mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Border Security (Executive Calendar)
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2022-6-8

one of the dangers of having a weak President is that our enemies will be able to test the boundaries that used to keep them in check. They want to see just how far they can push it before we start pushing back. Indeed, we have seen that in action during this Presidency. prgtoken The threat of violence, crime, and of the dangerous influence of those who do not wish us well has crept into the American consciousness and made an already stressful time in our history even worse. prgtoken Now, last week's news about what could be the largest migrant caravan yet hasn't helped the situation. We are all hearing about it. At least 6,000 people, probably 10,000 people, have set out from the Guatemala- Mexico border because invited them to come or so they think. That is what they heard. That is how they interpreted his actions. prgtoken This is not up for debate. You can look at the reports on TV. Now, this is very shocking to so many of the Tennesseans I am talking to every single day. prgtoken First, they say this is a massive national security and safety concern. It makes common sense that you would try to stop this, but more importantly because they know that this President isn't just abandoning the border; he is intentionally giving control of that border to international criminals, to cartels, to gangs, to people who do not wish us well. prgtoken Now, what it appears to be is that for many of my ic colleagues and for this administration, this action of intentionally leaving the border open is there to keep the radical left happy. prgtoken This is what they want, an open border policy. But that open border policy for terrorist organizations, fugitives, cartel mules, this is to them all about exploiting 's terrible choices and making the chaos work in their favor. prgtoken They will continue to push until they are stopped. And right now they are using this to turn these cartels into international organizations. Last year, 160 different countries came to that border. prgtoken The drug dealers, they are all very happy with the way it is operating. In April, Customs and Border Protection intercepted more than 50,000 pounds of drugs--37 percent more than in March. prgtoken Now, think about that, 1 month, a 37-percent increase. Keep in mind, this data only reflects what the CBP found. prgtoken We know for a fact that every month the got-aways make it into the country undetected. And we have no clue what they have brought with them. Law enforcement officials in Tennessee have told me that around 80 percent of the drugs they seize contain fentanyl--fentanyl. That is what they are finding. It is coming right over the border and coming to a community near you, courtesy of the administration. prgtoken We also know that business is booming for the human smugglers, and this caravan is about to provide them some excellent cover. prgtoken Over the course of 48 hours this week, Border Patrol ag
REALITY TV PROGRAMMING TONIGHT
Andy Biggs (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2022-6-9

. Madam , it is my pleasure to take a few minutes. prgtoken The first point I will talk about, the most fundamental aspect that this needs to be contextualized with is that the have basically corrupted every institution in America, not the least of which is this institution, not the least of which are the committees and the roles of committees. prgtoken The gentleman from Pennsylvania said this is a show trial. He is exactly right. This is designed for television. It is not designed to find truth. It is not designed to say, let's come up with a legitimate legislative purpose, which is what the Supreme Court says you have to have if you are going to have a subpoena in the first place. You have to have a legitimate purpose. They don't have any. prgtoken So these are the same folks that sit on this committee, that are running this committee. Don't forget, they ran the two sham impeachments. The last sham impeachment was such a debacle, such an embarrassment to our institutions and the Constitution that the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court said, I am not going to show up. prgtoken So who do we have and what do we see? Well, they are not going to talk about tonight that four witnesses--four witnesses have testified under oath that 4 days before January 6, President authorized up to 20,000 National Guard troops. Why won't they present that? Because it is indicia of what we would call in law the mens rea or culpability, your state of mind. And the state of mind said, we have to protect the Capitol. prgtoken What that means is there is no intention to incite. There is no intention to cause harm. But you are not going to hear about that, even though that has been testified to four different times. prgtoken The FBI has indicated pretty clearly that there was no collusion by President to incite a riot on January 6. In fact, no collusion by President or by any Member of Congress. prgtoken In fact, FBI Director, Christopher Wray, testified in the Committee on the Judiciary that he could not call what happened there an insurrection. But that is not what you are going to hear from the because they love that term, because they are all about hyperbole. prgtoken How about our former colleague, Denver Riggleman, a former working for this committee? What did he say? Just the other day, he said: ``There is no smoking gun indicating that President planned for the U.S. Capitol to be overrun by his supporters.'' But you are not going to hear that because this is--as they have accidentally said a couple of times--not about finding the truth but about narrative- building, and distracting the American public from the disaster that the administration, Pelosi and her in the House, Chuck Schumer and his in the Senate, has perpetrated, has foisted upon the American people. prgtoken So you know what the want? They don't want us talking about: It costs
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Cindy Hyde-Smith (Republican, MS) \u2014 2022-6-9

