mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN MEMORY OF LIEUTENANT FRED BEERS
Teresa Leger Fernandez (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2024-1-16

I rise today to recognize Lieutenant Fred Beers for his service to the people of San Miguel and Mora Counties during the East Mesa Fire. prgtoken Bernalillo County Sheriffs Department Lieutenant Fred Beers, Undersheriff Larry Koren, and Deputy Sheriff Michael Levison were killed when the agency's helicopter, Metro 2, crashed near Las Vegas, New Mexico. Rescue Specialist Matthew King of the Bernalillo County Fire Department was also killed in the crash. prgtoken Lt. Beers joined the Bernalillo County Sheriffs office in 2009. During his time there, he served in many roles, including in the metropolitan air support unit, field services, CSI, SVU, violent crimes, the honor guard, and several other units within the Sheriffs Office. prgtoken Lt. Beers passionately believed in the importance of the honor guard. Fred visited all over the state to ensure that every fallen officer was recognized and given proper honors. Often, on his own time, he would travel all over the country to honor fallen officers in other states. Every June, for over the last 10 years, Lt. Beers and other law enforcement officers hiked to the summit of the tallest peak in New Mexico in honor of fallen first responders. prgtoken Fred was an avid marathoner and even ran the Boston Marathon. He would run over 100 miles a week to keep both physically fit and mentally clear. Lt. Beers was passionate about living a life of service. He served in the United States Air Force as well as in his community as a track and cross-country coach, a Boy Scout leader, a civil air patrol officer, and a volunteer for the Special Olympics. prgtoken Fred believed in the importance of family. He had many roles in life, but the ones most important to him were husband, father, son, and big brother. prgtoken I didn't know Fred personally. But his life has had a profound impact on mine and the communities I serve. prgtoken I represent the Third Congressional District, which includes San Miguel and Mora Counties. I grew up on the east side of the Sangre De Cristos. Las Vegas and the surrounding area are where I spent my youth. Over the last year, I have seen my communities devastated by fire and the landscapes washed away by flood. prgtoken These once beautiful lands are where we lost Fred and his colleagues. Each of these men selflessly answered the call to protect the land, the people, and the homes so far from their own. I am devastated by the loss of these men but inspired by their service and their sacrifice. prgtoken In this sea of grief where we now find ourselves, let's remember they will not be forgotten up north where they breathed their last breath. prgtoken The places they protected will hold their love and whisper it in our ears as breezes flow through the plains and mountain valleys. May Fred's memory be a blessing. May his service be an inspiration of love in action. prgtoken Sacrifice and heroism are cornerstones of America's history, and Lt. Beers' will never be
HONORING THE LIFE OF DENZEL BIMPEY
Ritchie Torres (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-1-16

Denzel Bimpey was a beacon of joy and positivity in the lives of those around him. His contagious smile, warm spirit, and unwavering kindness touched everyone he encountered. He was a devoted brother, a cherished son, a beloved cousin, and a dear friend to many. His laughter filled rooms and his presence brought light to the darkest of days. prgtoken Denzel's brothers referred to him as the star of the family. He was filled with charisma and this personality went perfectly with his wonderful sense of humor, making him an absolute joy to be around. He loved his family just as much as they loved him. prgtoken His sister's words encapsulate how important Denzel was to those around him, ``Denzel's light in my life was an emotional masterpiece. He, among my four protectors, stood as a pure-headed soldier, radiating affection in a beautifully unique way. Denzel's sensitivity to emotions, his lack of grudges, and absence of envy made him profoundly special. He was the luminous star in my life, my baby brother, my best friend, my love--the very pulse of my being. May your journey lead you to our ancestors and the heavenly embrace.'' prgtoken His spirit will live on through the love of his family and his community.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2024-1-16

I rise today to commemorate Religious Freedom Day, recognized by Presidential proclamation since 1993. The day is timed to honor the passage of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom on January 16, 1786. This statute became the basis of the First Amendment's protection of religious freedom for all Americans. prgtoken I was inspired to offer these thoughts by the moving address on anti- Semitism delivered in this Chamber by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer a few weeks ago. His powerful comments addressed the fears felt today by so many Jewish Americans, the connection between those fears and the tragic global history of anti-Semitism, and how Americans can come together to reject religious bigotry against Jews. prgtoken As a person who takes my own Catholic faith seriously, it is important to listen to those who feel discriminated against due to their religion. During our history, Catholics have often been targeted by groups like the Ku Klux Klan. I am fortunate to say that I have never faced anti-Catholic bigotry, but those who haven't faced religious discrimination need to be sensitive to the real fears of those who face it every day. All of us are God's children--brothers and sisters meant to dwell together in unity. prgtoken The final part of Senator Schumer's address regarding what we can do as Americans to reject anti-Semitism or any discrimination based on religious beliefs reminded me of the principles imbedded in the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, and I am convinced that part of the solution to the rise in anti-Semitism is to go back to first principles and remind ourselves of the values that we have long proclaimed as Americans. prgtoken The Virginia statute was first drafted by Thomas Jefferson in 1777. Its purpose was simple and powerful--to declare that a person could freely choose whether and how to worship and would neither be preferred nor punished for that choice. This was at stark odds with prevailing English practice, in which the Church of England was the state- sponsored church, and other Christian sects and non-Christian religions were discouraged, punished, or outlawed. Official discrimination against Jews in English law persisted well into the 19th century, and life in the American Colonies of England before the Revolutionary War showed the continuation of this preferential treatment for certain religious practices over others. prgtoken The operative clause of the Virginia statute is as follows: [N]o man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burthened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to protest, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge, or affec
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-1-16

