mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CONGRATULATING BARB ICKES ON HER RETIREMENT
Eric Sorensen (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-11-30

I rise today to honor a journalist who, through hard work and determination, brought the news to the people of Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Barb Ickes has been in newspaper storytelling for more than 30 years. She has broken countless news stories, exposed corruption, and helped Quad-City Times readers through record floods, tough economic times, and monumental political events. prgtoken She helped us navigate crossing the Mississippi River with her ``bridge beat'' and took us to her ``off-limits places.'' Barb has seen it all, and she has shared it with our community. prgtoken As Barb retires from her position as managing editor with the Quad- City Times, we recognize her accomplishments and the legacy that she leaves for the next generation of news reporters. prgtoken I am honored to wish her the best as she turns the page to her next chapter.
NOMINATION OF LIEUTENANT GENERAL TIMOTHY HAUGH
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2023-11-30

I must regretfully object to the promotion of Lt. Gen. Timothy Haugh to the grade of general and, consequently, to be the Director of the National Security Agency--NSA-- and Commander of U.S. Cyber Command. prgtoken In January of 2021, I made public an unclassified memo I received from the Defense Intelligence Agency revealing that it was purchasing, retaining, and using location data revealing the movements of Americans. After receiving that information, I pressed the Department of Defense to identify which other Agencies within the Department are buying Americans' personal data, including location data and web browsing records. prgtoken The Department provided me with that information in March of 2021, but marked the information ``Controlled Unclassified Information''-- CUI--a made-up designation with no basis in law. The administration is abusing the C-U-I designation to keep this unclassified information from the American public. In May of 2021, I wrote to Secretary of Defense Austin to urge him to remove the restrictions on that information, so that the American people can be told which Agencies are buying their information without court oversight and so that Congress can conduct appropriate oversight. In August of 2021, I received a response letter from the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security, declining to clear the information for public release. prgtoken In connection with Lieutenant General Haugh's pending promotion to lead the NSA, I narrowed my request. I asked that the American people simply be provided yes or no answers as to whether the NSA is buying their location data and web browsing records. Unfortunately, intelligence officials have been unwilling to release even that basic information. prgtoken The American people have a right to know whether the NSA is conducting warrantless domestic surveillance of Americans in a manner that circumvents the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution. Particularly as Congress is currently debating extending section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, Congress must be able to have an informed public debate about the scope of the NSA's warrantless surveillance of Americans. prgtoken Until the NSA publicly releases the information described above, I must object to the Senate proceeding with the Haugh nomination.
Anti-Semitism (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-11-30

yesterday, I spoke here on the Senate floor about a subject that is highly personal and yet of immense importance: the rise of anti-Semitism in America. I spoke out because as the highest Jewish elected official in the country and in American history, I felt an obligation to say aloud what is felt within the hearts of so many Jewish people across the country and around the world. prgtoken After October 7, Jewish Americans are feeling singled out, targeted, and isolated. In many ways, we feel alone. The solidarity that Jewish Americans initially received from many of our fellow citizens was quickly drowned out by other voices. prgtoken I want to be clear. I believe most Americans who are criticizing Israeli's policies are not anti-Semitic, nor that the vast majority of criticism of Israel's policies is inherently anti-Semitic per se. But it cannot be denied that in too many instances, anti-Semites are taking advantage of the pro-Palestinian movement to espouse hatred and bigotry toward the Jewish people. Similarly, on the hard right, the poison of anti-Semitism has reached levels over these past few years we have not witnessed perhaps ever in America. prgtoken All Americans share a responsibility and an obligation to fight against anti-Semitism. We have an obligation to fight back against all forms of bigotry, be it Islamophobia or racism against prgtoken Black Americans or demonizing the immigrant. Whether it comes from the left or from the right, anti-Semitism is an evil that must be condemned. prgtoken So, as I said yesterday, Americans ask, how can we help combat that? As I said yesterday, my plea to the American people of all creeds and backgrounds is this: prgtoken First, learn the history of the Jewish people, who have been abandoned repeatedly by their fellow countrymen--left isolated and alone to combat anti-Semitism, with disastrous results. I talked about this issue at some length in the speech I gave yesterday, and I would urge all Americans to read it. prgtoken Second, reject the illogical and double standard that is once again being applied to the plight of Jewish victims and hostages, to some of the actions of the Israeli Government, and even to the existence of a Jewish State. The glaring double standard where so many support nationhood for so many other peoples but not for the Jews must be condemned. prgtoken Third, understand why Jewish people defend Israel--not because we wish harm on Palestinians but because we fear a world where Israel is forced to tolerate the existence of groups like Hamas that want to wipe out all Jewish people from the planet. We fear a world where Israel-- the place of refuge for Jewish people--will no longer exist. If there is no Israel, there will be no place for the Jewish people to go when they are persecuted in other countries. prgtoken I want to thank my colleagues for taking the time to listen, not just to my remarks yesterday but to all Jewish Americ
ISRAELI HOSTAGE CRISIS
Jake Auchincloss (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-11-30

