mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CURRENT BORDER INSECURITY
Andy Biggs (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2022-3-2

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding. It is good to be here. prgtoken I am glad my friend is raising awareness. I am going to go as quickly as I possibly can because I don't know how much time I am going to take up. prgtoken But let's talk about fentanyl for just one quick second. Local reporting out of Tucson was that last year 13 million fentanyl pills were seized in Arizona alone--13 million. DEA has said 40 percent of all pills seized have a lethal dose of fentanyl in them. I want you to think about that, Madam . You add that 13 million and you take it into what agents and local law enforcement has told us, and that is they only interdict 8 to 10 percent. That means you have got over 100 million fentanyl pills floating around. prgtoken The cartels control all of the border between every port of entry on our border with Mexico. Let me give you an example, Madam , of the story out of southern Arizona recently just in the last couple weeks. prgtoken A lady was found wandering around. Local law enforcement deputies found her and assisted her. prgtoken What did she have on her possession? prgtoken A bag full of pills. They wanted to know what this was, was this an illicit drug or illicit? What is going on? prgtoken She said: These are morning-after pills. I knew when I would be coming across the border that I would be raped multiple times so I brought a bunch of morning-after pills. prgtoken That is fact. That is what is happening. It is not humane on the border. I find myself baffled by this. prgtoken So let's talk about cartels a little bit more. In a story from just early January--and I have been down to the border and talked to this team since then, a cartel, a Mexican cartel put out a hit on Cochise County sheriffs' deputies--two of them--because they are on the border team. There is a small border team down there. They are very effective. They had a hit put on them by a cartel. prgtoken So what happens? What happens? prgtoken Why is the administration ignoring this crisis? prgtoken Let's take a look at something else. In September of last year I said: How many unaccompanied children have been brought into the country? prgtoken One hundred ten thousand roughly. prgtoken They finally responded to a series of questions I had just this week. prgtoken They said: We have lost contact with 20,000 of those children. prgtoken They basically have lost 20,000 unaccompanied children. prgtoken This is the border under President . prgtoken Now, in Cochise County, 82 miles, a remote border crossing area, between the Border Patrol and the Cochise County Sheriff's Office, about 16,000 illegal immigrants are detected every month in a huge, huge county. Two years ago the county recorded an average of 4 to 500 illegal aliens per month. Let's give it to you more starkly, Madam : under the policies, we slowed down illegal immigration. Under the policies, we went from 4 to 500 people a month in this massive coun
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES RELATING TO ``MEDICARE AND MEDICAID...
Deb Fischer (Republican, NE) \u2014 2022-3-2

the Ukrainian people have captured the hearts of freedom-loving men and women around the world since Putin launched his unprovoked invasion of their homeland last week. prgtoken Even as we speak, they are still under attack, not just in the capital of Kyiv but in cities all across Ukraine. The images coming out of Ukraine are truly heartbreaking: newborn babies in need of intensive care, kindergarten buildings and apartment complexes being shelled indiscriminately, and tearful goodbyes between loved ones. prgtoken Putin's invasion has caused Europe's largest refugee crisis this century. According to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, nearly 900,000 Ukrainians have fled to neighboring countries so far, but many of the other images we have seen show inspiring courage. Citizens of EU countries have welcomed their Ukrainian neighbors with open arms. Regular, everyday men and women--teachers and software engineers and moms and dads--have taken up arms to defend their country and their loved ones. President Zelenskyy has chosen to remain in Ukraine when he could have fled, refusing to desert his people in their darkest hour. prgtoken The English writer G.K. Chesterton once said: The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him. prgtoken I can't think of a better way to describe this conflict. prgtoken The Russians are fighting to fulfill Putin's imperial ambitions. The Ukrainians are fighting to protect their families, their democracy, and everything that they hold dear. That may be their greatest advantage as they, God willing, continue to hold out in the coming days. prgtoken Responsibility for this horrific invasion lies squarely with Putin. Leading up to this crisis, President and our allies offered Russia every opportunity to choose deescalation and peace. Instead, Putin chose to use diplomacy as a smokescreen, buying time while he prepared for war. prgtoken In a deliberate message of contempt for the international community, Putin ordered the attack to begin prgtoken while the U.N. Security Council was meeting to discuss Russia's buildup on the Ukrainian border. Here is a glimpse into how little power organizations like the U.N. have in moments of crisis like this: During this meeting on what to do about Russia's coming invasion, the Russian Ambassador was presiding. prgtoken Innocent Ukrainians as young as 6 years old are being killed because one man fancies himself the next Joseph Stalin. Because of one man's desire to restore the borders of the Soviet Union, the fundamental principles of security in Europe are in peril. prgtoken In response to this invasion, President has announced new sanctions against Russia. These measures will affect 2 of Russia's largest banks--Sberbank and VTB--as well as 45 of their subsidiaries. The administration is also imposing sanctions against several other Russian financial inst
SECURE THE BORDER
John W. Rose (Republican, TN) \u2014 2022-3-2

