mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Cloture Motion (Executive Session)
Tom Udall (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2018-10-5

the Supreme Court nomination before us is of historic importance. We have a nominee whose nomination is clouded with credible allegations of sexual assault, whose truthfulness before Congress is questionable, and who showed himself as partisan and lacking in judicial temperament before this body in his supplemental hearing. prgtoken As of today, more than 2,400 law professors throughout the country are on record that Judge Kavanaugh's display of lack of judicial restraint during that hearing is disqualifying. The growing list includes professors from all political stripes and professors who had previously supported his nomination. Indeed, former Justice John Paul Stevens, a highly respected jurist, has taken the unusual step of publicly opining the same. prgtoken Yesterday, I spoke on the Senate floor about why Judge Kavanaugh should not be confirmed in light of the allegations swirling around him, his lack of candor with this body, and his demeanor during the supplemental hearing. But, , on the merits as well, Judge Kavanaugh has not shown himself deserving of elevation to our highest Court. prgtoken Let's start with his overly expansive view of Executive power--a view that could shield our current President from being held to account for potential crimes and misdeeds. prgtoken Judge Kavanaugh has written and spoken extensively about the need to shield the President from criminal investigation while in office. He is on record that, in his opinion, the President has authority under the Constitution to terminate an independent counsel at will. Indeed, there is probably no other viable candidate to the seat who has argued more strenuously in favor of Presidential immunity and the President's absolute authority to fire a special prosecutor. It is no coincidence, then, that this President, who is under criminal investigation by a special counsel, selected Brett Kavanaugh to sit on the Court. prgtoken Judge Kavanaugh is clear that, as a matter of policy, Presidents should be completely immunized from criminal and civil suit while in office. He writes that ``the President should be free from some of the burdens of ordinary citizenship.'' For Judge Kavanaugh, freeing the President of ``burdens'' the rest of us must bear takes precedence over ensuring the President follows the law. prgtoken Judge Kavanaugh's supporters point out that his writings in support of broad Presidential immunity represent his policy views, not his constitutional analysis. But his writings do not tell us that he would uphold Special Counsel Mueller's investigation, nor would he tell us during his confirmation hearing that he would hold the President to account for any crimes. In my view, the ``burdens'' of a criminal investigation do not outweigh the dangers of a criminal occupying the Oval Office. prgtoken There is nothing in the Constitution that immunizes a President from criminal investigation and prosecution wh
Cloture Motion (Executive Session)
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2018-10-5

good afternoon. I rise today to address the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. prgtoken As we all know, the stakes are always high when this Chamber vets and debates and votes to confirm any of the President's Supreme Court nominees, as they should be. This is, as we know, the highest Court in our land. The job comes with a lifetime appointment--not 2 years, like they have in the House of Representatives; not 4 years, like the President; not 6 years, as we have--a lifetime. As we know, looking at one of the Justices on the Supreme Court who is, I think, now 85 years old, that could be a long, long time. prgtoken Those who serve on the Supreme Court make decisions that will affect the lives of millions of Americans almost every day. That is precisely why we expect Presidents to look for the best and brightest candidates possible. That is why the vetting process in the Senate should be serious and thoughtful. That is why nominees should strive to be above reproach. Indeed, we all should strive to be above reproach. This absolutely should be one of the toughest job interviews around because the stakes surrounding any Supreme Court seat are just that high. prgtoken The stakes surrounding the seat vacated by Justice Kennedy may be even higher. The next Justice may shift the balance of our Nation's highest Court for a generation, maybe even longer. The next Justice may very well be asked to rule on questions of Executive power that test our democracy. prgtoken We are fooling ourselves if we refuse to acknowledge that the stakes are so high in large part because this Chamber has yet to reckon with the grave injustice that was done to Merrick Garland and to our Constitution in 2016. prgtoken As many will recall, Judge Garland, who serves as the chief judge of the DC Circuit Court--the highest Federal appeals court in our land-- was nominated by President over 2 years ago to fill the seat held by the late Justice Scalia on the Supreme Court. Shamefully, he was denied any kind of consideration by this body. He waited 293 days for a hearing and a vote that never came. Most Senators refused to even meet with him. A good man was treated badly, and so was our Constitution. prgtoken The unprecedented obstruction our colleagues mounted against Judge Garland was a shameful chapter of the U.S. Senate. I am still deeply troubled by those 293 days. I know some of my colleagues are as well. It is likely that I will continue to be troubled by them for the rest of my life. prgtoken We may never agree which side pulled the pin out of the grenade, but we must all recognize that this institution will never be the same if stealing Supreme Court seats and creating one set of rules for ic Presidents and another set for Presidents is the new norm. prgtoken Despite the injustice done to Merrick Garland, Judge Gorsuch was ultimately confirmed las
Cloture Motion (Executive Session)
Debbie Stabenow (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2018-10-5

