mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RWANDA AND THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-6-22

I rise to call upon the administration to take urgent action, as we did in 2012-2013, to pressure Rwanda to end its support for United Nations sanctioned M23 rebels and stop destabilizing eastern ic Republic of the Congo, DRC, and to stress the need for DRC to hold credible, on-time elections in December 2023. prgtoken According to the final report by the U.N. Group of Experts for the DRC, Rwandan support for the M23 extends from the highest levels in Kigali, including the Minister of Defense, an alarming allegation. Rwandan troops now are fighting alongside the M23 inside DRC, and the Rwandan Government is providing the M23 with weapons, uniforms, and equipment. M23 has killed hundreds of Congolese civilians over the past year, including the November 29 massacre of more than 170 men, women, and children in the village of Kishishe. With Rwandan support, M23 downed a U.N. helicopter, killing U.N. peacekeepers, recruited child soldiers, and displaced more than 1 million Congolese in eastern DRC. Incidents of sexual violence targeting internally displaced persons are also skyrocketing. On June 13, Human Rights Watch reported that, ``Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in eastern ic Republic of Congo have committed unlawful killings, rape, and other apparent war crimes since late 2022.'' prgtoken There is overwhelming evidence of Rwandan support for M23, and M23 has repeatedly failed to adhere to ceasefire agreements brokered by the East African Community. Despite this, the United States, the United Nations, and other members of the international community have been slow to respond. The last time Rwandan President Paul Kagame supported M23 rebels in eastern DRC, in 2012, the United States suspended Foreign Military Financing--FMF--for Rwanda, a decision that prompted several European donors to also suspend or redirect assistance away from Rwanda. The U.S. also imposed additional security assistance restrictions under the Child Soldiers Prevention Act, CSPA. President , Secretary of State Clinton, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Sherman, and Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Carson all engaged directly with the leaders of DRC, Rwanda, and Uganda to end the conflict and pressure Kagame to cease his support for M23. prgtoken Our response to the current M23 crisis has been, by comparison, woefully inadequate. Although Secretary of State Blinken travelled to the region in August 2022 to discuss the instability in eastern DRC, the United States did not publicly call on President Kagame to end Rwanda's support for M23 until October 2022, months after the first U.N. Group of Experts report documented Rwanda's actions. We have not imposed any new sanctions on M23 leaders or Rwandan officials implicated in gross violations of human rights in eastern DRC, nor have we completely cut security assistance and military-to-military engagement to Rwanda. In fact, as rece
ROE V. WADE OVERTURN ANNIVERSARY
Sydney Kamlager-Dove (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-6-22

I rise today nearly 1 year after Roe v. Wade was overturned to condemn the continued sanctioned assault on women. prgtoken In the year since this decision, more women have been prosecuted for their pregnancy outcomes and more laws have been introduced to further criminalize us than ever before. prgtoken Is it okay to arrest a woman for having a stillbirth? Is it a crime to assist a pregnant child of rape or incest to get an abortion? Is it reasonable to classify abortion as a homicide? No, but that is where we are now. prgtoken A woman can now be prosecuted for the death of her unborn child. It is almost a capital offense to be born a woman. Given the likelihood that your female child may be raped, have a complicated pregnancy, or just need an abortion, would you want her to be treated like a criminal? No. prgtoken , women's bodies have suffered endless surveillance and control for long enough. It is time that we stand up and talk about this, and it must end now.
CONDEMNING THE USE OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL FACILITIES TO PROVIDE SHELTER FOR ALIENS WHO ARE NOT ADMITTED TO THE UNITED STATES
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-6-22

