mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2023-9-30

I come to the floor this afternoon to urge my colleagues to keep moving this bipartisan CR forward and remind them that this isn't the be-all, end-all of legislating this year. I really appreciate the efforts, including considering a different message in this bill. prgtoken I have a message for everyone who still wants this bill to do a little bit more. This is not the last bill this Congress is ever going to pass, but it is how we avoid a devastating shutdown. The issue that the Senator from Virginia just talked about in terms of making sure we are strong--not just here at home, but across the globe--I can assure you, whatever other issue you care about, whether it is childcare or the border or farmers or schools or air travel or rural healthcare or veterans, you name it--a government shutdown is not going to make it better. It will hurt our families. It will hurt our economy, and it will hurt our national security. And, by the way, it is going to be more expensive than just keeping things open. prgtoken That is why the first order of business for all of us, no matter what you care about, has to be getting our bipartisan CR passed. Once we take care of priority No. 1 and keep the lights on, we can and we obviously will keep talking about how to deal with the pressing challenges of childcare, the border, natural disasters, and more. And we can get back to passing our 12 bipartisan appropriations bills to provide full-year funding. prgtoken Let's get this done so we can avoid a complete disaster for families and get back to making progress on all the other issues we all care about. I urge my colleagues to vote yes on the motion to invoke cloture on the substitute. prgtoken .
UKRAINE
Michael F. Bennet (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2023-9-30

I am sorry that you are having to stay here so late tonight, but I am glad you are in the chair. prgtoken I wanted to come down to the floor, now that the vote is done, just to explain the objection that I made earlier today. I am not going to do it at an elaborate length, but I think it is important to say that I was deeply disappointed--as were many people--that the deal to keep the government open did not actually have as part of it continuing funding for Ukraine, which I think is critically important. I think most people in the Senate believe it is critically important. prgtoken I objected to proceeding tonight because I thought it was important for us to find a way to send a bipartisan message from this Chamber that that is how we felt. prgtoken As I mentioned to the Presiding Officer earlier today, to my caucus earlier today, one of the reasons--or maybe the reason--why this is something that is so important to me is that my mom, who is still alive, was born in Warsaw, Poland, in 1938. She was a Polish Jew. prgtoken I couldn't imagine a worse place in the world to be born at that time than where my mom was born. She and her parents and an aunt survived. Everybody else was killed. prgtoken As everybody in this Chamber knows--certainly, the Presiding Officer knows--16 million people were killed in Ukraine and in Poland by the Nazis and by Stalin. prgtoken My mom cannot believe that she has lived long enough to see another land war break out in Europe. That is what she says to me: I can't believe I lived long enough to see this. I almost can't believe it either because we had gotten used to reliance on our international organizations, the rule of law, the idea that democracy had spread, the idea that capitalism had spread. prgtoken There were some people, when the Berlin Wall fell down in the late 1980s, who were writing books about how this was kind of the end of history because the liberal--small ``L'' liberal, not big ``L'' liberal--the small liberal order had prevailed. Of course, we know now that wasn't true. prgtoken And we know now that there is a contest in the world of at least two very different visions of how a human should organize themselves. We believe in democracy. We believe in the rule of law. We believe in freedom of speech and freedom of the press. Vladimir Putin believes in none of those things. And Xi Jinping believes in none of those things either. prgtoken It was an amazing experience for me to sit as a member of the Intelligence Committee and watch Putin make one mistake after another as he contemplated invading Ukraine--something a lot of people believed he wouldn't actually do. I think a lot of Ukrainians thought that he might. I think a lot of Pols thought he might. I think a lot of others living in Eastern Europe were worried that he might actually do it. prgtoken I said that he made some fundamental mistakes, and he did make some fundamental mistakes. One was he belie
CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024 AND OTHER EXTENSIONS ACT
Rosa L. DeLauro (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2023-9-30

