mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RELATING TO A NATIONAL EMERGENCY DECLARED BY THE PRESIDENT ON MAY 11, 2004
Matt Gaetz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-7-18

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I brought a war powers resolution to the floor this Congress to get U.S. troops out of Syria, arguing that the United States, being excessively entangled in a great power competition in Syria wasn't making life better for Syrians, it wasn't playing out to our benefit in the sphere of great power competition, and that it left U.S. servicemembers and contractors as sitting ducks. prgtoken Following that vote, which I lost overwhelmingly in a bipartisan fashion, sadly, there were casualties; there was the death of an American, because we have now become the neighborhood crime watch of certain areas in Syria where there are oil rigs. That is what it is all about. prgtoken I now come to the floor with this resolution to repeal a 2004 emergency vis-a-vis Syria. Now, it is supposed to be voted on by Congress every 6 months thereafter, but we have been derelict in our duty in doing so. prgtoken I am glad that today we are bringing forward a number of these emergency resolutions that have been dormant slush funds, spending untold sums of money with no transparency as to how much is going into the Syrian emergency. prgtoken How about this rule for how the House thinks about emergencies: Nothing is allowed to be an emergency for 20 years. If it were really an emergency, there probably would have been some cataclysmic event of Biblical proportion before the 20 years. If it is still an emergency 20 years later, it is a chronic condition, and the United States cannot be the world's policeman and we cannot be the world's piggy bank. prgtoken Now, if the principal argument against my resolution is that my resolution is soft on Assad, well, the logic that undergirds that is that somehow the 2004 resolution was this great anti-Assad tool that we must have, that we must maintain, to beat Assad. prgtoken Look around, . Assad has never been stronger. So if this 2004 resolution was Assad kryptonite, it has been the worst Assad kryptonite you can ever imagine. It has malfunctioned. prgtoken I think we ought to repeal this emergency. We have sought transparency to see how much money has been going pursuant to it. We don't know the answer to that question. prgtoken To the extent that there are sanctions that we still want to maintain, whether there are the other national emergencies that exist targeted at terrorism generally, at Russia, at Iran, we have the Magnitsky Act and there are all kinds of other authorities for the President, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of the Department of Commerce, even the DOD weighs in, and the State Department, regarding sanctions regimes. prgtoken This is not a vote to lift sanctions and then hope for the best with some pretty gnarly Syrians. In fact, it is us standing up to do our job, and that is what we should do in repealing this 2004 resolution. prgtoken , .
RECONGIZING THE RETIREMENT OF THOMAS "TOMMY" CARLISLE
Mike Rogers (Republican, AL) \u2014 2023-7-18

I rise today to recognize the retirement of Mr. Thomas ``Tommy'' Carlisle following his 37-year career at Anniston Army Depot. Mr. Carlisle's service includes travel throughout the United States as well as 4 deployments overseas supporting the mission of the U.S. Army. prgtoken Tommy has served as a supervisor in 4 divisions including Fielding, Reciprocating Drive Train, Weapons and Track Systems. Additionally, Tommy has served as a Division Chief in prgtoken 3 divisions including Logistics Management (Fielding), Reciprocating and Tracked Systems. In 2010, he was named Deputy Director of Production where he served for 8 years before becoming selected to serve as the Director of Production. Building on this service, he was selected as Deputy to the Commander at Anniston Army Depot on September 29, 2019. prgtoken Mr. Carlisle is a native and resident of Lincoln, Alabama. Tommy has been married for 34 years to his wife, Susan. Together, they have 2 children as well as 2 grandchildren. Tommy is an avid University of Alabama fan who enjoys tailgating and traveling to games. Additionally, Tommy enjoys being on the river, riding his Harley and socializing with his friends. prgtoken , please join me in recognizing the retirement of Mr. Thomas Carlisle for his 37-year career at Anniston Army Depot.
RECOGNIZING THE ALASKA RAILROAD CORPORATION'S CENTENNIAL
Lisa Murkowski (Republican, AK) \u2014 2023-7-18

