mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING OUR POLICE OFFICERS
Julia Letlow (Republican, LA) \u2014 2023-5-17

I stand before you to honor an extraordinary individual who has dedicated over 50 years of his life to public service in the great State of Louisiana. That person is my good friend, State representative Francis Thompson, the longest serving State legislator in Louisiana history and one of the longest serving in our country. prgtoken Representative Thompson was born and raised in his hometown of Delhi, Louisiana, right in the heart of Richland Parish. Thompson was first elected to the Richland Parish School Board in 1968 before winning a special election for District 19 in the Louisiana House in 1975. Voters have re-elected Thompson 11 times since then, serving 12 years in the State senate and 37 years and counting in the statehouse. prgtoken His unwavering commitment to north Louisiana and our State is remarkable. From the halls of the State legislature, Representative Thompson has been a strong and unwavering voice for north Louisiana. Throughout his distinguished career, he has championed crucial issues such as education, economic development, healthcare, and infrastructure, always striving to improve the lives of those whom he serves. prgtoken Representative Thompson's leadership and experience have been invaluable in shaping legislation that addresses the unique challenges faced by Louisiana. His extensive knowledge and understanding of the intricacies of governance have earned him the respect of his peers and colleagues on both sides of the aisle. prgtoken , not only his legislative achievements make Representative Thompson a remarkable public servant, as a former educator, he possesses a rare quality: the ability to connect with people on that personal level. Throughout the years, Representative Thompson has been a true friend to those whom he serves. He is known for his accessibility, his willingness to listen, and his genuine care and empathy has touched the hearts of so many, creating lasting bonds that will extend far beyond politics. prgtoken As we reflect on Representative Thompson's lifelong commitment to public service, let us acknowledge his unwavering dedication to our great State of Louisiana. He is an exemplary leader, a tireless advocate, and a true champion for the people of north Louisiana. prgtoken It is with great respect and gratitude that we acknowledge his remarkable contributions to Louisiana.
Border Security (Executive Session)
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2023-5-17

I, too, rise to make known my concerns with the administration's decision to terminate the use of title 42 authority to protect our borders. I particularly make this point at a time at which it is clear that what was to follow the use of title 42 is not in place. prgtoken I visited the southern border with the Senator from Texas, who was just speaking, in January. I had several additional visits to that border while title 42 was in place. It was useful and valuable for me to see the nature of the problem and the challenges over the last several years. But it is also true that I can see the consequences of what is taking place on our borders in my own home State of Kansas. prgtoken When I was at the border, I talked with Federal law enforcement officials. They have risen to the challenge of apprehending and vetting and documenting hundreds of thousands of migrants. However, the situation at the southern border has been made more difficult for the DEA to interdict the cartels and drug smugglers and for the FBI to vet national security threats. prgtoken Repealing title 42 without having a robust plan of action has left our law enforcement agents with a disastrous situation at the border. Our Border Patrol agents and officers are being asked to be caretakers, law enforcement, medical professionals, and so much more. prgtoken The fact of the matter is that our country does not have operational control of the border, and it will continue to fail to do so if we continue down the current path. prgtoken The U.S. Border Patrol apprehended more than 1 million migrants who crossed illegally between just October and March, and it detained more than 2.2 million migrants during all of fiscal year 2022. Agents have been averaging about 1,100 arrests a day this month at the El Paso sector, and on Wednesday of last week, more than 2,000 migrants were arrested in the one section alone. Often, we think of border challenges as being someone coming to take our jobs. Perhaps there is a component of that, but we ought to be focused on terrorism, national security, drugs, law enforcement, and human trafficking. prgtoken Fentanyl seizures at the southern border increased 48 percent in April of 2022 compared to April of 2021. The situation at our southern border is a danger to our national security as border agents are pulled away to deal with the record number of migrants and are left without the manpower to try and stop drug trafficking and human trafficking. prgtoken President must act to ensure a stricter enforcement of our immigration laws, reinstate the construction of a wall or fencing in areas that are largely unprotected, and the administration must send a message loud and clear that our border is closed to unlawful entrants. prgtoken The United States is a nation of migrants, and we are a nation of refugees, but we are also a nation of law and order. Migrants who are camping on the streets of El Paso, in scorc
HONORING THE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN OF FLORIDA'S SEVENTH DISTRICT
Cory Mills (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-5-17

