mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Social Media (Executive Session)
Thom Tillis (Republican, NC) \u2014 2022-7-13

I will be brief. But I do want to talk about a serious subject. You know, 30 years ago, we wouldn't have been talking about email or social media or other things that we now rely on to receive communications, to be informed on political choices, and to potentially even support candidates that we want to support. But the reality is, today, we all have two or three email accounts, probably most of them based on Gmail. We have got access to Twitter, Instagram, Facebook--a number of social media platforms. And I have a concern that maybe it is not a level playing field for political views. prgtoken We have always had that argument, but recently NC State issued a report that seems to find that--particularly with Gmail--we have an imbalance between how information is disseminated, how candidates are able to reach out for support. What the study found is a potential political bias against s in favor of ic candidates. prgtoken Now, I am a technology person, and I think my staff called me a bit of a nerd. I have been in technology for almost 40 years. I am not willing to jump to the conclusion that Google has necessarily created a strategy for benefitting over s, but a study seems to suggest that there are legitimate questions that need to be answered. prgtoken I, for one, don't think any platform should favor either policy. I think more speech, more access is better; more informed voters, more people participating in elections. But the study seems to suggest that there is a bias in the way that we receive our information through Gmail. prgtoken I joined a letter with Senator Daines to say: Take a look at that report, take a look at your operations, and give us your response to the assertions in the report. prgtoken I know that this is very important for the future of elections, for the future of participation in elections. And, again, I don't want a platform that biases itself toward conservatives any more than I want one that biases itself towards liberals. But I did have an opportunity to talk with technologists at Google, who dismissed the report. But that is not enough. The report has findings. And I think--in this case Google, but there are other platforms we can ask the same question. prgtoken Incidentally, Twitter 2 months ago informed me that I was not who I said I was, so they suspended my account. I tried to go through an appeal process and finally just decided I don't need that Twitter account. I am wondering if that was a result of an algorithm or the result of somebody in Twitter who didn't like what I had to say about my mother and my wife and my kids on my Twitter account because I happen to have an official account that, for some reason, it is OK. prgtoken We have got to get this straightened up, and Google can help us start by taking a look at the findings in this report and providing us hard answers for it and identifying others who may actually be r
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023
Mike Gallagher (Republican, WI) \u2014 2022-7-13

. Madam , first, let me say at the outset that I very much appreciate the way the chairwoman and I have been able to work together on the issue of military education in general. But I have to oppose this amendment. prgtoken International Military Education and Training, or IMET, is a vital pillar of our national security. In recent years, Ukrainian servicemembers have benefited from IMET to enhance their combat readiness and lethality. prgtoken As we have seen in the aftermath of Putin's invasion of Ukraine, security partnerships like IMET can help make the difference between life and death and the ability of our allies and partners to withstand foreign aggression. prgtoken Since 2014, in fact, the U.S. military has played a key role in boosting Ukrainian military capabilities, training alongside them, providing Ukraine with critical weapons and munitions, enabling its reserve component, and more. Our security focus, however, was laser- focused on enhancing Ukraine's ability to defend itself against the Russian invasion. prgtoken My concern is that the amendment would broaden the scope of IMET and end up watering down the results for both the United States and for our security partners. Promoting human rights, including the rights of women, is a well-established goal of U.S. foreign and development policy. I don't deny that. Instruction on gender roles, female opportunity, and narrowing gaps between men and women should, however, not be a part of the U.S. military's mandate when it comes to teaching allied and partner nations the art of war. prgtoken As I said earlier tonight, all of our instruction for warfighting needs to be focused on the actual fighting of wars, which will, in turn, allow us to deter wars. prgtoken This is not to discount the importance of other issues, but the military is simply not the right tool for advancing this objective. As former administration official Rosa Brooks notes in her book, ``How Everything Became War and the Military Became Everything,'' the military has in recent years taken on missions that depart from its core responsibility of fighting and winning the Nation's wars. prgtoken My concern is this amendment would exacerbate this trend, so, therefore, I oppose this amendment. prgtoken Madam , .
ACTIVE SHOOTER ALERT ACT OF 2022
Dan Bishop (Republican, NC) \u2014 2022-7-13

