mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-12-13

I come to the floor again to discuss two U.S. attorney nominations that have been on the calendar for weeks: Rebecca Lutzko, nominated to be U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and April Perry, nominated to serve as U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. prgtoken On several previous occasions, I have had to come to the floor to request unanimous consent for the Senate to take up these noncontroversial, bipartisan nominations and confirm these law enforcement nominees. Each time I have come to the floor, asking for this, the junior Senator from Ohio has objected. He says that he ran for office to ``[f]ight the criminals--not the cops.'' It turns out to be a hollow promise when he is holding up criminal prosecutors, at a professional level, in two major parts of the United States--one of them in his own State. prgtoken Our communities desperately need top Federal prosecutors in place. Interested in stopping fentanyl? I am. Thousands of people are dying. Well, who is going to prosecute those cases? The U.S. attorneys will-- 93 of them across the United States--but you can't prosecute the case if you don't have the U.S. attorney there to lead the effort and to coordinate the effort with other branches of government. You can have an interim in there, and I am sure that person will do as good a job as he can, but it isn't like having the permanent person that you need as a U.S. attorney. Here we have two who have been chosen by the junior Senator from Ohio to stop--one from his own State. prgtoken U.S. attorneys lead the Nation's efforts to prosecute violent criminals and protect our communities from violence, terrorism, and more. The U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Ohio is no exception. While the entire Nation has been impacted by the opioid epidemic, Ohio has been hit harder than almost any other State. Over the course of 1 year--from April 2022 to April 2023--more than 5,000 Ohioans lost their lives to drug overdoses. That number is shocking-- 5,000 in 1 year. On average, every day, 14 Ohio families lose a loved one to drugs. prgtoken The U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Ohio could, as we speak, be tackling this drug crisis with community stakeholders, like the Toledo Metro Drug Task Force. Instead, her nomination has been languishing on the calendar here in the Senate for months because one Senator, the junior Senator from Ohio, has promised, I guess, former President that he would do his best to get even with the Department of Justice for even considering holding responsible for his conduct. It would be laughable if it weren't so damned dangerous. prgtoken Because Senator Vance is not just harming my State and is not just harming his own State, the precedent he is setting will undermine public safety across the entire Nation for years to come. prgtoken As I have stated before, the Senate has a long history of confirming
HONORING THE CONTRA COSTA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT'S 75TH ANNIVERSARY
Mark DeSaulnier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-12-13

I rise today along with my colleagues, Representatives John Garamendi and Josh Harder, to recognize the contributions of the Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) on its 75th anniversary. prgtoken For 75 years, 4CD has been a vital part of Contra Costa County. Founded on December 14, 1948 by a countywide vote, 4CD was the first countywide junior college district in California. Since its inception, 4CD has committed itself to providing quality and affordable higher education to students of all backgrounds. Serving over 45,000 students each year at their campuses in San Pablo, Pleasant Hill, Pittsburg, San Ramon, and Brentwood, 4CD creates an academic environment that promotes cultural competency, diversity, and community engagement. prgtoken The district offers a wide range of courses allowing students to purse an associate degree, transfer to a four-year university, or hone in on their professional skills through specialized vocational and technical trainings. 4CD also offers a number of courses that use open educational resources, helping to cut costs on textbooks. 4CD's more than 3,600 employees are devoted to empowering all students to fulfill their educational and career aspirations by providing accessible, equitable, innovative, and outstanding higher education learning opportunities and support services. prgtoken Please join me and Representatives John Garamendi and Josh Harder in recognizing the Contra Costa Community College District for their many contributions to our community and in congratulating them on their 75th anniversary.
DR. EMMANUEL BILIRAKIS AND HONORABLE JENNIFER WEXTON NATIONAL PLAN TO END PARKINSON'S ACT
Lizzie Fletcher (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-12-13