. Madam , I have seen children wanting their parents. I have seen the era of snatching children away. This is wrongheaded. prgtoken This is not dangerous to the children in the schools, and our local jurisdictions should be allowed to make determined decisions in response to what is a migrant fever, if you will. prgtoken However, let me add something that the government should be looking at, which is why the State of Texas has taken over the seventh largest school district, that all the parents, board members, teachers are against? Houston Independent School District is suffering. Is there anyone here or my friends on the other side of the aisle willing to address that ridiculous, ludicrous takeover undermining teachers' and parents' will? prgtoken I thought we were for parents. Houston Independent School District should not be taken over, and it is a consternation in our community. Because of that, I believe we are doing the wrong thing here. The underlying bill should be opposed, and we should be standing with the people of Houston who refuse to have a takeover of a very effective school district, the Houston Independent School District. Madam , let's do the right thing on the floor and support our children. prgtoken Madam , I rise today in opposition of H. Res. 461, condemning the use of elementary and secondary school facilities to provide shelter for aliens who are not admitted to the United States. prgtoken This resolution condemns using the facilities of a public elementary or secondary school that serves students to provides shelter for non- U.S. nationals who are not admitted into the United States. prgtoken As a Member on the Homeland Security committee, and more specifically the Border Security and Enforcement subcommittee, I interact with those at the border and migrants frequently. prgtoken I believe that a comprehensive approach is needed to solving the current immigration crisis. prgtoken However, I think it is essential that migrants are brought and allowed into the country through legal immigration. prgtoken I am a strong proponent of humanitarian aid efforts in the immigration context, from preventing the breakup of individual families as a result of a wrongful deportation to ensuring that victims of civil wars and national disasters around the globe receive a temporary protected status under the U.S. immigration laws. prgtoken We should not condemn the use of public elementary or secondary schools provide shelter for non-U.S. nationals who are not admitted into the United States. prgtoken I acknowledge that school are places of learning and development for students, but there are time periods when school campuses are not being used, such as during school breaks. prgtoken Because of this, the space could be used for humanitarian aid purposes, such as allowing migrants to stay there while they wait for legal processing and paperwork to conclude. prgtoken Other exceptions need to be reviewed, such
Introductory Statement on S. 2166
Alex Padilla (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-6-22

I rise to introduce the Voluntary Agricultural Land Repurposing Act to support voluntary efforts to repurpose agricultural land to multibenefit uses. Enactment of this legislation would provide new tools for States, producers, water users, and Federal partners to adapt to long-term water scarcity at the basin scale. prgtoken The bill would modernize existing Federal programs at the Bureau of Reclamation to support long-term drought planning and resiliency by stakeholders. prgtoken Specifically, the bill would authorize funding for States that choose to pilot and implement their own multibenefit land repurposing programs. Eligible State-run programs must be basin-scale, reduce consumptive water use, and repurpose irrigated agricultural land for at least 10 years. Programs must also provide one or more other measurable benefits to the environment or community, including the restoration habitat or floodplains connection to streams or rivers, the creation of dedicated recharge areas, the facilitation of renewable energy projects, the creation of parks or recreational areas, and other listed uses. The bill would also prioritize State programs that provide direct benefits to disadvantaged communities or were developed through a multistakeholder planning process. prgtoken Because it may take time for States to stand up or pilot programs, the bill would also make multibenefit land repurposing an eligible use under the WaterSMART Program so that individual water users could apply and compete for funding for multibenefit land repurposing projects. prgtoken Water scarcity at the basin scale demands widespread changes in water use across the West. The Colorado River Basin's water storage shortage, Utah's decline to record low levels of the Great Salt Lake, and California's subsidence due to groundwater overdraft in the Central Valley are just a few of the many examples of long-term, basin-scale water scarcity demanding change in our water use. prgtoken Through the bipartisan infrastructure law and the Inflation Reduction Act, Congress has stepped up and invested billions of dollars in new technologies to shore up our water supplies, including large-scale water recycling and desalination. But a historic megadrought and the climate crisis are unfortunately forcing Western States and water users to reimagine how to allocate and govern water and forcing producers to be more efficient with water or make do with less. prgtoken One tool to bolster drought resilience is to retire irrigation from some agricultural lands, particularly where soils or productivity is marginal, where non-irrigated agricultural uses can sustainably contribute to an operation, or where important public benefits such as fish and wildlife habitat, watershed health and aquifer recharge, or renewable energy can be supported in a conversion from irrigated agriculture. prgtoken I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass the Voluntary
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF DON BATEMAN
Suzan K. DelBene (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2023-6-22

I rise today, along with my colleague, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, to mourn the loss of a remarkable individual and true visionary, Don Bateman. As prgtoken we remember and celebrate his extraordinary life, we recognize the immense contributions he made to the field of aviation and the safety of our skies. prgtoken Don Bateman was a pioneer in aviation, a man whose intellect and passion for flight reshaped the way we fly. Don Bateman made significant contributions to the development of numerous groundbreaking technologies that revolutionized aviation safety systems. He was the mastermind behind the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System, a pivotal technology that has prevented countless collisions by warning pilots if their plane is heading into a mountain, radio tower, or some other obstacle. Before the warning system became widespread, obstacle collisions were among the leading causes of death from airline accidents. But because of Don's innovative work, these kinds of accidents are now incredibly rare. Many folks in the aviation industry believe he has saved more lives than anyone else in the history of flight. prgtoken Don's brilliance extended far beyond his professional accomplishments. He was not only a trailblazer in aviation safety, but also a mentor and an inspiration to countless aspiring engineers, scientists, and aviation professionals. He was a man of integrity, kindness, and humility. His warmth and genuine concern for the well- being of others left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. prgtoken Today, as we mourn the loss of Don Bateman, let us also celebrate his remarkable life and the immense legacy he leaves behind. His groundbreaking work will continue to guide the aviation industry for generations to come, ensuring that the skies remain safe. prgtoken On behalf of this chamber, we extend our deepest condolences to Don Bateman's family, friends, and colleagues. May they find solace in knowing that his contributions have made the world a safer place and that his memory will continue to inspire the next generation of technology leaders.
RECOGNIZING HENRY BERG-BROUSSEAU
Morgan McGarvey (Democrat, KY) \u2014 2023-6-22

