mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND CONDEMNING EFFORTS TO DEFUND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
Mike Ezell (Republican, MS) \u2014 2024-5-14

. Madam , my resolution expresses our support for the men and women who serve our communities in local law enforcement. These brave officers work tirelessly to protect and serve, putting their lives on the line regularly to uphold the rule of law. prgtoken As a former sheriff and a 42-year career law enforcement officer, I have seen what these men and women go through. I know the toll taken by the long hours, the sleepless nights, and the time spent away from family. I know what it is like to console the grieving families of victims after horrendous crimes and tragic accidents. I have seen things most Americans will, thankfully, never have to experience. prgtoken When others run away, our law enforcement officers are trained to run toward danger, to fight crime, and to protect the innocent. Far too often they don't make it back. Mississippi has not been spared from these tragedies. prgtoken In December of 2022, Bay St. Louis Police Sergeant Steven Robin and Officer Branden Estorffe were shot and killed while conducting a welfare check on a woman and a child sitting in a parked vehicle. Last June, Madison Police Officer Randy Tyler was shot and killed while responding to a hostage situation. prgtoken Moreover, this January, George County Sheriff's Deputy Jeremy Malone was shot and killed during a traffic stop on a rural highway. prgtoken These men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice represent the best of our State and our Nation. Fallen heroes like these officers are being honored this week during National Police Week. prgtoken Madam , there is no better time for us to pass this resolution and make it clear we stand with law enforcement than this week, while thousands of local law enforcement officers and their families are gathering here in our Nation's Capital. prgtoken My resolution does just that. It expresses our gratitude for the selfless service of local law enforcement and the importance of a healthy relationship between law enforcement and the communities they protect. prgtoken It also condemns attempts to undermine that relationship through rhetoric about defunding and abolishing the police. These narratives demonize local law enforcement officers and encourage hostility toward law enforcement. Ultimately, they put both officers and the general public at greater risk. prgtoken We have seen targeted, ambush-style attacks on law enforcement officers, including one as recently as this Sunday. Agencies across the country are struggling to hire and keep talented officers as they are vilified for deciding to serve their communities. prgtoken At the same time, we have seen disturbing increases in crime, especially in cities like Washington, D.C and Americans' fear of crime is at its highest level in 30 years. prgtoken Madam , it is time for this body to lead. It is time for us to make it abundantly clear that we stand with our law enforcement against lawlessness. It is time for a strong, bipartisan majori
Tribute to Zoe Aguillard (Executive Session)
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2024-5-14

I rise today to honor a staffer on my team, Zoe Aguillard, who has served the people of Louisiana for 7 years, the fourth-ranking member of my office, a staffer whom I relied upon during my time in the Senate, who is now leaving for what she thinks to be greener pastures. prgtoken It is always bittersweet when a staffer leaves. I had been teaching medical school for many years before coming here. You see talented younger people come on board, and you know they have a tremendous future ahead of them. So if they move on to that tremendous future, you can't cry; you must celebrate. prgtoken But, nonetheless, you regret losing someone who has grown so much, both as a person, but also in her achievements and in the affection your entire family has for her. prgtoken Zoe started as a scheduler, somewhat green. She quickly became the boss, making everything go on time. She had the honesty to tell me it would go even better on time if I showed up on time. But she had a real ability to speak honestly in a very tactful way to modify my behavior. prgtoken Whether it was meetings with constituents, townhalls, events, speeches, she worked behind the scenes to make it happen. And, importantly, she became very sensitive to the fact that I am a family guy who would like to be home for my grandson's graduation from fourth grade and would like to spend time with my wife--all those things that are beyond scheduling and move into trying to truly understand how someone lives their life. prgtoken The President of the Senate right now and all my colleagues know a scheduler and operations director makes or breaks your office. They help to squeeze the most out of every single day. And things you might find impossible, they find a way to get it done 7 days a week, every day of the year. prgtoken Examples: Zoe has been key in helping to plan the Senate's National Seersucker Day. I look forward to seeing my colleague from Vermont tricked out in his Seersucker suit for this year's Seersucker Day. It looks great on TV. She helped host Thursday Lunch Groups for my colleagues and many other things we have done in-State and here to benefit our State and our Nation. Whether they realize it or not, nearly every office in the Senate has worked with Zoe at some point. prgtoken The difference she has made during my tenure cannot be summarized in one speech. But I don't get emotional because I will continue to work with Zoe. She is moving back to Louisiana--the State she holds in her affections--to the benefit of our State, our country, and our fellow humans. I wish her the best, and I wish her dog Louie the best. They will both be missed in our office. (The remarks of Mr. Cassidy pertaining to the introduction of S. 4329 are printed in today's Record under ``Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions.'')
TRIBUTE TO SAM NINER
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2024-5-14