. Madam , I rise today to honor the brave men and women in blue for Florida's Seventh District. I am honored to represent Seminole County and Volusia County law enforcement officers. prgtoken While some of my colleagues on the left have called to defund and dismantle our police, I, as well as my fellow colleagues, will always defend them. It is because of our police officers' bravery and courage on the front lines that we live safely. prgtoken In times of crisis, they protect our communities by putting themselves in harm's way, and many times not being able to make it home to their loved ones. The officers we honor this week are not just members of law enforcement, they are our neighbors, our friends, and our family. They are individuals that represent the values we hold dear as Americans with integrity, honor, and courage. prgtoken Madam , this week and every week, I honor their sacrifice and dedication to keeping our communities safe.
ISSUES OF THE DAY
Michael Lawler (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-5-17

. Madam , this week, we commemorate National Police Week. It is a time for us to honor prgtoken our brave men and women in blue who steadfastly dedicate their lives to serving and protecting our communities. prgtoken This week is a solemn reminder that our peace and security are often maintained at great personal risk to these brave individuals. prgtoken I thank our officers and first responders throughout the 17th Congressional District of New York. Many of them I have had the good fortune to know personally and to understand the sacrifice that they and their families make day in and day out to keep our community safe. prgtoken My district has roughly 50 percent of households that have a cop, a firefighter, a first responder, or a veteran living in it. These brave men and women go to work every day knowing that they are risking their own lives to protect, defend, and save the lives of others. prgtoken Just last week, I joined my colleagues in placing wreaths at the names of fallen police officers all along the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. prgtoken I placed a wreath by the names of Sergeant Edward O'Grady and Police Officer Waverly Brown, who, along with security guard Peter Paige, lost their lives protecting Rockland County during the Brinks robbery in 1981. prgtoken We will never forget their sacrifice or their families--nine children who are fatherless because of the actions of depraved criminals and domestic terrorists. prgtoken Placing that wreath served as a solemn reminder to me that our police officers stand on the front lines of our society, never knowing if they will make it home while working to keep our communities safe, which is why our support must transcend beyond mere words. It must reflect in our actions as a Conference and as a House, which is why House s just passed H.R. 2494, the POLICE Act. prgtoken This legislation will help maintain the dignity and safety of our officers by providing serious consequences for those who harm them. Under this bill, noncitizens found guilty of assaulting a police officer would face deportation. prgtoken In the face of increasing challenges, the POLICE Act is a crucial step toward ensuring that our police officers are afforded the respect and protection they deserve. prgtoken Another important bill we are voting on tomorrow is H. Con. Res. 40, which expresses support for law enforcement officers all across the country and condemns calls to disband or defund the police. prgtoken There are colleagues on the other side of the aisle who spend days assailing the brave men and women in law enforcement, and this resolution will very quickly weed out those who back the blue and those who don't. prgtoken Living just north of New York City, I am reminded of the days of 9/11 and the aftermath, and the brave men and women who went running toward danger, going to Ground Zero to try to recover and save lives. prgtoken Many of these individuals today suffer from
Nomination of Jeremy C. Daniel (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-5-17

today the Senate will vote to confirm Jeremy C. Daniel to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. prgtoken A native Chicagoan, Mr. Daniel received his bachelor's degree from Illinois Wesleyan University and his law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. Mr. Daniel has served his country in more ways than one. As an undergraduate student, he served as a U.S. Marine Corps Reservist. After he graduated, Mr. Daniel served as a first lieutenant in the Marine Corps and completed tours in Japan and South Korea. prgtoken Following law school, Mr. Daniel worked in private practice on intellectual property cases for several years before clerking for Judge Virginia Kendall on the Northern District of Illinois. In 2014, Mr. Daniel returned to public service, becoming an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of Illinois. In this role, he has prosecuted a wide range of Federal crimes, including violations of drug and firearm laws, gang cases, and financial crimes. Since 2019, Mr. Daniel has served as deputy chief of the Narcotics and Money Laundering Section. In addition to prosecuting his own cases, he supervises other attorneys in the section. The American Bar Association rated Mr. Daniel unanimously ``well qualified.'' prgtoken Given his breadth of experience practicing in the Northern District of Illinois and his expertise in intellectual property and criminal law, Senator Duckworth and I strongly support Mr. Daniel. He will be an outstanding judge. I urge my colleagues to support his nomination.
RECOGNIZING CITY ENTERPRISE, INC.
Richard E. Neal (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-5-17