. Madam , I rise tonight to tell everybody about one of my former interns in the Kentucky State Senate, Henry Berg- Brousseau. prgtoken Henry was truly one of my favorite interns. He was one of those guys who was bright, curious, and had a smile that could light up the room. prgtoken In Kentucky, in the State senate, the Kentucky Capitol Annex is behind the capitol and we would make that walk across to the State capitol, just as we make the walk across here in Washington, D.C from the House office buildings. prgtoken Henry was incessant, constantly peppering me with questions, asking me things: What are the policies we can do? What are the fights we can have? How do we make progress? How do we get things done in the seat of government? prgtoken Henry was brilliant. He was kind, ambitious, and really funny. Most importantly, Henry was a fighter. He had to be. Despite having two loving parents and a wonderful family, Henry's life wasn't easy. He was severely bullied as a kid and he battled with the trauma and the depression that went with it. prgtoken It wasn't coming from the kids either. Adults from all walks of life bullied and berated him incessantly until the end. Unfortunately, that end came way too soon. prgtoken Last December, on December 16, Henry died by suicide. He dedicated his life--his young life--to helping people like him. His work and legacy will continue to benefit youth all across this country. I can't help but think how much he would have given to this world if he had just been allowed the chance to exist and exist in peace. prgtoken Henry's mom, Karen, recently joined the President and First Lady on the South Lawn of the White House to celebrate Pride Month. That is not where she wanted to be. You never stop being a parent. She wants to be with her son. prgtoken Henry's story is truly tragic but, unfortunately, it is not unique. We can all agree that what I just described is a tragedy. It is a tragedy to lose a young person, a tragedy to lose somebody with so much potential, a tragedy for any parent to have to bury their baby. prgtoken Yet for some, when I tell you that Henry was trans, that tragedy goes away. His humanity is erased. Henry is erased. I can't accept that. prgtoken We can't bring Henry back, but we can continue his fight to end the suffering that he and way, way, way too many others have endured by people who refuse to acknowledge the humanity of trans people and try to criminalize their very existence. prgtoken More than 80 percent of transgender people have struggled with suicidal ideation, and nearly half have attempted suicide. The Trevor Project estimates that one LGBTQ+ child attempts suicide every 45 seconds in the United States. Every 45 seconds a child tries to kill themselves--a child. prgtoken What has our response to this tragedy been? prgtoken In the first 6 months of Congress, House s have passed legislation that actually makes it worse, that further harms LGBTQ+
CONDEMNING THE USE OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL FACILITIES TO PROVIDE SHELTER FOR ALIENS WHO ARE NOT ADMITTED TO THE UNITED STATES
Suzanne Bonamici (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2023-6-22

. Madam , I thank the ranking member for yielding. prgtoken Madam , I rise in strong opposition to H. Res. 461, a harmful resolution that condemns public schools for showing humanity in helping vulnerable people. prgtoken Listening to this debate, it sounds like my colleagues are interested in working on some bipartisan migration reform. We would welcome that-- policies that would help our immigration prgtoken system run more smoothly and effectively--but that is not what we are doing here today. prgtoken Throughout this Congress, I have heard my colleagues on the other side of the aisle claim that American education is in crisis. Are there needs in our public schools? Absolutely. We need more mental health counselors, we need resources to address mislearning and policies to address gun violence, but is that what the majority is focusing on? No. prgtoken When my colleagues felt threatened by the accurate teaching of history, they passed legislation that provides a blueprint for book bans. When my colleagues felt threatened by the administration's inclusive interpretation of Title IX, what did they do? They passed legislation to ostracize trans students and allow discrimination in sports. When my colleagues felt uncomfortable about reducing the crushing debt burden faced by students who choose to go to college, they passed legislation to wipe out relief and plunge more borrowers into financial distress. prgtoken What is their focus today? Picking on desperate people who are fleeing war, violence, and abject poverty in search of a better life for themselves and their children. prgtoken Now, the s are threatening Federal funding to schools. That is funding that is intended to support all students. I won't support the harmful scapegoating of migrants and repeated attacks on marginalized communities, and I won't support actions that delegitimize our public schools. prgtoken These are the only schools that have an obligation to serve all students and families, regardless of race, ethnicity, disability status, ability to pay, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, or any other characteristic. Our public schools are for everyone. prgtoken What I will support and what I repeatedly expressed an eagerness and enthusiasm to work on are substantive, positive evidence-based solutions that make schools safer, improve opportunities for students from all backgrounds, and enhance the quality and frequency of parents' and families' involvement in their children's education. prgtoken Madam , I welcome those conversations. I am disappointed that we keep finding ourselves engaged in culture wars with the majority putting politics over people instead of passing policies that help students, their families, and our communities. prgtoken At a time when we have an opportunity to demonstrate compassion and empathy, this resolution takes us in the wrong direction. I strongly urge all of my colleagues
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Christopher Murphy (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2023-6-22