from Florida for her leadership on this issue. prgtoken I rise today to tell the story of Ofer Kalderon. On October 7, the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust, Ofer, along with his children Sahar, 16, and Erez, 12, was taken prgtoken hostage by Hamas from the Nir Oz Kibbutz close to the Gaza Strip. prgtoken During that brutal attack, 29 of Kibbutz Nir Oz's 400 residents were murdered, and 80 were taken captive. These are not just numbers. Those residents who were murdered were individuals with hopes now extinguished, with lives now cut short. prgtoken Those taken hostage are living in unimaginable terror, and their families are waiting, hoping for good news and fearing the worst. prgtoken Ofer is a father of four, a carpenter. He loves to build and to rebuild engines, to travel, to take family camping trips, to race and ride dirt bikes, to help cook Shabbat dinner for his family. prgtoken When asked about Ofer, his family describes his easygoing energy and a huge smile. prgtoken We cannot lose sight of the fact that there is a family and a story like this one behind each one of these names of those murdered and of those taken hostage. Ofer is one of them. prgtoken Ofer's children have thankfully been returned, but their family will not be made whole again until Ofer is released, as well. His relatives are my constituents, and my office is providing any support that we can, but the ultimate responsibility is on Hamas to release Ofer and all hostages immediately and unconditionally. prgtoken I urge those terrorists to salvage a shred of humanity by releasing him and by releasing all the others held hostage, but I understand also that the hopes of finding a shred of humanity within Hamas are close to nil, which is why I remind my colleagues here today that we cannot handcuff Israel with calls for a unilateral cease-fire as they work to achieve their primary shared goal we all have: bringing all of the hostages home.
CELEBRATING TOLUCA LAKE'S CENTENNIAL
Tony Cárdenas (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-11-30

today, I rise to celebrate the centennial of a beautiful neighborhood that has contributed to the rich culture of the San Fernando Valley, Toluca Lake. prgtoken Prior to the first Europeans' arrival, the Tongva people were the first inhabitants of Toluca Lake. They established their homes on the banks of the Los Angeles River there. prgtoken In 1889, General Charles Forman purchased the territory on which modern-day Toluca Lake lies and, by 1893, applied for the first post office and named the town Toluca Ranch, which he claimed was a Paiute Indian word for beautiful and fertile valley. prgtoken Just like the rest of the San Fernando Valley at the time, Toluca Lake was lined with crops of satsuma plums, cling peaches, Moorpark apricots, and much more. prgtoken The lake in Toluca Ranch, which has starred in many movies, was very attractive for movie producers, which in turn resulted in the movie industry beginning to develop there. In 1915, Carl Laemmle built Universal Studios in the area, after which several other studios, like Warner Bros. Studios and others, started flooding into the community. prgtoken After the general's death in 1919, the ranch was sold to a group of investors, who tried to build a bedroom community around the studios and named the area Toluca Lake Park. By 1923, another group of investors purchased the property and built a housing community, which is now called Toluca Lake. prgtoken Toluca Lake has been home to many famous American artists and celebrities, such as Frank Sinatra, Bob prgtoken Hope, Bing Crosby, Bette Davis, Steve Carell, Andy Garcia, Melissa McCarthy, Amelia Earhart, and many more. President Ronald Reagan and his wife, Nancy Reagan, even had their wedding reception in Toluca Lake. prgtoken Today, Toluca Lake is a key community of the entertainment industry, where working families can pursue the American Dream and tell stories to the world. Toluca Lake is a place of work for many below-line workers, such as hairdressers, painters, carpenters, and caterers. prgtoken One person I would like to acknowledge was an immigrant. He came from Jalisco, Mexico, and worked at Toluca Lake's famous diner, Patys, for over 10 years. His name is Santos Padilla, the father of our U.S. Senator Alex Padilla. prgtoken Like Santos, thousands of people can provide for their families there in Toluca Lake, and some even make it their home. Many of these hardworking people are a part of organizations such as Toluca Lake Homeowners Association, Toluca Lake Chamber of Commerce, Toluca Lake Garden Club, Greater Toluca Lake Neighborhood Council, Toluca Lake Beautification Partners, and even a magazine called Toluca Lake Magazine. prgtoken They have volunteered thousands of hours for the community. They have organized countless community cleanups, holiday parades, and farmers markets. Each organization is committed to addressing the diverse needs of residents, property owners, businesses, and local stakehol
ISRAELI HOSTAGE CRISIS
Jimmy Panetta (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-11-30