. So as others have said--and this is the language that struck me--when this matter was in committee, before it failed under suspension of the rules here, for good reason, this paragraph struck me. prgtoken According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, ``imminent threat alerts include natural or human-made disasters, extreme weather, active shooters, and other threatening emergencies that are current or emerging.'' So the existing IPAWS system explicitly covers this issue, which again, takes you back to, then, what this debate has materialized as. prgtoken The soon-to-retire gentleman from Michigan on the side recited an event in North Carolina where Little League teams withdrew from a tournament because they heard shots. The police in Wilson say that they had no evidence that there was an active shooter involved. prgtoken That incident had nothing to do with what we are talking about today, and yet, the gentleman from Michigan offered it in support of this bill. prgtoken The gentleman from Illinois or the gentleman who just spoke about the Highland Park shooting in Illinois--by the way, according to the wisdom of the majority and some Senators, we passed support for red flag laws--well, Illinois has a red flag law. That person had been implicated in all circumstances that a red flag law ought to respond to. It didn't work. prgtoken We have been doing gun control since 1968. Are you satisfied with the trajectory? Does it salve your conscience to speak in a loud voice about how outraged you are and do something else that has no capacity to solve the problem? prgtoken Because you refuse to grapple with the problem. I have said that all along. I am going to continue to say it. It is not the prevalence of guns. It is but for causation, ladies and gentlemen. prgtoken We have always had guns in ample supply across this country. Always. But until the 1960s, you never heard of a mass shooting, and they have increased at a rapid rate in recent years. So it is not the guns that have changed. prgtoken Let's look at what may have changed. We have changed the culture. Could that be it? Could that be the reason that some reckless idiot in an automobile leaving the area of that Little League tournament was engaged in gun play, firing off a weapon? That never would have happened at an earlier time in this country. prgtoken The same political forces that tried to change the culture and succeeded is the side that wants to eliminate gun rights as the answer to a problem they have created.
Biden Administration (Executive Calendar)
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2022-7-13

first I would like to associate myself with the remarks from the distinguished senior Senator from North Dakota who spoke so well about the issues that are facing the American people, both in terms of inflation and in terms of energy. prgtoken So I join my colleagues today on the floor to talk about this crisis that we are facing under the Presidency of and the in this body. prgtoken We found out this morning that inflation hit another record high, a 40-year high, and we are now entering a summer of suffering by the American people, suffering brought on by the and their reckless spending and policies. prgtoken The inflation numbers themselves are shocking. The impact on families is so, so disturbing. In my home State of Wyoming, the people that normally volunteer to drive meals to shut-ins on Meals on Wheels--who run some of those rural routes and drive around and drop off meals-- these are volunteers with time on their hands, senior citizens who do the driving. They are no longer able to do it because they cannot afford the gas under and the ic policies. prgtoken The day came into office, gas was $2.38 per gallon--plenty of volunteers paying their own gas. Today, the price has almost doubled what it was when came into office. prgtoken That is what the American people are seeing: pain at the pump and pain at the grocery store. And the numbers are disturbing, and people are falling further and further behind. Inflation is up 9 percent, but wages are only up 5 percent, so that gap is growing and people are hurting. prgtoken It doesn't seem the President even understands it or can conceive of it, but that is who we have representing the people in the White House today. prgtoken Over the last 4 months, working families have paid the highest gas prices in American history. The price of natural gas has also tripled since the day took office. In total, the average American family paid an additional $1,000 last year just for energy compared to the year before, and this year it is going to be a lot worse. prgtoken Now, it is the summer. Most Americans are facing the real possibility of blackouts. Two-thirds of Americans are likely to face energy blackouts. That is not me saying it; it is the energy specialists who analyze where the energy is coming from, how much is needed, and where it is going. prgtoken During a summer heat wave, blackouts threaten people's lives. To the climate purists and elitists and extremists who are running the administration, they don't seem to care. So why is it happening? America still has plenty of energy--the best energy in the world--and the most. We have some of the largest energy reserves anywhere. States like Wyoming, where I am from, are sitting on a gold mine of energy. The energy crisis is a direct result of the administration's energy policies. prgtoken From the day took office
RECOGNIZING HILLCO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2022-7-13