America is crying out for this Congress to do something about the epidemic of mass shootings. We average more than a mass shooting a day right now. Kids are living in fear when they walk into school. People don't know where the next shooter is coming from. No place seems safe. prgtoken So what is the Senate s' answer to this paralyzing fear and anxiety that Americans have about mass shootings? prgtoken Their answer today is to put a resolution before the floor of the Senate that would make legal a new class of semiautomatic rifles that has been banned for 100 years because they are too dangerous. prgtoken So the answer to the mass shooting crisis in this country is of more assault rifles, more dangerous weapons, and taking a class of weapons that has been illegal for a century and putting them on the open market. prgtoken That is outrageous, and it is completely removed from the conversation that families and kids are having all across this country. Instead of taking dangerous assault weapons off the streets, this resolution would put more of them into the commercial marketplace. prgtoken I want to talk for a few minutes today about how dangerous this resolution is and to ask my colleagues to vote with us--to vote with us--against this resolution so that we can protect our families and our kids from criminal acts and mass shootings. prgtoken For almost a century, the law has treated different types, certain types, of firearms differently than others; namely, those that Congress has seen as more dangerous and more closely associated with violent crime. Short-barreled rifles are in that category. They are more transportable and concealable than long rifles. They have a longer range, greater accuracy, and more firepower than pistols. It is kind of the perfect recipe for criminals. That is, in part, why they are more highly regulated than your standard handgun or your standard hunting rifle or even an AR- or AK-style assault rifle. prgtoken To own a short-barreled rifle in this country, you have to pay $200 for a tax stamp. You have to undergo a background check. You have to register that firearm with the ATF. You can have one, but you have to go through that process. That system--the courts have agreed--is consistent with the Second Amendment. It allows for responsible, law- abiding citizens to acquire these dangerous weapons while keeping them out of the hands of criminals, people who want to commit crimes with them. prgtoken Now, what has changed? prgtoken Well, in recent decades, gun manufacturers have responded to the widespread popularity of AR-15 rifles by selling a variant that they call either a large-format pistol, or a heavy pistol. It is a shorter version of an assault rifle. It has a shorter barrel, and it lacks a shoulder stock. These guns, theoretically, can be fired one-handed, but very few people want to do that. They are too large and heavy to control effectively, s
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF DR. CAROL WEYLAND CONNER
Mark DeSaulnier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-6-22

I rise today to recognize the life and service of Dr. Carol Weyland Conner. prgtoken Dr. Conner studied English literature at U.C. Berkeley and French literature at the Sorbonne in Paris. After watching her brother experience mental health issues, Dr. Conner was inspired to help others and earned her PhD in clinical psychology from Catholic University. After earning her degree, she practiced as a therapist in Walnut Creek, California, for 25 years. During this time, she also volunteered as a counselor at Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity. Additionally, Dr. Conner acted as a spiritual director until her passing. prgtoken Throughout her life, Dr. Conner was devoted to serving her community and helping those in need. She started White Pony Express in 2013, and the organization has grown into one of California's largest food rescue programs. The White Pony Express distributes clothes, resources, and high-quality, fresh food throughout Contra Costa County. White Pony was also active in aiding victims of the 2018 Camp Fire in Butte County, transporting clothes, food, and other necessities to the community. Dr. Conner received the 2019 Andrus Award from the California AARP for her leadership on that project. She has also received numerous accolades for her leadership at White Pony Express, including the Hometown Hero Award from the Contra Costa Times, the Jefferson Award from San Francisco KPIX, and the Soroptimist Ruby Award for Women Helping Women. prgtoken Sadly, Dr. Conner passed away at the age of 80 on April 22, 2023. She will be remembered for her compassionate nature and dedicated service. Please join me in recognizing prgtoken Dr. Conner for her many contributions to our community.