I am rising today at a very important time for our country because who sits on the Supreme Court matters. It really matters. From healthcare to civil rights, to the safety of the air we breathe and the water we drink, to the ability to raise our families and pursue the prgtoken American dream, to the very health of our democracy, decisions made by the Supreme Court affect us every single day. prgtoken As my colleagues know, I was born in Michigan. I have lived in Michigan my whole life. My whole family is still in Michigan. I am so grateful for that. Every decision I make in the U.S. Senate puts the people of Michigan first. My decision to oppose Judge Brett Kavanaugh is no exception. prgtoken The allegations that have been made against Judge Kavanaugh deserve to be taken extremely seriously. Even before the allegations came to light, Judge Kavanaugh's record and his writings too often have gone against what is best for Michigan families. prgtoken When confronted with cases that have special interests on one side and people on the other side, he has consistently sided with the special interests. That is certainly true when it comes to healthcare. Healthcare isn't political; it is personal for every single one of us. Michigan families know what they need: quality, affordable healthcare, including prescription drugs, and Michigan women deserve to make their own reproductive health decisions. prgtoken Right now, a court case is pending in which the administration is refusing to defend the law that protects people with preexisting conditions--people like Amy, a small business owner with chronic leukemia, and Louisa, a beautiful little girl born with half a heart. Half of Michigan families include someone with a preexisting condition, like high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma, diabetes, cancer. They deserve to know that healthcare will be there when they need it. prgtoken Yet, if this case were to come before the U.S. Supreme Court and if Judge Kavanaugh were a member, I believe many families in Michigan would find themselves with no coverage and no care. We need judges who will make decisions based on what is best for people--not drug companies, not insurance companies, but for people. prgtoken A second issue on the minds of our families is our water and the Great Lakes, just like the people of Flint who still struggle with lead in their water. Ask the people in at least 15 Michigan communities whose water is contaminated with what we now call PFAS chemicals. That is an industrial chemical that has been linked to cancer and other diseases. Again and again, Judge Kavanaugh has ruled on behalf of polluters, not people. prgtoken In one case, he argued that the Environmental Protection Agency exceeded its authority by trying to address pollution from one State that drifted into another State--as if somehow the air was going to stop at the border. Thankfully, the Supreme Court voted 6 to 2 to o
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR--Continued
Kirsten E. Gillibrand (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-10-5

today and these past several weeks have been deeply painful for many in this country. Today it is a painful day for millions of women all across the country who are rightly worried about losing their basic civil rights. It is a painful day for the brave and courageous survivors who have had to relive their trauma and, in some cases, have found the courage to tell their story for the very first time. prgtoken It is also a painful day for men who hope to see this Senate stand on the right side of history. prgtoken Today, in just a few hours, the U.S. Senate is going to turn its back on righteousness. It is going to turn its back on fairness and reason, and, make no mistake, it is going to turn its back on women. prgtoken What we have seen over the last few weeks is an exercise of power: Who has it and who doesn't. Rather than a search for the truth, we have seen those in power ram through a nominee who is unfit to serve on the Supreme Court. Ultimately, this is about the power structure of America, but it is changing, and it is changing fast. prgtoken I want to say something right here from the Senate floor to every woman in America who is listening: I hear you. Many of my colleagues in the Senate hear you. We hear your stories. We hear your voices, and we will be certain they will not go unheard. prgtoken I have heard from constituents all across my State. I have been talking to people for the last several months, and I have been talking to people specifically about this nominee for the past several weeks. I have heard from friends who have been sexually assaulted. I have heard from friends whose daughters have been sexually assaulted. I have heard from people who are outraged about what is happening in this country right now--outraged at a process that doesn't seek the truth and doesn't seem to be fair. prgtoken Unfortunately, it is a moment when survivors are having to relive the worst moments of their lives in real time by just watching the news. prgtoken So I am going to read a little bit of information that was submitted to the Senate Judiciary Committee on September 27 by Jessica Davidson from End Rape on Campus. She writes a very heartfelt letter about her own trauma, about her own experience with sexual violence, and about the representation she provides from her organization. prgtoken She writes: We envision a world in which each individual has an educational experience free from violence, and until then, that all survivors are believed, trusted, and supported. Each year, we assist nearly 1,000 survivors and their families directly, conduct educational campaigns, support student activists, and to advocate for policy reform efforts that reach millions of individuals. prgtoken She asked: How many more viral online moments must be created before an incredible harm and trauma we have experienced is enough to be taken seriously when a su
INTRODUCTION OF THE FAIRNESS IN FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS MEDICAL CARE ACT OF 2018
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2018-10-5