I am pleased to commend Mr. Patrick Johnson, Jr of Tunica, MS, for his service and contributions to the State of Mississippi while serving as the 86th president of Delta Council. prgtoken Organized in 1935, Delta Council plays an important role in uniting agricultural, business, and economic development leadership to solve problems and promote greater opportunities in the Mississippi Delta region, which encompasses 19 counties in northwest Mississippi. prgtoken Mr. Johnson has worked tirelessly this year to advance the priorities of Delta Council, including farm policy, economic development, flood control, and education. As a partner in Cypress Brake Planting Company, Tunica Air, Inc and Buck Island Seed Company, he knows all too well the challenges producers currently face with increased costs and volatility in the agricultural industry. As a member of the Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality, he is dedicated to helping find solutions to the Delta's groundwater and alluvial aquifer issues so that future generations can continue to produce crops and enjoy the recreation that is such a large part of the rich history of the Mississippi Delta. Mr. Johnson also understands the importance of economic development to the viability of the Delta and that, through efforts like Delta Strong, the region will continue to successfully attract new opportunities. prgtoken Mr. Johnson assumed the role of Delta Council president during a time characterized by difficulties, such as the ongoing and disruptive pandemic, rising inflation, and many other challenges. Patrick Johnson has been a steady and calm leader over the past year and has contributed his vast knowledge and service to many critical issues during his tenure as president. prgtoken Outside of his time spent working on his farm and serving Delta Council, Mr. Johnson contributes his time as a leader to many valuable organizations. He serves as a Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality commissioner, National Cotton Council Environmental Task Force member, American Cotton Producers Farm Bill Task Force chairman, and Tunica County Chamber of Commerce member. In addition to serving as a member of Delta F.A.R.M Mr. Johnson has also served on the Tunica County Farm Service Agency Committee and is a past director of the Tunica County Farm Bureau. Mr. Johnson and his wife, Emily, are members of Tunica Presbyterian Church where he sings in the choir. prgtoken It is my pleasure to join the citizens throughout the Mississippi Delta and the great State of Mississippi in offering congratulations to Mr. Patrick Johnson, Jr and sharing our appreciation with his wife Emily Purifoy Johnson. His input over his year of service has undoubtedly contributed to the overall continued success and influence of this highly respected 87-year-old organization, Delta Council.
HONORING OUR PROMISE TO ADDRESS COMPREHENSIVE TOXICS ACT OF 2021-- Resumed
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2022-6-9

before I begin, I would like to express my dismay at House ' decision last night to block legislation to provide enhanced security for Supreme Court Justices and their families. prgtoken Due to the unprecedented leak of an early draft of the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision and the resulting hysteria from members of the pro-abortion left, the Supreme Court asked Congress for additional authorities to protect Justices' families. This happened 4 weeks ago. And yesterday's arrest of an armed man near Justice Kavanaugh's home--a man who told police that he intended to kill a Supreme Court Justice and has been charged with attempted murder--made clear just how needed that protection is. prgtoken The Supreme Court security legislation in question passed the Senate unanimously 4 weeks ago but has faced inexplicable delays in the House of Representatives. prgtoken This should not be a partisan issue. The Senate ic Whip said just yesterday that the House should pass this legislation. prgtoken And I really thought that yesterday's arrest of an individual bent on assassinating a Supreme Court Justice would have forced House to abandon political gains and provide this urgently needed protection. prgtoken There is no excuse for further delay. One press report suggests that may be rethinking their opposition. I hope that is true. House should abandon the political games today and pass this legislation. Student Loans prgtoken , recent reporting suggests that President may be contemplating forgiving $10,000 in Federal student loan debt per borrower. That is a bad idea for many reasons. It is difficult really to know where to start, but let me begin by pointing out the obvious: that forgiving $10,000 in Federal student loan debt will do absolutely nothing to address the underlying problem and, in fact, would likely make things much worse. prgtoken The price of higher education has risen stratospherically in recent decades. The cost of 1 year of attendance at some colleges--just 1 year--is more than many Americans' yearly salaries. And that is a problem. But forgiving $10,000 of student loan debt would do absolutely nothing to fix the problem of soaring tuition costs. As I said, it would very likely make things worse. prgtoken What incentive would colleges have to rein in costs if they could be confident that part of their students' bill would eventually be picked up by the Federal Government; because, of course, no one should be deceived into thinking that student loan forgiveness would be a one- time thing? prgtoken One estimate suggests that the student loan burden in this country would return to its current amount within 4 years--4 years--of $10,000 in debt being forgiven, and calls to forgive more debt would undoubtedly come much sooner. prgtoken Future graduates are very likely to want the same deal that would be
RECOGNIZING VIRGINIA'S NCAA DIVISION I MEN'S TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP
Bob Good (Republican, VA) \u2014 2022-6-9

