mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Tribute to Christopher Austen Joyner (Executive Session)
Mark R. Warner (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2022-2-1

I apologize to my good friend the Senator from North Carolina for being a bit late. I have never seen him be this timely and this brief in his comments. prgtoken But I wanted to take a moment to echo what I know he said about Chris Joyner, who has served with enormous distinction for Senator Burr in both his personal office and on the Intelligence Committee. I want to particularly recognize Chris and my staff director, Mike Casey, who managed to work together and, frankly, negotiate a peace treaty between Senator Burr and me. When we started the Russia investigation, we had a few bumps. prgtoken But, as I am sure Senator Burr has pointed out, Chris served with enormous distinction in a very, very challenging time, putting together an investigation that came with integrity, truthfulness, and bipartisanship in a period--particularly under the previous administration--where those milestones were not often highly regarded. prgtoken Chris has decided to move forward in his career, and I simply want to join and echo Senator Burr's comments about his commitment and service and wish him all the best in his future endeavors. prgtoken With that, , , and I appreciate the courtesy of an extra couple of minutes.
CONDEMNING THE MILITARY COUP THAT TOOK PLACE ON FEBRUARY 1, 2021, IN BURMA
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2022-2-1

I rise today to speak about the terrible tragedy that befell the people of Burma 1 year ago today, when the Tatmadaw, the Burmese military, reclaimed total power in the coup d'etat of February 1, 2021. Since then, the military has waged a brutal campaign against its own people, a people that has nonetheless stood up to challenge the crackdown through civil disobedience, strikes, and protests. And when that failed to move the junta, the people of Burma have been forced to resort to military action against their oppressors. prgtoken Burma is a complex, polyglot society made up of many ethnic groups and religious tradition. Yet the one thing that seems to have united a wide cross-section of the Burmese people has been this violent rupture of what for more than decade had been a fitful trend toward increasing democratization. Today, the opposition to the military has galvanized the people to such an extent that organized resistance has turned to increasingly well-organized paramilitary action against the military and its institutions of repression. prgtoken As authoritarianism grows around the world, we must work with like- minded nations to fight corruption, protect human rights, increase transparency, and work with civil society to defend democracy and the freedom of marginalized people around the world. prgtoken Throughout its independence, Burma's history has suffered decades of repressive military rule and civil war with ethnic minority groups, and what we are seeing today in Burma is no different. prgtoken The February 1 military coup and the capture of elected government officials in Burma was a clear attack on the democratic process of free and fair elections and the will of the Burmese people. This affront poses a direct threat to the ongoing stability of the country, its economy, and the health and welfare of its citizens. On the very same day the newly elected Parliament was set to assume office, the Burmese military, the Tatmadaw, staged a coup rather than see their grip on power and corrupt gains threatened by the will of the Burmese people. prgtoken Since the coup took place, Burma's human rights situation has deteriorated exponentially. The military has detained over 11,000 people for exercising their right to freedom of speech and assembly and killed more than 1,400 civilians, including children. Fighting between Myanmar's military and several ethnic armed groups continued, with government forces committing increased abuses against ethnic Kachin, Karen, Kayah, Chin, Rakhine, Rohingya, and Shan minority populations. Military and police abuses were amplified with arbitrary arrests, detention, torture, and killings in custody. These actions by the military have driven hundreds of thousands from their homes and thousands more to flee across Burma's borders into Thailand, India, and Bangladesh. prgtoken We have also seen the Tatmadaw put the democratically elected civilian leadership of
Violent Crime (Executive Calendar)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2022-2-1