if I might, I would like to read a letter that was sent by the Under Secretary of Defense, Michael McCord. prgtoken The letter was sent to the of the House as well as to the Senate majority and minority leaders. It is addressed to Leader Jeffries. ``I write to express the Department of Defense's deep concern with the absence of security assistance funding for Ukraine in the continuing resolution being considered in the House . . . or any similar continuing resolution that might be proposed. The Department of Defense is anxious to avoid a lapse in appropriations, but it is important that a CR protect our security interests and uphold our commitments and our values. ``As you know, the Department has been providing vital security assistance to Ukraine since Russia's unprovoked invasion in February 2022, thanks to the bipartisan support of Congress. It is just as vital today that we continue that support. ``Today, DOD has exhausted nearly all available security assistance funding for Ukraine. We are already out of funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, one of the two security assistance tools we have. ``The other funding tool we need are those funds provided to replenish our military's inventories for the weapons and supplies we've provided to support Ukraine in their fight via drawdown. We have only $1.6 billion remaining of the $25.9 billion Congress has provided. prgtoken We have already been forced to slow down the replenishment of our own forces to hedge against an uncertain funding future--'' our own forces. ``Failure to replenish our military services on a timely basis could harm our military's readiness. ``Without additional funding now, we would have to delay our curtail assistance to meet Ukraine's urgent requirements, including for air defense and ammunition that are critical and urgent now as Russia prepares to conduct a winter offensive and continues its bombardment of Ukrainian cities. For example, a lack of USAI funding now will delay contracting actions that could negatively impact the Department's ability to purchase essential additional 155-millimeter artillery and critical munitions essential for the success of Ukraine's Armed Forces. ``This ammunition is critical to sustaining Ukraine's Armed Forces, including for their ongoing counteroffensive. An inability to ensure timely procurement and deliveries could undermine essential Ukrainian operations to retake additional territory or defend against potential future Russian offensives. ``It would also affect our ability to support Ukraine's land forces, including obstacle breaching equipment, sustainment of previously provided small Unmanned Aerial Systems, systems to detect, analyze, and locate adversary signals, and demolitions equipment. It would affect training, maintenance, and sustainment of the equipment we have previously provided, exportability efforts, spare parts, and other activities to ensure th
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Mark R. Warner (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-9-30

thank you for the courtesy of allowing me to speak again. I just spoke about Dianne Feinstein. prgtoken Later today, the House is potentially acting on legislation. One of the things Dianne was always clear-eyed about was our national security threats and the challenges posed by autocratic nation-states like Russia. I implore my friends in the House--a House that just this week, by a vote of 330-plus, said they did not want to walk away from Ukraine, our commitment at this moment, our military support, our diplomatic support, our State Department support at this critical junction in this world. prgtoken Well, in a crass, crass move, House leadership is not only trying to remove all assistance for Ukraine but literally trying to prevent our Defense Department, our State Department, and other Agencies from transferring already-existing funds to those necessary areas that are going to be most in jeopardy if we walk away from Ukraine at this moment in time. I implore those who have said time and again that we need to stand up for Ukraine not to walk away at this moment in time. prgtoken The truth is, what happens today, as European elections over the next few weeks with forces that are not in support of democracy's continued fight against the autocracy that Putin represents, the brutal dictatorship that Putin represents--they will be watching. prgtoken I hope that we stand firm, as so many of us in this body alone, north of 85 Senators, have come to the floor at one point or another or in voting have said they want to stand with the people of Ukraine in their strong fight. We are going to have to address that question later today as we sort through these final hours before the imminent and totally avoidable shutdown happens at midnight tonight. prgtoken .
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Jeff Merkley (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2023-9-30

the bill that we will be voting on shortly reflects intense bipartisan collaboration here in the Senate, the type of collaboration that we need to see a lot more of in this institution. prgtoken I share a lot of credit--let me put it differently. I thank the coleads, Senator Murray and Senator Collins, for working so hard to get all the appropriation bills out of committee and finding a path forward for us to make sure that, with the CR, we can keep the government open. prgtoken It doesn't have things in it that I would like--a lot more disaster aid for folks around the country, a lot more support for Ukraine. But I think it represents exactly the type of modest package that is appropriate at this moment, while, as the chair of Appropriations pointed out, we will continue to work together in the month to come to pass the actual appropriation bills. prgtoken The issue that I am very concerned about on the House side right now is that they are taking and putting together a package that has no support for Ukraine and that bans the administration from moving funds throughout the Defense Department and the State Department to be able to support Ukraine. prgtoken If you want China and Russia being No. 1 and No. 2 in the world, then that would be the path to go. If you want to have dictatorships, authoritarian governments crush democracy, then that would be the way to go. prgtoken But I want our vision of a republic, our vision of a democracy, our vision of a state that has freedom of speech and freedom of assembly to be able to be the model that expands freedom in this world. prgtoken Let's support this package before us, and let's support a package that has both disaster aid and aid for Ukraine. prgtoken .
SECRET SIDE DEAL ON UKRAINIAN FUNDING
Matt Gaetz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-10-2