I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Warren Symphony Orchestra located in Macomb County, MI. Founded in 1972, the Warren Symphony Orchestra and its musicians have worked to provide cultural enrichment, entertainment, and youth education to the Macomb community by supporting and advancing a local orchestra of professional quality. What began as a small project aimed at replacing the Warren Consolidates Schools string program has grown over the past 50 years into thriving arts and culture destination for residents of Warren and Macomb County. prgtoken The Warren Symphony Orchestra--WSO--opened its first season in 1973- 1974, playing their first concert on May 5, 1974. Over the next decade, the WSO benefited from growing community support, hosting concerts such as ``Music of the 20s'' and ``A Salute to Poland in April,'' the latter of which celebrated the history of the Polish community in the city of Warren. In this period, the WSO also began to form traditions, including a series of concerts performed by the WSO at the St. Dorothy Church in Warren, the beginning of yearly youth concerts, and General Motors sponsoring the WSO's opening night. By 1979, subscriptions to the Warren Symphony Orchestra had increased by over 143 percent and the WSO began to gain acclaim. The spring performance was chosen by the Detroit Free Press as one of the 10 best performances of the 1979-1980 season in metro Detroit. The WSO has been chosen seven times--2000, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2014, 2015, and 2017--as Outstanding Community Orchestra at the Detroit Music Awards. Over the years, the WSO has engaged and inspired the Warren community through the delivery of unique concert experiences and themes. Memorable among them was the All-American concert in the spring season of 1982, which features 2 choruses and 2 orchestras: 198 singers, 116 orchestra players, and 1 conducting, accounting for a total of 315 musicians, and a fully staged opera performed in accompaniment with Oakland University in the 2000- 2001 season, to name a few. prgtoken In line with their mission of youth education, the Warren Symphony Orchestra has a long history of performing with local youth choirs, bands, and artists. This is in addition to the free music education materials that the WSO provides to the youth in the Macomb community, as well the reoccurring youth concert series that reaches as many as 2,000 elementary students annually. prgtoken The Warren Symphony Orchestra has been enriching the lives of Warren and Macomb residents since 1972. As they celebrate their 50th anniversary, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the cultural and educational contributions that the Warren Symphony Orchestra has made over the past five decades. I wish the Warren Symphony Orchestra continued growth and prosperity in the years ahead.
MOTION TO DISCHARGE--S. RES. 504
Jeff Merkley (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2024-1-16

so our government should work to solve this problem. We have been working to solve it--so having a report announced by our government: to what degree these strategies of a dysfunctional inspection process and a dysfunctional deconfliction process are a part of a deliberate strategy to create and intensify the shortage of food and water and medical assistance. prgtoken The second concern I have is about the bombing and artillery shells which our President has described as an indiscriminate campaign of bombing. We all understand that this terrible attack from Hamas--and Hamas is the enemy. But the Palestinians who live in Gaza and are not part of Hamas, they did not attack Israel. They are not the enemy, and thus it is essential that Netanyahu's government's war strategy against Hamas actually targets Hamas and not innocent Palestinians. prgtoken It is estimated that two-thirds of the people killed--two-thirds killed--have been women and children. That is some 8,000 children and 8,000 women. It is a massive toll. prgtoken So a report under 502B(c) would be valuable in understanding this strategy. And we are closely tied to it, which is another reason we should want this information. We have supplied over 10,000 tons of military equipment since October 7. We have included 15,000 bombs and 57,000 artillery shells. prgtoken It would be useful to have our own government analyze this and understand why we are supplying the very weapons that our government has said Israel should quit using and do a more targeted campaign. prgtoken That is the goal of 502B(c): to get a report, to get answers. prgtoken My third concern is the displacement. The widespread bombing has produced some 85 percent of the people displaced in Gaza. A leaked Israeli Intelligence Ministry paper said that there are three options, and option C is the preferred option, involving an air campaign in the north, driving people to the south, hopefully displacing them into the Sinai. That has a spooky similarity to the facts on the ground. prgtoken And, of course, such a displacement strategy has been called out by some Ministers of the Israeli Government, one of them calling for exactly that strategy, saying: We want a Gazan Nakba, that people will not be able to return. prgtoken So we have a government paper. We have the testimony by Ministry officials that that was their goal. prgtoken Is that their goal? The Government of Israel has now adamantly said that is not their goal. prgtoken That is useful to have our government's best understanding because we should never be complicit in a displacement campaign, if that is, in fact, what is going on. prgtoken So, colleagues, we look at conditions around the world, and, normally, it is folks we have little relationship with--although sometimes we have a relationship with them, but it is an ``on and off again,'' like the situation we have with Saudi Arabia. In this situation, it is our friend and partner
MOTION TO DISCHARGE--S. RES. 504
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2024-1-16

