mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR--(Continued)
Roy Blunt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2022-5-18

in late 2016, soon after the Presidential election of that year, there was a significant portion of the political left that began referring to itself as ``the resistance.'' prgtoken Apparently, these people were bent on fighting whatever the new President might try to do, only because of who the new President was. There were signs in yards. There were people who painted their garage door with ``the resistance'' on the garage door. prgtoken They weren't arguing against specific policies; they weren't making a rational effort to win support for their side; they were just trying to throw sand in the gears of the executive branch and interfere with how the government serves the people. One Senator on the floor of the Senate said: ``The resistance starts here.'' prgtoken Now, they did it while trying to cloak themselves in maybe the compelling language of ``the resistance,''as if in their minds they were starring in the World War II movie ``Casablanca,'' where the resistance was the heroes as they were all over World War II. prgtoken The damage ``the resistance'' was willing to do to the executive branch of our government was bad enough. On the floor of the Senate, at virtually every nominee the President nominated, the minority insisted on 30 hours of debate. We finally had to change that rule to 2 hours of debate, which those in the majority now know is a big enough challenge without 30 hours of debate. And I think the average time used was closer to 20 minutes, during that 30 hours, than 30 hours. prgtoken But 30 hours still had to be set aside. No other business could occur. People were nominated early on for Ambassadors to countries, for instance, that they eventually got to serve 1 year in because that ``resistance'' element appeared right here as well. prgtoken Then the group of political activists began to insist that we degrade the legislative branch as well, trying to change the Senate to get rid of the motion to proceed. And, frankly, ever since got control of the Senate, by the smallest margin possible, there has been a constant discussion of why we should change that rule. prgtoken Of course, many of us understand the so-called filibuster rule is what makes the Senate. President said, when he was a Senator: [A]t its core, the filibuster is not about stopping a nominee or a bill, it is about compromise and moderation. prgtoken End the quote that he made at the time that I agree with now. prgtoken Many of the people who have been calling to end the filibuster changed their tune, not because something changed in America but because they are now in charge. And without the filibuster, we would see wild swings in policy when different parties would take control of the majority of the Senate, and we see that constantly in the House now. A lot of bills pass, and very few of them get to the President's desk. When the other party gets in control, they pass bills that reverse
INFANT FORMULA SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2022
Kay Granger (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-5-18

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , I rise today in opposition to H.R. 7790, the Infant Formula Supplemental Appropriations Act. prgtoken American families are facing yet another crisis. Parents don't have the access to the formula their children need, and they are angry and they are frightened; and I understand why they are angry and they are frightened. prgtoken There are reports that more than 40 percent of baby formula is sold out across the United States. Some families are having to drive hours just so their children don't go to bed hungry. prgtoken At a time when Americans are paying record-high gas prices, no one can afford this. prgtoken We had the opportunity to work across the aisle on a bipartisan solution to this crisis. Unfortunately, the text we are considering today has not been agreed to by both sides. prgtoken I have four concerns about the bill. First, the bill does nothing to force the FDA to come up with a plan to address the shortage. Second, it does nothing to address whether Federal agencies have excess formula that could be directed to American households. Third, it fails to leverage the Federal Government's existing capabilities to transport formula. Finally, the bill gives the FDA an additional $28 million, when funds are already available to address this issue. prgtoken Two months ago, we increased the FDA's operating budget by $102 million. This included an $11 million increase specifically for maternal and infant health and nutrition. There is also more than $1 billion that the Department of Agriculture has available to address supply chain issues. My question is: Why can't these existing funds be spent? prgtoken Ultimately, I fear that H.R. 7790 will not put more formula on store shelves, and that is why I am opposing this bill. We should take the time to do it right. prgtoken Madam , .
DOMESTIC TERRORISM PREVENTION ACT OF 2022
Marjorie Taylor Greene (Republican, GA) \u2014 2022-5-18

I rise in opposition to this bill. prgtoken I find it shocking to hear language coming from my colleagues across the aisle accusing s of the horrific shooting in Buffalo, when in fact, the shooter's manifesto itself stated he acted as a lone wolf. No had anything to do with that. prgtoken I also find it shocking to hear these accusations coming from the party that supported BLM riots that caused over $2 billion in damages in cities and communities across the country. prgtoken Now, when we are talking about identity politics, we should remind one another that there were 6 people murdered and 62 others injured by a Black American who drove his car through a Christmas parade in Waukesha. There was also a Black American that shot and injured 23 people on a New York City subway. I am not hearing any of those examples as domestic terrorism from my colleagues across the aisle, and I don't understand why. I think these acts should be blamed on the people that are doing them, not on people's identity and their skin color. prgtoken Another thing that is wrong with this bill is it provides unlimited money to profile Americans that the Department of Justice says are white supremacists. That is why want to pursue every single conservative in America, simply because they want to choose who is a white supremacist and not.
Ukraine (Executive Calendar)
Ted Cruz (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-5-18

