mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Eric Schmitt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2024-3-22

Jefferson Smith, the newly minted Senator in Frank Capra's ``Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,'' opined: ``Liberty's too precious a thing to be buried in books. Men should hold it up in front of them every single day of their lives and say: I'm free to think and to speak. My ancestors couldn't, I can, and my children will.'' prgtoken My amendment tackles a fundamental issue that should bring us together as a Senate: protecting Americans' First Amendment rights in the virtual town square. prgtoken The First Amendment is the beating heart of our Constitution. It protects fundamental human expression, and the government shouldn't be deciding what we can read or what we can hear or what we can say. prgtoken Earlier this week, Murphy v. Murray was heard in the U.S. Supreme Court. I filed that case when I was attorney general of Missouri. At issue in that case is what is at the heart of the issue here in this amendment, which is pretty simple: Should the Federal Government and its leviathan of Agencies be allowed to coerce and collude with social media companies to censor speech online? The answer for every American should be a resounding no. Unfortunately, that is what top officials in the administration were doing and why this amendment is so important. prgtoken What is more, censorship isn't limited to just conservative-leaning speech.
UDALL FOUNDATION REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2023
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-3-22

clearly it is an election year, because we are hearing more and more political speeches from the floor of the Senate and precious little work doing the hard things that we actually are elected to do, which is to legislate. prgtoken Here we find ourselves dealing with appropriations bills that should have been completed last September. I don't know if people really understand that. What we are doing today, lurching from one shutdown to the next, is dealing with last year's work. But you would think that, under the leadership of Majority Leader Schumer, we would have enough things to do rather than squander the opportunity to deal with those because we are dealing with last year's work. prgtoken I think we can do better next year. Hopefully, with a different majority, we can actually pass a budget. We can take up and pass appropriation bills on a timely basis, and we can get our work done on time--something that has not happened under the current leadership. prgtoken I want to mention one hopeful sign, where, at least, one branch of the legislature is actually moving things through committee and across the floor and allowing votes, amendments, and debate. That would be the House of Representatives, not the U.S. Senate, sometimes called the world's greatest deliberative body. prgtoken To their credit, earlier this year, the House passed a bill that made significant changes in our tax system, and that is what I want to talk about for the next few minutes. prgtoken This legislation was negotiated by the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, on which I am privileged to serve, Senator Ron Wyden, and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith. They released a framework of this agreement in mid-January, and our colleagues in the House immediately began work on the bill. prgtoken The Ways and Means Committee, for example, held hearings--actual hearings, legislative hearings--and then a markup to debate the legislation. Members offered and voted on amendments, and, ultimately, this package passed the committee and the full House with strong bipartisan support. prgtoken Given the polarization and partisanship that often grips Congress, advancing a bipartisan bill is no small feat, especially during an election year. But that doesn't mean the work on the bill is finished. As every high school student knows who takes civics or American history--they know that Congress is a bicameral body. The House and the Senate have to work together. There are two Chambers, two sets of Members with diverse views, Senators representing whole States--in my case, 30 million Texans. The House Members represent a much smaller Congressional District. But the process means that both Chambers need to work through these bills to improve them and make sure they are as good as we can make them before they are signed into law. prgtoken So my point is that the Senate is not a rubberstamp for the House, and the House would say
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Ted Budd (Republican, NC) \u2014 2024-3-22

let me be clear. The amendment I am offering prevents illegal aliens who commit the crime of burglary, theft, or shoplifting from being granted legal status or citizenship. prgtoken This is particularly relevant in the case of Laken Riley, where the illegal alien who murdered her had previously been arrested for those crimes. prgtoken The American people need to know who stands on the side of preventing tragedies and who will enable them. Now, I know my ic colleagues are fearful, perhaps squeamish, to prevent immigration issues from being voted on tonight. We have even gone into past midnight and into a brief government shutdown to avoid it. prgtoken I might be a freshman in this Chamber, but I have been here long enough to know that deadlines are powerful motivators but so should be common sense and common decency. prgtoken Look, we have seen the cost of not dealing with this issue in the tragic death of Laken Riley, and I hope each and every one of my colleagues would agree it is time to act and support my amendment.
REPEALING OF GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION FUND
Brett Guthrie (Republican, KY) \u2014 2024-3-22