I rise today in support of the Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis and Honorable Jennifer Wexton National Plan to End Parkinson's Act, H.R. 2365. prgtoken This bill takes a major step toward preventing and curing Parkinson's and diseases like it, diseases that impact millions of Americans, including more than 67,000 people in my home State of Texas. prgtoken , I thank Congressman Tonko and Congressman Bilirakis for introducing this transformative legislation, which I am proud to cosponsor. I also thank the Houston Area Parkinson Society for the advocacy and the important and meaningful work that they do for those living with Parkinson's in Texas' Seventh Congressional District and throughout the greater Houston area. prgtoken I thank my friend and colleague, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton of Virginia, for her leadership, for her grace, and for her inspiring example. As her classmate in the Congress in the class of 2018 and fellow William and Mary Law School alum, I have admired Jennifer since the day that I met her. prgtoken Today, we honor her by naming this legislation for her in recognition of the work that she has done to advance this landmark legislation that will change the lives of millions of individuals and families affected by Parkinson's and diseases like it for decades to come, but it is Jennifer who honors all of us, who honors our Constitution and our country and our fellow citizens by her service and by her example of courage and commitment and citizenship.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR (Executive Session)
Joe Manchin, III (Democrat, WV) \u2014 2023-12-13

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session to consider the following nomination: Calendar No. 108, Nickolas Guertin, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Navy; that the Senate vote on the nomination without intervening action or debate; the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table; that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action and the Senate resume legislative session.
DR. EMMANUEL BILIRAKIS AND HONORABLE JENNIFER WEXTON NATIONAL PLAN TO END PARKINSON'S ACT
Jennifer L. McClellan (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-12-13

I rise today on behalf of my friend and colleague, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton, to share her strong support and statement regarding this important legislation. prgtoken These are her words: ``I rise today in strong support of the National Plan to End Parkinson's Act. ``As many of you know, earlier this year, I shared that I have been diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy, or PSP for short, which is an atypical Parkinson's, a kind of Parkinson's on steroids. ``Even those of you with whom I have never interacted one on one have witnessed my physical deterioration, from my striding confidently through the Chamber earlier this year to walking more haltingly and dependent on my walking sticks this summer, to leaning heavily on my walker now. In all likelihood, some time in 2024, I will come to the floor in a wheelchair. ``Eventually, those of us who have these diseases will be unable to walk, talk, or even feed ourselves. We will require extensive and expensive institutional or in-home care, the cost of which will likely be borne primarily by U.S. taxpayers. ``Since my diagnosis, I have seen firsthand how Parkinson's disease or atypical Parkinson's can change everything, not only for those of us who suffer from the disease itself, but for all of the many people in our lives who love us and want us to be well again. ``The physical challenges are tough. In just 2016, I ran the Marine Corps Olympic-distance triathlon and as recently as last year got up every morning during session to go to the gym with Chair Rodgers and a small group of dedicated women Members. ``My family has felt the impacts, as well. My husband, Andrew, and I were supposed to be getting to the good part and were looking forward to enjoying our empty nest as our younger son went off to join his brother in college. ``Instead, he will be a caregiver, and we are looking for ways to convert the first floor study and half bath to a bedroom and en suite so that I will be able to remain in our home when I am no longer able to make it up or down stairs. ``Instead of scuba diving together in the morning and sitting under a palm tree and playing Scrabble in the afternoon, we will not enjoy a leisurely retirement a decade plus from now.'' ``I know it has been difficult for my sons to watch as their vivacious, cool--for a mom--confident Congresswoman mom goes through these changes and challenges as well. ``This is my family's story, but we, unfortunately, are not alone. There are over 1 million people in the United States who have these diseases, and countless loved ones surrounding them. ``We did not expect this to happen to us, and it could happen to anyone. That is why this legislation is so critical. Today marks a historic step forward toward a world where no family has to endure what ours has. ``To my colleagues, friends, and those from across the country from whom I have heard an outpouring of support, I have be
DIRECTING CERTAIN COMMITTEES TO CONTINUE ONGOING INVESTIGATIONS INTO WHETHER SUFFICIENT GROUNDS EXIST FOR THE IMPEACHMENT OF JOSEPH BIDEN, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
Katherine M. Clark (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-12-13