. Madam , I was shocked when President said ``we need to secure the border'' during his State of the Union address. In his first year in office, over 2 million illegal immigrants were apprehended at the southern border, deportations decreased by 70 percent, and 11,000 migrants were arrested who had previous criminal convictions. prgtoken Actions speak louder than words, and when Mr. halted construction of President 's border wall and attempted to reverse the remain in Mexico policy, we knew that he didn't want to secure the border. The administration's open border policies put immense strain on law enforcement as they work to combat the fentanyl crisis wreaking havoc on our communities. prgtoken In fact, Cumberland County, Tennessee, Sheriff Casey Cox recently took a trip to the southern border to gain a better understanding of the issue after a local 18-year-old woman died of a fentanyl overdose. Much like on my own trips to the border, Sheriff Cox observed how understaffed and ill-prepared we are to face the crisis under the administration. prgtoken Madam , I urge the President to back up his words with action and do what he said: secure the border.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES RELATING TO ``MEDICARE AND MEDICAID...
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2022-3-2

first, I want to thank my colleague who just spoke about some really important issues. prgtoken Senator Grassley from Iowa talked about the fentanyl crisis that is facing our country. Unfortunately, this synthetic opioid is now killing more and more Americans. We are back to record levels of overdose deaths, and probably two-thirds of them are caused by fentanyl. prgtoken He is absolutely right. We need to be sure it is scheduled clearly as an illegal drug, as well as all the variants of it. Strengthening American Cybersecurity Act of 2022 prgtoken , I am coming on the floor today to talk about another issue that is really important to our country, and that is protecting us from cyber attacks. prgtoken Last night, I commend this body because the U.S. Senate passed legislation called the Strengthening American Cybersecurity Act of 2022. prgtoken What does that mean? It means that we took the time to do our homework, had hearings, and reported out legislation that helps protect our government data, including personal data of American citizens, but also our national security data and other sensitive information from cyber attacks. prgtoken Also, we put in place provisions to help protect the private sector, particularly critical infrastructure. prgtoken With what is going on right now around the world, particularly with regard to Russia and Ukraine, it is incredibly important that we put up better defenses here in this country, as well as helping Ukraine and other countries to fight against these cyber attacks. prgtoken In recent years, we have seen this time and time again. I am sure you remember the Colonial Pipeline. Remember, they shut down gasoline distribution to the eastern part of the United States. These were cyber attacks. prgtoken You probably heard of some of these other cyber attacks, like SolarWinds or ones where these criminal gangs demand a ransom using so- called ransomware. This is happening increasingly. prgtoken Again, my concern is, particularly with what is going on today in our volatile and dangerous world, that it will continue to happen and even become much more dangerous for us. prgtoken The House of Representatives now has a chance to take up this legislation and pass it. They have been working with us on this all along on a bicameral basis, the House and the Senate, and . This hasn't been a partisan issue. It has been one of these issues where we have worked together. prgtoken Senator Peters, who is the chair of the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee--I am the ranking , top --we have worked together on this, but so did a lot of other members across the aisle. prgtoken Senator Rubio and Senator Warner, Senator Collins, and others, they vitally represent the Intelligence Committee, which also has a strong interest in this. prgtoken In my role as the ranking member on Homeland Security, we spend a lot of
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES RELATING TO ``MEDICARE AND MEDICAID...
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-3-2