everybody knows that violent crime is rising in America. Killings of police are at a 20-year high, the world's worst record since 9/11. Homicides, carjacking, and retail crime are all very high. Criminals are pushing people in front of the subways, looting entire trains filled with packages, and stealing so much from stores that the stores can't afford to stay open. prgtoken I have already come to this Senate floor many times to describe the horrors of increased attacks on police and the surge in murders. These tragedies cry out for action. prgtoken These are the results of campaigns to defund the police. Our streets are lawless because blue cities have pulled the prgtoken police back. The consequences of depolicing extend far beyond the violence that ``defund the police'' rhetoric inspires. It extends beyond criminals emboldened to commit crimes like murder and armed carjackings. prgtoken We have all seen the images of a California train yard littered with opened boxes as far as the eye can see. Train robberies are up by 160 percent in Los Angeles County, and that is just over the past year. The Governor of California compared the scenes to a Third World country. I have seen them, and I agree with the Governor of California. prgtoken Organized retail crime is out of control. Criminals rely on the lack of active policing to commit large-scale theft. According to the National Retail Federation, 69 percent of retailers say that they have had an increase in theft in the last year, and 78 percent say more law enforcement would help stop the crimes of retail theft. prgtoken Why would people not expect more law enforcement? Everybody knows that government is established for the public safety, among other reasons, but that is foremost. prgtoken It still isn't a secret what liberal cities need to do to keep crime out of their cities, out of their railways, out of their subways, out of their streets, and out of their stores. Send police where the crime happens. Tell the police to arrest criminals. Prosecute those criminals. Do not release dangerous criminals out on bail. It is a very simple and effective way to reduce the amount of crime. prgtoken Do you know what won't work? Some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle think that the solution is gun control, but here is the issue: Gun control won't stop a criminal from pushing an innocent victim in front of a subway, let alone keep a criminal from obtaining an illegal gun. prgtoken The real problem is enforcement by the police. The crime spike began in June 2020 when blue cities nationwide pulled the police off their streets, progressive prosecutors at that time stopped prosecuting, and these blue cities started bail reform policies that released violent criminals into the street. No police on the streets but a lot of criminals on the streets--it is no surprise that crime has risen. prgtoken The problems are depolicing, political--progressive prosec
Ukraine (Executive Calendar)
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2022-2-1

I am here today to talk about the escalating aggression by Russia against Ukraine, an ally and a sovereign country whose territorial integrity is once again under attack. In our generation, this is where the fight for freedom is being held; this is where it is being waged. It is going to affect not just Ukraine and Eastern Europe but countries all over the world, depending on the outcome. prgtoken Today, I am going to address what I think the appropriate role is for us as Americans, what more we can do to help avoid what could become an international disaster and a humanitarian crisis. prgtoken Russia is the aggressor here, having invaded Ukraine twice in the past 8 years, illegally annexing Crimea, inserting troops and offensive military weaponry into the Donbas region of Ukraine, initiating cyber attacks against public and private entities in Ukraine, and using disinformation to try to destabilize the democratically elected Government of Ukraine. prgtoken Now they have gone further by amassing more than 100,000 troops under the command of 100 tactical groups on Russia's Ukrainian border. This Russian deployment includes rockets and tanks and artillery and is no longer just on the eastern border of Ukraine, but it is now across the borders, including the northern border, where Russian combat troops and heavy equipment have gone into Belarus. And on the Belarus-Ukrainian border, a Russian presence is being felt. It is also in Crimea and in the Black Sea area, where Russia is taking advantage of their illegal annexation to move troops in those areas close to Ukraine. prgtoken I will give you a little history about how we got here. Eight years ago, the people of Ukraine made a clear choice. They stood up to a Russian-backed, corrupt government in 2014 and made a conscious decision to turn to the West, to the European Union, to us, the United States of America. prgtoken I was in Ukraine in 2014, shortly after what is called the Euromaidan, also the Revolution of Dignity. The barricades were still there. And in the center of town, the Maidan, in Kyiv, was occupied still by Ukrainian patriots, insisting that Ukraine chart its own course. The Ukrainian people had rejected authoritarianism and, instead, embraced freedom, embraced democracy, freedom of speech, freedom to gather, freedom for the respect of law, respect for the judicial institutions in the country, and free markets. prgtoken Now, have they stumbled along the way sometimes with regard to reforms, including of the judicial system? Yes, of course. Most fledgling democracies do; all of them do. But they have made tremendous progress, and they are on their way toward becoming what they wanted to become at the time 8 years ago--again, this Revolution of Dignity that is called the Euromaidan--more like a Western European or Eastern European country that is part of the EU. prgtoken Despite Russia's unrelenting efforts to destabilize Ukraine over
Introductory Statement on S. 3541
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2022-2-1

