mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Lindsey Graham (Republican, SC) \u2014 2024-4-17

. OK. So you can be impeached for lying under oath in a civil lawsuit, but apparently you can't be impeached for lying to Congress about how you do your job. prgtoken So here is what I--I will give Senator Schumer the benefit of the doubt, Senator Kennedy. He is saying that the fact pattern here apparently doesn't rise to the level of high crime or misdemeanor; that it is a policy disagreement. We have taken a policy disagreement in the House and tried to turn it into impeachment. prgtoken Well, here is a question for you, Senator Lee. Are you aware of the fact that 2 days ago--2 days ago--Secretary Mayorkas was asked about the parole of the man alleged to have killed Laken Riley, Mr. Ibarra: Why was he paroled and how was he paroled? prgtoken Under the parole statute, 212(d)(5), there are two ways parole can be granted: unique humanitarian need circumstances. Your mother is dying. Something is going on bad. You need to get into the country on a temporary basis. Or a special benefit to the United States--that means you are a witness in, probably, a cartel trial. Those are the only two reasons you can be paroled. prgtoken And 2 days ago--no, yesterday--Secretary Mayorkas said he did not know why Mr. Ibarra was paroled. Which one of the two was it? This was a question from Congressman Bishop. He said: I didn't know. prgtoken At the same time he said, I didn't know, I had the file, and it says: Subject was paroled due to detention capacity at the Central Processing Center in El Paso, TX. In the file, he was prgtoken paroled because they didn't have any space for him. prgtoken Senator Schumer, this is illegal. The Secretary of Homeland Security cannot just add a condition to the statute. The statute doesn't allow you to give parole because you are full. And the reason this man was given parole is not because of the statutory requirements, but because we had run out of space, because we have got more illegal immigrants than we can handle. prgtoken And the rest is history. He gets paroled. He goes to New York. He gets convicted of a crime. He goes to Georgia, and he is accused of murdering this lady. prgtoken It seems to me that would be something we should argue over, as to whether or not you should lose your job because you have got a statutory requirement limiting your authority to parole people, and in your own file, exhibit A, you paroled him because the place was full. prgtoken This happened 2 days ago. So this gives kangaroo courts a bad name. This is a frigging joke. prgtoken We have a nation under siege 1.9 million people have been paroled. Are you telling me they do an individual analysis on all the people? prgtoken In November 2023, I asked him: Secretary Mayorkas, do you do a case- by-case analysis? prgtoken Senator, we comply with the law. prgtoken So you are telling me that for all of the 240,000--the ones in front of us--you determined that they meet the criteria of urgent humanitarian need or sign
AN EMBATTLED ISRAEL AND A BELEAGUERED UKRAINE
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2024-4-17

I would remind the previous speaker of the bipartisan bill from the Senate, which does, in fact, deal with the critical issue she raised. The leadership of the Party has refused to take up that bill. prgtoken However, there is a more important issue that confronts this House that we should have acted on days, weeks, months ago. That is the security of the global community, the sanctity of international law, and the saving of the sovereignty of Ukraine. prgtoken , I rise today on behalf of an embattled Israel and a beleaguered Ukraine and apprehensive allies around the world. prgtoken A month ago, Johnson said: ``No one wants Vladimir Putin to prevail. I am of the opinion that he wouldn't stop in Ukraine. If he was allowed, he'd go through all the way through Europe.'' prgtoken The said: ``There is a right and wrong there--a good versus evil, in my view. And Ukraine is the victim here. They were invaded. We stand with good.'' prgtoken The went on to say: ``I understand the timetable and I understand the necessity of the urgency of the funding.'' prgtoken Yet, we twiddle our thumbs without any paper on this floor as to how we are going to affect the urgent end of which the spoke. prgtoken Johnson then said on April 16: ``We need steady leadership. We need steady hands on the wheel. Look, I regard myself as a wartime .'' prgtoken If the regards himself as that, Johnson must act now. There is no time for delay. There is no time for political chaos to impede our aid to Ukraine. prgtoken Clearly, we are not acting urgently. If we did, we would have allowed us to pass the Senate national security bill a long time ago. Putin has to be happy with the failure to bring the Senate bill to the floor. It must look like ``Gulliver's Travels'' with the little people in America, the Lilliputians who are in our midst tying down America's ability to respond. prgtoken We have seen the consequences of House inaction. Over the weekend, Iran made an unprecedented attack on Israel, launching roughly 350 drones and missiles at targets across the country. They see an unresolved United States, although Israel shot down nearly all of them with the support of America. prgtoken God bless President and our allies. The audacity and breadth of Iran's attack ought to concern us all as Americans and as global citizens. prgtoken In Ukraine, we have allowed our allies to run so low on ammunition that their air defenses cannot fend off similar air attacks. Shame on America. Shame on this House. prgtoken Indeed, Iran supplies Putin with the same drones and missiles to strike Ukrainian cities. Meanwhile, Ukraine's soldiers are so starved for ammunition that they wade into swamps in search of abandoned Russian artillery shells they can reuse. That is how committed they are to winning this war, and that is how desperate they are for our aid. This Congress has failed to provide it for them for 473 days. prgtoken The world watch
RECOGNIZING JAZMIN SALAZAR
Brittany Pettersen (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2024-4-17

