mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
National Agriculture Week (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2024-3-21

this week, we celebrate National Agriculture Week. It is a time to celebrate America's farmers and ranchers, the hard-working men and women who fill America's supermarkets and Americans' dinner plates. Much of daily life here in the United States depends on the food, fuel, and fiber that America's farms and ranches produce. And this week in particular, we thank those who do the hard work of feeding America--and the world. prgtoken There are a lot of factors that go into a farm's or ranch's success. Today, I want to talk about just one of those factors that affects a lot of farms and ranches, and that is trade. Trade is critical to the continued success of American agriculture. One in four acres on U.S. farms is planted to be exported to a foreign market, and exports are responsible for a fifth of U.S. farm revenue. prgtoken For the 2023 marketing year, American farmers planted nearly 70 million acres of major crops to supply international markets. But we have a problem. Thanks in large part to the administration's almost complete inaction on trade, U.S. agriculture exports are declining. In fact, last year, the United States posted a $16.6 billion agricultural trade deficit--16.6 billion. And that trade deficit, believe it or not, is projected to be nearly twice as large this year, in an area of our economy where typically we have run, historically, trade surpluses. prgtoken This would be bad enough on its own, but it is particularly distressing at a time of economic uncertainty for a lot of farmers and ranchers. Like so many other Americans, farmers and ranchers have suffered under President 's inflation crisis. Net farm income is expected to see its largest 2-year drop in 40 years. prgtoken We should be doing whatever we can to reverse this trend and help farmers and ranchers succeed, and a good place to start would be opening new markets for American agricultural products. prgtoken The sorry state of agriculture trade is emblematic of the administration's generally unambitious trade agenda. The President made it clear early on that trade would not be high on his agenda, and unfortunately, he has lived up to that. prgtoken Increased market access--long a priority of the United States--has almost completely dropped off the radar under President . The U.S. Trade Representative has openly said that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which contains one of the few trade initiatives that the administration has actually undertaken, was, in fact, designed not-- not--to include tariff reduction. In other words, the administration deliberately chose not to pursue a key market-opening measure, and now, the administration has put even this halfhearted trade initiative on hold, declining to move forward with the trade portion of the Indo-Pacific agreement. prgtoken A year ago, I came to the floor to discuss my bipartisan bill to kick-start negotiations on a comprehensive f
Nomination of Adeel Abdullah Mangi (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2024-3-21

I have spoken repeatedly about the nomination of Adeel Mangi to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. Notwithstanding his anti-Semitic affiliations, it seems every week a new law enforcement organization announces its opposition to this nominee for his record of associating with the most radical type of anti-police activists--those who support cop killers. prgtoken Apparently, some are finally listening to law enforcement and the Jewish groups sounding the alarm. prgtoken Last week, a number of ic Senators reportedly told the White House that they didn't think Mr. Mangi has the votes. This, of course, produced a panic on the left. This week, a New York Times columnist accused s of Islamophobia for criticizing Mangi and his dalliance with anti-Semitic activists on the other hand, were urged to get in line and vote for him. prgtoken Who is giving this advice? prgtoken Well, the author of the piece herself had previously speculated that Israel may be engaged in genocide in Gaza. She called the Israeli war of self-defense a ``charnel house of horrors.'' She defended the anti- Semitic Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, and she even got mealymouthed about the October 7 attacks, saying: [T]wo can play the game of who started it and who is to blame, rolling back the clock to biblical times to try to fix ultimate responsibility for the catastrophe of Israel and Palestine. prgtoken So, again, what has Mr. Mangi done to deserve friends like these or, indeed, to merit such a vehement, blinkered defense from the administration? prgtoken Just yesterday, the White House called opposition to Mr. Mangi's nomination a "smear campaign solely because he would make history as the first Muslim to serve as a federal appellate judge.'' prgtoken How insulting. What self-respecting attorney wants to hear that a President cares more about the demographic tick boxes than their life's work? prgtoken Besides, in the case of Mr. Mangi, Senate s' opposition has absolutely nothing to do with his Muslim faith. Rather, it has everything to do with his longstanding sympathy for and association with some of the most radical elements in society. prgtoken I happily voted for the first Muslim article III judge at the outset of the administration, also of New Jersey--so did 31 of my colleagues--in one of the largest bipartisan votes for a judge in the Presidency. But we didn't support this nominee because he was Muslim; it was because he had an extraordinary personal and professional background. prgtoken Mr. Mangi's associated center at Rutgers asks convicted terrorists if we overly ``exceptionalize'' 9/11. Judge Quraishi, on the other hand, thought 9/11 was exceptional and joined the Army soon after, rendering honorable service in Iraq. prgtoken Mr. Mangi spent his career making millions in defending corporate clients like foreign en
CONGRATULATING MARANA JUNIOR LEAGUE SOFTBALL TEAM
Juan Ciscomani (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2024-3-21