I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to Sam for his hard work as an intern in the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. I recognize his efforts and contributions to my office, as well as to the State of Wyoming. prgtoken Sam is a native of Virginia. He is currently a sophomore at George Mason University. He has demonstrated a strong work ethic, which has made him an invaluable asset to our office. The quality of his work is reflected in his great efforts over the last several months. prgtoken I want to thank Sam for the dedication he has shown while working for me and my staff. It is a pleasure to have him as part of our team. I know he will have continued success with all of his future endeavors. I wish him all my best on his journey.
National Police Week (Executive Session)
Kevin Cramer (Republican, ND) \u2014 2024-5-14

in my 12 years in Congress, like you, I have been blessed to participate in lots of events--large ones, small ones, medium-sized ones--in my State, throughout our Nation, even around the world. prgtoken It is difficult to rank them. Some of them are more memorable than others. They are all special. They are all important. Some of them are great celebrations. Others are more somber. Some are even sad, occasionally. But when these events are done, we go to the next thing on our very busy schedule that is prepared for us by someone we hire who is looking out for us. We trust that person with the irrevocable asset of our time, often with little opportunity to process or think much about what we have just done and what we have just participated in. prgtoken As you know, it is Police Week in our Nation, and, of course, the evidence of that is all around us here in Washington, DC. prgtoken I began my Police Week on Sunday, surrounded by heroes with badges at the 31st Annual TOP COPS Banquet. TOP COPS is a program hosted by the National Association of Police Organizations, which recognizes 10 heroic acts by local, county, State, and Federal law enforcement Agencies and officers during the previous year. prgtoken The reason I attended this year's TOP COPS banquet was to join Fargo Police Officer Zachary Robinson and his wife Ashley--who are in the Chamber with us today in the Members' Gallery--as Zach received one of the 10 TOP COPS recognitions. Also attending were his parents, colleagues, and friends--including Governor Doug Burgum; our attorney general, Drew Wrigley; the chief of police from Fargo; and many, many others. prgtoken Zach is a 7-year veteran of the Fargo Police Department, where he serves as a member of the honor guard, the crowd management team, and the Red River Valley Regional Bomb Squad. Officer Robinson, like so many of our law prgtoken enforcement officers, also serves in the North Dakota National Guard. prgtoken , he epitomizes what it is to be a hero. prgtoken On July 14, 2023, nearly a year ago, Officer Robinson was one of four officers to respond to a routine fender bender. As the officers were wrapping up their handling of the accident, Officer Robinson moved his police vehicle out of the street. A shooter, who was not involved in the initial accident, ambushed the officers, firing on them and a bystander. prgtoken The shooter hit Zach's three fellow officers, killing Officer Jake Wallin and gravely injuring Officers Andrew Dotas and Tyler Hawes, both of whom attended the TOP COPS banquet with their spouses. prgtoken Zach radioed to ``send everybody,'' as he engaged in a shootout with the assailant. Officer Robinson was literally the last man standing, but he did not hesitate as he moved toward--not away from, but toward-- the gunfire, putting himself between the shooter and the innocent-- finally, fatally wounding the assailant. prgtoken This senseless, premeditated attac
ISRAEL
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2024-5-14