the MAGA majority is putting forward an impeachment inquiry even as their own leaders admit there is no evidence of wrongdoing. prgtoken They have already reviewed tens of thousands of documents, interviewed dozens of witnesses, and nothing. prgtoken Why? prgtoken This has never been about the truth. This is about avenging . This is about undermining our democracy and influencing the 2024 election. prgtoken President Ford once said, ``Truth is the glue that holds government together.'' prgtoken , it is truth that allows this Chamber to function. Abandoning truth in favor of political gamesmanship creates nothing but chaos. That dysfunction isn't a byproduct of the majority's behavior, it is the point. prgtoken They don't want the government to function. They have sought nothing in service of the American people, nothing to lower costs, nothing to create good-paying jobs, to grow the middle class, to make everyday people feel more secure. prgtoken What has the majority delivered? prgtoken The kind of extremism that chooses rich tax cheats over working people, that obstructs the ballot box and hikes the cost of healthcare, that protects guns over kids, that bans abortion and criminalizes doctors, that rewards polluters and corporate greed and tells everyday Americans, you foot the bill. prgtoken This sham impeachment is below the dignity of the people's House. It is an affront to the people who sent us here to work for them. What a disgrace.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Edward J. Markey (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-12-13

2 weeks ago, our Nation surpassed 38 mass murders--the highest level since 2006. Since then, at least three additional mass murders have occurred. This harrowing record serves as another forceful call to action for Congress. We must act today to end gun violence. That is why I rise today in support of my 3D Printed Gun Safety Act. prgtoken I rise for those festival-goers in Las Vegas. I rise for patrons of Pulse nightclub and Club Q. I rise for the children in Sandy Hook, Uvalde, and Nashville. I rise for Mainers in Lewiston. I rise for all those victims whose names are not well known and whose stories do not dominate the airwaves. I rise, I rise, and I rise again. prgtoken There is no conceivable reason to further delay another gun violence prevention vote in the U.S. Senate. Senate s are blocking the will of the American people and exposing Americans to unnecessary bloodshed. prgtoken This month, the Gun Violence Archive reported just under 40,000 gun- related deaths in the United States this year, including over 22,000 suicides. Additionally, over 1,500 minors under the age of 18 have been fatally shot. prgtoken I rise today for the 40,000 families whose lives are forever changed because s refuse to take action on gun violence--40,000 families. prgtoken This Congress unfortunately has no shortage of brutally tragic stories to remind us that the most vulnerable among us will continue to suffer from firearm violence if we fail to act. We need to act now--and we should have acted a long time ago--to pass commonsense legislation that keeps guns out of dangerous hands. prgtoken There is a long list of commonsense bills that have introduced this Congress to prevent gun violence, but s have not allowed a vote on a single bill. None of the bills have ever seen debate on the floor of the U.S. Senate. Just last week, s blocked votes on a bill requiring safe storage of firearms and on a background checks bill, which is supported by 9 out of 10 Americans. prgtoken Experts continue to point to the availability of guns as the primary cause of the rise in gun violence in our country. It is unconscionable for my colleagues on the other side to continue to ignore this reality. prgtoken We are now faced with a terrifying new source of gun violence: 3D- printed firearms. 3D printing is an easy, quick, and inexpensive method for people to obtain a firearm who otherwise would be prohibited from doing so. Middle schoolers with access to their school's computer labs could print them. Convicted domestic abusers could print them. prgtoken It is not only 3D-printed guns but also gun components, 3D-printed components, including silencers, scopes, and braces, which increase lethality for those who are harmed by them, and 3D- prgtoken printed components can turn a semiautomatic firearm into an automatic firearm. prgtoken These guns present modern and unique challenges. Some 3D-pr
DIRECTING CERTAIN COMMITTEES TO CONTINUE ONGOING INVESTIGATIONS INTO WHETHER SUFFICIENT GROUNDS EXIST FOR THE IMPEACHMENT OF JOSEPH BIDEN, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
Richard E. Neal (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-12-13