last night, of course, we all listened to President 's prime-time opportunity to explain what his administration is doing to address the many challenges that our Nation is facing. prgtoken Here at home, we know family budgets are being plundered by the worst inflation in four decades. We are paying higher prices for everything from food to gasoline. We also know that there have been spikes in violent crime that have created public safety concerns in communities across the country. After a year of hearing folks on the ic side of the aisle, the progressive base of the ic Party, calling for defunding the police, it was welcome to hear the President say last night that we should fund the police. It is long overdue. prgtoken Of course, there is the humanitarian crisis at the southern border. As I have said before, Texas has 1,200 miles of common border with Mexico, and, of course, we have seen records shattered month after month of people coming across the border, claiming asylum, and then being placed by U.S. authorities into the interior of the United States, given a notice to appear for a future court hearing, which, in all likelihood, will never occur. prgtoken The human smugglers and drug cartels have figured out the weaknesses in our own laws and policies, and they are exploiting them, to the detriment of the American people. prgtoken On drugs alone, 100,000 Americans died of drug overdoses last year, the overwhelming amount of which those drugs came across the southern border into the United States. And the cartels are smart. They figured out that if you flood the border with people, that is going to take the Border Patrol off the frontlines, and here come the drug cartels moving their poison across the border. prgtoken Of course, the trials we are facing now abroad are not any easier. The precipitous withdrawal from Afghanistan without any kind of warning or consultation with our NATO allies has caused the world to doubt the future of American leadership, and then the Chinese Communist Party over in the People's Republic of China continues to commit genocide against the Uighurs and threaten attacks against a democratic Taiwan. prgtoken Of course, very much on our minds today is the fact that Vladimir Putin is attempting to seize a sovereign nation and redraw the maps of Europe and testing the resolve of the United States and other democracies around the world. prgtoken I, of course, like many, attended the President's address last night and listened closely as he spoke about each of these challenges, beginning with the conflict--or I should say war--in Ukraine. prgtoken When it comes to Russia, our allies are not strong enough on their own to deter Vladimir Putin or the Russian Federation. They are looking to the United States as part of NATO--the North Atlantic Treaty Organization--for leadership. prgtoken I was pleased to hear President deliver a clear message to the
SUPPORTING THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE
Michael T. McCaul (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-3-2

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , let me just thank Chairman Meeks for his leadership. This is really a historic time, not for only this Nation, but the world, for Ukraine. It is a time when we come together, not as s or , but as Americans in strong support of the people of Ukraine. prgtoken I also want to thank Congresswoman Victoria Spartz, who is from Ukraine, who knows this story firsthand, and who very passionately has told her story about what it means, a country that has endured Hitler, a country that has endured Stalin, and now a country that is enduring Mr. Putin and Russian aggression. prgtoken As we stand here, Ukrainians are fighting for their country and for their very lives. Vladimir Putin has launched the largest attack in Europe since World War II. prgtoken His war machine has unleashed a brutal barrage of missiles and rockets on innocent Ukrainian civilians. In fact, there are 40 miles just north of Kyiv of tanks and military weaponry that is getting ready to go in and encircle the capital city. prgtoken But the people of Ukraine are inspiring the world with their bravery in the face of this, of Putin's evil and unprovoked attack. Fathers and mothers, teachers and shop owners, taxi drivers and students are all taking up arms, making Molotov cocktails, joining Ukrainian soldiers to defend their country. prgtoken They are standing in front of the tanks, standing in front of the tanks. I have seen a child standing in front of a tank just like Tiananmen Square and the images coming out that are sent around the world so we can all witness this, this war against humanity and human rights, war crimes. prgtoken They are risking their lives to fight for freedom, and that is what this Nation stands for, freedom and democracy. prgtoken Despite the terror inflicted upon them by Putin's bombs and rockets, the Ukrainian people have courageously refused to relent. Vladimir Putin has underestimated them. He has underestimated their strength and their bravery. The resiliency of the Ukrainian people has been an inspiration, really, for the world. prgtoken We were told in our briefings, well, this will last 2 or 3 days, but they have stood up. Putin needs to understand that he has miscalculated, and this will cost him a very, very high price. He has underestimated the strength and bravery to his own peril. prgtoken So I am pleased that we are able to come together, not as s or , as I said, but really, as Americans, as we should, to express and send a strong message in support of the people of Ukraine and against this tyrant and this monster who is savagely killing civilians, as I speak. prgtoken We have all seen the images of the women and the children and the refugees as they leave their fathers and husbands behind who are left to fight this war. prgtoken This resolution really does one thing: to tell the world in one united voice that the United States
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2022-3-2