Representative Wasserman Schultz and I were in the Middle East on October 7 of this year. We were part of a congressional delegation trip led by Senator Joni Ernst, and we went there to talk about peace. Unfortunately, due to the bloodthirsty attack by Hamas, we left the region talking about war. prgtoken Despite the change in the tone of our trip, we became the first congressional delegation to visit Israel in the aftermath of the October 7 attack. prgtoken While we were in country, though, we met with family members of victims of that attack, including David and Noam Peri, a brother and sister whose 79-year-old father, Haim Peri, was kidnapped by Hamas from his home in the Kibbutz Nir Oz, a peaceful agricultural town whose name means meadow of strength in Hebrew, a town whose 400 citizens probably could be seen prior to the attack taking to the streets to peacefully protest the prime minister's rightwing government. prgtoken On the morning of October 7, that town was anything but peaceful as the Hamas attack left it smashed up and smoldering with one in four of its residents either murdered or kidnapped. prgtoken That day, Hamas lived up to its definition as a genocidal terrorist organization as it attacked Israel to kill Jews, to kill the Jewish society, and to kill peace. prgtoken As part of that goal, Hamas attacked Nir Oz and murdered 27 of its inhabitants and took 73 hostages to Gaza. prgtoken At the time of the attack, Haim was not only the leader in that community, he was also a long-time peace activist for the Israeli- Palestinian issues. prgtoken He is the type that would drive sick Palestinians from Gaza into Israel to be cared for at Israeli hospitals. prgtoken A father of five and grandfather of 13, Haim is now most likely isolated in the dungeons of the Gazan tunnels. prgtoken Although Noam Peri describes her father as strong and brave, she also admits that he is not young. A metalworker by trade, Haim has had two heart surgeries and now has been without his heart medication for 7 weeks. prgtoken I will never forget when we met them. All that Noam was concerned about was that he didn't have his medication to survive. prgtoken , it is going to be tough going forward. We hope that the hostages are released and that there are more pauses in the conflict. prgtoken We hope to pass and provide meaningful support and humanitarian assistance so that Israel can continue to defend itself from the existential and constant threat of Hamas. prgtoken , although things may never be the same for Nir Oz, for Haim, and for the family, we do know that because of its determination to survive and succeed, the same determination it has shown for over 75 years in its existence, Israel will continue to be that meadow of strength in the Middle East for peace, for prosperity, and for democracy.
ISRAELI HOSTAGE CRISIS
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2023-11-30

I rise today to lead my colleagues in a Special Order hour. prgtoken On October 7, Hamas launched a horrific attack against Israeli civilians, murdering over 1,400 people and taking hostage more than 244 women, children, families, and the elderly. Hamas spared no one. prgtoken The hostage crisis has left hundreds of families desperate and searching for answers on the health and safety of their loved ones. This past month has been gut-wrenching. I have never felt this magnitude of pain, shock, and anger burning in the hearts of the Jewish people. prgtoken The intentional, genocidal violence inflicted on Israeli civilians and the unconscionable apathy of many nations is a sobering reminder of the fact that Israel remains surrounded by hostility and danger. prgtoken For me, and for so many of us, this goes beyond our belief in the survival of the Jewish State. It rises far above politics as usual. It is a moment in history that begs for humanity, unity, and solidarity with Israel. prgtoken I am wrecked by how quickly people in this country have forgotten the hostages still being held in Gaza by Hamas. I find myself having to reiterate over and over again that Israel was attacked by a terrorist organization whose mission is the eradication of Israel and the Jewish people. prgtoken We must all remember not only the horrifying statistic of 240 captured, but who they are as people. These are real human beings. That is why we are here tonight. prgtoken We will continue to come to this floor to call attention to all of the human beings who are brutally being held captive by Hamas in Gaza, until every last one of them is released. prgtoken Each of my colleagues who are joining me will speak about a hostage or family of hostages, show their beautiful faces, and remind all of us not to forget these victims who are suffering under terrorist brutality. prgtoken Thankfully, Israel has welcomed home many children and some women this week. I am extremely grateful for President 's efforts to help make that possible. We cannot and we will not stop until all hostages are reunited with their families. prgtoken Tonight, I will be sharing the story of the Bibas family, parents Shiri and Yarden, 4-year-old Ariel, and 10-month-old Kfir from Kibbutz Nir Oz. Look at this beautiful family. prgtoken Kfir, the youngest hostage, was just 9 months old on October 7. He had just learned to crawl when he was abducted. His family is worried Kfir doesn't have access to formula. Look at Kfir's beautiful face. How could anyone justify kidnapping and taking hostage a 9-month-old. prgtoken As a Jewish mother, I remember when my babies were that age. I remember nursing them. I remember holding them in my arms and being joyful about their first crawling, their first steps, and looking forward to the beauty of their lives unfolding. prgtoken Looking at Kfir and Ariel's faces is heartbreaking and is deeply personal. Many of us have had the opportunity to m
ORDERS FOR MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2023
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-11-30

