mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
Andrea Salinas (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2023-5-16

I rise to recognize National Police Week. prgtoken Every day, from Tigard to Turner, McMinnville to Monmouth, tens of thousands of courageous Oregonians answer the call to protect and serve. prgtoken Law enforcement officers routinely step into harm's way to defend community members in crisis and to protect the rule of law. For that, we owe them prgtoken a debt of gratitude, but gratitude alone is not enough. prgtoken As the daughter of a police officer, I know what it is like to worry about whether your loved one will return home safely, and I grieve for the families of those who don't. prgtoken In their honor, I am committed to supporting police officers in Oregon and across our Nation with the resources, funds, training, and care they need. We also need to do more to support our officers once they exit the force, from increasing mental health services to expanding disability benefits. prgtoken Those who dedicate their lives to public safety deserve nothing less.
REMEMBERING OFFICER TRUONG THAI
Susie Lee (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2023-5-16

I rise in celebration of last week's Teacher Appreciation Week to congratulate my constituent and winner of the Clark County School District Teacher of the Year Award, Ms. Dee Heard. prgtoken Ms. Heard is a sixth-grade teacher at Sedway Middle School and an innovative leader who is constantly thinking of ways to engage her students outside the textbook. prgtoken When students struggled after the pandemic, she designed a schoolwide math competition, complete with pep rallies and digital workspaces, to create learning incentives and help students track their progress and goals over time. prgtoken Ms. Heard also leads outside the classroom. She regularly collaborates with school staff to assist with everything from bus tickets to emotional support to food for her students. prgtoken I could not be more proud to represent teachers like Ms. Heard, and to know that our next generation of leaders is in such great hands. I thank her for all her hard work, and I congratulate her on her well- deserved honor. prgtoken , I thank all the incredible southern Nevada teachers who deserve our appreciation, not just this week, but every week.
TRIBUTE TO PAUL CASASCO
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2023-5-16

I rise today to honor the achievements of Mr. Paul Casasco, a senior audio operator for the Senate Chamber, on the occasion of his retirement. prgtoken Maryland is home to a robust Federal workforce that serves our country with pride. Federal employees work day-in and day-out to provide vital services to the American people, and I have the honor of representing many of these dedicated individuals. prgtoken A native of Howard County, MD, Paul Casasco has served the U.S. Senate with distinction for 37 years. Hired in April 1986, Mr. Casasco was a member of the original team that piloted live national coverage of the Senate floor. Within weeks, the U.S. Senate voted to make this coverage permanent, cementing public access to and transparency of its procedures and activities. Mr. Casasco's contributions have ensured that the Senate Recording Studio has become a modern facility that caters to the body of the Senate. He is the last serving member of the original 1986 team. prgtoken Paul Casasco's dedication will be sorely missed in the U.S. Senate. His colleagues and I join in wishing him all the best for a fulfilling and enjoyable next chapter in retirement.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Jeff Merkley (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2023-5-16

I rise today to honor a departing member of my team. This is the first time in 7 years that I am delivering a farewell speech regarding one of my team members that wasn't written by my speechwriter, Mike McKiernan, because Mike is the departing team member we are honoring today. prgtoken In June of 2016, he left a glamorous job at the Motion Picture Association of America to join my office. He was excited to return to Congress ahead of what many anticipated would be the incoming Hillary Clinton administration. Well, as we all know, history doesn't always work out along the path that one anticipates. It worked out a little differently. prgtoken Six months later, President was sworn into office, and Mike found himself in the middle of many intensive issues, writing speech after speech regarding the new administration's policies--often opposing those policies--and the administration's nominees--often nominees who didn't seem to have the qualifications necessary for the roles they were nominated to. prgtoken Then not far into 2017, we arrived at a watershed moment of 's first year in office: 's determination to complete the theft of a Supreme Court seat through his nomination of Neil Gorsuch. It was Mike McKiernan who compiled a whole set of big three-ring binders with details of Supreme Court history, the influence of powerful special interests on the Court, and, of course, every detail, large and small, about Judge Gorsuch's record, enabling me to hold the floor for over 15 hours, attempting to focus America's attention on the grave injustice that for the first time in American history, a Supreme Court seat had been stolen from one administration and passed on to the next with no hearing or consideration of the nominee from the previous President. prgtoken It was a long night--a long night for Mike McKiernan, a long night for me--but an important effort to highlight something very important about the politicization and polarization of one of our three key institutions, the Supreme Court of the United States. prgtoken If you asked members of my staff for a couple of words or a phrase to describe Mike, you might hear the words ``steady presence.'' Throughout the years, he has brought a cool, calm, and collected aura, even during moments of considerable stress. prgtoken Being a speechwriter might seem like a quiet, intellectual job, but here in the Senate, chaos finds us all--many moments of frantically making last-minute edits, last-minute edits on a script for a speech or a conversation over Zoom, conversations recorded as a video greeting to an organization operating back in Oregon, or crafting comments with only an hour or two of notice to make, to block, or to request a unanimous consent request on an amendment or on a bill. prgtoken There was, for every speechwriter and for Mike, the near daily challenge of finding just the right story or just the right analogy or just the right
RECOGNIZING THE 2022-2023 DUNMORE HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM'S STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Matt Cartwright (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2023-5-16