I rise today to recognize Jazmin Salazar for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. prgtoken Jazmin has overcome many challenges along her journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Jazmin, develop crucial skills and a work eithic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Jazmin's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Arvada High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. prgtoken It is my honor to congratulate Jazmin Salazar on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.
Introductory Statement on S. 4151
Alex Padilla (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-4-17

I rise to introduce the Fusion Energy Act of 2024, which will accelerate the development of commercial fusion energy by codifying the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's regulatory authority. prgtoken As a former engineer, I have long been a strong supporter of fusion research and development. The critical investments that our country has made over nearly six decades in the Department of Energy's National Laboratory System have led to incredible fusion discoveries. In December 2022, in my home State of California, Lawrence Livermore National Labnatory became the first facility in the world to demonstrate fusion ignition. As good engineers do, they of course repeated their experiment--achieving ignition at least three times. prgtoken This bill would ensure that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has the clear statutory authority it needs to provide a stable regulatory environment, streamline the creation of commercial facilities, and support the development of American fusion energy. prgtoken Fusion reactions are at the heart of our very universe. In stars like our own Sun, small atoms like hydrogen combine together into larger ones like helium and release energy. If we can unlock these types of reactions in a commercial facility, we would gain access to a nearly unlimited, clean, safe, reliable, and carbon-free source of electricity for the entire Nation. prgtoken That is why Congress must do everything in its power to ensure continued U.S. leadership in developing commercial fusion energy facilities. The Fusion Energy Act would provide regulatory certainty for investors as the NRC develops and streamlines frameworks for such facilities. prgtoken I want to thank Representative Lori Trahan of Massachusetts for leading the House companion. I hope all of our colleagues will join us in supporting this bill to advance the future of clean energy through the science of fusion.
MORNING BUSINESS
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-4-17

May 1 will mark the beginning of Older Americans Month, a time to honor the many contributions our seniors make to our communities. In honor of Older Americans Month, I would like to congratulate Illinois' 13 area agencies on aging--AAAs--on 50 years of service to Illinois seniors. prgtoken As the saying goes: With age, comes wisdom. But living a long, full life also means facing life's many changes, challenges, and uncertainties. Let me take you back to 1965. Thanks to modern medicine and science, Americans were living longer than ever before. Every 20 seconds, an American was turning 65. But that progress exposed a lack of support for the needs of the older population. While more Americans were living longer, many were living their Golden Years in poverty, alone, and without the services and care they needed. They had nowhere else to turn. prgtoken At this same time, President Lyndon B. Johnson was pursuing an ambitious agenda of domestic policies aimed at eliminating poverty and racial injustice, his ``Great Society.'' Recognizing our ``nation's sense of responsibility toward the well-being of our older citizens,'' President Johnson signed the Older Americans Act--OAA--on July 14, 1965. This legislation paved the way for the creation of a nationwide network of area agencies on aging--AAA--that would support the health, social, and economic well-being of older people and their caregivers. prgtoken In accordance with the OAA, Illinois has 13 AAAs that offer services in all 102 counties in Illinois. For the past 50 years, they have served as a backbone of Illinois' senior services, helping develop aging services in local communities across Illinois. From addressing the health needs of older adults, to providing nutrition, transportation, legal assistance, benefit enrollment, and in-home services, Illinois' AAAs help older Americans thrive in their homes and communities. In 2023 alone, Illinois' AAAs served more than half a million adults over the age of 60. prgtoken Currently, around 18 percent of the U.S. population is 65 and older. And by 2054, that number is estimated to jump to 23 percent. So these services do not just benefit older Americans; they prgtoken strengthen our communities as a whole. For example, AAAs provide services for grandparents tasked with the precious task of caring for their grandchildren. And during the darkest days of the pandemic, AAAs rose to the occasion to deliver meals, vaccines, and programming that saved lives. These unsung heroes make sure that older adults have the medical support they need to prevent falls, manage chronic diseases, and remain as healthy as possible. prgtoken I have called on AAAs in Illinois as I crafted, and ultimately passed, legislation in 2020 to bolster family caregiver supports through the network of AAAs. My legislation increased funding for AAAs to deliver caregiver respite care, training, and counseling, and enabled AAAs to partne
OPPOSING H.R. 6603 AND H.R. 5826
Joaquin Castro (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2024-4-17

