mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Israel (Executive Calendar)
Pete Ricketts (Republican, NE) \u2014 2024-7-24

Israel is our strongest and closest ally in the Middle East. It is in our mutual interest to provide Israel the support they need to be able to destroy the terrorist group Hamas and secure the release of the remaining hostages. I am committed to doing that. My colleagues joining me today are committed to doing that. prgtoken Yet the - administration has repeatedly appeased the radical pro-Hamas elements of their base. In fact, President had to be pressured to put a meeting on the calendar with the Prime Minister. That should have been a no-brainer. prgtoken Vice President , whose only constitutional duty is to preside over the Senate, didn't even attend today's speech. She has one job--and I understand that being the presumptive nominee is new, but she does have a day job. Instead, she chose a petty snub of our closest ally in the Middle East and a democratically elected leader. This is not how America should treat its allies. prgtoken Sadly, this is one part of a larger pattern. The - administration has consistently undermined Israel's democratically elected government. After taking office, this administration gave $730 million to UNRWA, an organization that has been described as essentially being a branch of Hamas. President had ended their U.S. taxpayer funding. President and Vice President brought it back. Their actions caused American taxpayer dollars to directly support Hamas terrorists in their attacks on our ally and our citizens. prgtoken At least 12 UNRWA employees, funded in part by -, directly participated in the barbaric terror attack on October 7. Over 100 UNRWA employees have ties to Hamas or other Islamic jihad entities. Over 1,200 Israelis were killed, including nearly two dozen American citizens. Many were taken as hostages. Eight Americans are still being held hostage today somewhere in Gaza 291 days after October 7. prgtoken We need to stand with Israel until Israel completes its mission to free the hostages, bring justice to the terrorists, and restore peace. That is the best solution for the Israelis. That is the best solution for the Gazans. That is the best solution, period. prgtoken The - administration has also pressured Israel toward a cease-fire with the same barbaric Hamas terrorists who want to kill Jews and have pledged to continue to perpetrate atrocities like October 7. Meanwhile, and have repeatedly withheld or delayed critical shipments of weapons needed to destroy Hamas. They have attacked the legitimacy of Israel's democratically elected leader. So much for ``ironclad.'' prgtoken Americans stand with Israel. My colleagues and I stand with Israel. We are proud to stand with Israel. The - administration should do the same. prgtoken Thank you to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu for his comments earlier today. They reminded us why it is so important that Is
SALUTING ELIZABETH CLAXTON
Mark Alford (Republican, MO) \u2014 2024-7-24

I rise today to congratulate our top 10 speechwriters for this year's Missouri's Fourth Congressional District Speech Competition. They were chosen to write speeches on what America means to them, and today, we are saluting Elizabeth Claxton of Holden High School in Johnson County, Missouri. prgtoken Elizabeth says: ``To me, America is more than just the land I grew up in. America is the persons who surround me and the companionships I share with them. America is small towns and big cities full of people and their lives and the bonds they form with each other. Fellowships of all kinds fill America and make up our Nation. We are all of different backgrounds, who have different futures but are deeply intertwined as members of our beautiful and intricate county. America is all of these people and cultures woven together to create our society. America isn't just a land or national entity but one diverse yet blended people.'' prgtoken , we salute Elizabeth and thank her for her great work.
CONGRATULATING THE FIGHTING IRISH OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME MEN'S LACROSSE TEAM FOR WINNING THE 2024 NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION DIVISION I MEN'S LACROSSE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Mike Braun (Republican, IN) \u2014 2024-7-24

I rise today with great pride to honor the Fighting Irish. This May, the University of Notre Dame men's lacrosse team won the 2024 NCAA Division I title with a resounding victory over the Maryland Terrapins. The final score was 15 to 5. prgtoken This year's victory marked the second national lacrosse title for the Fighting Irish. It was also a consecutive national championship--very hard to do in this day and age in the competitive arena of college sports. prgtoken The Fighting Irish is the first team since 2019 and 2021 to win those back-to-back men's lacrosse national championships and only the eighth team in division I history to accomplish the feat. prgtoken I would like to personally congratulate Notre Dame men's lacrosse team for claiming the 2024 title. It is a university that has distinguished itself in so many ways over the years. Blessed to be in my home State and I'm very proud of them across the board. prgtoken , as in legislative session, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 768, which is at the desk.
Israel (Executive Calendar)
Katie Boyd Britt (Republican, AL) \u2014 2024-7-24