I rise today to recognize the incredible achievements of the 2022-2023 Dunmore High School girls varsity basketball team. During this year's season, the ``Lady Bucks'' brought great pride to our community by winning the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) 3A State Championship for the first time in school history. prgtoken As the Member of the U.S. House representing Dunmore, I'm proud to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and teamwork of the Lady Bucks that led to their championship. They played with passion and a spirit of excellence that was evident in every game. They demonstrated that when a group of individuals works together and supports each other, anything is possible. prgtoken I want to acknowledge the coaching staff, led by Coach Carrie Toomey, and Assistant Coach Michael O'Malley, who have instilled a culture of commitment, discipline, and respect in these athletes. Under their guidance, Dunmore truly played a season worthy of a state title. prgtoken The success of the 2022-2023 team is also a reflection of the support they received from the Dunmore itself. From parents and families who cheered them on in every game, to the teachers and staff who have provided guidance and encouragement, to the businesses and organizations that also supported the team, the Dunmore Lady Bucks have been lifted up by the entire community. prgtoken It's no surprise it happened that way because, in Northeastern Pennsylvania, we believe in the power of working together and showing civic spirit. The Dunmore Lady Bucks' championship is a testament to the strength of that belief. These players demonstrated what can happen when we support our young people to the fullest. prgtoken So, I congratulate the 2022-2023 Dunmore High School girls varsity basketball team on their historic season and thank them for inspiring us all. I'm proud to represent Dunmore and look forward to celebrating many more successes in the future.
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-5-16

our residents sent us to Congress to tackle the issues that are affecting every American's ability to thrive. They did not send us here to waste valuable time on messaging bills that are dead on arrival in the Senate and do nothing to improve the lives of working families. prgtoken We are weeks, possibly days, away from s hurtling our economy toward a devastating default on our debt for the first time in our Nation's history, and s are heartlessly using the crisis as an opportunity to try to force cruel cuts to the social safety nets for our communities, especially our veterans, who depend on healthcare. prgtoken s are putting vital public programs like Social Security and Medicare at risk by playing petty political games to appease their billionaire donors and harm the lives and livelihoods of the American people. prgtoken , defaulting on our debt would be devastating, if not catastrophic, for all those relying on Social Security and Medicare, as you know, in all of our districts. Social Security recipients would no longer receive checks, risking their ability to pay for groceries, rent, and utilities. prgtoken This is exactly the type of chaos many of my colleagues want to see happen, but are fully committed to protecting and expanding Social Security. Social Security is the bedrock of our social safety net and a pillar that all of our neighbors rely on, again, to be able to retire with dignity. prgtoken Unfortunately, as the cost of things like healthcare, caregiving, and prescription drugs has skyrocketed due to the unchecked corporate greed in our country, our seniors have come to rely even more on Social Security every single day. prgtoken , now more than ever before is the time to strengthen Social Security. If we defeat the previous question, we will bring to the House floor H. Res. 178, a resolution affirming the House's commitment to protect and strengthen Social Security and Medicare. prgtoken s need to stop wasting our time and playing games with the lives of our people. I urge my colleagues to defeat the previous question so we can advance this important legislation.
NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2023-5-16