I rise in shock and frustration at our colleagues' do-nothing Congress. Seinfeld would have called this the impeachment about nothing. They are leading the most unproductive session since the Great Depression, and after manufacturing crisis after crisis, weeks of trying to choose a , and putting their record-breaking economic recovery, which is nonexistent, under the spotlight, they think that formalizing a fishing expedition will dress it up enough for the American people to believe them. prgtoken This is not the work of the Ways and Means Committee. The greatness of this committee has nothing to do with an impeachment proceeding, and how the Ways and Means got involved in this baffles and ic members of the committee. prgtoken The truth is, it has been nearly a year and not a shred of evidence has shown any wrongdoing or interference by . prgtoken Their recycled conspiracy theories continue to be debunked. They continue to mistake Congress, a legislative body, for a law enforcement body. In their only public hearing, their own witnesses conceded that there isn't evidence to warrant moving forward. prgtoken The gentleman from South Carolina said we are trying to hide something. I moved in the Ways and Means Committee to have the whistleblowers' testimony done in full public for observation. They turned it down. prgtoken Meanwhile, we are staring at another government shutdown at the beginning of tax filing season. Enough with this obsession with one person, . The Ways and Means are concerned about all members of the American family and for the taxpayer that is about to be impeded because of the work that is being done on impeachment instead of on tax reform. prgtoken This is where we find ourselves--nothing here, no evidence, no wrongdoing after a year--a waste of time for the American people, a waste of time for a Congress that should be addressing the real problems of the American family.
RECOGNIZING SARA CAPEN
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-12-13

I rise today to recognize the work of Sara Capen, chair of the Alliance of National Heritage Areas. prgtoken Sara, who also serves as executive director of the Niagara Falls Heritage Area, is a dedicated leader, collaborator, and facilitator committed to preserving and celebrating the Niagara region's rich history. prgtoken From the growth of the Discover Niagara Shuttle to the success of the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center, Sara has been the energy behind projects connecting people to stories, destinations, and to one another. prgtoken At the national level, Sara was the driving force behind approval of the National Heritage Areas Act, which reauthorizes all 45 heritage areas for the next 15 years, safeguarding and strengthening economic opportunities across the country. prgtoken We thank Sara Capen for her passion and commitment to ensuring America's history is woven into our future for generations to come.
DIRECTING CERTAIN COMMITTEES TO CONTINUE ONGOING INVESTIGATIONS INTO WHETHER SUFFICIENT GROUNDS EXIST FOR THE IMPEACHMENT OF JOSEPH BIDEN, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
Daniel S. Goldman (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-12-13

I rise today in staunch opposition to this resolution. prgtoken The s have already spent 12 months on this exact investigation. They have obtained more than 100,000 pages of documents and dozens and dozens of hours of witness testimony, but there is simply not a shred of evidence proving any wrongdoing by President related to his son or otherwise. prgtoken Whatever complaints that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have about how the Department of Justice investigated a private citizen, Hunter , you should ask and Bill Barr, who were in power at the time that this investigation was going on. prgtoken Since there is no evidence, now we are going to move the goalposts, claiming an impeachment inquiry is necessary to gather more evidence, but Chairman Comer himself said earlier this year that he had received 100 percent compliance from the administration, and they can only cite two low-level career officials at the Department of Justice who have not testified, even though their supervisors have. prgtoken Just this morning, Hunter showed up to the Capitol ready to provide evidence. The s refused to take his testimony. prgtoken How can you sit there saying you need more evidence when you prevent the central witness in the investigation from giving you evidence? prgtoken What are you afraid of?
RECOGNIZING LISA ROYBAL
Mark Takano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-12-13