I have a great deal of respect for my two colleagues. I think every one of us is concerned about what we see in regards to the crisis in Gaza, what we see in regards to the need for humanitarian assistance for innocent Gazans being caught in this battle. But the resolution that is being presented here today is the wrong vehicle to deal with this issue. prgtoken So let me start by saying that the resolution does a lot more than requesting information. For the information from those partners that get security assistance from the United States, the State Department today must provide the information of their compliance with our laws. That report is already required for all recipients of security aid. prgtoken What this resolution requires is a report within 30 days on specific issues concerning conduct in Gaza, and it is very specific as to what the State Department must provide. I will just give you one example, and there are many, many other examples here. They have to certify that no unit of Israel security forces that received U.S. assistance since January 1, 2018, has committed any gross violation of human rights. Now they have got to do that within 30 days or aid is suspended. And once they give a report, it triggers privileged resolutions on this floor to cut off aid to Israel. prgtoken I strongly disagree with my colleagues. 502B was never intended to be used against an ally during a war. It has never been used for that purpose. That is not the right vehicle to deal with this. prgtoken , this is the 102nd day since Hamas's brutal attack against Israel; 102 days that hostages have been held. Our thoughts and prayers are with the hostages, and we all agree that Israel has the right to defend itself. prgtoken The challenges are made much more difficult because they are going against an enemy that has sworn to destroy the nation Israel and they still believe that and they are still conducting themselves with a threat to Israel's sovereignty and safety. prgtoken Missiles are still available to be shot into Israel. They are still there in Gaza. prgtoken We know what the Houthis are doing in the Red Sea. We know what Iran is doing in Iraq. We know the problems on Israel's northern border by Hezbollah. Over 80,000 Israelis have had to evacuate their homes in northern Israel; 100,000 in the southern part. There is a war going on, and it is made much more difficult because Hamas, sworn to destroy Israel, embeds its operations within the civilian population; has a tunneling network to try to protect its military assets, making it very difficult for Israel to be able to eliminate the threat. prgtoken At the same time, we know how much military might was in Gaza on October 7. We were supposed to have had border security to make sure that didn't get into Gaza. There was supposed to be inspections. It didn't work. prgtoken I understand why the Israelis are concerned by the way in which the sup
RECOGNIZING ESTERS PUB
Brittany Pettersen (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2024-1-16

I rise today to recognize Esters Pub for receiving the Wheat Ridge Business Association's 2023 Reinvestment Award. prgtoken The Reinvestment Award recognizes businesses that have demonstrated their commitment and investment in making Wheat Ridge a wonderful place to live, work, and play. prgtoken Congratulations to Esters Pub for their contribution to the Wheat Ridge community and for receiving this award.
MOTION TO DISCHARGE--S. RES. 504
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2024-1-16

in the aftermath of the horrific October 7 terrorist attack, Israel not only has the right, but also a duty to its people, to defend itself and pursue the objectives of ending the military threat posed by Hamas and returning all the hostages unharmed. I support those goals and therefore do not and would not support a resolution to terminate all U.S. military assistance to Israel. prgtoken That is why I would like to begin by making clear what S. Res. 504 is not about. It is not about cutting off U.S. security assistance to Israel. Anyone who says otherwise has not read the resolution. prgtoken So what does this resolution do? The very first line of the resolution states that its purpose is ``requesting information on Israel's human rights practices.'' The resolution goes on to seek information on ``alleged violations of internationally recognized human prgtoken rights,'' including violations related to Israel's military operations and the ``denial of basic humanitarian needs'' like food, water, medical care, fuel, and shelter. prgtoken While these are not simple questions, the resolution simply asks questions. And while I understand that some may be uncomfortable asking questions about the conduct of a close partner, we have a duty to the American taxpayers to get the facts. Israel is the largest annual recipient of U.S. security assistance, totaling more than $39 billion over the past 10 years alone. The United States is not a bystander to this conflict, and the American people deserve honest answers about how our assistance is being used. The report should provide a full picture of what is happening, including how Hamas's despicable tactic of hiding among the civilian population impacts the prosecution of the war and any other information that the administration deems important. prgtoken As I have repeatedly said, Israel's war against Hamas is just, but it must be waged justly. President , Secretary Blinken, and officials across the administration have also made this point clear. For example, Secretary Blinken has repeatedly stated that the ``daily toll on civilians in Gaza, particularly children, is far too high'' and called upon the Netanyahu coalition to put a ``clear plan in place that puts a premium on protecting civilians'' and to get ``more humanitarian assistance to people who so desperately need it in Gaza.'' prgtoken These entreaties have been rebuffed time and time again by Prime Minister Netanyahu and his ultra-extremist coalition that includes the likes of Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir. Despite statements from the Israeli Defense Forces that their operations have shifted to a more ``targeted phase,'' there were still between 112 to 151 Palestinians reportedly killed in Gaza each day last week. This truth is only underscored by the Sunday Washington Post headline: ``Despite U.S. pressure on Israel, casualty count in Gaza remains high.'' prgtoken The death toll has n
MOTION TO DISCHARGE--S. RES. 504
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2024-1-16