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 3 p.m. on Monday, December 4; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be deemed expired, the prgtoken time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; that upon the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Ramirez nomination postcloture and that all time be considered expired at 5:30 p.m.; finally, that if the nomination is confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
NATIONAL HOUSING CRISIS
Salud O. Carbajal (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-12-1

on this first day of December, I rise today to point out that the people's House went the entire month of November without passing a bill to tackle our Nation's housing crisis. prgtoken Communities on the California central coast are ranked as some of the most expensive places in our country to live in. prgtoken I was sent to this Chamber by my constituents to enact policies that will help lower these skyrocketing prices. prgtoken Congress needs to help increase the availability of affordable housing options. We need to reform and expand programs that provide housing assistance for working families and veterans like I have been pushing for. We need to invest in our communities for solutions that are helping those experiencing homelessness. prgtoken , there are bills we could pass today to lend a hand, including bipartisan ones that I have helped write. prgtoken By all means, let's keep pursuing baseless impeachment inquires or defunding the salaries of Cabinet members that we don't agree with. prgtoken , please, let's start governing.
ADVANCING THE WELL-BEING OF THE LATINO COMMUNITY
Sylvia R. Garcia (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-12-1

. Madam , I had the honor of hosting our Vice President in my district as part of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus On the Road series just this week. prgtoken Together with our Caucus chair, Nanette Barragan, we delved into critical issues, such as reproductive rights, mental health, gun violence, small businesses, and the challenges ahead impacting Latinos in Texas and across America. prgtoken This visit also provided a platform to discuss the remarkable programs achieved under the leadership of the - administration, emphasizing the positive impact on our Latino community. prgtoken As we reflect on the progress achieved, we are reminded that there is yet still so much work to do, and that every issue is a Latino issue. prgtoken Our commitment to advancing the well-being of the Latino community remains steadfast, and we are determined to tackle the challenges ahead, putting people over politics. As I always say, ``si se puede,'' ``yes, we can.''
PA-17 WPIAL CHAMPS HEAD TO PIAA CHAMPIONSHIPS
Christopher R. Deluzio (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2023-12-1

plenty of my colleagues claim to have the best high school football. Of course, they will be wrong because western Pennsylvania is second to none. prgtoken When Jack Lambert took his place in the Hall of Fame, he called folks in western Pennsylvania a proud, hardworking people who love their football and their players. prgtoken It was true then, and it is true today. prgtoken It doesn't matter if we are cheering for the Steelers or for WPIAL contenders under the Friday night lights. On any field, football is serious business in western Pennsylvania. prgtoken I congratulate the WPIAL champions from my district for bringing home the hardware: Beaver Falls, North Allegheny, and Aliquippa High Schools. prgtoken A special congratulations to the Quips on their record 20th WPIAL title victory. prgtoken Good luck this weekend to all the teams battling it out for the State playoffs and for the State title.
DAYANA BANUELOS
Brittany Pettersen (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2023-12-1

I rise today to recognize Dayana Banuelos for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. prgtoken Dayana has achieved great things, all while overcoming adversity and challenges along the way. Students like Dayana, who strive to make the most of their education, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Dayana's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Arvada High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. prgtoken It is my honor to congratulate Dayana Banuelos on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award.