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate student athletes from the University of Virginia for their success in winning the 2022 NCAA Division I Men's Tennis National Championship. prgtoken Each year the NCAA supports student athletes from roughly 1,100 institutions of higher learning sponsoring 90 championships in 24 sports. Over half a million student athletes from across the United States compete each year for a national championship. prgtoken Winning an NCAA championship is truly a remarkable achievement and something deserving of celebration. prgtoken On Sunday, May 22, 2022, the many years of hard work and perseverance of these UVA student athletes paid off. They defeated Kentucky 4-0, securing the program's fifth NCAA Division I Men's Tennis National Championship, all coming in the last 10 years. prgtoken Madam , I am proud to rise today to congratulate these student athletes and the University of Virginia for this great achievement.
JUNE IS NATIONAL DAIRY MONTH
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-6-9

. Madam , I rise today to recognize June as National Dairy Month. prgtoken As leader of the House Agriculture Committee, I am proud to be a descendant of a long line of dairy farmers. In fact, Pennsylvania is one of the largest milk-producing States in the Nation. We are home to more than 474,000 cows. prgtoken National Dairy Month began as National Milk Month in 1937. Now, it has developed into an annual tradition that celebrates the contributions the dairy industry has made to the world. From calcium to potassium, dairy products like milk contain 13 essential nutrients, which may help to better manage your weight, reduce your risk for high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and certain cancers. prgtoken Yet, for too long, dairy products like milk have been unfairly demonized. Not only does it hurt our dairy industry, but it has also resulted in the loss of nearly an entire generation of milk drinkers. Kids have been cheated out of the nutrition that they need. prgtoken Madam , whether it is protein to help build and repair the muscle tissue of active bodies or vitamin A to help maintain healthy skin, dairy products are a natural nutrient powerhouse. Those are just a few reasons we should celebrate dairy, not just in June but every day all year long. prgtoken Happy National Dairy Month.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2022-6-9

it is Thursday, and I normally come down on the Senate floor to give the ``Alaskan of the Week'' speech. And, unfortunately, I am not going to do that today. prgtoken Actually, last week, I named two Alaskans of the week. We kind of had a two-for-one last week. Just as a little wrap-up for that, it was quite a remarkable thing that took place just last week in Alaska on Memorial Day. prgtoken My two Alaskans of the week, a 92-year-old artist working with a detective, both Alaska Natives, both from the community of Unalaska out on the Aleutian Islands chain, worked together. Actually, Gertrude Svarny worked for decades to right a wrong and get a military burial on Memorial Day for a young man and also an Alaska Native from Unalaska who died fighting in World War II and was never recognized, no gravestone, no tombstone, nothing--for decades. And we had an amazing ceremony thanks to these two amazing Alaskans--Gertrude Svarny, as I mentioned, and Mike Livingston. And the memory of this young Alaska Native soldier, Private George Fox, was now finally recognized. prgtoken That was in a Memorial Day ceremony last week. I was trying to get there. Unfortunately, they sometimes get a lot of bad weather out there. I flew halfway out to the Aleutian Islands, and we had horrible weather. We couldn't land. prgtoken But the ceremony happened. So there were two Alaskans of the week 2 weeks ago that I just wanted to highlight again. It was an incredibly moving ceremony. prgtoken So I figured that was two for one. So, unfortunately, I am not going to do an ``Alaskan of the Week'' today. I know we like to end the week on a high note. Infrastructure prgtoken , I am going to talk about a mystery that has really been, certainly, flummoxing me and, I think, so many people in our Federal Government on a matter that especially impacts millions and millions of Americans suffering from high energy prices. It is a mystery for the American people. prgtoken And, you know, our Federal Government can sometimes be so opaque that you often don't know who is up to what in this Big Government of ours, particularly when people are trying to do prgtoken things that are so obviously harmful to the American people. So I am going to talk a little bit about this mystery because I think we finally solved it. There is a culprit who is usually the culprit in a lot of bad things happening in our Federal Government, and I am going to talk about that. prgtoken So here is a little bit of background on the mystery. We passed a bipartisan infrastructure bill in November. Now, I voted for it. Some of my colleagues didn't. I voted for it primarily because I come from a resource-rich, infrastructure-poor State. prgtoken Alaska has resources--oil, gas, minerals, renewables--that can help our State and can help the country and, really, help the world, but we have very little infrastructure. prgtoken Think about
HONORING OUR PROMISE TO ADDRESS COMPREHENSIVE TOXICS ACT OF 2021-- Resumed
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2022-6-9