I would like to begin my remarks today with a quote: The idea that we would cut off military aid to an ally-- our only true, true ally in the entire region--is absolutely preposterous. It's just beyond my comprehension why anyone would do that. prgtoken Five years ago, then-Candidate was saying the right thing about America's commitment to the Jewish State of Israel. Unfortunately, today he is doing the complete opposite. The President and his administration are withholding critical military assistance from Israel as it fights to restore its security against savage terrorists, and they are refusing to answer basic questions about it. prgtoken Last week, the of the House and I sent a letter to the administration, pressing for specific details on which weapons were being withheld and why they were being withheld. And while we waited for an answer, the Secretary of State spent the weekend dodging requests for any serious rationale driving the President's decision. prgtoken Now, it is no secret that the administration is under immense pressure from the anti-Israel left. It is evident in the words of some of our own colleagues. Members of this body have urged the President to ``be more aggressive with the Israelis.'' They have demanded that ``not one penny go to support America's ally unless Israel yields to their view of what's acceptable in self-defense.'' And, of course, they have even engaged in grotesque political interference, calling for regime change in a sovereign democracy. prgtoken The Intelligence Committee is holding a hearing tomorrow about foreign interference in our politics and elections, and yet too many of our ic colleagues can't seem to resist the temptation to put their fingers on the electoral scales of other democracies. prgtoken Far too many Washington have indulged in what I call the ``Bibi derangement syndrome,'' an absurd trope that is setting a dangerous precedent. prgtoken Some of our colleagues talk about an Israeli Government dominated by shadowy, far-right forces. That government literally does not exist. Israel is led by a coalition, a national unity government. And its war cabinet, which includes members of multiple political parties, is distinguished by the absence--the absence--of the most conservative members of the coalition. prgtoken By all accounts, support for military operations in Gaza and against Hezbollah in Lebanon transcends Israeli politics. But here in Washington, want to pretend that what they are objecting to is merely the will of a Prime Minister they don't like. prgtoken Some of our most senior Senate colleagues, including the chairman of the State Foreign Operations Subcommittee, just this weekend have even demonstrated an eagerness to assign political blame within Israel for the failure to prevent the October 7 attacks. Well, that will be the job of the people of Israel, and it will come after they finish r
HONORING FALLEN HEROES
Anthony D’Esposito (Republican, NY) \u2014 2024-5-14

as was said, we gathered over the last few days and will continue to gather this week for National Police Week to honor men and women throughout this great Nation who have worn the uniform, who kissed their loved ones good-bye and never came home, people like Detective Jonathan Diller, heroes like Patrick Rafferty, like Paul Tuozzolo. prgtoken I actually met with Eileen Rafferty and Lisa Tuozzolo today, two women who didn't know each other but who have now formed a beautiful bond--not a bond out of happiness but a bond from losing their husbands on the streets of New York City, both to illegal firearms, murdered and taken from this world because they wore the uniform. prgtoken Lisa and Eileen made their trip to Washington, D.C this week from New York not by train, not by bus, not by air, but by bike. They pedaled from Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan. They pedaled their way here to Washington, D.C and arrived at the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. They did it to continue to honor their husbands. They did it with other line-of-duty families who are honoring their loved ones. prgtoken That is what this week is about. It is about raising awareness of the dangers that members of law enforcement face each and every day. It is about raising awareness of the fact that, in places like New York, have made the jobs and the lives of law enforcement less safe. We heard it from the widow of Jonathan Diller, who was pleading during her eulogy for elected officials to do something. prgtoken , I am truly thankful to my colleagues who came this evening to not just pay tribute to individuals from their districts but to pay tribute to law enforcement throughout this country. prgtoken I have to disagree with my friend on the other side of the aisle who talked about the bills this week being partisan because I look at them as a way to keep this community safe and this prgtoken country safe, like Mr. Van Drew's Detain and Deport Illegal Aliens Who Assault Cops Act. We have seen it on the streets of New York City, cops being assaulted in broad daylight by illegal migrants from the border crisis. prgtoken How about the Police Our Border Act, my piece of legislation that will authorize the Justice Department to provide information to law enforcement agencies throughout this country about the migrant crisis so that law enforcement has the resources they need to be safe, or legislation from Don Bacon that broadens the ability of qualified, trained active and retired law enforcement officers to carry firearms. That is not partisan. That is giving trained law enforcement professionals the right to carry and broaden their right to carry firearms. prgtoken The DC CRIMES Act of 2024 from my good friend, Byron Donalds, allows Congress to exert their oversight power over the D.C. Council and promote safety in Washington, D.C. The common denominator, again, in D.C. is it is led by radical who have made this N
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2024-5-14