today I want to speak about a piece of bipartisan legislation that Chairman Tester and I introduced with the unanimous support of every member of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, both s and . prgtoken Consensus is often hard to find, as we know, in this body, but caring for our Nation's veterans--our heroes--has a way of bringing us together. I tell Kansans back home that the Senate on veterans affairs is one of the few places left on which s and find common ground. I hope that continues, and I hope that spreads. prgtoken Caring for our Nation's veterans is an honor that we all have, and when you reach an agreement between some of the most liberal members of our committee and the most conservative members of our committee, you know that you have a really good deal. prgtoken I first learned about the issue of toxic exposure years ago, while attending an event for Vietnam veterans at home in Kansas. After hearing about their struggles with exposure to Agent Orange, I introduced the Toxic Exposure Research Act, which was signed into law in 2016 and mandates research on health conditions of children and grandchildren of veterans who were exposed to toxins during their military service. prgtoken Our military veterans and their families and their survivors know exposure to toxic substances has become commonplace in modern warfare. Regrettably, the negative long-term health effects are sometimes not identified until long after the time of exposure, leaving veterans to face serious medical issues years after their service. prgtoken Toxic exposure during military service has created significant healthcare concerns for veterans, going back to mustard gas exposure in World War I and, most notably, the Vietnam generation's exposure to Agent Orange. prgtoken Despite these clear examples of lasting impact of military toxic exposures, struggles with health conditions associated with burn pits continue to plague the latest generation of veterans who served in the Global War on Terror. prgtoken I have spoken with veterans across Kansas and held a townhall meeting in my home State on the effects of toxic exposure on our veterans' health. My office continues to receive casework prgtoken from veterans regarding the burden of proof to gain access to healthcare. This legislation--the one that our committee will consider tomorrow--lessens that burden and creates a pathway for thousands of Kansas veterans and many more thousands of American veterans to receive healthcare for illnesses caused by toxic exposure. prgtoken For decades, toxic-exposed veterans have faced overwhelming barriers to getting VA healthcare and the services that they deserve. Post-911 veterans are the newest generation of American heroes to suffer from toxic exposures encountered in their military service. prgtoken These American heroes who put on the uniform and volunteered to go into harm's way on our beh
REMEMBERING MIKE DUFFY
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican, IA) \u2014 2022-2-1

I rise today to recognize the life of a well-known and generous man from Davenport, Iowa. Mike Duffy passed away peacefully on January 21 surrounded by his loved ones. prgtoken For the overwhelming majority of his life, Mike called Davenport home. He began working at the age of 11 and did not stop until his retirement. He helped his father, John, grow the family business, Per Mar Security, into an Iowa institution. prgtoken Mike worked a number of jobs throughout his life, and he always treated everyone from all walks of life with equal respect. That is just who Mike was, and he has made the lives of everyone around him better because of it. prgtoken Mike's long list of accomplishments include being recognized by the Iowa Business Hall of Fame, the Quad Cities Area Junior Achievement Hall of Fame, and the Security Industry Hall of Fame. Mike served the Quad Cities around the clock, serving on multiple boards and committees, including the Davenport Chamber of Commerce, St. Ambrose University, and the Handicapped Development Center, just to name a few. prgtoken Even at his visitation, his employees told his wife, Linda, about his selfless service in delivering the Sunday paper to them for the coupons, even though he read it online. Mike worked his entire life to support his family, his friends, and his community. prgtoken Mike's wife, Linda; their children; and 31 grandchildren are in my prayers.
RECOGNIZING REDOX BIO-NUTRIENTS, LLC
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2022-2-1

as a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each month I recognize and celebrate the American entrepreneurial spirit by highlighting the success of a small business in my home State of Idaho. Today, I am pleased to honor Redox Bio-Nutrients as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for February 2022. prgtoken Redox Bio-Nutrients is a world-renowned fertilizer producer based in the heart of Burley, ID. CEO Darin Moon spent his childhood on a family farm in Heyburn, ID, before starting a career in soil science. After several years managing a farm in California, Darin returned to Idaho in 1993 and founded Redox Bio-Nutrients, and in doing so, he achieved his lifelong goal of using science to produce more nutritious food. prgtoken Darin's business acumen and innovative approach have been the cornerstones of the business' growth. Over the years, Darin's focus on innovation has earned him seven patents and provided Redox's customers with high-quality fertilizer that improves their crop yields. Today, the company supplies agricultural products in over 40 States and 32 countries, serving as a global testament to Idaho's industrious entrepreneurial spirit. prgtoken In addition to employing 19 Idahoans and 14 employees across multiple States, Darin's commitment to the Burley community is evident in his service on the Cassia County School District's school board. In 2018, he helped launch Connect, a district-wide program dedicated to connecting students in need with mental health resources and free therapy. prgtoken Congratulations to Darin, his family, and all the employees of Redox Bio-Nutrients, LLC on being selected as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for February 2022. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.
ARTHUR LUIS IBLETO POST OFFICE BUILDING
Jake LaTurner (Republican, KS) \u2014 2022-2-1