I rise today to congratulate the Marana Junior Little League Softball team that made it to the Little League Junior Softball World Series quarterfinals. This team is the only team from Marana Little League Baseball and Softball to advance to a world series. prgtoken It was not an easy road for the team during the West Regional Junior League Tournament. They had to win five consecutive elimination games, and their final game was delayed for over 2 hours. Yet, they still came home with the win, and during the Junior League Softball World Series, the Marana Junior League Softball team made it all the way to the quarterfinals. prgtoken The team is coached by Head Coach Sam Mills, Coach Jason Angell, and Coach Chris Beck. prgtoken The 12 extraordinary players are Addison Angell, Addison Lee, Adelaide Bradshaw, Aubrianna Gray, Bella Brooks-Rojel, Bella Sayre, Brooke Beck, Cadence Beck, Emma Winter, Kyla Layton, Malia Mills, and Mariah Moreno. prgtoken These young girls have a bright future ahead of them, and I am excited to see what the future holds for all of them. prgtoken Way to represent Marana and Arizona in the World Series, and congratulations. Congratulating Coach Misty Opat
RECOGNIZING IDAHO'S COMMUNITY COLLEGES
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2024-3-21

along with my colleagues Senator Jim Risch, Representative Mike Simpson and Representative Russ Fulcher, we once again honor Idaho's community colleges in recognition of April as Community College Month. We thank them for their important work to equip Idahoans for success. prgtoken Community colleges across the Gem State are incubators for ideas and catalysts to Idahoans achieving their goals. These academic institutions provide vital hands-on training and high-quality education best suited to support Idaho's workforce, small businesses, and economy. These community hubs are preparing Idahoans for a successful future, whether that be advancing their education or entering the workforce. prgtoken With more than 26,000 students enrolled in Idaho community colleges in the fall of 2023, these educational institutions offer significant opportunity for students of all ages and walks of life. prgtoken This year's theme for Community College Month is ``Cultivating Skills for the Future.'' Idaho's community colleges truly embody this theme in their efforts to cultivate important on-the-job skills and developing our communities next leaders. prgtoken Thank you to Idaho's community colleges for your dedication to continued education. We are blessed to have you in our communities backing Idaho innovation with skills, knowledge, and experience.
CONGRESSIONAL PATRIOT AWARD FOR BETHANN TELFORD
Pat Fallon (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-3-21

I rise today to recognize Mrs. BethAnn Telford of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, and present her with the Congressional Patriot Award. BethAnn is a true American fighter and fierce advocate for brain cancer survivors. prgtoken Since she was young, BethAnn has been involved in numerous sports and other athletic activities. She is most passionate about long-distance running and was inspired to participate in the 2004 Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. Shortly after, she was diagnosed with brain cancer and underwent several surgeries that forced her to relearn how to walk and talk. Thankfully, BethAnn made a full recovery and refused to allow cancer to stop her from training and competing. Since then, she has completed numerous Ironman competitions and Boston Marathons, dedicating each mile she runs to a child she knows who has been affected by brain cancer. prgtoken Furthermore, BethAnn has dedicated herself to supporting brain cancer awareness initiatives. She founded Team BT, a nonprofit organization that has raised over a million dollars for brain cancer research. Through her efforts, our scientific community has moved one step closer to finding a cure for brain cancer. In 2017, BethAnn successfully completed the World Marathon Challenge, which requires competitors to finish 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days, becoming one of few people in the world to undergo this amazing feat. For her sportsmanship and participation in this Challenge, she was granted the Peakside Capital Sportsmanship Award. I am proud of the work BethAnn has done to uplift and inspire our community to overcome the most difficult challenges. prgtoken It is an honor to bestow BethAnn with the Patriot Award for her exceptional service to our Nation. She is a truly extraordinary woman, and I'm confident this will not be the end of her accomplishments.
S.J. Res. 62 (Executive Session)
Mike Rounds (Republican, SD) \u2014 2024-3-21