I rise today in support of H.R. 1023. prgtoken , this legislation cuts President 's $27 billion green new deal slush fund. prgtoken At a hearing, I had asked an administration witness if any of this money could go indirectly to China. He could not definitively say no. prgtoken This bill also repeals EPA's proposed natural gas tax which would increase costs for Americans, kill jobs across the country, and undermine our national security. prgtoken , if you think those are just words, then I encourage my friends across the aisle to look at Europe and see what is going on there today. All of those have come true. prgtoken I am committed to ensuring Kentuckians have access to affordable and reliable American-made energy and keeping taxpayer dollars out of the hands of the Communist Party of China. prgtoken , I thank my friend from Alabama for his leadership on this issue. I thank my friend from Washington, the chair, for yielding, and I encourage my colleagues to support this bill.
REPEALING OF GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION FUND
Jeff Duncan (Republican, SC) \u2014 2024-3-22

. Madam , we pointed out yesterday that Americans are paying more for transportation fuels than they were just a few short years ago before the administration started this war on energy. They are paying higher utility bills because green energy projects are costing more and driving up utility rates. prgtoken If anybody watched the debate that the gentlewoman from Florida mentioned a minute ago, which occurred in our committee this week, they will see that we need to build out a pipeline infrastructure to deliver resources, prgtoken produce American resources, deliver those resources, utilize those resources, and export. There is energy poverty in the world; not just in the United States, but globally. We can help with that by exporting more U.S.-produced, cleaner burning natural gas. prgtoken Georgia has been leading on this issue and here is another Representative from Georgia to talk about it. prgtoken Madam , I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter).
FURTHER CONSOLIDATED APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024
Marjorie Taylor Greene (Republican, GA) \u2014 2024-3-22

. Madam , it is the will of our voters, and it is the will of s across the country that this bill should not be brought to the floor. prgtoken This bill will absolutely destroy our majority and will tell every single one of our voters that this majority is a failure. prgtoken This is the bill that the White House cannot wait to sign into law. This is the bill that rips our border wide open and tells every single person in over 160 countries around the world they can invade our country, they can run over our Border Patrol, they can run over our Texas National Guard, they can come in, rape our women, murder our people, and squat and take over our homes. prgtoken Madam , this is an atrocious attack on the American people. The of the House should not bring it to the floor, and this bill should not pass.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Tommy Tuberville (Republican, AL) \u2014 2024-3-22

I still can't believe we are having serious conversations about men competing in women's sports. We have lost our minds. I know many of you have daughters, nieces, and granddaughters who play sports. My amendment would protect the integrity of women and girls in sports and protect them and sports itself, because women and girls are being discriminated against. prgtoken I am here to fight for the future of women's and girls' sports, for the safety of their locker rooms and showers. The Department of Education is doing exactly the opposite. prgtoken My amendment is simple. A school should protect women in sports and ensure that only biological women can compete against each other. An educational institution should not be able to use Federal funds to implement a radical agenda and facilitate biological males competing in women sports. prgtoken It is time to draw the line in the sand. Women are being attacked, not just on the court, in the pool, but in the dressing room. It is time to show what side you are on. So when you vote, I hope you take a look in the camera and smile, and go home and explain your vote to the daughters and granddaughters and young women in your families.
CELEBRATING WESTERN ENERGY ALLIANCE'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Doug Lamborn (Republican, CO) \u2014 2024-3-22

I rise today to recognize a champion of our nation's abundant energy resources. prgtoken Western Energy Alliance is celebrating 50 years of unifying stakeholders and policymakers in support of oil and natural gas in the West. Their work has helped balance the environment by providing citizens with the energy they need. prgtoken Today, just as in 1974, energy policy is vital to America's success. Today, as back then, we also see regulators going out of their way to hamstring innovative solutions from small, independent companies focused on harnessing our Nation's mineral resources--companies that constitute the Alliance's membership. prgtoken Fortunately, the Alliance has been a guiding voice and valuable resource for members of Congress and has helped consumers combat high prices at the pump and lower their utility bills. prgtoken Congratulations to Western Energy Alliance for reaching the 50-year milestone and I thank them for being a credible advocate of western oil and natural gas.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Ron Johnson (Republican, WI) \u2014 2024-3-22