as a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each month I recognize and celebrate the American entrepreneurial spirit by highlighting the success of a small business in my home State of Idaho. Today, I am pleased to honor Hillco Technologies, Inc as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for July 2022. prgtoken In the 1950s, Wallace ``Arlie'' Hill, a longtime resident of Nezperce, designed the first hydraulic foldup harrow cart for his own family farm. Shortly thereafter, he built them for his neighbors and eventually for farmers all across North America before opening Hillco, Inc in 1963. Arlie Hill became famous for his harrow, springtooth, and packer cart designs and various multi-unit hitches for drills and plows which he tinkered with until his mid-80s. prgtoken Located amongst the rolling hills of Idaho's Camas Prairie, the Hill family is familiar with how critical combine leveling systems are for effective hillside harvesting. When tractor manufacturers stopped supplying leveling systems in the 1990s, Hillco stepped in to fill the gap in the market. In 1993, the first Hillco, Inc leveling system rolled off the production floor for a Case-IH combine followed by the first leveling system for a John Deere combine in 1998. In 2021, Hillco manufactured their 2,500th leveler. prgtoken Now called Hillco Technologies, Inc and owned by Lenny Hill, Arlie's son, their team of 55 employees pride themselves on their collaborative effort to design, test, and market methods and mechanisms that advance farming and agricultural practices from start to finish. They continue to preserve Arlie's innovative spirit as they expand their product line to offer additional equipment that addresses the unique challenges facing farmers and ranchers in the Pacific Northwest and across the Nation. While Hillco equipment is well known in farming communities nationwide, the Nezperce community recognizes Hillco for their generous support of local businesses, athletics, education, and first responders. prgtoken Congratulations to the Hill family and all of the employees at Hillco Technologies, Inc for being selected as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for July 2022. Thank you for serving Idaho as small business owners and entrepreneurs. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.
BORDER PATROL NEVER WHIPPED MIGRANTS
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-7-13

regarding the border crisis, the Department of Homeland Security came back with a report proving without a doubt that the Border Patrol agents on horseback did not whip Haitian illegal immigrants crossing the border in 2021. prgtoken There is no evidence whatsoever that agents involved in this incident struck intentionally or otherwise any illegal border crossers with the reins of their horses. prgtoken After photographers took pictures of members of the Border Patrol Horse Patrol chasing Haitian illegal immigrants and swirling the reins of their horses in an allegedly intimidating manner, some news organizations falsely reported the agents seemed to be whipping the migrants. prgtoken After all this whip controversy was found to be completely without merit, officials at Customs and Border Patrol announced that they are still going to punish the agents. Wow, that will be great for morale. These agents who dutifully serve to keep our border safe and enforce our laws are going to pay the price for something they did not do. prgtoken President , Vice President , Pelosi, and even Leader Schumer have all added fuel to this false fire. Liberal media keep pushing out false stories even though the photographer who took the images swiftly clarified they never witnessed an agent whipping any migrants. prgtoken Negative media attention, brought about by liberal media and far-left politicians, is vilifying these agents, needlessly hurting morale, hurting recruitment and are just flat false.
Biden Administration (Executive Calendar)
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2022-7-13

200 years ago, the Senate went about their business without computers, without cell phones, and any of our other modern conveniences that run on electricity, including the very lights in this room. Working by candlelight might sound quaint today, but many Americans may find themselves doing just that in the not too distant future because the administration is taking the country back to the era of no electricity. prgtoken Folks, with President and his same team of advisers who created a nationwide baby formula shortage and out-of-control inflation overseeing their ``energy transition,'' what could possibly go wrong? You don't have to look any further than your energy bills to get an answer. prgtoken Prices at the pump have nearly doubled since 's first day in office when he started signing Executive orders to turn off American energy supplies. And home electricity prices have increased more than 20 percent since just last summer. What is worse than these expensive energy bills? Well, folks, how about no power at all? Most of the Nation is currently in danger of experiencing power outages due to energy shortages caused by the closure of power plants as part of the ' push towards renewables. These blackouts will make it impossible to even run fans and air conditioners on the hottest days of the summer. prgtoken But not to worry, folks, 's Energy Department has issued some tips of what to do in case of an outage, which include stocking up on candles, keeping an ice chest on hand, and having a gallon of water available for every person in your house for each day you are without electricity. prgtoken Folks, that is not the most reassuring advice since no one knows how many days we could be kept in the dark during a blackout. prgtoken The reality is these power outages pose a bigger problem than just the inconvenience of being uncomfortably warm or unable to watch TV for a few hours or possibly days. prgtoken Extended outages could be a matter of life or death for many folks who depend upon electronic medical devices or temperature-sensitive medicines. prgtoken You are probably wondering how it is even possible in 2022 for there to be an energy shortage right here in the United States of America. It is simple math: ic policies. prgtoken The ongoing closure of traditional power plants is reducing our capacity to supply enough electricity for millions of homes and renewables are not yet producing enough energy on their own to make up the difference. prgtoken The are predictably blaming global warming, but the truth is the rolling blackouts and rising prices are really being caused by man-made energy change. Just this year, the administration has reduced domestic oil and gas leasing, created regulatory barriers for building pipelines, and taken administrative actions that put hundreds of solar energy projects across the U.S. on hold. prgtoken
TRIBUTE TO ADOLPH L. ``BOB'' HIRSCH
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2022-7-13