in November of 2023, the administration released a new rule to allow for beef imports from Paraguay, a country that has historically struggled to contain outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in their cattle herds. prgtoken The United States has been blocking beef imports from Paraguay since 1997. Paraguay last reported cases of foot-and-mouth disease in 2012. The USDA's decision to resume Paraguayan imports relies on an analysis that was completed in 2018, but American inspectors have not conducted a site visit to Paraguay since 2014. prgtoken American producers work tirelessly to produce the safest, highest quality, and most affordable beef in the entire world. Our consumers should be able to confidently feed their families beef that has met the rigorous standards required within the United States. The United States has not had a case of foot-and-mouth disease since 1929. We want to keep it that way by reversing this rule until a working group has had an opportunity to evaluate the threat to food safety and animal health posed prgtoken by Paraguayan beef with an updated analysis. prgtoken In other words, what we are asking for is for the Department of Ag here to protect our food supply for consumers by making certain that they use the most updated information possible before they allow Paraguay to begin importing beef here. prgtoken Foot-and-mouth disease is something that we have literally eradicated, but if it ever gets back into the country, it can be transferred to human beings, and it can be transferred to human beings back to livestock. It is contagious. We just simply ask that they update this study before they allow this to occur. prgtoken Today, we have two votes in a row. The first vote is not on this particular issue, but the second vote is. I would ask my colleagues for an affirmative vote to delay this rule--to stop this rule and delay it--until such time as we have an appropriate and timely review. prgtoken .
Government Funding (Executive Session)
Bill Hagerty (Republican, TN) \u2014 2024-3-21

I rise today as the Senate again finds itself facing a potential government shutdown due to the majority leader's political games. And again, the Senate must consider what we will do in response to the grave national security crisis that is emanating from our southern border. prgtoken It is deja vu from 2 weeks ago, when I offered a simple amendment regarding just one corrosive, anti-ic effect of this crisis. My amendment would have stopped illegal aliens from being counted for allotting congressional seats and, therefore, electoral college votes. prgtoken It did so by requiring the census to determine basic population statistics--like the number of citizens, noncitizens, and illegal aliens who are living in this country--and by requiring that only U.S. citizens be counted for the purposes of determining the number of House seats and the number of electoral college votes in America. prgtoken Currently, illegal aliens are counted when determining Americans' representation in government and the worth of their vote. The more illegal aliens and noncitizens in your State or district, the greater your voting power in Congress and in Presidential elections. prgtoken This means that in a State like California--or a city like New York-- millions of illegal aliens result in several more congressional seats and electoral votes for that jurisdiction. prgtoken That helps explain why the majority leader worked so fervently 2 weeks ago to avoid a vote on my amendment--until it was clear that such obstruction would lead to a government shutdown. It also explains why every single voting on my amendment opposed it. Because when it comes to the census, the majority leader believes that ``every person must be counted.'' Evidently, that means illegal aliens too. prgtoken And with respect to commonsense proposals like mine--to count citizens, not illegal aliens--for apportioning voting power in America, what does the majority leader have to say? Well, he calls it an attempt to weaponize the census. prgtoken Really? That is quite rich. Aren't weaponizing the census by counting people living in our country illegally? Do we count diplomats? Do we count people who are here on vacation? Why would we count people who are here illegally? That is the essence of weaponizing the census. prgtoken Here is what is really going on. Several weeks ago, video emerged of a House Member from the majority leader's home State in which she called for more illegal immigration to her district for redistricting purposes. prgtoken What she means is that Americans are fleeing blue cities and States en masse because of bad government, but congressional seats are allocated based on population. So if you are losing population, you either have to backfill it or lose congressional seats. prgtoken This Representative stated that, because of her population loss, she needed to fill her district with illegal aliens to keep f
Electric Vehicles (Executive Session)
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2024-3-21

I come to the floor today to speak about the President's most recent attacks upon the freedoms of the American people. This week, the administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, announced that it is going to put stringent new limits on gas-powered cars. prgtoken In effect, this delusional new regulation is attempting to kill the sale of gas-powered cars in America and, in doing so, try to force every American to buy an electric car. prgtoken President seems to want to regulate every room in the house of the American people. He started in the kitchen with our stoves, continued throughout the house, and now he is headed to the garage. This is a coercive crusade, and it is a crusade against consumer choice. It is a crusade against convenience and also against affordability. prgtoken Last year, less than 1 in 10 of the vehicles sold in this country were electric vehicles. Under this new rule, is demanding that the EVs make up two-thirds of all new car sales by the year 2032. Apparently, the administration thinks it is smarter than everyone else. They want to pick what you can drive and punish people who choose to drive something different. Why? Well, it is all in the name of the smug superiority of the coastal elites who think they ought to be running the country. prgtoken Now, this is the crux of the new car ban. Driven by this blind faith in the climate religion regardless of the cost to our country in terms of energy being affordable, available, or reliable. The costs are real, and they prgtoken are expensive. The benefits are theoretical, unproven, exaggerated, and certainly burdensome. President is pushing ahead anyway. prgtoken To , what kind of cars Americans drive isn't a practical question; it is one based on theology. Their war against gas-powered cars amounts to what I believe is foolishness at best and leftwing lunacy at worst. Americans reject and continue to reject this unwelcomed intrusion into our lives. They reject it for good reason. They know that this car ban will drive their lives into the ditch. prgtoken Certainly, that is the case for the people of my home State in Wyoming. It is bad for the families in my home State. It is bad for the workers in my home State. It is bad for American national security. Farmers and ranchers count on their vehicles. It can be a matter of life and death. People know not to run out of fuel, not to run out of gas. They know what it is like in the winters. They know to always be fully prepared and fully loaded with gas before they head out on the roads in Wyoming. prgtoken They want their vehicles to be reliable and affordable. We have, in Wyoming, cold winters, vast distances. Electric cars are not meant to benefit and survive in either. President 's push to force Wyoming drivers to buy expensive vehicles they don't want, don't need, and most families can't afford is ridiculous and an abuse
Unanimous Consent Request--S. 3237 (Executive Session)
Thom Tillis (Republican, NC) \u2014 2024-3-21