I rise today to recognize Dr. Matthew Jones, the 2024 American Optometric Association Optometrist of the Year. prgtoken Dr. Jones is an optometrist in northeast Arkansas who delivers excellent, high-quality care to his patients in Blytheville and Osceola. Through his personal approach to patient eye care, Dr. Jones has exemplified what a successful practice can achieve for his neighbors' health and sense of community. While he enjoys serving his patients, he has also been involved in shaping policies to strengthen the eye care profession at the Federal and State levels. He helped advocate passage of legislation expanding the scope of practice for Arkansas optometrists to perform new procedures. prgtoken Dr. Jones also served as a board member for Arkansans for Healthy Eyes, president of the Arkansas Optometric Association, Federal Advocacy Representative, and on Optometry's Meeting Committee. Currently, he is the legislative chair for the Arkansas Optometric Association and a member of the American Optometric Association's government relations committee. Dr. Jones was also recently named by Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders to the State Board of Optometry. prgtoken Throughout his career, Dr. Jones has been dedicated to his patients, the field of optometry and promoting policies that make the eye care industry better. His advocacy and leadership have earned him the respect of his peers and colleagues. He has continuously been recognized for his contributions. In addition to earning the distinction as Optometrist of the Year, his accolades include the 2012 Arkansas Young O.D. of the Year, the American Optometric Association 2018 Young Optometrist of the Year, and the 2023 Arkansas Optometrist of the Year. Dr. Jones received his undergraduate degree in biochemistry from the University of Evansville and attended my alma mater, the Southern College of Optometry, where he graduated with honors in 2009. prgtoken Arkansas is fortunate to have a dedicated and hardworking optometrist like Dr. Jones representing excellent eye care professionals across our State. His commitment to his practice and profession and his leadership to strengthen the industry all serve as an excellent example. prgtoken I am pleased to congratulate Dr. Jones for this achievement and wish him continued success in his practice. I join many others in sharing my hope that he also continues his advocacy that has served our patients, eye doctors, and all those supporting them so well.
RECOGNIZING BONNEVILLE COUNTY COURTHOUSE'S CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2024-5-14

with my colleagues Senator Jim Risch and Representative Mike Simpson, we join the community of Idaho Falls and Bonneville County in celebrating the centennial of the Bonneville County Courthouse. prgtoken In many ways, the courthouse is a lasting symbol of the area's growth and achievements. In 1919, when area citizens voted to bond the courthouse, which had an original construction cost of $268,880, the Bonneville County Heritage Association reports, ``Bonneville County was known as one of the big, wealthy and progressive counties of the state with the smallest indebtedness of any county.'' Architects Lionel E. Fisher and Charles Aitkins designed the courthouse in the neoclassical style. Construction began on December 1, 1919, and was completed on March 16, 1921. The community has since grown up around it--developing and progressing into modern-day Bonneville County. The population of Bonneville County was 17,501 at the time of the 1920 Census when the courthouse was built and now surpasses 130,000 people, contributing to the area's diverse geography and economy that includes family farms producing an abundance of agriculture products and world-renowned energy research at the Idaho National Laboratory. prgtoken For more than 100 years, this grand and eminent courthouse, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 10, 1979, has served this area of the Gem State with distinction. The courthouse has the largest original stained-glass skylight in a county courthouse in Idaho, was constructed of sandstone from Boise, and its original grand marble staircase and tile floor in the upper rotunda has withstood the test of time. From the Native Americans, explorers, trappers, and traders who have passed through and put down roots in this area of our great State to the current residents of Idaho Falls who have built businesses, families, and beautiful lives, there is no doubt the courthouse has witnessed significant achievements. prgtoken We join in congratulating those who built, maintained, and who have carried out important work in the Bonneville County Courthouse over the past century. We wish the residents of Bonneville County well and congratulate Idahoans on this milestone in the county's and Idaho's history.
RECOGNIZING SUMTER COUNTY, FLORIDA LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS
Daniel Webster (Republican, FL) \u2014 2024-5-14

I am honored to recognize Sumter County Sheriff Bill Farmer, City of Wildwood Police Department Chief Randall Parmer, and the law enforcement officers who keep Sumter County safe every single day. prgtoken This week marks the annual observance of Police Week. Though we set aside one week a year to honor law enforcement, I encourage all Americans to join me not only this week, but every day, in recognizing the honor, courage, and commitment of America's law enforcement. prgtoken Our law enforcement officers are heroes in the community. They keep us safe and are willing to put their lives on the line every day in the course of their duties. It is impossible to fully express our gratitude or adequately recognize the professionalism of the men and women who voluntarily put their lives on the line for our safety and security. It is with deep respect that we pause today to honor the memory of the heroes who gave the last full measure of devotion and made the ultimate sacrifice. prgtoken I want to extend my sincere appreciation to all the law enforcement officers who bravely and selflessly serve throughout Sumter County. It is an honor to recognize them and all men and women in law enforcement.