last night, President delivered his prgtoken State of the Union Address. While the President tried to put a positive spin on things, the truth of the matter is the United States is not thriving under ic control. prgtoken On the economic front, of course, Americans are struggling under the burden of the worst inflation in 40 years. There are Americans raising families today who had not yet been born the last time inflation was this bad. prgtoken Under ic control, Americans have seen their standard of living decline as they face massive increases in the price of basic necessities from groceries to gas. Inflation is so bad that despite wage increases in 2021, Americans saw a de facto pay cut. After months of ignoring soaring inflation numbers, the President and congressional have at last been forced to start talking about inflation. prgtoken Unfortunately, it has become clear they still don't understand why this inflation disaster happened and how their massive government spending spree--the so-called American Rescue Plan Act--helped create this crisis. ``The American Rescue Plan helped working people--and left no one behind,'' the President said in his speech last night. ``It worked.'' ``It worked,'' he said. If President believes that, I have some oceanfront property in South Dakota to sell him. prgtoken The truth of the matter is that working Americans are struggling right now in large part due to the American Rescue Plan. The American Rescue Plan Act was not a targeted COVID relief bill. It was a massive, unnecessary spending spree that sent too much government money into the economy, and, predictably, the economy overheated as a result. prgtoken I am glad that are starting to acknowledge our inflation crisis, but it would be nice to see them recognize how it actually came about and commit to not repeating their mistakes in the future. prgtoken Inflation is not the only domestic crisis that we have been facing on ' watch. Our Nation is also experiencing a border crisis that has resulted in a security, enforcement, and humanitarian nightmare. Almost from the day the President took office, we have seen a massive surge in attempted illegal immigration across our southern border, and there is no end in sight. prgtoken In January, the Border Patrol encountered more than 150,000 individuals illegally trying to cross our southern border, the highest January number in more than 20 years. These numbers, of course, only reflect individuals the Border Patrol has been able to apprehend. A Department of Homeland Security official recently stated that more than 200,000 individuals have successfully evaded apprehension since October and have disappeared--disappeared--into our country, more than 200,000 individuals. It is not surprising. The Border Patrol is stretched thin and lacks sufficient resources to deal with this never-ending border surge. But it is
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES RELATING TO ``MEDICARE AND MEDICAID...
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2022-3-2

obviously, the images coming out of Ukraine and the heroism that we are seeing is inspiring people all across America, all across the world, and it is spurring governments to action, appropriate action. prgtoken Just the other day, there was a world leader in charge of one of the world's most important countries who was spurred to action. Despite his country and his government having a leftwing leaning, he made announcements--historic, remarkable announcements--that not only stunned his country but stunned his world about the importance of a strong defense, military defense, about the importance of being realistic about energy policies. No, I am not talking about President , unfortunately. I am going to get to that. He missed a huge opportunity to do just that. I am talking about the world leader German Chancellor Olaf Scholz who in the last 2 days has said Germany, because of the current crisis, is going to almost double its defense budget to achieve its 2 percent GDP portion of national defense within the next year or two--a huge, stunning announcement by the Chancellor. prgtoken A country that is addicted to Russian natural gas is now saying we are not going to have any and we are going to stop the Nord Stream 2 gas line--a huge, stunning announcement. That is global leadership. prgtoken And, unfortunately, President missed the opportunity last night at the State of the Union to do exactly the same on exactly the same issues. prgtoken Let me talk about this a little bit more. I think we are starting to fully understand the implications as a nation and as a world of what is happening in Ukraine. We have entered a new era of authoritarian aggression, led by Russia's and China's dictators who are increasingly isolated and dangerous, who are driven by historical grievances, who are paranoid about their democratic neighbors and are willing to use military force and other aggressive actions to crush the citizens in countries like Ukraine and Hong Kong and Taiwan. prgtoken These dangerous dictators--Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping--are increasingly working together to put forward and implement their vision for the world: spheres of influence that revolve around them. prgtoken If you saw and read, they joint communicated just a few weeks ago before the Beijing Olympics, Xi Jinping and Putin. It is a wake-up call to the world. It is a scary, darn document. That is what is happening. prgtoken Again, we need to wake up; this administration needs to wake up to this new era of authoritarian aggression because it is going to be with us, unfortunately, in my view, for years, if not decades. prgtoken The President had the opportunity to do what the Chancellor of Germany did in the last few days, and he didn't. My view of this situation is that we need to face it as a country with strategic resolve and confidence and recognize that our country has extraordinary advantages, particularly relative to China