mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
W. Gregory Steube (Republican, FL) \u2014 2021-1-13

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding. For 3 years, ic Members of this body and the mainstream media lied to the American people that the campaign colluded and conspired with Russia--for years--after an exhaustive investigation was found that there was no evidence that the campaign colluded with Russia. prgtoken Should ic Members of this body resign for lying to the American people repeatedly and sowing division and dissension all across America? And it was all a lie. prgtoken Madam , you have brought one Article of Impeachment to the floor, and your one allegation alleges: `` engaged in high crimes and misdemeanors by inciting violence against the Government of United States.'' prgtoken In D.C it is a crime to ``intentionally or recklessly act in such a manner to cause another person to be in reasonable fear and to incite or provoke violence when there is a likelihood that such violence will ensue.'' prgtoken There was no language in the President's speech that incited or provoked violence. In fact, at around the 18-minute mark, he stated: ``Peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard.'' prgtoken You may think that he is inciting violence because he believes there was election fraud. That is his opinion, and he is entitled to that opinion, just like all of you were entitled to your false and fraudulent opinion that the campaign colluded with Russia. prgtoken The legal elements of incitement are based on the Supreme Court case Brandenburg v. Ohio, in which the Supreme Court set the standard for speech that could be prosecuted without violating the First Amendment. Brandenburg's speech called for violence against groups of Americans, and the Court found that Brandenburg's comments were not directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action. prgtoken The Court found that it was protected speech, and he was calling for violence. That is the current law of the land. prgtoken The President didn't even mention violence last Wednesday, much less provoke or incite it. There was no crime committed; therefore, no basis for impeachment, as you need a high crime or misdemeanor for a basis. prgtoken You have created a mockery out of the impeachment process, and I urge all my colleagues to stand against it and fight the latest fraud being perpetrated against the American people by the radical left.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H. RES. 24, IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Tom Cole (Republican, OK) \u2014 2021-1-13

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , if we defeat the previous question, I will offer an amendment to the rule to immediately bring up a resolution establishing a bipartisan national commission on the domestic terrorist attack on the United States Capitol. This proposed bipartisan commission will be tasked with examining and reporting upon the terror attack upon our Capitol that occurred last Wednesday. The commission will be bipartisan in nature, modeled after the 9/11 Commission, and will fully be empowered to undertake a full investigation and make recommendations to the President and to Congress. prgtoken I can think of no more appropriate path for Congress to follow than by ensuring a bipartisan commission reviews all evidence and reports back to us on this horrific event. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of my amendment in the Record, along with extraneous material, immediately prior to the vote on the previous question.
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Ken Buck (Republican, CO) \u2014 2021-1-13

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding time. prgtoken Madam , I have heard that President radicalized the group of the rioters who stormed this Capitol. I would say that we need to look no further than ourselves to find out what happened and to look at history. prgtoken Americans were frustrated when they learned that the FBI was investigating the campaign. They were frustrated to learn that the administration and the DNC had created this false campaign against the administration. They were frustrated, Madam , when the inauguration of the President was boycotted by over 40 Members of this House. prgtoken They were frustrated to read in The Washington Post the day after the inauguration: Let the impeachment begin. prgtoken They were frustrated when Members of this House spoke over and over about impeaching the President days into his administration. And then the Socialists in Hollywood joined their allies in Congress. Robert De Niro said that he wanted to punch the President in the face. Madonna thought about blowing up the White House. Kathy Lee Griffin held up a likeness of the President's beheaded head, and nothing was said by my colleagues at that point in time. prgtoken In fact, one colleague said that supporters should be harassed wherever they are, in restaurants, on the street, and in supermarkets. prgtoken During this time, the President was under investigation by a special counsel who found no collusion and no conspiracy with Russia. prgtoken The President's supporters were harassed. Ajit Pai, the head of the FCC, was called a dirty, sneaky Indian. His children were harassed in school. The press secretary, Sarah Sanders, was kicked out of a restaurant for being a employee. The DHS Secretary, Kirstjen Nielsen, was harassed by her home, and donors were publicly shamed.
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Yvette Herrell (Republican, NM) \u2014 2021-1-13