today I rise to recognize Mr. Adolph ``Bob'' Hirsch, a remarkable man and World War II veteran who turns 100 on July 23, 2022. prgtoken In September 1942, at the age of 20, Mr. Hirsch enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard. He would go on to attain the rank of seaman first class, serving this Nation honorably throughout World War II until 1945. During this time, Mr. Hirsch served as a gunner's mate on the Coast Guard Patrol Frigate Annapolis. It was aboard that vessel in the American theater of operations that Mr. Hirsch was engaged in combat action against hostile enemy submarine forces. prgtoken In September 1945, Mr. Hirsch was also involved in a daring rescue while serving on the Annapolis. After the Steamship Prince George caught fire in Ketchikan, AK, several U.S. Coast Guard vessels responded to the incident, including the Annapolis. Mr. Hirsch was engaged in lifesaving and port clearance operations, further demonstrating his remarkable bravery. prgtoken Following his time in the Coast Guard, Mr. Hirsch continued his outstanding legacy of service. He joined the New York City Police Department and served that city honorably for over 20 years. Since 1976, Mr. Hirsch has resided in Bethlehem, CT, and we are proud he has chosen to call our great State home. prgtoken Mr. Hirsch's tireless service will be an enduring legacy. I applaud his many accomplishments and hope my colleagues will join me in congratulating Mr. Bob Hirsch on this milestone of his 100th birthday.
PROVIDING FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 7900, NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023--Continued
Al Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2022-7-13

1\1/2\ minutes. prgtoken , today I rise in strong support of the Reforming Disaster Recovery Act which I have submitted as an amendment No. 448 to the National Defense Authorization Act. prgtoken This amendment would permanently authorize the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program which provides States, Tribes, and communities with flexible, long-term recovery resources needed to rebuild affordable housing and infrastructure after a disaster. prgtoken The amendment also provides important safeguards and tools to help ensure that Federal disaster recovery efforts reach all impacted households, including the lowest income and most marginalized survivors who are often hardest hit by disasters and have the fewest resources to recover. prgtoken The amendment also provides important safeguards and tools to help ensure that Federal disaster recovery efforts reach all impacted households in the future, including the lowest income and most marginalized survivors. prgtoken These measures would help to prevent the repetition of what happened in Texas in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey where more than 4 years after the disaster, relief funds that were appropriated by Congress have not filtered down to the hands of people who need them. prgtoken , .
PROVIDING FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 7900, NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023--Continued
Frank Pallone, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-7-13

let me just say in closing that I understand what my colleague from Texas is saying when he talks about why he might think it is in the interest of the United States to sell these weapons or these planes to Turkey, and I respect his opinion. I don't agree, but I respect it. But we are asking that the administration put forth the reasons. prgtoken That is what this amendment is all about, not your opinion, which is fine, but what is the administration's opinion. Are they going to certify? Are they going to tell us why this is necessary? That is what this amendment is about. prgtoken , I urge support for this amendment, and .
Frank Pallone, Jr., Chairman.
Jim Cooper (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2022-7-13

I rise in strong support of the Foster amendment. prgtoken Why? prgtoken To the average Member, this may sound complicated, but it is all about nuclear testing. We need to stop North Korea and other nations from doing nuclear testing, and if they do, then we need a trusted international source to monitor exactly what they are doing. prgtoken It does not help us in America to be blind, and it does not help the House of Representatives to blindly follow what the Senate does, particularly Senate inaction, because the other body is notoriously unable to conduct its work. prgtoken The important fact that Members need to know is: all of the heads of our national labs say that we do not need to test. The heads of Sandia, Los Alamos, Lawrence Livermore, and Oak Ridge certify annually. We do not need to test, and we need to stop other nations who are trying to test. prgtoken This amendment helps us stop those other nations. This amendment helps us stop North Korea. This amendment helps us stop other rogue nations and major powers like China and Russia from testing. prgtoken , let's support the Foster amendment, and let's keep America strong. This is a very important principle for us to stand up for, and I thank Mr. Foster for offering this important amendment.