today, I introduce the Fairness in Federal Bureau of Prisons Medical Care Act of 2018. This bill would remove the current copay Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) inmates are required to pay to visit a BOP-provided doctor. prgtoken Under current BOP rules, inmates are required to ``pay a fee for health services of $2.00 per health care visit.'' While $2.00 may seem insignificant, when inmates earn only twelve to forty cents per hour on their work assignments, $2.00 can be substantial. That money could better be used to pay child support or for the cost of necessities. Moreover, while copays can discourage unnecessary appointments, we should be encouraging inmates to seek medical care before conditions become worse and more expensive for taxpayers. Preventative care is much less expensive for the federal government than costly treatment that could have been avoided by a simple doctor's visit earlier in the process. prgtoken Under current BOP rules, if an inmate is found responsible through the Disciplinary Hearing Process of having caused another inmate's injury that required a medical visit, the offending inmate is required to pay the $2.00 copay for the injured inmate's visit. That rule would not change under my bill. prgtoken Removing this unnecessary copay would allow inmates to see a doctor and receive the medical treatment they need, and will likely save the federal government money in the long run. prgtoken I strongly urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Heidi Heitkamp (Democrat, ND) \u2014 2018-10-5

I want to congratulate the students, faculty, and parents of Central Valley School, located in Buxton, North Dakota, on being awarded the 2018 National Blue Ribbon School Award. prgtoken Founded in 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students perform at very high levels or where significant improvements are being made in students' academic achievement. A National Blue Ribbon Schools flag overhead has become a mark of excellence in education recognized by everyone from parents to policymakers in thousands of communities. Since the program's founding, the U.S. Department of Education has bestowed this coveted award to more than 8,500 of America's best schools. prgtoken Central Valley School serves roughly 196 students and was one of three schools in North Dakota to receive the honor of Exemplary High Performing School in 2018. Receiving recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School signifies the hard work and dedication of the educators, students and parents involved, and I have no doubt the students at Central Valley School are on a path to success. At Central Valley School, teachers focus on each individual student using their multi- tiered system of support. This personalized teaching can consist of one-on-one with students to focused instructional help from a web-based program. The faculty meets eight times a year to assess what certain students might need to be successful. Central Valley's innovative commitment to developing student potential has resulted in high student outcomes for which we can all be proud. prgtoken Central Valley School holds true to its motto, ``A Commitment to Educational Excellence for Students, Staff, and Community: Achievement; Enhancement; Involvement,'' by constantly looking at the needs of each individual student. I wish the very best to the community of Buxton and congratulations to all engaged at Central Valley School for achieving this high honor. Thank you for your commitment to our children and leaders of tomorrow.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR--Continued
Tammy Baldwin (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2018-10-5