. Madam , I rise in opposition to these Articles of Impeachment. prgtoken Political violence has no place in our constitutional Republic, and those who assaulted police officers and forced their way into the Capitol are responsible for their criminal actions. prgtoken Leaders in both parties have a responsibility to condemn such violence, whether in the Halls of Congress or on the streets of America. prgtoken I don't believe, Madam , that the American people have an appetite for this. They are expecting us to do the will of those who sent us from each State around the Nation. prgtoken Right now, Madam , we are seeing this body that has impeached once before trying to do it a second time. Two wrongs do not make a right. prgtoken We have got to stand for the American people, because we will not get a second chance to get this right the first time.
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Andy Biggs (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2021-1-13

. Madam , it is with wariness and a certain unhealthy, morbid curiosity that I watch the beast attempt to devour President Donald J. again. The craving to crush President has never been satisfied--not through investigations, not through false allegations, and not even through an impeachment that was wholly without merit. prgtoken And the timing of this impeachment makes little sense. Your candidate will take office in a few hours, and President will relinquish the levers of power to President-elect . prgtoken Your craving was never a victory, nor was it even a defeat. You believe that your hunger will be finally satiated by impeaching this President without completion of his full term of office. You don't merely seek victory, but you seek obliteration of your nemesis. prgtoken The thirst for 's destruction will not be slaked, however, even if you are successful today and were the Senate to convict President . Yours will be a Pyrrhic victory, for, instead of stopping the train, his movement will grow stronger, for you will have made him a martyr. prgtoken Surely you are aware of this, and that is why your allies in the media seek to censor conservative voices. prgtoken Your chums who sit on the boards of corporate America--yes, the same companies that the left vilifies--promise to starve s from receiving their PAC donations. prgtoken But I bet that the groundswell of support for President and his policies will not go away. You see, the movement he started is based on building an incredibly robust economy on a foundation of lower taxes and fewer regulations that has the wonderful effect of putting more people to work than ever. It is built upon a strong military that is extricated from endless wars. It provides border security, America- first trade agreements, Mideast peace and stability. Those are the things the American people want. prgtoken Your 4-year appetite will be temporarily assuaged while you will, no doubt, continue to chase after leaders of this movement, but your appetite will be unfulfilled. prgtoken I urge you, please, do not--and I am mixing metaphors here--attempt to douse the remaining burning embers of this movement with gasoline. No one wants that. I urge you, please, to reconsider the reckless action in which you engage today.
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Darrell Issa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2021-1-13

. Madam , the last speaker said that for 4 years the President did all these terrible, inciteful things, including anti- Semitism. I take exception with that. prgtoken But I think it is important that we embrace one thing that was said. Yes, the President has been consistent for the last 4 years. During his campaign, I even, while representing another candidate, said that the President had political Tourette's; he said what was on his mind without a filter. prgtoken I don't think that is being debated here today. We all know that is true. What is being debated is whether, with 167 hours left until he leaves office, he is a clear and present danger. He clearly isn't. prgtoken The President has acted substantially the same for 4 years. He has rallied his base, and he has, in fact, called for peaceful protest, as he did just a few days ago. prgtoken The fact is, today, we are trying to punish the President--at least some are--for 4 years of what he did, not for what happened last week. What happened last week was the result of anarchists who came loaded, prepared, and with weapons.
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Tom McClintock (Republican, CA) \u2014 2021-1-13

. Madam , I didn't like the President's speech on January 6 either. I thought he was wrong to assert that the Vice President and Congress can pick and choose which electoral votes to count. He was wrong to set such a confrontational tone in a politically tense situation. prgtoken But what did he actually say? His exact words were: ``I know that everyone here will soon be marching over to the Capitol Building to peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard.'' That is impeachable? That is called freedom of speech. prgtoken Now, he also threatened to oppose candidates in future elections. And, by the way, that was directed at s like me who had resolved to uphold the constitutional process and protect the electoral college. Well, so what? That is called politics. prgtoken If we impeached every politician who gave a fiery speech to a crowd of partisans, this Capitol would be deserted. That is what the President did. That is all he did. prgtoken He specifically told the crowd to protest peacefully and patriotically, and the vast majority of them did. But every movement has a lunatic fringe. Suppressing free speech is not the answer. Holding rioters accountable for their actions is the answer, and we are. prgtoken If we prosecuted BLM and antifa rioters across the country with the same determination these last 6 months, this incident might not have happened at all. prgtoken Now, short of declaring war, the power of impeachment is the most solemn and consequential act that Congress can take. To use it in this manner, in the heat of the moment, with no hearings, no due process, many Members phoning in their votes after a hastily called debate, exactly 1 week before a new President is to take office, trivializes this power to the point of caricature. prgtoken The have won everything in sight--the House, the Senate, and the Presidency. In a republic, that calls for magnanimity by the victors. Only in a banana republic does it call for vengeance. prgtoken Benjamin Franklin warned us that ``passion governs, and she never governs wisely.'' In our passions this week, we have set some dangerous new precedents that will haunt us for years to come. Yesterday, we redefined intemperate speech as a physical incapacity requiring removal from office. Today, we define it as a high crime and misdemeanor. prgtoken Well, the moment any Member of this body gives an impassioned speech and the lunatic fringe of their movement takes license from it, be prepared to answer to this new precedent that we establish today. prgtoken Now, I could cite plenty of provocative speeches made by that directly preceded violence this summer, but we have already had enough of that. prgtoken After 600,000 Americans had perished in the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln appealed to the better angels of our nature. He said: With malice toward none, with charity for all, let us bind up the Nation's wounds. Those words were so important to t
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Thomas P. Tiffany (Republican, WI) \u2014 2021-1-13

