mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Budget Earmarks (Executive Session)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2021-3-1

the Appropriations Committee is reportedly preparing to announce the return of earmarks. That is a process that, around here, we know. People back home might not know, so let me explain that the process of earmarks inserts individual projects designated for specific interests into a bill, most often an appropriations bill. When I say ``individual projects,'' it means Senators doing it for probably their district or their State. prgtoken Earmarks are a practice that has become a symbol to the American people of the waste and out-of-control spending in Washington. I am strongly against the return of earmarks. prgtoken The earmark moratorium was implemented as a direct result of the events leading up to the election of 2010, and there was clearly a mandate coming from that 2010 election to do away with earmarks. So people sometimes think, through the elections or through contacting Congress, they don't have an impact. In this case, it had a very dramatic impact that has lasted at least until now, and hopefully it will last longer. prgtoken The American people spoke because they were worried at that time about the country's growing Federal deficit and ballooning public debt--something we aren't as concerned about now as we were then and we ought to be concerned about more so now because the debt has more than doubled during that period of time. prgtoken At that time, back in 2010, the debt was estimated to be 62 percent of gross domestic product. prgtoken In 2009, President and congressional passed a $787 billion stimulus bill that was filled with wasteful spending, special projects, and unauthorized programs that completely violated the rules of the road for responsible governance. prgtoken In September 2010--so at the time of the election I am talking about--in a Rasmussen poll, 61 percent of U.S. voters said cutting government spending and deficits would do more to create jobs than President 's proposed $50 billion infrastructure program. It was pretty evident, then, from people's opinion at that time, that the election of 2010 sent a clear message that the American people wanted Congress to stop wasteful spending. So it didn't take long for President to get the message. He had a weekly address on November 13, 2010, calling upon Congress to stop earmarks. He said: ``Given the deficits that have mounted over the past decade, we can't afford to make these investments''--in things like infrastructure, education, research, and development--``unless we are willing to cut what we don't need.'' prgtoken Now, I am going to give you a further quote, and it is a fairly long one, but it is coming from a ic President. I agree with those and ic members of Congress who've recently said that in these challenging days, we can't afford what are called earmarks. Those are items inserted into spending bills by members of Congress wi
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1, FOR THE PEOPLE ACT OF 2021; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1280, GEORGE FLOYD JUSTICE IN POLICING ACT OF 2021; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Rodney Davis (Republican, IL) \u2014 2021-3-1

I thank Ranking Member Cole and the Committee on Rules. It was a fun day up there for a few hours. prgtoken This nearly 800-page bill that, if signed into law, would impact millions of Americans' right to vote and to participate in the political process, was introduced on January 4 of this year. And the first and only hearing on H.R. 1 was held just 4 days ago, in the smallest committee in Congress. prgtoken on the Committee on House Administration also decided a markup of this bill wasn't needed, despite the fact that both the bill itself and the membership of our committee have changed since last Congress. This is especially concerning since changed House floor rules this Congress to weaken the MTR, making committees the only real opportunity for the minority to provide an alternative. But now, they are not even doing that. They are not even holding a markup on this major elections bill. prgtoken This bill was rushed. And I guarantee most of my colleagues supporting this bill have no idea how this bill would really impact elections or political speech. But I bet they do know that if this bill were to become law, they would get a lot more funds for their own campaigns through the public financing provision. prgtoken H.R. 1, the for the politicians act, includes hundreds of pages of mandates on States and local election administrators. At the only hearing Congress has held on this massive bill, the minority's witness was the only person on the panel with experience in actually running elections. And he told this committee that it would be unworkable in States like his. prgtoken , we should be reviewing the issues that we saw during the 2020 election cycle and helping States develop a better process. Simply mandating how States run their elections is not only unconstitutional, but it will lead to chaos and confusion for voters. prgtoken The for the politicians act creates a first-ever fund to publicly finance our own congressional campaigns by providing corporate money, the first corporate dollars allowed into individual Members of Congress' campaigns since 1907, laundered through the Federal Government and into Members of Congress' own campaigns. prgtoken Provisions in this bill also attack free speech protections under the First Amendment. We did not have any hearings on the impact of changing the current bipartisan balance of the Federal Election Commission to a partisan makeup or the effect that a ``speech czar'' will have on people's ability to participate in the political process. prgtoken , this bill is terrible. This bill doesn't address the important issues that deserve hearings. Any bill to fundamentally change our elections or restrict our freedom of speech needs--at the very least--to go through regular order. The American people deserve to know what is in this bill and the real-life impact it will have on them. prgtoken , I urge a ``no'' vote on the rule and on the underlying
HONORING THE WORK OF WHITKO CAREER ACADEMY
Jim Banks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2021-3-1