I rise concerning my votes on H.R. 6603 and H.R. 5826 on April 16, 2024. prgtoken With regard to H.R. 6603, I fully support the use of the Foreign Direct Product Rule to restrict Iran's ability to develop weapons technologies, especially technologies used by Iran for its April 2024 attack on Israel. However, H.R. 6603 would represent a counterproductive restriction of the flexibility that has enabled the Commerce Department to effectively restrict Iran's access to materials and technology that can be used to produce drones and missiles. While I have no concerns about expanding the application of the Foreign Direct Product Rule to include the additional categories enumerated within the bill, I believe this expansion must be done in coordination with U.S. partners to avoid creating an outcome that hurts our allies without addressing Iranian proliferation. This bill would threaten relationships with key partners, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and others that have allowed the United States to effectively counter malign actions by the Iranian government and I voted no as a result. prgtoken With regard to H.R. 5826, I voted no out of concern that Section 8 of the bill could result in reciprocal actions from Iran to restrict the travel of Iranians to the United States--preventing asylum-seekers and others from escaping Iran's authoritarian government. The bill would additionally prevent thousands of Iranian Americans from being able to visit family in Iran and similarly restrict visas by journalists, educators, and other visitors who contribute to positive connections between the people of Iran and the outside world. I also oppose provisions in Section 6 of H.R. 5826 that would break with decades of diplomatic precedent and undermine U.S. capacity to negotiate with Iran by restricting how Iranian government officials can travel to the United States to attend meetings at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.
IRAN SANCTIONS RELIEF REVIEW ACT OF 2023
Gregory W. Meeks (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-4-17

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 4691. prgtoken As I have explained during committee consideration, I have serious concerns about what this bill means to the overall practice of American foreign policy and, therefore, must oppose it. prgtoken Some think that diplomacy is weak and that the only way you show strength is to go to war. We have heard from generals that if war was the only option that we had on the table, it would cost us much more in bullets and armor, and that diplomacy helps deter military. prgtoken In fact, I would say it is strength. Anybody can say I am going to fight. It is strength in trying to negotiate, in dealing with diplomacy. If that should fail, going to war should be your last alternative. prgtoken Diplomacy and people in the State Department who exercise it are absolutely essential. It brings others with us so we are not out there by ourselves but working in a multilateral way. prgtoken It is hard for any Member, particularly me as a ranking member, to be opposed to a bill that is meant to increase congressional oversight of sensitive foreign policy issues. However, in the specific case of this bill as drafted, were it to be signed into law, I believe it would damage America's ability to conduct effective diplomacy. prgtoken Here is why. When dealing with our enemies, a strong diplomatic corps and a strong military are both necessary to achieve our goals. In the specific case of Iran, they can clearly see from our consistent joint military exercises, regional deployments, and last weekend's missile defense that we mean business. prgtoken Our diplomatic efforts have also proven very effective. Case in point was the successful implementation of the JCPOA, which verifiably cut off all pathways to an Iranian bomb. The dangerous nuclear moment we now find ourselves in, where Iran has stockpiled highly enriched uranium and is limiting the access of inspectors is the direct result of the shortsighted cancellation of that diplomatic agreement. The Iranian nuclear threat has never been more dangerous than it is right now. prgtoken Again, when we had the JCPOA, working in a multilateral way with our other allies, and even at that point, two who are not allies, and when you speak to most individuals, IAEA included, who had eyes on what was taking place in Iran, once we pulled out and stopped using diplomacy, they have no eyes now, which is why Iran is more dangerous today than it was when they were in this agreement. prgtoken The United States must keep diplomacy on the table as a tool to address the Iranian threat. If this proposed bill is set into law, Iranian negotiators will know and allied negotiators will know that the executive branch officials in the negotiation room cannot independently make decisions. Our negotiators will be at an acute disadvantage. Other parties, friend or foe, will know any adjustment in sanctions implementa
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF SIGNS OF HOPE
Catherine Cortez Masto (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2024-4-17