I would like to take this opportunity to extend my warmest congratulations to Ms. Wonderlyn D. Murphy, President of City Enterprise, Inc. in Springfield, Massachusetts, for her recent honor by the Small Business Administration as the 8(a) Graduate of the Year. prgtoken This prestigious award stands as a testament to Ms. Murphy's hard work, unwavering dedication, and a relentless commitment to excellence within the government, municipal, and commercial construction sectors. Under her able leadership, City Enterprise has experienced remarkable growth and made significant contributions to the industry, earning the respect and admiration of our community. prgtoken The SBA 8(a) Graduate of the Year award is not just a recognition of City Enterprise's impressive growth, but also an acknowledgment of Ms. Murphy's commitment to social and economic development within the community. The impact of her contributions has been significant and enduring, and her success story serves as an inspiration to other entrepreneurs, motivating them to pursue their dreams with vigor and determination. prgtoken , I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to Ms. Murphy on this hard-earned recognition. Her dedication, leadership, and service to her community embodies the very spirit of American entrepreneurship, and I have full confidence that City Enterprise will continue to flourish and reach even greater heights under her leadership.
Unanimous Consent Request--Executive Calendar (Executive Session)
Catherine Cortez Masto (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2023-5-17

I come here today to talk about Police Week, but before I do--I had the opportunity to listen to my colleague from Nevada push an important point here, and it is not lost on me and the general public watching this, thinking how crazy this argument is, at the end of the day. I just heard my good colleague Senator Tuberville basically say he is not opposed--he actually would vote for the individual Senator Rosen just said she was asking him to support, their promotion. He said he would do it. prgtoken The only thing that is holding him up is that, instead of what we have traditionally done in this body through unanimous consent for promotions for the men and women in our military, which is a procedure we do all the time, he is forcing it to go to a floor vote. It makes no sense. It makes no sense to me. It makes no sense to the American public who are watching this and clearly is an abuse of the use of the powers we have as Senators in this body. prgtoken So I just have to point that out because this is what we are dealing with, unfortunately, at times when the American public just wants us to work together to move forward. The men and women in the military seeking promotions--that is what this is about, and we should be supporting them because they are the ones standing guard, protecting us and our national security. prgtoken So I just have to point that out, that the craziness sometimes in this body I see is just nonsensical.
Debt Ceiling (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-5-17

. Yesterday, I joined Congressional leaders to meet with President for a good meeting about this year's spending priorities while also affirming the need to protect the full faith and credit of the United States. The meeting was the most positive we have had. There was goodwill, an openness to work together, and it was a promising step forward. prgtoken Everyone agreed to a few important points: We must work to take default off the table, and a bipartisan bill in each Chamber that can get enough votes to pass in each Chamber is the best solution for averting default. prgtoken Bipartisanship is needed. It is the only way to go. It is the only way we have solved these problems in the past. No bill premised on brinksmanship or hostage-taking can pass through both the House and Senate, and the other side recognized that today. prgtoken Instead, we must focus on a bipartisan bill that can get the votes to actually become law. We still have a lot more work to do between now and the day we bring the legislation to the floor, but yesterday's meeting was a promising step in the right direction. prgtoken Now, I asked the if he agreed that this needed to be a bipartisan process, and he said yes. Again, this, I believe, is a promising step in the right direction. Nobody will get everything they want in these discussions, and I hope nobody--nobody--draws redlines in the sand. prgtoken Nobody should ever use default as a hostage, where they say, ``Unless you do this, we will default,'' because the consequences would be disastrous. Bipartisanship was the key to averting default under . It is the key to averting default under President , and it will be the key to averting default before June 1. prgtoken I am hopeful we can reach an agreement as soon as possible. Defaulting on the debt would be the worst--the worst--outcome for this country, as I have outlined repeatedly in speeches in this body. There is no need--none--to subject the American people to the anguish of default, and I am glad both sides are making a good effort, for now, of removing default from the table.
HONORING ANAHEIM PUBLIC LIBRARY
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-5-17

I rise today to congratulate Anaheim Public Library from my district, who is being honored as a finalist for the 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Services. prgtoken This honor recognizes museums and libraries' services to their communities. Through innovative programs and partnerships with nonprofits, the Anaheim Public Library helps close economic gaps, expand digital inclusion, and ensure that our students access to the education they deserve. The Anaheim Public Library is an important resource to our community and provides critical resources, including WiFi and laptops, food and diapers, and even mobile educational programs that travel to schools, parks, and senior centers. Last year, the library's mobile services reached more than 235,000 members of our community in Anaheim. prgtoken The work that the Anaheim Public Library has done to support and transform the lives of people like me, makes me proud that they are honored as a finalist for the 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Services.
TRIBUTE TO DR. DAISY GONZALES
Alex Padilla (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-5-17