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Whitko Career Academy in Whitley County for their impressive and important work to help young Hoosiers succeed in the 21st century workforce. Part of Whitko Community Schools in Larwill, Whitko Career Academy was founded in September 2019 to help create career opportunities for students in the surrounding community. prgtoken Upwards of 500 students walk through the doors of the academy each day. Inside, each student engages in hands-on, skills-based learning. Made possible through partnerships with The 80/20 Foundation Trust and The Whitley County Community Foundation, the academy gives these students the tools they need to pursue livelihoods in manufacturing, engineering, agriculture, technology, education and more. prgtoken Earlier this month, the academy formed a three-way partnership with WishBone Medical Inc. in Warsaw and Red Star Contract Manufacturing to bolster the academy's engineering curriculum. Students will be manufacturing components for one of Wish Bone's pediatric medical devices. This year, the academy will also serve as the home of the Whitko Agricultural Program and Future Farmers of America-- organizations together dedicated to training the next generation of leaders in agriculture. prgtoken In the year and a half since its founding, Whitko Career Academy has established itself as a model for career and technical education. Hoosiers are thankful for, and proud of, this institution for the immediate impact it has brought to northeast Indiana. This record is testament to the life-changing education hundreds of young Hoosiers have received, and will continue to receive, at the Whitko Career Academy for years to come.
RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF AMBASSADOR DAVID M. FRIEDMAN
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2021-3-1

. Madam , I rise today to give thanks for the service of David M. Friedman, recently our Ambassador from the United States to Israel. prgtoken As Ambassador, Mr. Friedman strengthened our bond with Israel, took our partnership to new heights, secured peaceful relationships for Israel in the Middle East, and was influential in moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem. prgtoken Through his diligent work, Mr. Friedman set in motion the peaceful resolution of Israel-Arab conflicts. His hard work and service set the standard for building U.S. diplomatic relationships, and earned him a well-deserved nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. prgtoken I would like to thank Ambassador Friedman for his service, and wish him success in his future endeavors.
KENTUCKY
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2021-3-1

once again, our communities across my home State of Kentucky are enduring the aftermath of severe--very severe--weather. From east to west, heavy rains have drenched the Commonwealth. Sadly, some of the hardest hit areas were still in the midst of trying to recover from last month's dangerous ice and snow. Emergency crews, first responders, and now the Kentucky National Guard are continuing to work around the clock to prevent this bad situation from becoming entirely tragic. prgtoken An entire nursing home in Magoffin County was evacuated as a safety precaution. Feet of water submerged vehicles and caused power outages in Calloway County. prgtoken Wolfe County firefighters followed the light of a cell phone and saved a family of five who had been trapped in their car. prgtoken Once again, Kentucky's brave first responders are stepping up at a time of need. We are all grateful for their dedicated efforts and praying for their safety. prgtoken All Kentuckians can help the first responders by continuing to follow the recommendations of local emergency personnel. My team and I are closely monitoring the situation, and we will be ready to assist however we can.
HONORING THE LIFE OF HOT SPRINGS RESIDENT MILLIE PATRICK
Bruce Westerman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2021-3-1

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the life of a true servant of the City of Hot Springs and Arkansas' Fourth Congressional District, Ms. Millie Patrick. She passed away on Friday, February 12, 2021, after years of hard work and sacrifice for her beloved community. prgtoken Described by those closest to her as a wonderful friend, Ms. Patrick worked with the Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce prgtoken for over two decades. During this time, she also served as director for Hot Springs Leadership Adult Classes until her retirement in 2020 and as Vice President of Retirement and Relocation. prgtoken Born June 28, 1932, in Kansas, Ms. Patrick later made Arkansas home with her husband, Gene Patrick. Together, they had two daughters, three grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. As a member of Piney Grove United Methodist Church and an avid water-skier until the age of 86, Ms. Patrick was known to be an active woman. Referred to by her friends and colleagues as a ``wonderful soul and a true ambassador for Hot Springs,'' Ms. Patrick shines as a true example of joyful service. prgtoken I take this time today to honor the life of service exemplified by Ms. Millie Patrick. I thank her and her family for their dedication to our fellow citizens and our beloved Fourth District.
TRANSPARENCY IS PART OF GOOD GOVERNMENT
Bill Posey (Republican, FL) \u2014 2021-3-1