I rise today to lay out exactly why I intend to vote for the aid package to provide our Ukrainian allies with the weapons and support they need to fight Vladimir Putin's invasion. prgtoken First, it is important to understand why--thanks in large part to President --we are in this dangerous situation to begin with. What is maddening about Russia's invasion of Ukraine is that it was utterly preventable. This did not have to happen, and it was caused by two specific mistakes by and his administration. The first mistake was 's catastrophic surrender and withdrawal in Afghanistan. The second mistake was 's weakness and appeasement on display and his capitulation to Putin on the Nord Stream 2 Pipeline. prgtoken Putin didn't just wake up yesterday and decide he wanted to invade Ukraine. In 2014, Putin previously invaded Ukraine, but he stopped short of invading the entirety of the country. Why is that? The reason is simple: Russia's principal source of revenue is oil and gas, which is transported via pipelines that go directly through Ukraine. Putin knew that when the Nord Stream 2 Pipeline was complete, he could invade Ukraine and not have to worry about potentially destroying Ukrainian energy infrastructure because he would have in place an alternative pipeline to get his gas to market. prgtoken Last spring, President formally waived the sanctions that Congress had put in place on Nord Stream 2, sanctions that I authored, bipartisan sanctions that passed this body twice and that President signed into law twice. Last summer, President surrendered to Putin, lifted the sanctions, allowed Putin to build the pipeline, and announced a deal with Germany to allow the pipeline to be completed. When he announced that deal, that capitulation, the governments of both Ukraine and Poland put out a joint statement saying: , if you do this, Vladimir Putin will invade Ukraine. prgtoken In August, surrendered in Afghanistan. In September, Nord Stream 2 was physically completed, and then Putin began building up his forces on Ukraine's border. Even then, our Ukrainian allies pleaded with us: Sanction Nord Stream 2 now so that Putin will know he can't turn it on later. The President, the Prime Minister, Parliament, and civil society of Ukraine all said so again and again and again. prgtoken I authored a new set of sanctions mandating immediate sanctions, which the Ukrainian Government formally called on the Senate to take it up and pass it. The administration fought tooth and nail against those sanctions in January. I remember standing right here and saying: , if you do this, we will see Russian tanks rolling toward the streets of Kyiv. prgtoken Sadly, 44 voted with President against sanctions on Russia, against sanctions on Putin; and the appeasement from the White House and 44 led, within days, to the invasion
DOMESTIC TERRORISM PREVENTION ACT OF 2022
Andrew S. Clyde (Republican, GA) \u2014 2022-5-18

the ' so-called Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act opens the door for the administration to continue its assault on Americans' protected political speech. prgtoken Since President stepped foot into the White House, he has blatantly targeted conservatives for exercising their First Amendment rights. Whether it is labeling parents protesting COVID-19 mandates and racist curriculum in schools as domestic terrorists, holding nonviolent January 6 protestors in pretrial detention for over a year, or creating a radical ministry of truth to monitor supposed disinformation, the administration has repeatedly taken aim at political dissent from the right. prgtoken And while the Disinformation Governance Board is reportedly paused-- what a hallelujah moment for the Constitution--just the idea alone that the administration would institute such a board under the Department of Homeland Security should concern every solitary American citizen. And keep in mind that this administration has completely ignored the legitimate threats posed by dangerous extremist groups, such as Antifa on the left. prgtoken Just this week, 's Department of Homeland Security claimed law enforcement agencies are investigating violent threats by pro-abortion extremists threatening to murder Supreme Court Justices or burn down the Supreme Court building--but added, ``. . . generalized philosophic embrace of violent tactics does not constitute domestic violent extremism or illegal activity. . . .'' prgtoken Really? Hey, DHS, why don't you apply the same standard to January 6 protestors? The glaring hypocrisy is blinding. prgtoken Make no mistake, this legislation is a blatant attempt to further transform the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security into political weapons, greenlighting additional abuse by the administration against the American people. prgtoken , I urge all my colleagues to vote against H.R. 350, and thereby protect Americans' First Amendment rights and block the administration from targeting, monitoring, and labeling Americans they fundamentally disagree with as domestic terrorists.
Abortion (Executive Calendar)
Rick Scott (Republican, FL) \u2014 2022-5-18