in the last 4 months, we have seen a string of horrific crimes in which the suspects are illegal immigrants. prgtoken In December, a 16-year-old cheerleader was stabbed to death in Edna, TX. In my State, a 20-year-old nurse was run down by a drunk driver. In January, again in my State, a Special Olympian was struck by a drunk driver. In Campbell County, VA, a 14-year-old girl was sexually assaulted. In January, a 2-year-old was caught in the crossfire of gangs and murdered. In Kenner, LA, a 14-year-old girl was raped by another individual and stabbed by an illegal suspect. On February 22, Laken Riley was beaten to death while jogging in Athens, GA. Just last week, a 15-year-old mentally impaired girl was raped in Massachusetts. prgtoken This must stop. prgtoken My amendment is simple. It prohibits Labor, HHS, and Education funding from going to sanctuary cities that do not comply with requests from DHS to provide advance notice of date and time illegal aliens are scheduled to be released from local custody. prgtoken We can stop these crimes. We must secure our border. Please vote yes.
HONORING MR. JAMES MILLER
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2024-3-22

today I rise to recognize Mr. James Miller and to thank him for his long and exemplary career serving our constituents and servicemen. prgtoken Jim's service to our troops began four decades ago while he was pursuing his second Master's Degree at Florida State University, after earning his first from Slippery Rock University. While pursuing his educational goals, he interned with the Mental Hygiene Clinic at the Erie County, Pennsylvania Veteran Affairs Hospital. This would prove to be a formative experience for Jim who, upon graduation in 1989, took a job at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. During his time at Fort Campbell, Jim served in a variety of roles including the Chief of Community Mental Health and the Chief of Discharge Planning. In these roles, Jim assumed responsibility for the well-being of countless troops and their family members. He flourished in Kentucky, but when Americans were called to serve during Operation Desert Storm, Jim followed the 101st Airborne-- the mighty Screaming Eagles--across the waves as the division's social work officer. While deployed, he went above and beyond, providing counseling services to the troops and even establishing a mental health clinic similar to the one in which he had once worked in. prgtoken Jim stayed with the 101st until 1993, afterward continuing his service at various installations across the nation. Though his capacity differed at each station, the quality of service he delivered never diminished. His nine-year journey concluded in 2002 when he settled in with the North Country's own 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum. During the height of the global War on Terror, Jim provided the Division with the same essential, high-quality care that had defined his time with the 101st years prior. After serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, he returned to his roots at the very same Erie VA Hospital where his career had started. Eventually, Jim would return to the North Country, first as the chief of the Watertown Veterans Center and then as a clinical social worker with Fort Drum's Soldier Recovery Program. prgtoken After a long career tending to our warfighters in their hours of need, Jim is ready for one last transition: on March 14th, he celebrated a richly deserved retirement after a lifetime of service. On behalf of New York's 21st District, it is my distinct honor to thank him for all he has done in service of the North Country, the 10th Mountain Division, and our Country.
Government Funding (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2024-3-22

the task before Congress this week, completing annual appropriations, is important work every year. In fact, it is among our most basic, fundamental responsibilities. prgtoken But not in decades have the stakes of providing for the common defense been as high as they are right now. For the first time since the Cold War, America faces an era defined by great power competition. Of course, this is not news. prgtoken Two straight Presidential administrations have correctly recognized this fact, at least on paper, in their national security strategies. These documents have recognized that challenges from revisionist authoritarians in Russia and China pose the greatest threat to the endurance of American leadership that has defined world politics and economics for decades. prgtoken Today, we face major adversaries who wish nothing more than to bleed prgtoken American influence, sap our resolve, torch our credibility, and fill every void we leave behind with a new order built on fear and subjugation. And we face terrorists and rogue states committed to help them sow chaos. North Korea is sending thousands of train cars full of ammunition to fuel Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine; and Iran's Houthi proxies are signaling to Russian and Chinese ships that they will be permitted to traverse the Red Sea unharmed. But it is not enough to recognize these challenges or name-check them in policy papers. Both the administration and Congress have to act and invest and be willing to meet them. prgtoken President 's actions undercut any of his administration's apparent recognition of the grave moment we are facing. For 4 straight years, the Commander in Chief has requested defense budgets that don't even keep pace with inflation. De facto cuts to U.S. military funding do not signal seriousness about outcompeting our biggest strategic adversaries--China's defense, for example, is growing by more than 7 percent year-over-year--and neither did the President's hand-wringing and delay over equipping Ukraine with the capabilities needed to better defend itself against Russian aggression. prgtoken Frankly, President seems to have a deep-seated discomfort in cultivating and exercising hard power--a necessary, foundational part of the statecraft that protects America and preserves our interests. prgtoken Of course, Congress has a say and a responsibility. Our work on fiscal year 2024 defense appropriations represents a critical down payment. But important requirements will remain unmet even after the needed investments this Defense bill will make. prgtoken s recognized the constraints of the budget caps, and we worked hard to ensure that the national security supplemental we passed in the Senate will make further critical investments in our own military and defense industrial capability. prgtoken Earlier this week, the Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral Aquilino, made the case for passing
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Bill Hagerty (Republican, TN) \u2014 2024-3-22