I rise today to recognize and congratulate Dr. Daisy Gonzales, who later this month will end her tenure as interim chancellor of the California Community Colleges, the Nation's largest system of higher education. prgtoken Born in Southern California to immigrant parents and a former foster child, Dr. Gonzales was among the first in her family to go to college when she attended Los Angeles Valley College, a public community college. prgtoken Because of her intellect, her work ethic, and the opportunity provided by California's community college system, Dr. Gonzales would go on to earn her bachelor's degree, her master's degree, and her Ph.D and eventually become the first Latina--and second woman--to serve as chancellor. She is a shining example of the American dream in action. prgtoken Dr. Gonzales first joined the California Community Colleges as the system's deputy chancellor in early 2018. Since then, she has helped guide the system through some of its most tumultuous times. Throughout a global pandemic that forced nearly all instruction to move online and exacerbated the basic needs crisis surrounding issues like food and housing insecurity, Dr. Gonzales provided steady leadership for a system of 116 colleges and 1.8 million students across the State. prgtoken She has been an unrelenting champion for Vision for Success--the system's north star--helping achieve meaningful progress in improving graduation and transfer rates, expanding access to on-campus basic needs services, and implementing groundbreaking reforms to faculty hiring and tenure policies that will ensure California Community College instructors are representative of the students they teach. prgtoken As she transitions back to her role as deputy chancellor--and as the system welcomes its new permanent chancellor, Dr. Sonya Christian--I am grateful for the years of dedication and hard work that Dr. Gonzales has given to the State of California and to the pursuit of quality higher education for all. prgtoken Felicidades, Dr. Gonzales, and thank you for your service.
FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER SERVICE WEAPON PURCHASE ACT
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-5-17

section 5845, definitions, reads as follows: ``(a) Firearm, the term `firearm' means (1) a shotgun having a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in length; (2) a weapon made from a shotgun if such weapon as modified has an overall length of less than 26 inches or a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in length; (3) a rifle having a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length; (4) a weapon made from a rifle if such weapon as modified has an overall length of less than 26 inches or a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length; (5) any other weapon, as defined in subsection (e); (6) a machine gun''--which is the only thing the gentleman excludes from his amendment--``(7) any silencer (as defined . . . ); and (8) a destructive device,'' like a grenade launcher, like a grenade. prgtoken Therefore, when I say that this amendment would ban only machine guns but would permit all these other things, including grenades and weapons of destruction, it is right here in the statute. The gentleman's amendment would permit all of these. Those are the kinds of weapons. prgtoken Grenade launchers and short-barreled rifles should not be in the possession of civilians, even retired police officers. prgtoken , .
HONORING THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH
Abigail Davis Spanberger (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-5-17

I rise today to recognize Bethel Baptist Church of Orange County, Virginia in honor of its 125th anniversary. prgtoken Founded in 1898, Bethel Baptist Church was founded to ``satisfy and meet a spiritual need in the small community fondly known as Little Petersburg.'' The church immediately emerged as a critical site of community and spiritual enrichment for many Black residents of the area, including some who were formerly enslaved and others who served as soldiers during the Civil War. prgtoken Many decades later, Bethel Baptist Church continues its work of spiritual enrichment, community engagement, and social outreach under the stewardship of Reverend Dr. Willie Elder and First Lady Angenette Elder. From baptism services held in the Little Petersburg River to the rich pastoral lineage that has grown the church, the flame of spiritual service and community dedication is alive and well. prgtoken The resilience that is necessary to achieve a milestone of this order, 125 years of service, prgtoken is remarkable. Such resilience must endure difficult times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and I applaud the grace and resolve this congregation demonstrated to emerge from those times stronger, more connected than ever before, and with a renewed sense of purpose. prgtoken Bethel Baptist Church has been a blessing to Orange County, Virginia, Virginia's Seventh District, and our entire Commonwealth. As the U.S. Representative for the Seventh District, I am honored to congratulate Bethel Baptist Church on its 125th anniversary, and I wish them many more years of growth, impact, and service to the community.