I rise in opposition. prgtoken Israel is a long and close ally. And it remains the only democracy in the Middle East. This resolution is a blatant effort to undermine Israel's right to self defense. Let us not forget the facts. Israel has experienced the deadliest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust and the largest hostage crisis--including Americans--since 1979. prgtoken The and administrations' failed policies toward the Iranian regime have allowed billions in resources to flow to Iran's terror proxies, including Hamas. We cannot ignore bad U.S. policy that helped create this mess and then sideline our support for the ally who must deal with their consequences. prgtoken Instead, this resolution doubles down on those failed policies and represents a troubling trend: chide our closest allies and fail to confront our most dangerous adversaries. Hamas and Iran are our enemies, not Israel. It is Iran that provides Hamas with weapons, training, and intelligence. It is Hamas that chose to rampage across the border, killing over 1,200 Israelis and 13 Americans. It is Hamas that kidnapped over 240 innocent people for leverage. prgtoken It is Hamas that hides its warfighting capability under hospitals, mosques, and other protected sites. And it is Hamas that uses human shields, including women and children. Where is the outrage for this behavior? I find the silence deafening. prgtoken I encourage my colleagues across the aisle to focus on Iran, Hamas, and our adversaries and oppose this misguided resolution.
CLOTURE MOTION
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2024-1-16

. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Wyoming (Mr. Barrasso), the Senator from Tennessee (Mrs. Blackburn), the Senator from Arkansas (Mr. Boozman), the Senator from Montana (Mr. Daines), the Senator from Iowa (Mr. Grassley), the Senator from Tennessee (Mr. Hagerty), the Senator from Missouri (Mr. Hawley), the Senator from Mississippi (Mrs. Hyde-Smith), the Senator from Louisiana (Mr. Kennedy), the Senator from Utah (Mr. Romney), the Senator from South Dakota (Mr. Rounds), the Senator from Florida (Mr. Rubio), the Senator from Missouri (Mr. Schmitt), the Senator from Alaska (Mr. Sullivan), the Senator from Alabama (Mr. Tuberville), and the Senator from Mississippi (Mr. Wicker).
REMOTE ACCESS TO COURT PROCEEDINGS FOR VICTIMS OF THE 1988 BOMBING OF PAN AM FLIGHT 103 OVER LOCKERBIE, SCOTLAND
Jefferson Van Drew (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2024-1-16

the balance of my time. prgtoken , the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 remains one of the deadliest terrorist attacks on American civilians in America's history. Now, 35 years later, we are on the verge of finally--finally--holding those responsible individuals accountable. prgtoken Let that be a symbol of America's unending pursuit of justice against those who would choose to do our country and our citizens harm. prgtoken I thank the families of the victims of this attack for their involvement with this bill and their tireless work in achieving justice for their loved ones. prgtoken I thank the bipartisan coalition both in the Senate and here in the House that helped this bill move rapidly to the President's desk. prgtoken I thank my good friend from Georgia for his support, and I thank Ranking Member Nadler. He is an important guy, and I certainly should thank him, as well. We appreciate his support and appreciate Ranking Member Nadler as well as, of course, the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Jim Jordan. prgtoken , once again, I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this important bill, and .
PROTECT REPORTERS FROM EXPLOITATIVE STATE SPYING ACT
Kevin Kiley (Republican, CA) \u2014 2024-1-16

I thank the gentleman for his remarks. I again thank Mr. Raskin for working with me on this legislation, as well as Chair Jordan and Ranking Member Nadler for helping to get it through the Judiciary Committee with unanimous bipartisan support. prgtoken I very much look forward to seeing this bill get to the President's desk and get signed into law this year. I urge all of my colleagues here in the House to support it. prgtoken , .