I disagree with my colleague's objection, but I think this issue is too important not to try to get something done today. prgtoken So, instead of enacting this point of order when the CPI reaches 3 percent, how about we raise it to 8 percent? Our current CPI level is at 8.3 percent. We see how bad things are right now. When the CPI gets close to where we currently are--inflation levels that we haven't seen since the 1980s--that is when this point of order would take effect. prgtoken At 8 percent inflation, we have reached a crisis point. It only stands to reason for Congress to start looking closely at every bill that increases the deficit. Such deficit-increasing bills should only be passed by Congress when absolutely needed. prgtoken Again, this point of order could be waived in the Senate with a two- thirds majority. I think this is reasonable and that we owe it to American families to start holding Congress accountable for the reckless spending that we know fuels inflation. Hopefully, my colleagues can agree to pinning this point of order to inflation at 8 percent. prgtoken As in legislative session, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. 4250, which is at the desk. I further ask that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.
Crime (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-5-18

Americans' concern about violent crime is the highest it has been in 6 years, and the statistics plainly show why that is. Between 2019 and 2020, the murder rate shot up by the largest 1-year increase in over a century, and the rate has kept on rising. prgtoken Nearly 60 percent more law enforcement officers were killed in 2021 compared to 2020. Cities all across America set alltime record highs for homicides last year. My hometown of Louisville, KY, was one of those cities. We also now average more than one carjacking every 48 hours. prgtoken Innocent citizens across America know this situation has literally spiraled out of control, but, unfortunately, the administration and Senate continue to team up and find new ways to go soft on crime. The nomination and confirmation of Judge Jackson to the Supreme Court crowns a deliberate effort by to make the Federal judiciary literally softer on crime. They are specifically intentionally stuffing the Federal bench full of men and women whose starting perspective tilts toward sympathy for criminals rather than victims. prgtoken Even the New York Times had to admit this ``concerted push by the administration'' to prefer nominees with ``experience in criminal defense work'' is ``a sea change in the world of judicial nominations.'' prgtoken The Times continued: The type of high-profile murder cases handled by some of Mr. 's nominees would have been considered disqualifying only a few years ago; now the president, who himself served briefly as a public defender early in his legal career, is actively seeking to name more jurists who have [that kind of] experience. prgtoken So, , we are not arguing that public defenders ought to be excluded from the nomination process. Clearly, their work is important. Everyone deserves a lawyer, even the most heinous criminals. But the American people are not exactly clamoring for President to dramatically tilt the entire judiciary toward the criminal-friendly perspective--least of all during this historic crime surge. prgtoken This week, with a long list of serious problems facing the country, the ic majority has decided to spend floor time on another judicial nominee with this one particular background, a second nominee who appeared during her committee hearing to be unfamiliar with a basic concept in trial law, and a third nominee whose prgtoken pro bono record includes helping sue the New York City government over policing and trying to reverse another person's robbery conviction. So I would urge Senators to oppose these controversial nominees. prgtoken I am proud to be one of many s joining a new resolution from Senator Cassidy begging this all-ic government to prioritize solutions for the violent crime wave. To start, the administration should stop this willful--willful--campaign to make the judiciary syste
MORNING BUSINESS
Tim Scott (Republican, SC) \u2014 2022-5-18

I would like to congratulate and honor the city of Greenville in South Carolina for their opening of Unity Park on May 19, 2022. prgtoken Harlan Kelsey, a nationally known landscape artist commissioned by the Municipal League of Greenville, published recommendations for improvements to Greenville more than a century ago in 1907. His recommendations identified what is now the site for Unity Park. The transformative 60-acre park will help bring people together to celebrate the diversity of the Greenville community. prgtoken The park comes after 22 months of construction, nearly $13 million in private donations, and countless hours of community engagement. With this addition, the city has committed to bringing more affordable housing to nine acres near the park, created a location to celebrate the community, built a place to continue highlighting the rich history of Greenville, and is transforming one of our State's designated Opportunity Zones: Unity Park will feature playgrounds and splashpads, a welcome center, numerous trails and bridges, and an observation tower. prgtoken I commend the city of Greenville on the park's opening and their commitment to growth, success, and community.
DR. KATE HENDRICKS THOMAS SUPPORTING EXPANDED REVIEW FOR VETERANS IN COMBAT ENVIRONMENTS ACT
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican, IA) \u2014 2022-5-18