I rise to raise a question: What was the secret side deal on Ukraine? prgtoken House and President have said that as McCarthy was asking s to vote for a continuing resolution so as to avoid having to take the Senate's plus-up in Ukraine money, that the of the House was actually cutting a side deal to bring Ukraine legislation to this floor with President and House . prgtoken So let me get this straight: To extend 's spending and 's policy priorities, the of the House gave away to the money for Ukraine that wanted. prgtoken It is going to be difficult for my friends to keep calling President feeble while he continues to take McCarthy's lunch money in every negotiation. prgtoken The of the House has responded to these reports of a secret side deal on money for Ukraine, opaquely stating that he still wants to fund Ukraine and our border. prgtoken I have a few replies to this statement. prgtoken First, the 's statement confirms the existence of a secret deal. I have talked to Members of our own leadership who have said they didn't even know that McCarthy was negotiating a secret side deal outside of our Conference, outside of his own leadership team for the sake of Ukraine. prgtoken Second, Ukraine has lost the support of a majority of the majority. The last time there was a freestanding Ukraine vote on this floor, it was last week--101 s voted for it, 117 s voted against it. prgtoken According to the Hastert rule, which McCarthy agreed to in January, you cannot use to roll a majority of the majority on something as consequential as Ukraine. So for all the crocodile tears about what may happen later this week about a motion to vacate, working with the is a yellow brick road that has been paved by McCarthy, whether it was the debt limit deal, the CR, or now the secret deal on Ukraine. prgtoken Third, this is swampy logrolling. The American people deserve single- subject bills. I get that a lot of folks might disagree with my perspectives on the border or on Ukraine, but can we at least agree that no matter how you feel about Ukraine or the southern border, they each deserve the dignity of their own consideration and should not be rolled together where they might pass where each individually wouldn't? prgtoken This is what we are trying to get away from. This is the spirit of the January agreement we made with the . No more lashing these disparate issues together so that the American people's interests are subjugated here on the floor of the House. prgtoken Do you know how we should stand up for our border? Demand that the United States Senate take up our single-subject appropriation bill that funded the border. It created unity. We voted for it. It has the policy demands that the continuing resolution that McCarthy advocated for on this floor did not. <|
PAYING TRIBUTE TO JASON ROONEY
Mike Garcia (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-10-2

I rise today to pay attribute to a friend, a hero, and a great American. prgtoken Jason Rooney passed on June 11 this year, just shy of his 51st birthday. He is survived by his parents, Dudley and Cathy; his daughter, Skyler; and his three brothers, Christopher, Michael, and Brian. prgtoken Growing up, Jason always put others first. He had a heart for serving others that ultimately led him to serve as a Los Angeles County deputy for over 15 years. He took great pride in being a deputy and he performed all of his positions with honor and with distinction. However his true purpose in life came on January 31, 2008, when he welcomed his daughter Skyler Marie into the world. Skyler is a beautiful and intelligent young lady and Jay's world revolved around her. prgtoken Jason Dudley Rooney was a great brother, great son, and a great father. He will be missed by his family, friends, and the good people of Los Angeles County whom he served so well. prgtoken , may God bless Jay Rooney, who is now by His side, and may God bless all of our peacekeepers.
HONORING STANLEY L. MYERS, ESQ.
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2023-10-2

tragically, beloved South Carolinian, Stanley L. Myers, passed away last Wednesday. As a founding partner of what is now Moore Bradley Myers, I especially appreciated his service and his remarkable life. I also want to express sympathy to his family and his senior law partner, Jake Moore, who correctly recognized him as a son. prgtoken His obituary: Moore Bradley Myers partner, Stanley Myers, died at age 47. MBM managing partner Christian Spradley asked that the community members turn their attention to praying for Stanley's wife, Tashia, and their two young children. prgtoken As a Citadel alumnus and 4-year starting quarterback for the Bulldogs, Myers was elected to the Citadel Board of Visitors. He also served on the Lexington Medical Center Board of Directors and founded the Swansea Mentoring Program. prgtoken Every Christmas, Stanley proudly hosted the town of Swansea's Bike Bonanza. Myers opened Countryside BBQ restaurant in Swansea in 2022. His service and spirit of giving back to the community was unparalleled. prgtoken As an attorney, Myers was selected as a 2023 Leadership in Law honoree by the South Carolina Lawyers Weekly. Myers deployed as a captain with the 218th Infantry Brigade to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was a lieutenant colonel who served as the Staff Judge Advocate for the 59th Troop Command at McEntire Joint National Guard Base. prgtoken Stanley Myers passed away unexpectedly on September 27, 2023. prgtoken May God bless his memory.
CONGRATULATIONS TO FIRE CHIEF STEVE KNORREK ON HIS RETIREMENT
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-10-2

