mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Supplemental Funding (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-1-31

every last Member of this body knows what is on the line as we work on the national security supplemental. From securing our southern border to helping our friends in Israel and innocent civilians in Gaza, to showing strength in the Indo-Pacific, and, of course, standing with Ukraine, the Senate's very resolve and courage is being put to the test. prgtoken A month ago, I said the only way we will rise to the occasion is if both sides are serious about finding a bipartisan compromise. The negotiation was never going to be easy. In fact, we all knew it would be immensely difficult. prgtoken Nevertheless, I said were willing to treat these negotiations with the seriousness they deserve. And for months, we have been true to our word, working with s on border security, listening to their proposals, and coming to agreement on a vast range of issues. prgtoken We have not concluded negotiations. So we will keep going to get this done. prgtoken have always been ready and willing to have a debate on the border. We want to get this done. We have continued to work to get this done, and we remain committed--we remain committed--to bipartisanship. Both sides will have to give. prgtoken It is unfortunate, but, frankly, not surprising, that many on the hard right are mightily trying to sink the bipartisan work happening here in the Senate. But, in the Senate, our responsibility is clear: We need to put the needs of our country above the interests of party politics because the security of our southern border is on the line; the security of Israel is on the line; the health and safety of innocent Gaza civilians are on the line; the stability of the Indo- Pacific region is on the line; and, finally, as every Senator on both sides knows, the survival of Ukraine is on the line. prgtoken It will be 2 years since Vladimir Putin began his illegal, savage campaign against the Ukrainian people. American military assistance has been one of the most important lifelines for Ukrainian fighters since the start of the war, but now that aid has run out. prgtoken Congressional action is required if we want to send additional military assistance. prgtoken The matter here is very simple, as President Zelenskyy told us in December. Ukraine will win the war against Russia if more aid is approved by Congress, but, if no more aid is approved, Putin will win. prgtoken We dare not hand Eastern Europe over to Vladimir Putin. The supplemental is how we ensure that Western democracy is protected. prgtoken The work is not easy. It is very hard. There are still some issues outstanding, but we remain committed to bipartisanship, and we will keep working because we want to get this done.
ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024
Jeff Merkley (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2024-1-31

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 1; that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; that upon the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Wang nomination; further, that notwithstanding rule XXII, the cloture motions filed during yesterday's session ripen at 11:30 a.m.; that following the cloture vote on the Wang nomination, the Senate immediately vote on cloture on the Laroski nomination, and that if cloture is invoked on the Laroski nomination, all time be considered expired and the confirmation vote be at a time to be determined by the majority leader in consultation with the leader; further, that if cloture is invoked on the Wang nomination, all time be considered expired at 1:45 p.m.; finally, that if any nominations are confirmed during Thursday's session, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
RECOGNIZING DR. LAURIE DENT
Marilyn Strickland (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2024-1-31

I rise today to recognize and congratulate Dr. Laurie Dent, a standout educator in our South Sound community who was recently named the 2024 Superintendent of the Year by the Washington Association of School Administrators. prgtoken As Sumner-Bonney Lake School District's Superintendent since 2016, Dr. Dent has not only shepherded school communities through numerous challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but has also transformed schools' and individual students' performance trajectories through and in spite of pandemic-related challenges. Since the start of her tenure as Superintendent, the district's graduation rate has risen from 84 percent in 2016 to 92.1 percent in 2023, an achievement that her colleagues attribute to her staunch commitment to her ``100% Graduation Campaign.'' Beyond the numbers, Dr. Dent's commitment to this campaign has undoubtedly strengthened schools, enriched students, and deepened community connections. prgtoken I commend Dr. Dent for being a standard-bearer in our state for what excellence in education is and should be, and I am honored to prgtoken spotlight her efforts in empowering local education professionals and supporting students' success in our South Sound community.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Bill Pascrell, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2024-1-31

on January 30, 2024, I missed four roll call votes. Had I been present I would have voted: prgtoken No on Roll Call No. 22--On ordering the previous question; prgtoken No on Roll Call Vote 23--On agreeing to H. Res. 980 Providing for consideration of the bills (H.R. 5585) Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act; (H.R. 6678) Consequences for Social Security Fraud Act; (H.R. 6679) No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act; and (H.R. 6976) Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act; prgtoken Yes on Roll Call No. 24--On Agreeing to Crockett Amendment to H.R. 5585; and prgtoken No on Roll Call No. 25--On Final Passage of H.R. 5585.
CONSEQUENCES FOR SOCIAL SECURITY FRAUD ACT
Pramila Jayapal (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2024-1-31

