nevertheless continue to work around the clock to save countless lives. I--and my colleagues--are eternally grateful. prgtoken I have heard from countless Californians who have said the same thing: we need more doctors. prgtoken That is why Congress established the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program in 2007 to encourage doctors to pursue careers at public and nonprofit facilities, especially in areas experiencing physician shortages. As a result, physicians who provide care in a nonprofit or public hospital can have their student debt forgiven by the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program after making 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan. prgtoken However, when the Department of Education issued implementing guidance for the program, it unintentionally excluded California and Texas physicians from being eligible to receive loan forgiveness by requiring that borrowers be classified as employees in order to be eligible for loan forgiveness. prgtoken The problem is that under state law in California and Texas, doctors are prevented from being directly employed by corporations, including nonprofit organizations. As a result, physicians in California and Texas who provide medical services at nonprofit hospitals do not currently qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. prgtoken To make matters worse, the United States is facing a shortage of physicians, especially in California. prgtoken The Council on Graduate Medical Education recommends 60 to 80 primary care physicians per 100,000 people. However, statewide in California, the number is already down to just 50 per 100,000 people. And in some places, it is even lower: down to 35 primary care physicians per 100,000 people and 39 per 100,000 people in the Inland Empire and San Joaquin Valley, respectively. prgtoken During this difficult and challenging time, it is clear that more medical professionals are needed. And long after this pandemic ends, we will still need more doctors to provide high-quality care, in both rural and urban areas. prgtoken That is why I am pleased to introduce the bipartisan ``Stopping Doctor Shortages Act.'' This legislation would help attract more doctors to public service and address the looming physician shortage by fixing a loophole that prevents thousands of doctors from participating in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. prgtoken According to the California Medical Association, this bill alone could bring as many as 10,000 physicians to California over the next ten years. prgtoken Similar legislation, soon to
OFFICER EUGENE GOODMAN CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL ACT
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-2-12

. I just want to say I think we can all agree that Eugene Goodman deserves the highest honor Congress can bestow. But before we move to pass this legislation, I want to be clear that he was not alone that day. The Nation saw and has now seen numerous examples of the heroic conduct of the Capitol Police, the Metropolitan Police, and the SWAT teams that were with us on January 6 here in the Capitol, protecting us. Our heartfelt gratitude extends to each and every one of them, particularly now as members of the force continue to bear scars, seen and unseen, from the events of that disgraceful day. Let us give them all the honor and recognition they so justly deserve. (Applause, Senators rising.)
UNANIMOUS CONSENT AGREEMENT--EXECUTIVE CALENDAR
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-2-13

. I ask unanimous consent that at a time determined on Tuesday, February 23, notwithstanding rule XXII, the Senate proceed to executive session and the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Thomas J. Vilsack to be Secretary of Agriculture; further, that there be 20 minutes for debate equally divided between the two leaders or their designees and that the Senate vote without intervening action or debate on the nomination; that if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.