I rise to recognize the sacrifices and dedication of our Nation's law enforcement personnel. I am proud to cosponsor the resolution offered by Senators Durbin and Graham recognizing May 14 through May 20 as National Police Week. This bipartisan resolution recognizes the critical role that law enforcement officers play in keeping our neighborhoods and communities safe. It also calls attention to the importance of ensuring enforcement officers have the equipment, training, and resources necessary to perform their duties. Finally, the resolution pays tribute to fallen law enforcement officers, including three Marylanders whom I would like to recognize in particular. These names will be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, located in Judiciary Square near Capitol Hill. prgtoken Deputy First Class Kenneth ``Kenny'' Olander served the Sheriff's Office of Frederick County, MD, for 32 years. He worked as a patrol operations deputy, school resource officer, and most recently as a community deputy. He had previously served in the Army for 6 years and worked as a military police officer. He passed away in March of 2022 after contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. He is survived by his wife and three children. prgtoken Corporal Gregory Bednarek served with the Maryland Transportation Authority Police for 19 years. A lifelong Marylander, Gregory was born in Baltimore and attended the University of Maryland, College Park. He died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. prgtoken He is survived by his wife, stepdaughter, stepson, parents, sister, two nephews, and niece. prgtoken Wicomico County Deputy First Class Glenn Hilliard had served with the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office for 6 years and had previously served with the Berlin Police Department for 10 years. He was shot and killed in July of 2022 while attempting to arrest a man wanted on multiple felony warrants. Hilliard had bravely pursued the suspect on foot as he attempted to flee. He is survived by his wife and three children. prgtoken The sacrifices of these Marylanders will not be forgotten, nor will their decades of faithful service to keeping their communities safe. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families left behind.
TRIBUTE TO ELLA TANNER
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2023-5-17

I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to Ella Tanner for her hard work as an intern in my Washington, DC, office. I recognize her efforts and contributions to my office as well as to the State of Wyoming. prgtoken Ella is a native of Virginia. She is currently a senior at McLean High School and plans to attend Brigham Young University in the fall. She has demonstrated a strong work ethic, which has made her an invaluable asset to our office. The quality of her work is reflected in her great efforts over the last several months. prgtoken I want to thank Ella for the dedication she has shown while working for me and my staff. It is a pleasure to have her as part of our team. I know she will have continued success with all of her future endeavors. I wish her all my best on her journey.
CENTRAL BANK DIGITAL CURRENCY
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2023-5-17

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken , also I congratulate the gentleman from Massachusetts for having the third child join his family in this past week. We congratulate the Auchinclosses on that. prgtoken , I rise in strong support of the gentleman from Massachusetts' bill, the Power of the Mint Act. I thank him for our partnership in introducing the first bipartisan bill in this House to prohibit the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency, or a CBDC. prgtoken We believe together that under the Constitution, that authority rests solely with Congress and the American people, not unelected bureaucrats. That is a nonpartisan view. prgtoken Something that sets Americans apart from others is that we are rebelliously independent and skeptical of Government overreach. It is a cultural tradition in this country that has been passed down from our Founders. prgtoken I compliment the gentleman for having a portrait of Alexander Hamilton in his office indicating his strong support of the Constitution's views on money. prgtoken Recently, the only time my constituents from central Arkansas call me about digital assets is when they are worried that Uncle Sam is going to use a central bank digital currency to surveil where they are spending money and how much and ultimately block them from using the banking and payments system. prgtoken Instead, we are working collaboratively on a bicameral, bipartisan basis to believe that innovation belongs in the private sector. That is why we had this coalition working in both the House Agriculture Committee and the House Financial Services Committee to craft a regulatory framework that preserves Americans' privacy, preserves American competitiveness, and puts America in the right form for a digital future in money. prgtoken Americans have that right to financial privacy, and that is why I am proud to support the gentleman from Massachusetts' bill.
ERIC'S LAW
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-5-17

I rise today to highlight Eric's Law, a piece of legislation I introduced with my Pennsylvanian colleague, Congressman Matt Cartwright. prgtoken Eric's Law is named for Eric Williams, a Federal correctional officer who was brutally murdered by an inmate at U.S. Penitentiary Canaan in Wayne County, Pennsylvania. His murderer's crime largely went unpunished, even though 11 out of 12 jurors voted for the death penalty because he was already serving a life sentence. prgtoken Current law requires a unanimous decision by the jury to impose the death penalty. prgtoken Our legislation permits prosecutors to impanel a second jury for sentencing if the first jury in a Federal death penalty case fails to reach a unanimous decision on a sentence. This allows for a final, definitive decision in death penalty cases that our victims and families deserve. prgtoken I thank Eric's father, Don, as well as the Council of Prison Locals for their support and endorsement of this bill. prgtoken , we must do everything in our power to prevent this kind of tragedy from reoccurring. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
Unanimous Consent Request--Executive Calendar (Executive Session)
Tommy Tuberville (Republican, AL) \u2014 2023-5-17