I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 6678. Instead of putting forward real solutions to fix the immigration system, my colleagues are once again looking for a way to scapegoat and fearmonger about immigrants. prgtoken We have had no hearing or testimony in the Judiciary Committee this Congress where Social Security fraud amongst immigrants has been identified as a problem that even needs fixing. What we did hear instead was about how immigrants are engines of growth for this country and how they often pay billions into Social Security, even though they are not eligible for benefits from the program. We discussed how in 2019 alone, undocumented Mexican workers contributed $14.5 billion to Social Security and Medicare through the taxes taken out of their paychecks. prgtoken Despite these facts, my colleagues have put forth a bill that is a dangerous solution in search of a problem. Under current law, Social Security fraud already makes a person deportable, but we require a conviction. This bill sets a dangerous precedent by allowing a person to be deported with absolutely no due process whatsoever. prgtoken Let me start by going through how this bill is not needed. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, one of the many ways that someone can become deportable is if they are convicted of something called a crime involving moral turpitude for which a sentence of 1 year or longer may be imposed. The Social Security-related offenses in this bill carry maximum penalties between 1 and 30 years, which clearly meet the 1-year minimum required for deportability. prgtoken Likewise, the offense of falsely making, forging, counterfeiting, or altering a document that can be used as evidence of authorized stay or employment in the United States is specifically defined as aggravated felony if the crime carries a sentence of 1 year or more. Conviction for an aggravated felony makes a person deportable. None of these facts seem to matter to the authors of this bill, my colleagues. prgtoken H.R. 6678, however, sets a very difficult and dangerous precedent by eliminating the requirement that we first charge and convict a person for Social Security fraud before deporting them. This is not consistent with current immigration law, and most importantly, it violates the bedrock principles of fairness, due process, and the rule of law. prgtoken Now, my colleagues seem to say that they don't care about due process for all people, but we do. prgtoken By not requiring a conviction, H.R. 6678 would vastly expand the ways in which a green card holder could become deportable, and it would lead to serious unintended consequences. With minor exceptions, the criminal grounds for deportation under the INA require a conviction to make a noncitizen deportable. That is just basic fairness. prgtoken Can you imagine a world in which you can simply be ejected from the country that you have lived in for decad
HOLDING DELTA EXECUTIVES ACCOUNTABLE
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-1-31

on January 5, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby revealed that the administration hasn't bothered to conduct a formal review of the Israeli Government's compliance with international law since the genocide in Gaza began. prgtoken Then on January 18, we learned that the State Department allegedly uses special mechanisms to review and shield the Government of Israel from consequences under U.S. law when reviewing violations of human rights committed by the government. prgtoken The level of support for Netanyahu's war crimes by the administration and the majority of this body is beyond belief, especially when the majority of the American people want the war crimes to end. prgtoken I am proud to have led a letter with colleagues in requesting that the President and the nonpartisan group called the Government Accountability Office take the long overdue step of reviewing whether the U.S. security aid to Israel is violating Leahy laws and the President's own conventional arms transfer policy. prgtoken We should be consistent, but also relentless in assuring that the American weapons are not used to commit war crimes anywhere in the world. That is the bare minimum. prgtoken President and the U.S. Government have the power to make sure that we are holding every government accountable that we are sending weapons to. We must facilitate a lasting cease-fire now to ensure the safety of everyone that lives there.
Introductory Statement on S. 3712
Alex Padilla (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-1-31