I want to speak this morning really to America's veterans and provide an update on our work to get our toxic exposure legislation across the finish line. prgtoken The Senate is in the midst of considering the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act. This is historic. It is bipartisan. prgtoken I hope that we can keep it becoming, when something is bipartisan, that it is historic because we ought to be able to solve these problems for veterans and really for Americans in a way that brings us together and not pulls us apart, and this is an effort to show that that can be done. This legislation will deliver on a promise we made as a country to take care of our service men and women, both when they deploy and when they come home. prgtoken The Heath Robinson Act will provide access to healthcare and benefits for millions of veterans who are sick from illnesses connected with toxic exposures. prgtoken When we send our warfighters into harm's way, it is with the understanding that we will have their back. When they come home bearing physical, mental, or invisible wounds of war, we care for those wounds. Toxic wounds should not be treated differently. prgtoken John Buckley, a retired U.S. Army colonel from Andover, KS, told me: Our Soldiers were put into dangerous situations in Iraq and Afghanistan. And many who suffered from their wounds or made the ultimate sacrifice have been cared for by our nation. Unfortunately, many too have been overlooked and ignored. Especially those who are suffering from injuries after having recurring and prolonged exposure to toxic fumes, burn pits and other environmental hazards. prgtoken This legislation is designed to address what the retired colonel told me. prgtoken Another Army colonel, this one from Leavenworth, KS, Pat Proctor, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, shared that many of the men and women he served with are facing health challenges from being exposed to toxins while deployed. He said: There is no telling--[there is no telling]--how many of us will be impacted as we get older. prgtoken I know many of our veterans live with the lingering fear, will the toxic exposures from their service catch up with them and leave them with a debilitating disease? And if that happens, will the VA be there? Will Americans be there for them with the healthcare and benefits they need? prgtoken William Turner, the former deputy commander general of support for Kansas's own Fort Riley First Infantry Division, told me: Our Veterans have served in multiple locations where they have been exposed to a number of toxins that have resulted in them developing serious illnesses, and they often struggle to gain access to health care and benefits that help alleviate some of the pain and suffering they are experiencing. prgtoken Sometimes we think these issues are something people in Washington,
HONORING OUR PROMISE TO ADDRESS COMPREHENSIVE TOXICS ACT OF 2021-- Resumed
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-6-9

2 years ago, the Senate ic leader stood on the steps of the Supreme Court and threatened two Justices by name. ``You will pay the price,'' he shouted. ``You won't know what hit you.'' A month ago, after the precedent-breaking leak of a draft opinion, top intensified the reckless talk. Hillary Clinton said the Court was poised to ``kill and subjugate women.'' Leader Schumer and Pelosi said the Court would be ``ripp[ing] up the Constitution.'' Some of the most powerful people in the country pushing total hysteria over the possibility that Justices may--may-- overturn a decision that even Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said was badly reasoned. prgtoken Far-left activists publicized Justices' private addresses and encouraged angry people to flock to their homes. President and his White House were asked to condemn these intimidation tactics, and they refused. I wrote to Attorney General Garland about a month ago, asking why he wasn't enforcing the laws on the books already against judicial intimidation. prgtoken Look, everybody saw where this climate might lead. So, yesterday morning, U.S. marshals arrested a deranged person who traveled to Washington from California in order to assassinate a Supreme Court Justice at his house. He has reportedly been charged with attempted murder. The FBI says the would-be assassin was armed and equipped for a break-in. He told authorities that he was trying to think about how to give his life a purpose. Apparently, it was only when he came across the Justice's address posted online that it occurred to him to attempt a murder-suicide. He explained that his problem with this Justice was ideological, citing abortion and the Second Amendment. prgtoken While this would-be assassin was making his plan and traveling across prgtoken the country, House have spent weeks--weeks--blocking bipartisan legislation to strengthen security for the Justices and their families. prgtoken This bipartisan bill passed the Senate unanimously in early May. Chairman Durbin is a strong supporter. But inexplicably--inexplicably-- this urgent and uncontroversial bill has been sitting on Pelosi's desk ever since. The same House whose irresponsible rhetoric has contributed to this dangerous climate are themselves blocking added security for the Justices and their spouses and their children. Even last night--last night--even after this arrest was made, even after a leftwing group published an ominous social media post concerning a school that a Justice's children attend, when Leader McCarthy asked consent to pass the uncontroversial bill, House objected to it. prgtoken Meanwhile, the Department of Justice, under Attorney General Garland, continues to flatly ignore section 1507 of the Criminal Code, which would appear to make it a Federal crime to protest at the homes of Federal judges to influence them over a pending case. That is the