I rise today to recognize the extraordinary efforts of Norwalk Police Officer Jared Alcorn, who saved a couple from a house fire while on patrol in August. At 3:50 a.m Officer Alcorn smelled smoke and conducted a thorough search of the neighborhood he was patrolling, leading him to a small house where he witnessed flames engulfing the back deck. prgtoken The fire, although not yet extensive, posed a grave threat to the unsuspecting couple sound asleep inside. Without hesitation, Alcorn dialed the fire department, swiftly woke and evacuated the occupants, along with their pets, and called for backup. prgtoken Then displaying remarkable bravery and resourcefulness, Officer Alcorn and his partner took on the roles of impromptu firefighters. They grabbed garden hoses from both sides of the house and commenced a valiant battle against the encroaching flames. Their relentless efforts held the fire at bay until professional firefighters arrived on the scene. prgtoken Thanks to the swift and selfless actions of Officer Jared Alcorn, the fire's damage was contained primarily to the home's exterior. The couple and their pets were spared from harm and the heart of the residence remained intact. prgtoken , in the darkest hours of that morning, Officer Alcorn's courage shone brightly, embodying the true spirit of a dedicated and heroic public servant. Motion to Vacate McCarthy
45-DAY CONTINUING RESOLUTION
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-10-2

Saturday, we cobbled together a 45-day continuing resolution. That is not my preferred way of doing business around here. Indeed, what I talk about to my constituents at home is the process that the House s with our majority have attempted to put in place and are putting into place, a successful Appropriations Committee process. prgtoken Now, this isn't just jargon, and it is inside baseball for a lot of people, but when people understand what it is they are trying to accomplish, the Appropriations Committee is going to be the transparency, the light of day, the sunshine on the spending process that D.C. has, and of which we need much more. prgtoken We didn't quite get there this year. We got 70 percent of our spending--I hate to use that term, but that is the jargon here-- accomplished in four bills already. We still need to do eight bills as our budget is divided into about 12 pieces in the appropriations process. We have a little ways to grind out here. prgtoken So what happened? We weren't able to come to agreement, even amongst all s on getting all these bills done. We had a good start in getting a few things done last week, but we have much more to do. prgtoken We want to get through the whole process because we want transparency so the public can see what it is we are doing in this process, the Appropriations Committee, in the light of day, line-by-line, et cetera, so that we can then send documents over to the Senate and have them contemplate those bills. They are not going to like exactly what we do, but we will bring those bills back and hopefully achieve a consensus we can all live with in this era. prgtoken I have to remind you, what we have laid out as our goals as House s aren't necessarily shared by the Senate or the White House. It is a hostile environment to try and cut back to pre-COVID levels of spending, as well as secure our border, from the Senate majority and the White House. prgtoken These are our goals. prgtoken We want to have a secure border. prgtoken We had a document early last week that we thought was going to take a giant leap there, but we couldn't get all the votes we needed even in our own Conference to get it done. That is pretty frustrating. prgtoken Now, we have this 45-day ability to buy time with what we passed the other day. I am not happy with continuing resolutions, especially long- term ones. This is fairly short-term. It will enable us to do our work and get these appropriations done. That is what we are doing. Yes, it continues spending pretty much as it was, but we were up against a deadline. prgtoken Now, what are the bad things? A government shutdown is what we were up against. That is a terrible way of doing business. I have been around a couple of them and so have my colleagues that prgtoken have been here longer than me. One of my friends who has been through five of them has said nobody ever wins politically or policywi
MODERNIZING THE ACQUISITION OF CYBERSECURITY EXPERTS ACT OF 2023
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-10-2

the Modernizing the Acquisition of Cybersecurity Experts Act will ensure that the Federal Government can hire any qualified cybersecurity professional as long as they have the right knowledge and skills even if they do not have a fancy degree. I encourage my House colleagues to support this commonsense government transparency bill, the MACE Act, sponsored by Chairwoman Nancy Mace, that will make America smarter and more secure. prgtoken , .
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Tom Cole (Republican, OK) \u2014 2023-10-2

I voted in favor of Roll Call No. 507, H.R. 4368, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2024, in order for the appropriations process to move forward. However, I do have some concerns about certain provisions and cuts in the underlying bill. Watershed programs, rural energy and broadband grants, and water and wastewater projects are just a few programs that are of vital importance to my district and need adequate funding. As the appropriations process continues, I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure the needs of rural America are met.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
John R. Carter (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-10-2

due to a viral infection, and on my physician's advice and wanting to keep my colleagues healthy, I was unable to cast votes on final passage of the following bills. Had I been present, I would have voted YES on: prgtoken Final Passage of H.R. 5225, the Spending Reduction and Border Security Act (Roll Call No. 511); Final Passage of H.R. 4368, the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture Appropriations Act (Roll Call No. 507); Final Passage of H.R. 4367, the Fiscal Year 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations Act (Roll Call No. 505); Final Passage of H.R. 4365, the Fiscal Year 2024 Defense Appropriations Act (Roll Call No. 502); and Final Passage of H.R. 4665, the Fiscal Year 2024 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Act (Roll Call No 500). prgtoken Had I been present, I would have voted NO on: prgtoken Final Passage of H.R. 5692, making supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024 (Roll Call No. 503), and Final Passage of H.R. 5860, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act (Roll Call No. 513).