I rise today to recognize the dedication and advocacy of Lisa Roybal, and congratulate her as she embarks on a well- deserved retirement from VA Loma Linda Healthcare System. Lisa is a true champion for women veterans in California's 39th Congressional District, the Inland Empire, and beyond. prgtoken Lisa has a long history of public service, first serving in the United States Navy for 20 years before joining the staff of VA Loma Linda. As a Nurse Practitioner and the Women Veteran Program Manager for the newly established Women's Health Center at VA Loma Linda, Lisa championed the well-being of veterans throughout her career. prgtoken In 2006 at the beginning of Lisa's civilian career at VA Loma Linda, women veterans' enrollment constituted roughly 2,500 patients. Under Lisa's direction, this number has increased remarkably with more than 10,000 women veterans enrolled this year. The development of the Women's Health Center at VA Loma Linda, from its inception at the Redlands Based Outpatient Clinic, its relocation to the Juliet clinic, and its current establishment as a stand-alone fully operational clinic reflects Lisa's unwavering commitment to expanding accessibility to meet the evolving needs of women veterans. prgtoken Lisa's resolute leadership has played a pivotal role in establishing an inclusive and supportive environment for all women veterans. Her efforts have not only broadened access to VA services but also cultivated a deeper sense of community and belonging for all who have served our nation. Lisa is undoubtedly a champion for women veterans throughout our community, and a true hometown hero who utilized her experience in the U.S. Navy and applied it for the well-being of her peers. I commend Lisa for her tireless commitment, perseverance in providing healthcare for women veterans, and her courageous service to our Nation; I wish Lisa a well-deserved and happy retirement.
CONDEMNING ANTISEMITISM ON UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES AND THE TESTIMONY OF UNIVERSITY PRESIDENTS IN THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND THE WORKFORCE
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-12-13

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I condemn anti-Semitism in all forms. Moreover, calls for genocide of the Jewish people have no place in reasonable discourse, and I condemn that, too. I did not think such a statement would be necessary, but in today's context, it is necessary. prgtoken These sentiments were shared repeatedly by Claudine Gay of Harvard, Sally Kornbluth of MIT, and Elizabeth Magill of the University of Pennsylvania during their testimony last week. prgtoken Unfortunately, because of a 5-minute exchange toward the end of the hearing that was clipped and shared online without full context during the hours-long hearing, these university presidents' commitment to fighting anti-Semitism has been called into question. prgtoken This is because, during the clip, they answered the question asked. They made the mistake of believing the hearing was a serious attempt to ascertain what could be done to promote student safety on campus in light of the tension between the First Amendment protections of freedom of speech on the one hand and the criminal code, title VI, and campus code of conduct on the other. prgtoken Some speech, such as threats, can be so severe as to be criminal. Other speech could establish a hostile environment on campus in violation of title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. prgtoken Universities can establish codes of conduct prohibiting some speech while respecting the First Amendment, but any speech involved in a First Amendment analysis is likely to be reprehensible. The fact that it might be protected does not make the speech any less reprehensible and does not suggest that you even agree with it. prgtoken A call for genocide of Jewish people is obviously reprehensible in all contexts, but whether or not it is constitutionally protected depends on context. prgtoken Don't take my word for it. Read the article published recently in The Harvard Crimson authored by Harvard law professor Charles Fried, formerly the Solicitor General during the Reagan administration. prgtoken In the article, Professor Fried states: ``When asked whether they would discipline students (or, I suppose, faculty) if they called for genocide of Jews, each president responded that the answer depends on the context of the utterances.'' prgtoken He goes on by saying: ``I have taught at Harvard Law School since 1961 and began practicing before the Supreme Court in 1985--for 4 years as Solicitor General of the United States--and I would have felt professionally obligated to answer as the presidents did. It does depend on context. ``In the 1969 case Brandenburg v. Ohio, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that `constitutional guarantees of free speech and free press do not permit a State to forbid or prescribe advocacy of the use of force or of law violation except where such advocacy is directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action and is likely to incite or produce such action.'''