I rise today in support of America's great ally, Israel. Israel is more than an ally; she represents hope in the Middle East, hope for the world. prgtoken I actually visited Israel 2 weeks after October 7, after that attack, visited with a bipartisan delegation not only to Israel but throughout the Middle East. prgtoken Remember that Israel was created after the Holocaust so that the Jewish prgtoken people would never have to hide again. This is something that former Israeli Ambassador to the United States Ron Dermer talked to us about during our visit. prgtoken A colleague of mine shared that his daughter asked him right after 9/ 11: Are we safe? prgtoken The truth is that October 7 was similar to our 9/11. However, there is also a large difference. On October 8, Israel knew exactly who the perpetrator was. They knew exactly where they were. They were just miles away--their neighbor. It is like if we woke up on September 12, 2001, and we had the terrorists who had masterminded the attacks of 9/ 11 living next door in Brooklyn. Additionally, they said they would come back again and again and again and again until they eradicated the Jewish people and the State of Israel. prgtoken That is the proximity and the gravity of the threat that Israel faces. It is literally at their doorstep. And, bottom line, they can't tell their daughters that they are safe right now. prgtoken , 291 days--over 9 months--have passed now, but we can't forget what happened on October 7. Make no mistake, what Hamas did was pure evil. prgtoken They murdered entire families, beheaded babies, dragged grandparents--some, Holocaust survivors--from their wheelchairs to a brutal death. They raped women. They took mothers and daughters hostage after slaughtering their fathers and brothers. They held innocent people hostage and used them as human shields. prgtoken As I think about this as a mom, I can't imagine the agony that parents were going through knowing that their children, their loved ones, are being held hostage and used as human shields. I think about the moment when they talk about parents being murdered in front of their children, children being murdered in front of their parents. How could anyone be so evil? prgtoken There is no doubt that ``never again'' is now, and not just overseas--unfortunately, here at home. Look no further than the disgusting pro-Hamas anti-Semitic protests that have taken place on college campuses, in cities across our Nation, and today in our Nation's capital. prgtoken Today, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu came before Congress and asked us to do what we promised: to stand behind Israel, to stand behind the Jewish people. prgtoken America cannot be a country of broken promises. We cannot let our allies down. We cannot be viewed as a country that is weak and unreliable around the world. We must stand strongly with Israel and show her support not just in normal times, but when
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Mary E. Miller (Republican, IL) \u2014 2024-7-24

this amendment defunds a costly and misguided EPA agency rule that requires heavy-duty vehicles to comply with reduced emissions limits of nitrogen oxides and other pollutants. prgtoken This rule applies to vehicles, including certain long- and short-haul trucks, motor homes, school and transit buses, and commercial pickup trucks and vans. prgtoken The EPA, the very agency that created this rule, estimates the technology required to meet the new rule's standards will cost around $8,000 per vehicle. This cost will be borne by consumers and the supply chain. prgtoken The American people cannot afford the financial burdens of this aggressive regulation that would further raise costs of any product transported by trucks, including food, clothing, and building materials. prgtoken This regulation's cost of compliance is so high, operators and owners of trucks will be forced to leave the market. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and defund a rule that places costly and burdensome emissions standards on vehicles, and .
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H. RES. 1371, STRONGLY CONDEMNING THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION AND ITS BORDER CZAR, KAMALA HARRIS'S, FAILURE TO SECURE THE UNITED STATES BORDER
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2024-7-24

contrary to what the gentleman keeps saying, the idea that is the border czar was invented by rightwing media. prgtoken Let me read to you from the article I just inserted: ``Ms. was not, in fact, appointed border czar, nor was she tasked with addressing the broader problems plaguing the border itself.'' prgtoken It goes on to say: ``Rather, she was deputized by President with the diplomatic mission of solving the `root causes' of migration from countries like Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, tackling the issues that spur people to flee in the first place, like drug violence and lack of economic opportunity.'' prgtoken , in fact, my colleagues had to change their resolution, as I mentioned, at the last minute in the Rules Committee last night because we caught them. They actually acknowledged, by changing their resolution, that President never, in fact, named Vice President the border czar. They changed their resolution to acknowledge the fact that ``border czar'' is a term that basically they made up. prgtoken , why are we here? Why are we doing this? We are doing this because they are afraid of the Vice President. She is drawing huge crowds. There is incredible excitement, and they are in a panic. They don't know what to do. prgtoken God forbid they bring any legislation to the floor to actually help the American people or help solve any crisis that we are faced with. Instead, a glorified press release comes to the floor so that they can rant and rave, point fingers, yell and scream, and get everybody all up in arms. prgtoken The bottom line is that this is like one of the biggest wastes of time that I can recall ever coming to this floor, and we have done a lot of things here under their leadership that I think is a waste of time. prgtoken , .
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR
Elizabeth Warren (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2024-7-24