this past weekend, on July 15, 2023, Alaskans marked a milestone as we recognized a century of operations for the Alaska Railroad Corporation. prgtoken The Railroad, as we call it, along with all of its builders, operators, and leaders, has been a critical catalyst for our still- young State's growth and development. For 100 years now, the Railroad has transported passengers between Alaska's largest cities, bolstered tourism and commerce across hundreds of miles of terrain, helped build some of our State's most critical infrastructure, and supported our Nation's wartime efforts. prgtoken It took decades for the Alaska Railroad Corporation to become the entity we recognize today. The Alaska Central Railway, later renamed the Alaska Railroad, laid its first track in Alaska in 1903. It started in Seward and extended 50 miles north. The Alaska Central Railway reorganized in 1910 as the Alaska Northern Railway Co later extending the railroad to Kern Creek, 71 miles from Seward. prgtoken In 1914, the U.S. Congress, understanding the intrinsic value in the Railroad's expansion, funded the construction and operation of a railroad from Seward to Fairbanks. On July 15, 1923, President Warren G. Harding drove a golden spike to unite the track at Nenana, marking the completion of the Alaska Railroad as we know it today. From 1940 to 1943, the Railroad was integral to our Nation's efforts in World War II, hauling military and civilian supplies across the State. prgtoken In 1962, the Railroad established its first car-barge service in Whittier, followed by train-ship service in June 1964, which revolutionized the State by enabling rail cars from the lower 48 to be shipped to any point along its route. In the early to mid-1970s, the Railroad supported construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System by shipping and storing pipe and construction materials between Valdez, Seward, and Fairbanks, where it was then trucked to the North Slope. In 1981, the Alaska Railroad entered into agreements with Fairbanks and Anchorage school district career centers to create a tour-guide program to train high school students to serve as hosts onboard summer passenger trains. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed into law the authorization of the transfer of the Alaska Railroad to the State of Alaska. In 1985, the railroad became the property of the State of Alaska, and the Alaska prgtoken Railroad Corporation, or ARRC, was born. prgtoken Today, the Alaska Railroad Corporation operates regularly scheduled public transportation service that connects roughly half a million Alaskans and visitors to communities from Seward to Fairbanks each year. Passengers can access remote regions of our State, including areas off the road system. Some of the most popular Alaskan treasures that local residents and tourists alike can visit include the Chugach National Forest, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Denali National Park and Preserve. <|
SCHOOLS NOT SHELTERS ACT
Andrew Ogles (Republican, TN) \u2014 2023-7-18

let's be clear: Schools are meant for the purpose of educating our children. Housing those in violation of law, illegals, can put our children at risk and turns places of education potentially into dormitories for lawless individuals. We have Governors who have used and abused their authorities to circumvent Federal law, immigration law, all we are asking is that if it is going to be done, it is for a defined period of time. prgtoken I have to admit as I have listened to debate, the violins were playing, widows were weeping, and my colleagues were pandering. We have people that are here violating the law. Keep that in mind. Our border is flooded with illegals. There is a pattern of illegals committing crime in our country. There is a pattern of gang members crossing our border, and there is a pattern of this reckless administration for ignoring the law. prgtoken , I urge adoption and support for my amendment. prgtoken , .
HONORING WORLD WAR II VETERAN ANTHONY R. VON KLOCK
Tim Burchett (Republican, TN) \u2014 2023-7-18

. Madam , I rise to honor Leo and Judy Whiteside for more than 50 years of dedicated service to the people of Knoxville and their continued love for each other. prgtoken These two have spent a lot of their free time doing great things for those in need in and around our community. They have delivered Mobile Meals to homebound residents, given communion to church members who were unable to attend the church service, and even advocated for a citywide class reunion at the Austin-East High School. Go Roadrunners. prgtoken When people volunteer in their communities, it demonstrates what is really in their hearts. It shows they are willing to sacrifice their free time, effort, and money to help those in need and expect nothing in return. prgtoken Madam , I am so proud to represent people like Leo and Judy, who love the people around them. They love their family and friends, but they also love strangers they have never met before and take true compassion on them. prgtoken If you want to know how to care for your community, I think you should look to Leo and Judy for an example. Leo and Judy have been doing it for over 50 years, and so many lives have been made better because of them. prgtoken Madam , I thank Leo and Judy. Their service and kind hearts have made the Knoxville community a much brighter place. I am proud to represent them.
EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF CONGRESS SUPPORTING THE STATE OF ISRAEL
Max L. Miller (Republican, OH) \u2014 2023-7-18

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken , today I rise to once again reaffirm my steadfast commitment to a free and prosperous State of Israel. prgtoken , today every single Member of this honorable body will have the opportunity to stand against anti-Semitism, to stand against bigotry, to stand against hatred, and to stand for the forever home of the Jewish people, our great friend and democratic ally in the Middle East, the key pillar to freedom and democracy for the entire region, and the home of so much of our shared history: the State of Israel. prgtoken Today we bring forward yet another opportunity. It is yet another opportunity for individuals in this body to set their words and their records straight and to walk back their words, which they so often choose to do. prgtoken , I urge all of my colleagues to support this resolution.
STATE OF THE AMERICAN DREAM TODAY
Chip Roy (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-7-18