just briefly, again, I appreciate Senator Durbin as the chairman of the Judiciary Committee. We have had many opportunities to work together. prgtoken First off, I would just like to point out--and I will because I do intend to do unanimous consent for this--there is a burning platform issue here between now and August. These ads are going on and on. Veterans are making a phone call. I am looking at ways to get to these veterans, and I am told that this will make a connection. So that is something separate from some of the substance that Chairman Durbin talked about. prgtoken We have processed about 12,000 cases since I have been here, since 2015. We referred a number to veterans service organizations. Veterans service organizations are approved by the VA and do have attorneys. They can triage cases. And one thing that they do very well is say: This is an easy case; we can help you with this one. This is not an easy case; you need to seek legal representation. prgtoken As a matter of fact, we do that as standard operating procedure in my office. I am not saying that many of these cases may need them, but I know a lot of them don't, and I suspect many of them don't. And every dime that you pay an attorney is a dime that is not going to the veteran. prgtoken So what I am trying to do here is just to make sure they understand that they have these resources available. It is amazing to me how surprised people are that I have 25 people in the State dedicated to casework, full-time people dedicated to veterans work, a great relationship with VSOs. All of those are free, highly skilled options for veterans that these ads on TV are not making clear to veterans. prgtoken We have to do right by veterans. Like I said, I am disappointed with the objection today, but we will have plenty of time to talk about this every week that we are in session between now and August.
El Salvador (Executive Session)
Tom Cotton (Republican, AR) \u2014 2024-3-21

I recently returned from a trip to El Salvador, where I met President Nayib Bukele and saw firsthand the effects of his remarkable transformation of that country from the most dangerous nation in our hemisphere to one of the safest. prgtoken As we drove around San Salvador, the images were commonplace yet extraordinary--children played soccer in the parks, young women jogged at twilight, couples dined outdoors--commonplace because one should expect to see such scenes in any decent community; extraordinary because they were unheard of just a few years ago. prgtoken Unfortunately, this trip was also a reminder that President is as weak, unpopular, and divisive abroad as he is at home. And just as he coddles criminals and cartels in our own country, he too often sympathizes with them in other nations. prgtoken Since taking office, President has refused to meet President Bukele, Secretary of State Tony Blinken has criticized him, and the administration has significantly reduced foreign assistance to his government. prgtoken One must ask why. After all, President Bukele is the most pro- American leader in Latin America, and he overwhelmingly won two elections--free and fair elections, I must add, contrary to liberal allegations. Indeed, one of his bigger vote shares came from Salvadorans living outside the country, including in the United States, far removed from any supposed intimidation or coercion inside El Salvador. prgtoken It is not surprising because, after years of bloodshed, the Bukele government is bringing stability and safety to a country that desperately needs it, which is also good for America. There has been a 40-percent drop in illegal Salvadoran migrants arriving at our border. prgtoken No, doesn't oppose President Bukele for good or fairminded reasons. He opposes President Bukele because he is tough on El Salvador's murderous gangs, the most prominent of which is MS-13, a group with the psychotic motto ``kill, rape, control.'' prgtoken Our own country has experience with this sadistic gang. In 2017, not far from here in Wheaton, MD, members of MS-13 beheaded a man, cut his heart out, and stabbed him over 100 times. The year before, members of the gang murdered two teenage girls on Long Island, NY, using baseball bats and a machete. And just last year, an illegal immigrant member of MS-13 in California was convicted of torturing and murdering a 10-year- old boy. Let me say that again. He tortured and murdered a 10-year-old boy. prgtoken That is what MS-13 has done here in America, the richest and most powerful Nation in the world. It has done far worse to the people of El Salvador. And MS-13 isn't alone. Factions of the infamous 18th Street gang also terrorized the country. Before the government's crackdown, more than 100,000 gang members and associates roamed the streets of the nation of fewer than 6\1/2\ million people. For years, they waged war with each other an