. Madam , transparency has always been a cornerstone of good government. Over the past 10 years, we have made important prgtoken progress toward making Congress more transparent and accountable to those we serve. prgtoken In 2010, I introduced a resolution calling for a 72-hour period of public availability before the House could bring a bill up for a vote, so Members of the House and the public could actually see what was in a bill before we were asked to vote for it. In 2011, the proposal was adopted into House rules as a 3-day rule. prgtoken But, sadly, this year's House rules package abolished that rule. It is incredibly sad to see that this House is moving backward and making government less open and less accountable to those we were sent here to represent.
IMPEACHMENT
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2021-3-1

the Senate was asked to decide whether this body has the constitutional jurisdiction to hold an impeachment trial of now that he is no longer President of the United States. While the Constitution does not explicitly address Congress' jurisdiction when the subject of impeachment is a former President--or any former officer--its text and purpose as applied to the facts in this matter support the conclusion that the trial should proceed. prgtoken The question of Senate jurisdiction should start with the text of the Constitution itself. The impeachment process is described in article I, which delineates the respective powers of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Section 2 plainly states that the House ``shall have the sole power of impeachment.'' In this matter, there is no dispute that impeachment occurred before former President 's term expired, and, therefore, there is no dispute that the House had jurisdiction to impeach him. prgtoken What is at issue is whether the impeachment trial can occur in the Senate now that former President is no longer in office. Again, I look to the text of article I. Section 3 states that ``the Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments.'' As former Federal circuit court Judge Michael McConnell has observed, the key word here is ``all.'' Sections 2 and 3 read together lead to the inescapable conclusion that, if the House presents the Senate with a valid impeachment article, the Senate has jurisdiction to conduct the trial. prgtoken Some have argued that such an interpretation would put all former Presidents, Vice Presidents, and office holders dating back to the Washington administration at risk of being impeached and convicted, but the facts in this matter do not require such a sweeping conclusion. By asserting its jurisdiction over this trial, the Senate is simply ruling that a President who was impeached while still in office can be tried after he is no longer in office--nothing more. prgtoken The former President's attorneys argue that the Senate does not have jurisdiction to conduct a trial because the penalty prescribed for conviction prgtoken under article II, section 4, is removal from office. Because former President cannot be removed, they argue that the Constitution requires he not be tried. But article I, section 4, authorizes the Senate to impose the penalty of permanent disqualification from holding office in the future if it chooses to do so. And, notably, a vote on whether or not to disqualify can only be taken after conviction, at which point any defendant would have been removed and no longer an office holder. prgtoken If the defense's argument were to be followed to its logical conclusion, it would lead to a constitutional absurdity--the Senate would have the sole power to apply the disqualification penalty, but it would never have jurisdiction to do so. If the Senate were unable to consider d
RECOGNIZING THE CAREER OF JOHN SCHIECHE
Dan Newhouse (Republican, WA) \u2014 2021-3-1

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the career of John Schieche, Superintendent of the East Valley School District, who is retiring after 43 years of shaping the next generation of Central Washington students. prgtoken As a farmer, it is my duty to highlight the fact that John was first exposed to teaching during his days managing a 1,500-acre wheat farm. It was not uncommon for John to hire high school students as farmhands during the summer months and teach them how to operate heavy machinery. This experience made for an easy transition into teaching as an auto mechanics and shop teacher. prgtoken Over the years, John excelled in all areas of education, most recently, he was awared the 2018 Crystal Apple Award for his dedication to advancing school communications. prgtoken John started his journey to becoming superintendent in the early 1990's after being hired by the Yakima School District to serve as Director of the Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center. prgtoken During his time in that leadership role, John was also pursuing his credentials to become a prgtoken superintendent from my alma mater, Washington State University. Go Cougs. prgtoken John was hired to serve as East Valley's superintendent in 2002, and during his tenure, three of the district's schools have been recognized by the state as distinguished schools for their teaching and learning methods. prgtoken I wish him all the best as he makes his transition into retirement and returns to farm life. I thank John for everything he has done for our districts' students, and from one lifelong farmer to another, try not to work too hard.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1, FOR THE PEOPLE ACT OF 2021; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1280, GEORGE FLOYD JUSTICE IN POLICING ACT OF 2021; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Marjorie Taylor Greene (Republican, GA) \u2014 2021-3-1

I rise in opposition today against H.R. 1280. This bill is nothing more than a get-cops-killed campaign. It sends one clear message: hate law enforcement. prgtoken This bill does not bring justice to victims. It just takes revenge on all of the men and women in uniform. Meanwhile, Pelosi is surrounded by an army of taxpayer-funded law enforcement 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. prgtoken This bill disarms cops and opens them to frivolous lawsuits by lawyers representing criminals who got their feelings hurt simply because they broke the law and got arrested. prgtoken Pelosi is putting police on a hit list to be ambushed while on the job keeping our streets safe. So I have one message for : Shame on you. prgtoken Shame on you for using these men and women to protect your fortress prgtoken while destroying their rights and livelihoods. Don't call a cop for help if this is how you are going to treat them. You should tell them to go home. At least then, they won't have to stand guard while you dismantle everything they stand for.
Texas (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-3-1