I thank my friend from Pennsylvania for his comments. I think I have less than a minute left, and I will close with, as I said before, as General George Washington said on July 2, 1776, 247 years ago, on the day we actually declared independence: ``The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God,'' on our courage and our conduct. ``We have, therefore, to resolve to conquer or die.'' prgtoken That is why we are here. prgtoken , .
National Defense Authorization Act (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-7-18

with Vladimir Putin's ruthless invasion of Ukraine--and a new generation of threats on the horizon with AI and emerging technologies--America's military readiness has never been more important. That is why, today, I am pleased to speak in support of the National Defense Authorization Act for the fiscal year 2024. prgtoken I want to thank Chairman Jack Reed of Rhode Island and Ranking Member Roger Wicker of Mississippi for their leadership as well as their staff work. And because of that, the Senate will soon vote on a national defense package that will protect the men and women in uniform, defend our Nation's interests, and support our allies. prgtoken For the 63rd year in a row, this bipartisan agreement will authorize necessary funding for our Nation's security. I hope we will pass it without delay. prgtoken This year's National Defense Authorization Act authorizes a topline of nearly $886 billion, including $844 billion for the Pentagon. This is a $28 billion increase compared to our current fiscal year, and a more than $100 billion increase compared to the last year. prgtoken Now, that may come as a surprise if you listen to the political speeches, given that some voices on the right have cried that our defense spending is falling so far behind. prgtoken The fact is this: This is the largest defense budget in the history of the United States ever--the largest defense budget ever. Importantly, it provides a more than 5-percent pay increase for our troops and our Pentagon's civilian workforce. That is the largest increase in decades--the largest increase in decades--and it is well- deserved. prgtoken This bill also expands employment opportunities for military spouses, funding for childcare, improved military housing, the quality of life elements that we absolutely owe the men and women in uniform. prgtoken It will ensure that our Nation can ward off threats from China and North Korea, with strong investments in the Pacific Deterrence Initiative. It addresses shortfalls in recruitment and improves our cyber defense capabilities. This year's NDAA also includes a number of provisions that I helped to author, including proposals that will support the administration's AUKUS agreement, boost Impact Aid funding for school districts that serve military families, strengthen digital manufacturing for future technologies, and authorize key Illinois military construction projects. prgtoken In addition to funding our Nation's long-term priorities, this package also will provide military aid to our friends in Ukraine and our allies throughout Europe, including the Baltics. Nearly 18 months after Putin began his full-scale invasion, Ukraine remains on the frontlines of democracy. And as I saw recently in Vilnius last week, during this year's NATO summit, the Ukrainian people's heroism and determination continues to rally the western alliance in their support. prgtoken Today's NATO is larger and stronger than ever
Introductory Statement on S. 2355
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2023-7-18

today I am introducing the Crypto Asset National Security Enhancement and Enforcement, CANSEE, Act along with Senators Rounds, Warner, and Romney. This bipartisan bill will close concerning gaps in the anti-money laundering, AML, and sanctions frameworks for cryptocurrency, most importantly decentralized finance, DeFi, and virtual currency kiosks. prgtoken Decentralized finance or ``DeFi'' refers to cryptocurrency protocols and applications that purport to allow automated peer-to-peer transactions using blockchain technology. DeFi enables users to transact and trade cryptocurrency without requiring a traditional financial institution to broker trades, clear and settle transactions, or custody assets. prgtoken Criminal syndicates, fraudsters, ransomware hackers, and rogue states have been quick to recognize how DeFi can be exploited to advance their nefarious activities. By design, DeFi provides anonymity allowing malicious and criminal actors to evade traditional tools that the government uses to enforce the AML and sanctions laws. prgtoken According to the U.S. National Money Laundering Risk Assessment published in February 2022, ``DeFi services often involve no AML/CFT or other processes to identify customers, allowing layering of proceeds to take place instantaneously and pseudonymously.'' A risk assessment published by the Treasury Department in April 2023 specifically found that ``ransomware cybercriminals, thieves, scammers, and ic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) cyber actors are using DeFi services [and] exploiting vulnerabilities in the U.S. and foreign AML/CFT regulatory, supervisory, and enforcement regimes.'' prgtoken In addition, DeFi is used in cross-border drug trafficking. Blockchain analytics firm Elliptic has estimated that China-based chemical manufacturers have received enough payments in cryptocurrency to sell $54 billion worth of fentanyl--enough to manufacture 8.6 billion deadly doses. prgtoken A series of Federal indictments unsealed in April 2023 revealed how these Chinese companies sell precursor chemicals to the Sinaloa drug cartel to manufacture fentanyl in Mexico, which is then smuggled for distribution in the United States. The manufacturers and cartels transact in cryptocurrency and no longer need to rely exclusively on bulk cash shipments. According to the indictments, once ``fentanyl proceeds are deposited into cryptocurrency wallets, that cryptocurrency can also be used directly to purchase additional fentanyl, without the need to convert the cryptocurrency back into cash.'' Wallets associated with a large sanctioned Chinese chemicals manufacturer have used DeFi to launder funds. prgtoken DeFi is so attractive to criminals and other bad actors because the industry takes the position that it does not need to comply with the AML requirements in the Bank Secrecy Act nor the economic sanctions programs administered by the Treasury Department. That places
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3935, SECURING GROWTH AND ROBUST LEADERSHIP IN AMERICAN AVIATION ACT, AND PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3941, SCHOOLS NOT SHELTERS ACT
Mary Gay Scanlon (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2023-7-18