I rise today in support of my bill, the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act. If voted into law, this bill would begin the process of delivering long overdue justice to stolen Native children and to their communities. prgtoken The Indian Boarding School system was one of the most devastating Federal creations in American history. The scale was truly staggering. For over a century, the United States forced hundreds of thousands of children out of their homes and into over 500 ``boarding schools.'' These boarding schools were not unlike prisons. prgtoken At least 408 schools were federally funded. They were scattered across 37 States, including Alaska and Hawaii. By the 1920s, 83 percent of school-age indigenous children were in boarding schools--imagine, four out of every five Native children taken from their families, some never to be seen again. prgtoken The process was a waking nightmare. Armed officers were sent onto reservations to rip children as young as 4 from their families. Mothers and fathers who resisted could be severely punished. prgtoken Once at boarding school, kids were stripped of their heritage. Their hair was cut off, their clothing was burned, and they were given new names. Children who tried to practice even remnants of their Native cultures could be starved, whipped, and put in solitary confinement. Many children were farmed out to nearby properties for forced labor. Some were deployed to fight in war. Some were sexually abused. prgtoken Conditions at the boarding schools were deadly. Dormitories were overcrowded so that diseases spread easily. Documentation shows that hundreds of children died in these schools. It is estimated that the actual number of deaths was in the thousands or possibly even the tens of thousands. So far, 53 mass graves have been uncovered. Some are unmarked. Many children's remains were never returned to their families. prgtoken The boarding schools' motto was ``Kill the Indian, and save the man.'' This approach was part of a larger effort. By isolating children from their families and their cultures, it was possible to break down the fabric of Tribal nations and take land more easily. Decision makers calculated that it was ``cheaper to educate our wards than to make war on them.'' prgtoken Congress funded the majority of these schools, often using funds held in trust accounts that were legally designated for the benefit of Tribal nations. Congress paid for the schools and then authorized law enforcement to take Indian children from their homes and their Tribes. It now comes to this Congress to do everything we can to begin to heal the damage that this body inflicted. prgtoken Make no mistake, the harms of the Indian boarding schools live on today. In my time working on this bill, I have heard countless harrowing stories from survivors and from their families. There isn't an indigenous community in this country that hasn
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR
Amy Klobuchar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2024-7-24

I rise in support of S.1723, the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act. I thank Senator Warren for her leadership on prgtoken this issue and her efforts, along with those of Chairman Schatz, Vice Chairman Murkowski, and the Indian Affairs Committee, to pass this bill. I also want to thank the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition based in Minnesota for its work to raise awareness of Indian boarding school policies and the experiences of those harmed by them. prgtoken We know that between 1819 and 1969, Native American youth were forced against their will to attend Indian boarding schools across the country, including 21 in Minnesota. We know that these schools, of which there were hundreds, sought to strip these children of their Native identities, beliefs, and languages. And we know these schools subjected Native children to abuse and neglect. What we do not know is how many children were taken from their homes and families. And far too many families do not know what came of their children. For 150 years, countless voices have been silenced; countless stories have gone untold. prgtoken This bipartisan legislation is about telling those stories. It is about addressing and investigating the lasting harms these boarding schools caused for generation after generation of Native Americans. And it is about beginning the healing process for the descendants of the victims of the Indian boarding school policies. prgtoken Our Nation's strength comes from the diversity of our people, including our more than 10 million American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians in our country. Their cultures and traditions should be celebrated, not suppressed as the Indian boarding school policies sought to do. prgtoken The United States has a unique and sacred government-to-government relationship with Tribal nations that is deeply rooted in treaties, the law, and the Constitution. This relationship demands an unwavering Federal commitment to supporting the well-being of Native Americans. This legislation and the commission it would establish are critical steps toward fulfilling that commitment. prgtoken One of the Native philosophies that has always resonated with me is the belief that decisions are not made just for today, but for seven generations from now. prgtoken That is what this bill is: an investment in future generations. By putting us on a path to healing today, this legislation paves the way to a better tomorrow for Native families.
Trump Rally Shooting (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-7-24