reserving the right to object, this is the sixth or seventh time that I have come to the floor to stop my colleagues on the left from cramming these nominations down our throat, but I will come to the floor as many times as possible. prgtoken We have spent almost 12, 13 hours--or I have--during the last few weeks with these UCs. Last night, we were here debating this for about 2 hours. That is fine. That is what we are supposed to do in the Senate. We are supposed to debate, and I am not against that, but we also could have spent time voting. prgtoken I understand the Senator from Nevada has someone she wants promoted. I am fine with that. If she brings it to the floor, Senator Schumer brings it to the floor, I will vote for them. I am not here blocking nominees; I am here blocking promotion of all of these nominees at one time. prgtoken I would love to vote for her nominee, but Leader Schumer is responsible for that. He is responsible for the floor. Bring nominations one at a time, and I will vote for them. I am all for the military. That is one of the reasons I am here. But we have got to use our time better. That is what Senator Schumer says. Our time is spent on nominations. prgtoken We have been here for about 5 months. We have been on vacation 30 days, and we could have done all of those nominations in that amount of time. It is amazing to me how we don't want to do our job one at a time instead of just doing them all at once. prgtoken Senator Schumer has said so in a ``Dear Colleague'' letter this month. He said the Senator from Alabama has got a hold and it doesn't look good for s. I don't know what doesn't look good. I am standing up for the rule of law. What is not a good look is the coming to the floor and defending--defending--an executive branch that is not doing their job; they are trying to do ours. prgtoken I understand the Senator from Nevada is a strong supporter of abortion, and that is good. We all have differences of opinion about that. But even she didn't vote for this. She didn't vote for this memo that Secretary Austin pushed on the military. Nobody voted for it. I am surprised that in Congress are supportive of the executive branch doing our job, that a lot of people spent a lot of money campaigning and trying to win this position. prgtoken Let's do our job. That is all I am asking. Let's do our job. We ought to be voting on every one of these nominees that I have got these holds on. I am not against voting for them; I am against voting for all of them at one time. It would be a better use of our time if we would come here, vote, and go back to our office like we normally do. prgtoken If were actually concerned about these nominations--and I am going to say it for the hundredth time--if they were actually concerned about our national security and the things that are going on around the world, we would be taking these nominees one at a
National Police Week (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2023-5-17

this week is National Police Week, which is a time set aside to honor the service of our Nation's law enforcement officers, to show appreciation for the sacrifices they make to keep our communities safe, and to pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. prgtoken Being a police officer is no easy task. An ordinary day for the men and women in blue takes extraordinary character. It takes courage to run toward danger, to take on the unknown. But if you ask a police officer, he or she will usually say: It's just part of the job. prgtoken That job is a vital one. prgtoken I am profoundly grateful to the brave Americans who step up to protect and serve in my State of South Dakota, in Washington, DC, where the U.S. Capitol Police work to keep us, our staff, and our constituents safe, and around the country. prgtoken There is no denying that law enforcement is a dangerous job. Police officers face threats and confront suffering on a daily basis, and many officers bear the visible and invisible wounds of their job. Some officers make the ultimate sacrifice--laying down their lives to protect their fellow citizens. prgtoken This year's National Police Week resolution honors the memory of the 443 law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty last year as well as the 32 lost to date this year. And my thoughts and prayers go out to their families and to their fellow officers. prgtoken Being a police officer has never been easy. Over the last few years, however, steady criticism and vilification and the enduring ``defund the police'' movement have made the job a lot harder and taken a noticeable toll on morale. prgtoken Police retirements and resignations are up around the country, and there aren't enough applicants to fill available openings. The police department in Asheville, NC, is down 40 percent of its budgeted positions. Cleveland, OH, has its smallest police academy class in 25 years--just nine recruits. And here in Washington, DC, the Metropolitan Police Department has fewer officers than at any time in the last 25 years. prgtoken Meanwhile, crime continues to surge around the country. Here in DC, violent crime is up 13 percent from the same time last year, and property crime is up 30 percent over the same period. In Philadelphia, retail and auto theft are surging. As one article recently noted, small business owners are hoping the next mayor will make public safety a top priority. Meanwhile, in Chicago, crime is up 42 percent compared to the same time last year, driven, in part, by a staggering 131-percent increase in motor vehicle theft. And the list goes on. prgtoken Surging crime is almost unquestionably being aggravated by the rise of big city prosecutors who seem uninterested in actually prosecuting crimes. Philadelphia's district attorney, for example, actually campaigned on a platform of prosecuting fewer crimes. And then there is the U.S. attorn