. Madam , my father once said to me: Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should. prgtoken In the short time I have served in this body, one thing is clear: This is not a serious place. prgtoken Last year, we watched as the other side delayed COVID relief for months to inflict maximum pain and sway the outcome of the election. The said as much. prgtoken Yet, these last 2 days, we have seen just how fast they can move when they want to exact political retribution on their opponent. prgtoken My friends on the other side now have complete control of both Houses of Congress. In a few days, they will control the entire executive branch as well. prgtoken Madam , has talked unity and healing. Is that what this is today? Is accusing lawmakers of sedition and calling for their expulsion the plan for healing? Is working with Silicon Valley to digitally disappear those with whom they disagree with the plan for reconciliation? prgtoken I was among the first to condemn the riots in Madison months ago, and I condemn what happened last week. But where were the swift accusations of incitement and insurrection from the other side last year? Is today's political theater a preview of what the American people can expect from single-party rule, 2 years of double standards, of punishing those who voted for someone else? prgtoken Madam , I hope Mr. is watching today and that he will rise to the moment and call off this effort to rub salt in the wounds of millions of Americans. prgtoken It is now time for all of us, and s alike, to turn down the temperature.
HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KIWANIS CLUB OF FAYETTEVILLE
Richard Hudson (Republican, NC) \u2014 2021-1-13

. Madam , I rise today to honor the 100th anniversary of the Kiwanis Club of Fayetteville, located in North Carolina's Eighth Congressional District. Since a small group of businessmen met with Kiwanis International on November 10, 1920, the Kiwanis Club of Fayetteville has made countless contributions to our community. prgtoken Over the years, the Kiwanis Club of Fayetteville has embodied its motto of ``Serving the Children of the World.'' As a fierce advocate for our children and youth, the organization has supported clinics for disabled infants, driving instruction for teenagers, and the construction of an athletic facility at Fayetteville High School, now Terry Sanford High School. prgtoken I know I speak for our entire community in offering my most heartfelt gratitude to the Kiwanis Club of Fayetteville for their century of service. These exemplary men and women are the heart and soul of our community and I wish them continued success as they serve our community. prgtoken Madam , please join me today in honoring the 100th anniversary of the Kiwanis Club of Fayetteville.
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Lance Gooden (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-1-13

. Madam , I also want to thank my ic colleagues for finally joining s in condemning mob violence after 6 months of refusing to acknowledge it. prgtoken But I am really tired of sanctimonious sermons on being a sore loser from some of the same who opposed accepting results in elections past. have objected to certifying every victory of the 21st century. In 2000, 2004, and in 2016, objected every time. prgtoken When they objected, it was patriotic. But when s do it, we are inciting a mob; we are liars; and we are traitors. This is the double standard we should expect under total control. prgtoken They have called for unrest in the streets. They have called for harassing Cabinet officials. They have objected to certifying election results time and time again. Even the Judiciary chairman secured clemency for a domestic terrorist who detonated a bomb right here in this building. But we are the extremists? I don't think so. prgtoken We have been silenced by Big Tech on social media, by corporate America. Now the other side wants to silence us on the House floor. prgtoken This is a sad day in America. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Ben Cline (Republican, VA) \u2014 2021-1-13