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in support of H.R. 735. This bill would name a post office after Arthur Luis Ibleto. prgtoken When Arthur was 17 years old, he deserted Mussolini's fascist army, joined the Italian resistance, and fought behind enemy lines to help the Allies defeat the Nazis. prgtoken After World War II he came to California and met his wife, Victoria. prgtoken A proud immigrant, Arthur cofounded the North Bay Cultural Foundation and served as State president of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America. He was also known as the ``Pasta King'' and is an esteemed member of the Sonoma County food and wine community. prgtoken , I support this bill and .
Biden Administration (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-2-1

the former leader of the Soviet Union, Vladimir Lenin, once said: You probe with bayonets: If you find mush, you push. If you find steel, you withdraw. prgtoken Well, apparently, the current Russian President subscribes to this same point of view. President Putin has made no secret of his desire to restore the former Soviet Union. In 2005, he declared: The [demise] of the Soviet Union was the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the century. ``The [demise] of the Soviet Union was the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the century,'' he said in 2005. prgtoken He went on to say: As for the Russian people, it became a genuine tragedy. Tens of millions of our fellow citizens and countrymen found themselves beyond the fringes of Russian territory. prgtoken So perhaps we should not have been surprised when, in 2008, Russia invaded Georgia--that is, the country of Georgia. Then, when it came to a global response, the Russian President found mush, so he pushed. In 2014, Russia invaded Ukraine for the first time since the end of the Cold War, taking its Crimea region. Once again, President Putin found mush, so he pushed. prgtoken Today, more than 100,000 Russian troops are massed along the Ukrainian border. An invasion could happen at any moment. This impending crisis raises a fundamental question for the freedom-loving countries of the world: Will President Putin be met with mush or steel? Will the anticipated cost of an invasion in terms of blood, treasure, and reputation become so high that he backs down or will a muted global response encourage his lust for empire? prgtoken In times like these, the civilized world looks to the United States for leadership. Ours may no longer be a unipolar world, with the rise of China and the dreams of empire of the Russian Federation, but our country remains a beacon of freedom, strength, and democracy that serves as an example for the rest of the world. prgtoken So the question the world is asking is, Will America still lead? Will we accept our responsibilities under treaties like that of the North Atlantic Treaty, which formed NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization? To be sure, Ukraine is not yet a member of NATO, but will we and the other members allow Putin to dictate membership in the multilateral, rules-based order represented by NATO by threats and force? Will we aid a democracy like Ukraine in its self-defense? These are questions that lie before us, and so far, the administration's response has been less than reassuring. prgtoken Last year, the administration waived sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 Pipeline, giving Russia the green light to continue its monopoly on the energy supply to Europe along with its ability, because of that monopoly, to weaponize energy to an even greater extent. prgtoken The administration's response led to a poorly planned and even more poorly executed exodus from Afghanistan
RECOGNIZING LANCE CORPORAL JONATHAN E. GIERKE, UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
Gregory F. Murphy (Republican, NC) \u2014 2022-2-1

. Madam , I rise today in great sorrow. On January 19, 2022, Lance Corporal (LCpl.) Jonathan E. Gierke, from Lawrenceville, Georgia, tragically passed away as a result of a tactical vehicular rollover in Onslow County, North Carolina. LCpl. Gierke was stationed in my Congressional district at Camp Lejeune and was a Landing Support Specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group. prgtoken LCpl. Gierke was the son of a Navy veteran and a member of the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) at Collins Hill High School, Georgia. He began his active duty in March of 2021. Since then, LCpl. Gierke's assignments include being stationed at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina; School of Infantry-East in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; and Marine Corps Combat Service Support Schools in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. prgtoken LCpl. Gierke's service to our country can best be shown by his attainment of the National Defense and Global War on Terrorism Service Medals. His duty and commitment to our country will never be forgotten and I am forever grateful for all that he accomplished and for his service to our beloved country. prgtoken Madam , please join me today in remembering this patriot and recognizing all the sacrifices that he made for our beloved country.