I thank Ranking Member Bost for yielding me time to speak. prgtoken I rise today to express my support for S. 2102, the Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas SERVICE Act. I was proud to introduce the House companion of this important bipartisan piece of legislation with Congresswoman Brownley. I thank Senators Boozman and Wyden for their work in passing this bill. prgtoken The importance of this bill is that the United States Preventative Health Service indicates mammography at an annual level after age 40, and our veterans who have risked their lives and their health in service to our country are exposed to toxins and burn pits and need treatment and screening to prevent long-term health issues and at an earlier time period. Female veterans are especially at risk for several types of cancer, especially breast cancer. Female veterans are at a 20 to 40 percent higher risk of breast cancer, and female veterans who have been exposed to toxic exposure are at an even higher risk. prgtoken As a doctor, I understand just how lifesaving early mammogram screenings can be. I have always told my patients that early detection is the key to successfully treating all types of cancer. This bill will allow for an earlier mammography screening for female veterans who served in locations with toxic exposure. prgtoken This bill is in honor of Dr. and Marine Corps veteran Kate Hendricks Thomas, who unfortunately passed away in April due to stage IV breast prgtoken cancer. Dr. Thomas advocated for earlier mammography screenings for female veterans that were exposed to toxic exposure. prgtoken The bipartisan and bicameral SERVICE Act will give female veterans access to more screenings to stay ahead of this terrible disease. Today, as a 24-year Army veteran, I am proudly voting in support of this bill to protect and save the lives of our female veterans. prgtoken I urge all of my colleagues to join me in voting in favor of S. 2102, the Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas SERVICE Act. I look forward to a strong bipartisan vote today and sending this bill to the President to become law.
HONORING JEFF SHIPP
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-5-18

I rise to honor the storied career of Mr. Jeff Shipp as he celebrates his retirement from the Farm Credit Council. prgtoken Jeff has worked in and around the Farm Credit System for virtually his entire adult life. Raised as a true D.C. native, Jeff earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland before obtaining his master's at Tulane University. prgtoken Jeff's notable career working on Farm Credit issues started as an internship on Capitol Hill before he moved to USDA and what was then known as the Farmers Home Administration. prgtoken He then went to work representing farmers at the National Wheat Growers Association, which led him to the Farm Credit team in 1987. prgtoken Perhaps one of the most distinguished moments of his career was when he worked to help pass the Farm Credit Act of 1987, which stabilized Farm Credit and set it on the sustainable path the organization continues to enjoy today. prgtoken Jeff's representation in Washington is second to none. Jeff has been the face of Farm Credit for many on Capitol Hill, and he will certainly be missed as he enters retirement. prgtoken Farm Credit, American agriculture, and our country are better off because of Jeff's exceptional work. prgtoken Congratulations, Jeff, on your very successful career, and best wishes to you and Susan for a long and happy next chapter.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR--(Continued)
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2022-5-18

the basic purpose and function of the U.S. Constitution is to protect the American people from the dangerous accumulation of power at the hands of the few. You see, that kind of protection is necessary to make us free. In that respect, it is the structure of our government, set forth in the Constitution, that truly makes us free. It is the bulwark against what would rob us of our freedom. prgtoken The Framers spent those hot summer days of 1787 in Philadelphia principally debating the structure and role of the Federal Government. Through the centuries of this great American experiment, it has been the structure of our government, not simply the Bill of Rights or other substantive provisions--it has been the structure that has been the most effective protection from waves of oppression and the whims of dictatorship. prgtoken Tragically, under the auspices of CRT, unrestrained progressivism, and a false sense of national destiny, the modern left has embarked on a campaign of sorts to condemn the Founders, to tarnish the Constitution itself, and deface the structure and institutions that protect our liberty. Progressives have been astoundingly, shockingly, effective. prgtoken Unfortunately, this effort to seize power to enact a radical agenda, no matter the cost, is not a new tactic of the ic Party. President Franklin D. Roosevelt engaged in an institution-shaking campaign to pressure the Supreme Court to consent to and accept with constitutional infirmities his radical New Deal agenda. prgtoken He wanted to pack the Supreme Court by increasing the number of Justices to appoint his own political loyalists who would then do his bidding. His threats to the structural Constitution of the United States led to the infamous ``switch in time that saved nine.'' prgtoken Now, Roosevelt's plan to pack the Supreme Court failed as a legislative matter. When it got to this body, when it reached the Senate floor, it didn't go anywhere, but it left a lasting mark, and it has not been a favorable one. prgtoken Legal scholars, historians, politicians, and people of every stripe and political persuasion have since then condemned this. For example, this Court-packing campaign has been called a ``bad idea'' just in the last few years by the late Justice Ruth Bader-Ginsburg. It was likewise called ``a bonehead idea'' by then-Senator . And yet today many are returning to that rejected notion and, like a dog to its vomit, going back to a bad idea that was bad then and remains bad now. prgtoken The Supreme Court has consisted of nine Justices since 1869, over 150 years. It is a settled number that most Americans agree should stay. Not one person has argued that we need to increase the number of Justices because of a human resources problem or a workforce problem. No, it is not that; it is rather that they want to influence the outcome of decisions. They want to politicize the Court. prgtoken Trag