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time, and I thank the President for his words. Above the entrance to the House of Representatives is a sculpture called the Apotheosis of Democracy. It depicts allegorical peace dressed in armor and protecting the genius of America. prgtoken Last week, that peace was tragically torn apart as our U.S. Capitol was invaded for the first time since the War of 1812. A violent mob, including many with the most hostile of intentions, broke past security barriers and unleashed destruction and chaos throughout the Capitol. When it was over, six individuals were dead, including two Capitol police officers. prgtoken I have always supported the rights of citizens to peaceably assemble, but those who breached the Capitol and assaulted and killed Capitol police should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. If their intent was to stop the constitutional requirement of this body to count electoral votes, they should be charged and prosecuted for insurrection against the government. prgtoken But we are a Nation of laws, not of men, and the legal standard for incitement to violence has not been met. prgtoken Now, a week since the riots threatened the people's House and a week until a new President takes office, we are rushing through an impeachment without all of the facts and evidence and without due process. prgtoken We don't know what kind of information the offenders have, what evidence will come out during their trials, whether it bolsters the majority's claims or the minority's views, or whether it implicates other individuals, groups, or other officials in the attack on this hallowed institution. We just don't know, and that is why we must treat the power of impeachment and our responsibility as holders of this power with the seriousness and solemnity it deserves. prgtoken Let us gather the evidence. Let us hear the judiciary, make an informed decision together. This action will only further fuel the political divide among our citizens and will be detrimental to the long-term efforts to unify our country. prgtoken I reiterate my call from last night. Let us work together. Both President and President-elect have called for a peaceful transition of power. I humbly beseech my colleagues to work toward this end to unify our country and not go down this dangerous path.
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Louie Gohmert (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-1-13

. Madam , here is a quote: ``I just don't even know why there aren't uprisings all over the country. And maybe there will be.'' prgtoken Or, ``Sadly, the domestic enemies of our voting system and honoring our Constitution are right at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue with their allies in Congress of the United States.'' We were called enemies of the state. prgtoken Those are all quotes from our . prgtoken Now, on our side, we didn't take those to be impeachable because we didn't believe she surely meant that. By the taking this action, you are telling me, no, when we say those words, we actually mean to incite violence. That is what this action is saying. prgtoken Look, I just looked on the History Channel. It says these words: ``If the Judiciary Committee,'' talking about impeachment, ``finds sufficient grounds, its members write and pass Articles of Impeachment, which then go to the full House for a vote.'' prgtoken Half of all of the impeachments ever conducted, ever voted for, occurred under this . You are setting a precedent that says very clearly--because this impeachment isn't going to work, but it is setting the precedent. prgtoken Unlike a year ago, when we said, look, it shouldn't go through the Intelligence Committee, it should go through the Judiciary Committee, forget that. Now the message is: If you have a whim and you want to just go after a President, just go straight to the floor--no investigation, no Judiciary Committee. Go straight to the floor. Use it as a political weapon as you wish. prgtoken This is so dangerous, what you are doing, forgetting all the precedents. Yes, we can argue back and forth, but you are using this as a weapon, and you are destroying this little experiment in self- government in a year's time. It needs to stop.
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Chip Roy (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-1-13

. Madam , I thank the gentleman from Ohio for yielding. prgtoken The President of the United States deserves universal condemnation for what was clearly, in my opinion, impeachable conduct, pressuring the Vice President to violate his oath to the Constitution to count the electors. prgtoken His open and public pressure, courageously rejected by the Vice President, purposefully seeded the false belief among the President's supporters, including those assembled on January 6, that there was a legal path for the President to stay in power. It was foreseeable and reckless to sow such a false belief that could lead to violence and rioting by loyal supporters whipped into a frenzy. prgtoken Unfortunately, my ic colleagues drafted an article that I believe is flawed and unsupportable, focusing on the legal terms of incitement and insurrection. prgtoken Even noting impeachment does not require meeting a certain legal standard--the danger for open speech and debate in this body and for the Republic is high--if the House approves the article as written. prgtoken The language will be used to target Members of this body under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. It will be used to suggest that any statements we make are subject to review by our colleagues and to send us down a perilous path of cleansing political speech in the public square. prgtoken Madam , we must end this. Let us condemn that which must be condemned, and do so loudly. But let us do it the right way, with deliberation and without disastrous side effects. We must end tearing apart our Nation by social media and sound bites. Let us stop. Let us debate. Let us sit down and lead this Nation together.