last Friday, I joined Governor Abbott, fellow Members of the Texas congressional delegation, and several State and local leaders and joined President on his first trip to Texas since taking office on January 20. We only wish it could have come under better circumstances. prgtoken Texans, of course, are still reeling from the deadly winter freeze that crippled our critical infrastructure and left millions without power and water. Thousands of Texans are still without clean water and under a boil instruction, and countless others are dealing with the damage caused by burst pipes. prgtoken I truly appreciate the President and the First Lady coming to Houston to learn more about the ongoing response and recovery efforts, and I thank the President for answering the request of Senator Cruz, Governor Abbott, and myself to order a national disaster declaration. prgtoken During times of crisis, Texans are always eager to lend a hand to their neighbors, and the last couple of weeks have proved to be no exception. I am always encouraged by those heartwarming stories of folks helping others in ways big and small: welcoming people into their homes, checking on their elderly neighbors, delivering hot meals to those in need, and much more. prgtoken So I am glad the President and First Lady were able to see the incredible work also of one of the Houston area's most reliable friends, and that is the Houston Food Bank. For more than 40 years, the Houston Food Bank has fought hunger in the Houston region through a variety of programs serving Texans of all ages. When COVID-19 hit last year, the need for that assistance skyrocketed, as you might imagine. prgtoken I was able to visit the food bank last summer to learn more about how they have adjusted their operations to keep up with the demand, while implementing precautions to keep their volunteers safe and healthy. So I was glad to join the President and First Lady to learn more about the incredible ways that the Houston Food Bank has continued to serve the community in the wake of this winter storm. prgtoken As I have said before and, as the President reiterated on Friday in Houston, there is no red team, there is no blue team during a time of crisis. prgtoken FEMA officials have said that disaster response efforts work best when they are locally executed, State managed, and federally supported, and I agree that is the appropriate formula. This structure gives local officials the ability to cater response efforts to their specific communities while tapping into the range of resources available from the State and Federal Government. prgtoken I want to assure my fellow Texans that I and the entire Texas delegation here in Congress will continue to do everything we can to be responsive to the needs that they have. Part of that, though, is through rapid mobilization of resources. After Governor Abbott, as I said, made the formal request for an emergency disaster
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1, FOR THE PEOPLE ACT OF 2021; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1280, GEORGE FLOYD JUSTICE IN POLICING ACT OF 2021; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Tom Cole (Republican, OK) \u2014 2021-3-1

the balance of my time. prgtoken , obviously, I oppose the rule. The majority is proposing two significant pieces of legislation today that are, unfortunately, both deeply partisan. In neither case has the majority allowed s to be involved in the process of legislating. prgtoken , on H.R. 1, the majority is proposing a deeply troubling takeover of election practices that will benefit only . The bill will take away the traditional powers of the States to run their own elections as they see fit, imposing a one-size-fits-all regime from Washington. prgtoken It dumps huge amounts of corporate money into the campaign finance system, particularly benefiting certain candidates. It imposes severe restrictions on free speech that are anathema to a free and fair election. prgtoken On H.R. 1280, the majority is once again seeking to pass the same flawed police reform bill it passed last Congress. prgtoken , we had a real opportunity here for both and s to work together to pass real reforms for the American people. Instead of taking ``yes'' for an answer, the majority is instead seeking to impose a deeply partisan bill that will not fix the problems or help heal the American people. prgtoken , we deserve better than that. The American people are best served when their Representatives in Congress can come together and work in a bipartisan manner. One side attempting to impose partisan legislation on the country does us all a disservice. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to rethink this path, reject both of these bills, and return to the negotiating table and work with s for a brighter future for all Americans. prgtoken , I mean this with all sincerity. There is a great gap between us on H.R. 1. We just simply look at this matter differently. I think it is egregious partisan overreach. On H.R. 1280, there really is an opportunity for bipartisan cooperation. The JUSTICE Act that Mr. Stauber filed last year and presented today as an amendment has a great deal in common with some of the objectives I know my friends want to achieve on their side of the aisle. prgtoken , in an almost evenly divided House and an evenly divided Senate that still has the filibuster, you can't do things by reconciliation every day. Most days, to get much done, it is going to require bipartisan cooperation. prgtoken We often say that never happens. The reality is it happens a lot more than people acknowledge. Five times last year we came together as s and and passed COVID relief packages that made a big difference in this country. We also passed the spending bill on a bipartisan basis that funded the government for this entire fiscal year. We did that in the middle of a Presidential election year that was extraordinarily divisive. prgtoken , we can work together. I would ask my friends to rethink the course of the reconciliation bill and now these two pieces of leg