today I rise to recognize the anniversary of a critical victim service provider in southern Nevada, Signs of HOPE. For 50 years, Signs of HOPE has provided essential resources and support to survivors of sexual exploitation and violence throughout the region. prgtoken In 1974, Signs of HOPE was founded in Las Vegas under the name of Community Action Against Rape by Florence McClure and Sandra Petta. Ms. McClure originally operated the nonprofit out of her home with the goal of helping individuals impacted by sexual violence and trafficking to recover and heal. With this guiding purpose, Signs of HOPE has remained committed to ending sexual violence in the Las Vegas Valley for the last five decades. prgtoken Signs of HOPE provides survivors and their loved ones with long-term advocates who assist them in managing and navigating every step of their recovery. The advocates also support victims with holistic, professional counseling resources. prgtoken The organization also has made strides to eradicate human trafficking with their Resources and Integration for Survivor Empowerment-- R.I.S.E.--program. The R.I.S.E. program delivers crucial victim- centered services including assistance obtaining medical care, counseling, court accompaniment, relocation and safety planning, job training, coordination with law enforcement and legal assistance, and much more. prgtoken Outside of their victim services, Signs of HOPE offers training and awareness programs to educate and empower the community to end sexual violence. Their work focuses on changing the behaviors and stigmas associated with sexual violence and trafficking throughout Clark County. prgtoken Recently, under the leadership of CEO Kimberly Small, Signs of HOPE has partnered with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department to assist victims when Las Vegas hosted the Super Bowl and the Formula 1 Grand Prix. With their 24/7 crisis hotlines and the R.I.S.E. program, Signs of HOPE identified human trafficking victims and is continuing to provide them with intensive services. prgtoken The staff, volunteers, and partners of Signs of HOPE have worked tirelessly to serve southern Nevada. Without their dedication, many survivors would go unheard and unaided. I am proud of the work that Signs of HOPE has done for the past 50 years, and I look forward to their continued efforts and service for generations to come/ survivors.
TRIAL OF ALEJANDRO NICHOLAS MAYORKAS, SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2024-4-17

. I do. prgtoken At this time, I will administer the oath to all Senators in the Chamber in conformance with article I, section 3, clause 6 of the Constitution and the Senate's impeachment rules. prgtoken Will all Senators now stand and raise their right hands. prgtoken Do you solemnly swear that in all things appertaining to the trial of the impeachment of Alejandro N. Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, now pending, you will do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws, so help you God? prgtoken SENATORS. I do.
RECOGNIZING ORLANDO
Maxwell Frost (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2024-4-17

I rise today to honor Winter Park's new mayor, Sheila DeCiccio. prgtoken Winter Park is a historic and unique community in my district filled with charm and beauty that attracts new visitors but has fostered a deep sense of community for many of central Florida's residents. prgtoken Mayor DeCiccio is a longtime Winter Park resident and has always put her community first by volunteering, sitting on the city's board of commissioners, and now will be serving as the city of Winter Park's first woman to be mayor. prgtoken Winter Park faces unique challenges--responsible growth, affordable housing, and infrastructure improvements. But Mayor DeCiccio's deep roots in the community and her passion to tackle these challenges with prgtoken her community's best interests at heart will ensure that she and the city of Winter Park are successful. prgtoken I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mayor DeCiccio, and I am eager to work alongside her to work for and with the people of Winter Park.
CONGRATULATING JAYLYNNE CALDERON-MONTERROSO, RECIPIENT OF THE GATES SCHOLARSHIP
Hillary J. Scholten (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-4-17

I rise today to recognize the incredible work of Jaylynne Calderon-Monterroso from Michigan's Third Congressional District. Jaylynne, a senior at Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy, is one of 750 high school students from across the country to receive the prestigious Gates Scholarship, which fully covers all educational expenses throughout recipients' undergraduate careers. This highly selective scholarship is awarded to minority students from low-income households, with 48 states being represented in this year's cohort. prgtoken Graduating with a 4.35 grade point average, Jaylynne has been a shining example of academic and merit based excellence for her West Michigan friends and colleagues. Along with being valedictorian and president of the senior executive board for University Preparatory Academy, she has also served on the Mayor's Youth Council and is a member of the National Honor Society. prgtoken When asked about Jaylynne, Principal Kenyatta Hill-Hall said, ``I know that she's impacted our community and the Grand Rapids community, but I'm telling people they need to watch out, because this girl is going to impact prgtoken this world''. And impact the world, she will. Jaylynne has been a fearless leader and advocate for her fellow students, initiating the creation of a mental health room at her high school that allows students and faculty to have a safe space to de-stress from school. prgtoken On behalf of myself and our proud West Michigan community, I applaud Jaylynne for her hard work and cheer her on as she embarks on her college career at the University of Notre Dame, studying pre-law and economics as a first-generation college student. There is no doubt that her future is bright and that she will go on to become an influential changemaker, making West Michigan proud.