I rise to introduce the INVITE Act. prgtoken This legislation would require USCIS field offices to offer voter registration assistance at naturalization ceremonies to ensure that newly naturalized United States citizens are able to fully participate in our democratic process. prgtoken This legislation would designate USCIS field offices as voter registration agencies under the National Voter Registration Act and require them to support new citizens in registering to vote, including providing the registration application, offering assistance in completing the application, and returning the application to the State election official or agency. prgtoken It would significantly expand the agency's voter registration efforts to encompass all new United States citizens, not just those naturalized through USCIS administrative ceremonies. prgtoken USCIS policy currently only requires the agency to ensure that voter registration forms are distributed to new United States citizens at their naturalization ceremonies--not returned to the appropriate State election agency--and also fails to reach new United States citizens who are naturalized at judicial ceremonies or without a formal ceremony. prgtoken During the recent midterm elections, just 61 percent of all naturalized citizens were registered to vote, compared to 70 percent of native-born Americans, due in part to distinct obstacles, such as language barriers, that new citizens face. prgtoken The National Voter Registration Act has proven to be an effective tool for voter registration, with departments of motor vehicles accounting for almost 40 million new voter registration applications from 2018 to 2022. prgtoken USCIS, like the other agencies designated under the National Voter Registration Act, interacts with a significant population of eligible but unregistered voters. In 2022, the agency naturalized more than 900,000 new U.S. citizens. prgtoken New United States citizens deserve to be supported as they exercise their right to political participation, as guaranteed by our Constitution.
TAX RELIEF FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES AND WORKERS ACT OF 2024
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-1-31

I agree with my ic colleagues that the child tax credit portion of this bill should be stronger. Be that as it may, in a divided government, you don't always get exactly what you want, and this bill is an improvement over the status quo. prgtoken I am especially pleased at the inclusion of my legislation providing critical relief to wildfire survivors which passed the Ways and Means Committee unanimously. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to pass this bill.
U.S. SENATE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ETHICS ANNUAL REPORT
Christopher A. Coons (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2024-1-31

I ask unanimous consent, for myself as chairman of the Select Committee on Ethics and for Senator Lankford, vice chairman of the committee, that the annual report of the Select Committee on Ethics for calendar year 2023 be printed in the Record. prgtoken The committee issued this report on January 31, 2024, as required by the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007.
RECOGNIZING NICK AND AMIE COSTANZO
Brittany Pettersen (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2024-1-31

I rise today to recognize Nick and Amie Costanzo of Arvada, Colorado for receiving the Arvada Chamber of Commerce's 2023 Entrepreneurs of the Year Award. prgtoken Every year, the Entrepreneur of the Year award recognizes an individual or team's commitment, investment, and innovation as a business owner in the Arvada community. prgtoken The Costanzos have owned and operated the Marco's Pizza franchise in Arvada and surrounding communities for over 10 years. Recently, they had a vision of opening a space in northwest Arvada that would provide a community gathering space. That vision became a reality in 2022 when the Costanzos, along with three business partners, opened up Freedom Street Social, which has become a place many residents frequent to have fun and build community. prgtoken On behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Nick and Amie Costanzo for this award and thank them for their commitment to our community.
TAX RELIEF FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES AND WORKERS ACT OF 2024
Lloyd Doggett (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2024-1-31

this corporate tax windfall bill, thinly disguised as help for children, offers even more tax advantages to corporations that are paying today a mere 7.8 percent tax rate. prgtoken A working mother of two earning the average wage pays a Federal effective rate of 20 percent. Even The Wall Street Journal called one provision in this bill a retroactive sop. It is minimal help for children and maximum benefits for those who are failing to pay their fair share. For every $1 that goes to children under this bill, $5 goes to corporations. prgtoken s are enabled to lock in $600 billion in extended tax breaks while millions of children are left in preventable poverty and are denied a full tax credit. While bipartisan, this bill is no more equitable than our broken bipartisan tax code overflowing with loopholes and special advantages for the well-connected. prgtoken This deal only continues slanting our tax system against working families. Reject the unjustified corporate ransom and lock in genuine relief for children.
TAX RELIEF FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES AND WORKERS ACT OF 2024
Bradley Scott Schneider (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-1-31

today I rise in support of this truly meaningful bipartisan legislation that will benefit millions of needy children. prgtoken This bipartisan bill is the most significant, if not the only significant legislation passed so far this Congress, helping lift kids out of poverty, lowering the tax burden for working families, supporting innovative businesses, and expanding the supply of affordable housing. prgtoken , despite the exotic arguments those opposed to this bill tonight are trying to make, these are things we should all be proud of. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
Nomination of Karoline Mehalchick (Executive Session)
Robert P. Casey, Jr. (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2024-1-31