there is one standard we should all apply to any nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court--honesty. While some prgtoken have chosen not to apply that standard to Judge Kavanaugh, I must. At the very least, we should expect a nominee for our highest Court to be honest. prgtoken I do not believe Judge Kavanaugh has met this standard. In fact, there is a long record of this nominee not being truthful when he came before the Senate Judiciary Committee. I don't believe he was truthful in his 2006 testimony before the Senate, just as I don't believe he was honest in 2018. prgtoken Last week, I joined millions of Americans in watching Dr. Christine Blasey Ford's powerful testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, in which she credibly presented serious and deeply disturbing allegations of sexual assault. I have deep respect for the strength and courage she has shown in coming forward and putting her own safety and that of her family on the line to do the right thing. To me, Dr. Blasey Ford was honest, and I believe her. prgtoken I supported the call for the White House to reopen the FBI background investigation of Judge Kavanaugh. Dr. Blasey Ford did too. However, in his testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee, Judge Kavanaugh repeatedly refused to support such an investigation by the FBI. prgtoken It is clear to me that the White House and the Senate s severely limited what could have been a full and independent review by the FBI of the credible allegations against the Supreme Court nominee. The fact is, White House and Senate s would not allow the FBI to interview Dr. Blasey Ford, Judge Kavanaugh, and a number of witnesses who came forward publicly. That is simply wrong. prgtoken It is also wrong to be moving forward on a Supreme Court nominee who so clearly lacks the honesty and judicial temperament we would expect of someone serving on our Nation's highest Court. prgtoken Let us not ignore what we all witnessed at last week's Judiciary Committee hearing. We saw a stark contrast between two witnesses. Dr. Ford was honest, credible, respectful, and thoughtful. On the other hand, Judge Kavanaugh was not honest about a number of things he was questioned about, and he did not provide truthful testimony. What he did provide were aggressively angry, political attacks that prove he lacks the judicial temperament to serve on America's highest Court. Even before Judge Kavanaugh's recent hearing, I did not believe he would be an independent judge. prgtoken Powerful special interests in Washington handpicked him and have used their massive, dark money resources to push his nomination forward. I can only conclude that Judge Kavanaugh would work for them and not the people of Wisconsin or our Nation. It is no wonder Judge Kavanaugh is the choice of these powerful, wealthy, corporate special interests. They want to ensure that they maintain the majority on the Supreme Court that will rule o
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR--Continued
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2018-10-5

our Nation has seen some deeply concerning trends in recent decades--increased polarization, flat wages for workers, and a growing tribal mindset that makes it increasingly difficult for people to trust each other and our public institutions. We are also seeing a partisan divide that is growing stronger and wider by the day. prgtoken For example, 60 years ago, about 4 percent of Americans said that they would be seriously disappointed if their son or daughter married someone from the opposite political party. Today, it is almost half. prgtoken We are also seeing a growing economic divide. Fifty years ago, 9 out of 10 30-year-olds in America were better off than their parents at the same age. In 2010, only half were. It feels like the bonds that make us a cohesive society are fraying and that life in the United States is growing more unfair for so many Americans. Bringing our country back together and strengthening our bonds with each other will not be an easy task, but, without question, the Supreme Court has an unparalleled ability either to move our society forward or to pull us further apart. prgtoken Unanimous opinions by the Supreme Court to strike down segregation in public schools, to affirm the right of criminal defendants to an attorney, and to rein in the use of executive privilege by President Nixon show the ability of ideologically diverse judges to agree on what is fair and what is right, but the Supreme Court as an institution is far, far from infallible. prgtoken The same institution that just 3 years ago made marriage equality the law of the land also upheld the internment of American citizens of Japanese dissent while our parents fought to liberate prisoners held in German concentration camps across the Atlantic prgtoken Ocean. The same institution that gave American women the right to make decisions about their own reproductive health in Roe v. Wade denied citizenship to African American slaves in the shameful Dred Scott decision. prgtoken Some of my colleagues have said they have confidence that Judge Kavanaugh believes in Roe v. Wade and that it is the settled law. I hope they are right, but I seriously doubt it. I think that, if confirmed, Judge Kavanaugh will spearhead the continued erosion of rights for American women, and if given the chance, he will vote to overturn this settled precedent. prgtoken Lots of talk in Washington about the Supreme Court centers on precedent, power, or procedure, but I would argue that voting for a Supreme Court nominee is fundamentally about people. In making a decision on how I will vote on a Supreme Court nominee, I ask two questions: First, how will the nominee serve the people of Michigan? Second, how will the nominee serve the Nation as a whole? prgtoken Now, more than ever, I think we need our Supreme Court not to be just fair. We also need Americans to truly believe that the Justices that make up the Supreme Court are fair and capable o
Cloture Motion (Executive Session)
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2018-10-5

from California for very clearly outlining, for all of us to hear, why this was not a search for truth on an issue that affects so many people in this country, the victims of sexual assault who often, as she just described, do not talk about it, do not speak about it, do not ever tell anyone until there is a reason to, which is what Dr. Ford did. prgtoken While the Senator from California is here, you said this was not a search for truth. When it comes to victims of sexual assault--and you have dealt with them time and again as a district attorney and attorney general in the State of California--what message does this send when they see the U.S. Senate?