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , we heard the gentleman describing parents of schoolchildren being frightened, upset, and agitated because their school needs, their education needs, their needs for food or remedial education, are not being met. prgtoken I remind my colleagues that they hold the majority. They are able to bring forward those bills and have the committee work to address those needs, but, again, the bill before us today does none of that. prgtoken We would love to work together in a bipartisan manner, as the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has done, to present a really good, forward-looking bill to address our Nation's aviation needs. We would just like to extend that ability to work on solutions, as opposed to culture wars, throughout the work before us for the good of the people. prgtoken , .
ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2023
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-7-18

. Finally, , I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday, July 19; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be deemed expired, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; that upon conclusion of morning business, the Senate resume consideration of the motion to proceed to Calendar No. 119, S. 2226, postcloture; further, that all time during adjournment, recess, morning business, and leader remarks count postcloture on the motion to proceed; finally, that the Senate recess from 1 to 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
Nomination of Rachel Bloomekatz (Executive Session)
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2023-7-18

it is my honor today to rise in support of Rachel Bloomekatz to serve as a judge on the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. People often think of the courts, especially the circuit courts--this comes from a nonlawyer, keep in mind--as something like an ivory tower, detached from everyday people's lives. prgtoken We know the decisions judges make affect Ohio's workplaces and affect Ohioans in their paychecks and in their own personal freedom about how to live their lives. That is why it matters so much whom we promote to these important jobs. prgtoken We want our brightest talent. We need our brightest talent on the bench. We need thoughtful judges--thoughtful judges who adhere to the highest ethical standards, who follow the letter and the spirit of the law. We need judges who are compassionate, capable of recognizing and understanding the many different perspectives of the people who will come into their courtrooms. And we need judges with wisdom and with a love for our country's core values. prgtoken Rachel Bloomekatz will be all of those things. She will protect the rights of all Americans, not just the powerful and the privileged-- something, unfortunately, we see far too much of in the Nation's highest courts. prgtoken Ms. Bloomekatz brings with her not only impressive legal credentials but the empathy, the intellect, and the deep commitment to justice required to serve the people of the Sixth Circuit. prgtoken Rachel had an impressive academic career, to be sure. She clerked for highly respected judges on the State supreme court, in the Federal district, and in circuit levels, and she clerked on the U.S. Supreme Court. Rachel has a robust and successful litigation practice where she has advanced the cause of justice. prgtoken Throughout her career, Ms. Bloomekatz sat on both sides of the table. She represented people across the ideological spectrum. She has represented companies and consumers. She has argued on behalf of the government and for the rights of private citizens. prgtoken She has been recognized for the breadth of her practice, which includes work on both civil and criminal matters, both types of cases she will see as a judge on the Sixth Circuit. prgtoken She has worked with women's groups, and she has worked with veterans groups, seeking justice for women harmed while giving birth on Active Duty at military hospitals. She helped to represent our colleague Senator Marco Rubio with an amicus brief, arguing in support of his legislation providing protections for victims of human trafficking. prgtoken Don't just take it from me. Listen to the chorus of people from all across the ideological and political spectrum who enthusiastically support Rachel Bloomekatz's nomination. Twenty fellow Supreme Court clerks, including several Scalia clerks and Kavanaugh clerks, wrote to the Judiciary Committee saying: We hold diverse opinions on many areas of law. We are united in our vie