I rise this morning to share my strong support for the judicial nominee that we are about to vote on, Judge Karoline Mehalchick. Judge Mehalchick has been nominated to serve on the Middle District Court of Pennsylvania. That is one of our three Federal judicial districts. Upon confirmation, she would sit in the Federal courthouse in my hometown of Scranton, PA, where she has already been serving with distinction for over 10 years as a Federal magistrate judge. prgtoken Born and raised in Lackawanna County, Judge Mehalchick went on to attend and graduate from the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State University before heading to Tulane Law School in Louisiana. prgtoken Fortunately for Pennsylvania, Judge Mehalchick returned home after graduation and served as a law clerk for the Honorable Trish Corbett on the Court of Common Pleas of Lackawanna County. From there, she worked as an associate and partner at the law firm of Oliver Price & Rhodes in Scranton, before being appointed as a U.S. magistrate judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania in July of 2013. prgtoken In 2021, she was appointed chief U.S. magistrate judge in the Middle District, and upon her appointment, the then-chief judge of the Middle District Court, Judge John Jones III, commented that she has been an ``exemplary and hardworking jurist'' and that he had ``every confidence that she will . . . serve with distinction.'' I think his confidence was well placed, based upon her service. prgtoken Judge Jones, the then-chief judge of the Middle District, was nominated by President and confirmed by the Senate some 20 years ago. prgtoken Judge Mehalchick has proved to be a strong leader in both the Middle District and across the Nation, during her time on the bench. She has served as cochair of the Middle District's Prisoner Litigation Settlement Program and presided over the Scranton CARE court. She has also served on the magistrate judges' advisory group of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts and was appointed in 2021 by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts to serve on the Judicial Conference Committee on Codes of Conduct. prgtoken Her reputation and commitment to the Middle District are further highlighted by the numerous letters of support that she has received from fellow members of the judiciary. The former chief, Judge Jones, as I mentioned earlier, in another statement of support, spoke of Judge Mehalchick's ``exemplary character,'' her hard work, impressive temperament, ``brilliant'' writing, and dedication to the rule of law. This former chief judge further wrote: The greatest appellation that I can award to a fellow jurist is that she is a ``judge's judge.'' This fits Judge Mehalchick perfectly. prgtoken Another retired judge, Thomas Vanaskie, who served on both the District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit said as
IN SUPPORT OF SECRETARY ALEJANDRO MAYORKAS
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2024-1-31

I rise today to support Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. prgtoken House s failed to discuss the facts about the border security. Since May, the administration has removed or returned or expelled more than 500,000 individuals who entered the country illegally nationwide. prgtoken This is the highest total of expulsions in the last decade: It has arrested 14,000 smugglers. It has seized more than 43,000 pounds of fentanyl. It has confiscated thousands of pounds of cocaine, heroin, and meth. prgtoken It could do so much more with the proper support and resources from Congress, but s don't want to give that support. They don't want to discuss effective border policy. Under the previous administration, Border Patrol was an absolute joke. prgtoken Instead of righting the wrong, s want to blame others for their mistakes. It is failed leadership, and I know voters are watching. prgtoken They are at the behest of the twice-impeached former President of the United States, who has asked them to keep this subject alive so he can win.
LESS GUN VIOLENCE IN CHESTER, PENNSYLVANIA
Mary Gay Scanlon (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2024-1-31

last week law enforcement officials in Chester, Pennsylvania, announced that this community has seen a 72 percent decrease in shootings with victims since 2019. prgtoken 2023 saw the fewest gun homicides in two decades and a 68 percent decrease in gun homicides since 2019. prgtoken Chester was once ranked among the most dangerous cities in the Nation for gun violence. prgtoken So how did this happen? prgtoken Since 2019, law enforcement, community members, faith groups, and local government have all been working together as the Chester Partnership for Safe Neighborhoods. prgtoken During a period when we saw gun violence spike across the Nation, we have seen year-over-year reductions in gun violence and other violent crimes as community partners have worked together to implement a community-based violence prevention program with support from State and Federal funding, including the American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. prgtoken It is time to recognize the success of these pivotal programs with more than a pat on the back. Rather than offering sound bites and saber-rattling, the Chester community, a democratically led community I might add, rolled up its sleeves and did the work of identifying the resources and community partnerships needed to reduce gun violence and create a safer community. prgtoken I want to congratulate DA Stollsteimer, Police Chief Gretsky, Cory Long from Making a Change Group, and all of the community members who have been so important in this effort. prgtoken To those who say that there is nothing we can do about gun violence, I say: Shame on you. prgtoken Programs like this work, and we need to recognize and support them. Honoring the Life and Legacy of Anita Santos Singh