some events in our lives make such an impression that we can recall exactly where we were and what we were doing when we reflect on learning about them. On November 22, 1963, I was a sophomore at Georgetown University here in Washington, DC, when the news broke that President John F. Kennedy had been shot in Dallas, TX. I was in the library, and the news spread through that quiet room like wildfire. We all stopped what we were doing and went outside and stood in the street and listened to the car radio's report of the news that was just tragic news, of course, that President Kennedy had given his life. prgtoken It has been more than 60 years since the assassination of President Kennedy and 43 years since President Reagan was shot. A week and a half ago, Americans were shocked to witness on live television an assassination attempt against former President as well as the murder of Corey Comperatore at a Pennsylvania political rally. prgtoken We should all take a moment to reflect on Mr. Comperatore's family loss. His wife reported that when shots were ringing out, he shielded his wife and children with his body. It is an amazing scene to think that at that moment--that emergency moment--he thought of others to protect them. They have been in my thoughts since the tragic events of that Saturday afternoon. prgtoken We have a responsibility in Congress to learn how the Secret Service failed to protect former President on July 13. We need to do this on a bipartisan basis; keep politics out of it. prgtoken The Judiciary Committee, which I chair, has jurisdiction over the Secret Service. Tomorrow morning, the Judiciary Committee, along with the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committees, will receive a classified briefing on the shooting. I hope that we learn more since the hearings that occurred in the House of Representatives. prgtoken Next Tuesday morning, the Judiciary Committee and the Homeland Security Committee will hold a joint, bipartisan hearing on the assassination attempt, where we hope to learn more from the FBI and the Secret Service. prgtoken We need to ask probing and important questions and do it in a responsible way that avoids the kind of incendiary language that has become all too common in our country. It is irresponsible for a Member of Congress to accuse the opposing political party of being ``flat out evil and . . . [trying] to murder President ,'' but a Member of Congress actually said that. Another Member said, `` sent the orders.'' Can you imagine? Those kinds of statements are so irresponsible, mean-spirited. They don't belong as part of the national debate. prgtoken As a country, we have become desensitized to toxic and violent rhetoric that some politicians have embraced as standard fare. We should all be disturbed by the April poll from Marist which found that ``one in 5 U.S. adults believe Americans have to resort to violence to g
CHICANO-CHICANA HERITAGE MONTH
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-7-24

today I rise to recognize August as Chicano- Chicana Heritage Month and to celebrate the contributions of millions of Chicanos in Orange County and across this great Nation. prgtoken Mexican Americans have used this term, ``Chicano-Chicana,'' to address common historical, cultural, and economic struggles in this great country. prgtoken Today, Chicanos are the largest ethnic minority in this great country. We are doctors, lawyers, scientists, teachers, police officers, and soldiers. We have fought in all wars defending this great country, and many Chicano-Chicana veterans are among the most highly decorated soldiers in this great country. Many are part of the Greatest Generation, like my constituent Ventura Hernandez, a proud World War II veteran who fought in Patton's Army and came back and built this great Nation. prgtoken Today, with this resolution, we acknowledge and recognize Chicano- Chicana Heritage Month and their contributions to this great country. We encourage young people to learn more about American history.
CLOTURE MOTION
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2024-7-24

first I have got to acknowledge that I am not objective when it comes to Margaret Taylor, since I have had a chance to work with her. When I was the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, she was the legal counsel for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for the . She was well respected in the legal advice that she gave us, both to s and , and well respected by all Members of our committee. She is an outstanding public servant and is desperately needed to have a confirmed position for legal counsel in the State Department. prgtoken And, I must tell you, it is no surprise that all of the living former Legal Advisers, from Reagan to --40 years, and s--wrote to our committee to strongly endorse her and urge her prompt confirmation. prgtoken In regards to the two points that Senator Risch has raised, one in regards to the interpretation of reproductive rights, she advised full compliance with U.S. law, including relating to statutory restrictions on foreign assistance related to reproductive health. It is the same advice that was given by general counsel to the administration. There was no difference between the two administrations. prgtoken And as for the issue concerning Mr. Malley, that issue was 6 months before this nomination was considered. prgtoken This nomination needs to be confirmed. We need to have a confirmed person in this position. There has been no substantive argument as to why she should not be confirmed. She is highly qualified. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support the nomination. prgtoken .
WORKING TOWARD LASTING PEACE IN GAZA
Summer L. Lee (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2024-7-24

I rise today to express my outrage. Gaza has been decimated by the Israeli military using weapons provided by the United States. Over 39,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed, and more are being killed every day. Most homes, most infrastructure destroyed. prgtoken Yet, what do we do? We welcome Netanyahu, the person responsible for this, to address Congress with open arms. As a student of history and as a Black woman in this country, I am keenly aware of the role that this very body has played in the marginalizing of Black and Brown folks domestically and abroad. This is why I refuse to remain silent. prgtoken When Putin commits war crimes, we condemn him. When Netanyahu commits war crimes, we give him excuses and bombs. This hypocrisy is not lost on the world. Americans are less safe, and our standing in the world is greatly diminished because of our inability to remain morally consistent. prgtoken Years from now, this body will be ashamed of its actions. The large majority of our constituents are ashamed today. It is well past time that we stop this moral inconsistency and start working toward a just and lasting peace for all in this region.