in order to consider my very simple and reasonable amendment, it is vital that the Senate must move the ic leader's blocking amendment out of the way in order to move forward with mine. prgtoken Let me cut through the procedural language here. I am bringing forward a vote on a very simple question: Do you support American taxpayer dollars being used to fly illegal immigrants from countries like Venezuela and Haiti into America to be settled in cities and towns near you? prgtoken If so, then vote against it. Vote no to preserve this practice of using taxpayer dollars to charter planes that move and import thousands of illegal aliens into your States. prgtoken Make no mistake here, President has been secretly flying hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens from foreign countries into blue city airports. Just last year alone, in 2023, it was reported that some 320,000 illegal aliens had been flown in using this method. Americans are shocked that this is happening.
FURTHER CONSOLIDATED APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024
Mario Diaz-Balart (Republican, FL) \u2014 2024-3-22

. So it helps the democratic opposition and not the terrorist regime's chosen businesses. prgtoken We also stand strongly against human trafficking and particularly human trafficking of doctors. prgtoken This bill also supports those struggling for freedom in our hemisphere's most repressive, anti-American dictatorships in Venezuela and Nicaragua. prgtoken If we fail to pass this bill, we lose provisions on the prohibition of funds for encouraging, organizing, facilitating, or promoting migrant caravans to the United States border. prgtoken If this bill fails, then those funding sources to again, organizations that are promoting caravans of illegal folks to the United States will continue. That is factual. That is in this bill. prgtoken If this legislation were not to pass, we lose the protection of free speech by limiting how funds can be used under the pretext of countering disinformation. prgtoken If this legislation were not to pass, we would go back to current law. prgtoken We would lose the restriction that only the U.S. flag may be flown or displayed over a facility of the State Department. prgtoken Madam , this bill reduces spending. It reprioritizes funding towards our vital national security interests and carries crucial limitations and smart policy changes to rein in the administration. If this bill were to fail, we are giving carte blanche to the bureaucracy. prgtoken It is a dramatic improvement, Madam , from current law. prgtoken Before I close, let me thank the staff for their hard work, and again, Madam , this is an important bill at a crucial, critical time when American leadership is sorely needed. We are not getting it from the White House. This bill goes a long way to reestablish American leadership.
CELEBRATING 100TH YEAR OF ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR, STATE COLLEGE CHAPTER 388
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2024-3-22

I rise today to recognize the Order of the Eastern Star State College Chapter 388. prgtoken On April 5, this group will celebrate 100 years of service and renew their commitment to the principles of freemasonry. prgtoken State College Chapter 388 is a Masonic appendant body, part of the Pennsylvania Order of the Eastern Star, which is part of the General Grand Chapter, the international order that stretches around the world and makes up the largest coed fraternal organization in the world. prgtoken The Order of the Eastern Star has a strong bond of friendship and support for each other based on shared values and respect. Their members are service-minded individuals organizing and participating in service projects supporting our youth, veterans, and greater community. prgtoken , the State College Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star works closely with other Pennsylvania chapters that support charitable endeavors such as Shriners Hospitals for Children. They are also proud to support individuals with disabilities of all ages. prgtoken I congratulate them on this magnificent milestone. May they continue to celebrate years of fellowship and community service.