mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
21ST CENTURY PRESIDENT ACT
Mark Pocan (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2022-6-21

. Madam , I rise today in support of the 21st Century President Act, a bipartisan bill that I am glad to have authored and introduced. prgtoken Federal law hasn't caught up to where progress in this country is, specifically when it comes to who a future President can be. prgtoken This bill would change Federal law that refers to a President's spouse. Sections that currently refer to a President's ``wife'' or ``widow'' would be changed to ``spouse'' in recognition of the fact that, in the 21st century, the President could either be a woman or a person from the LGBTQ community. prgtoken Without this change to the U.S. Code, for example, the law that makes it a crime to threaten, kill, kidnap, or inflict bodily harm upon the President or the President's family would fail to include a future female or gay President and their potential spouse. prgtoken This change is long overdue. Someday, there could be a President , or Elizabeth Warren, or Amy Klobuchar, or Tammy Baldwin, or Pete Buttigieg, or a President Nikki Haley, or Kristi Noem, or Liz . prgtoken The words in law matter. It is critically important that Federal law recognizes that we could one day have a President who is not a man, or even a straight man, and that they and their families deserve equal protection under the law. prgtoken I am glad that this bill passed the House by voice vote last Congress and that it has now been voted out of the Judiciary Committee twice on a voice vote. prgtoken I personally thank Chairman Nadler and the Judiciary Committee for their support of this important bipartisan bill, and I urge all of my colleagues to, once again, support the 21st Century President Act.
RECOGNIZING JAIME SHIMEK ON HER DEPARTURE
Rosa L. DeLauro (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2022-6-21

. Madam , I rise as Chair of the Appropriations Committee, and on behalf of the Members of the Committee and its staff, to pay tribute to Jaime Shimek after her nearly 20 years of Federal service. prgtoken Hailing from Washington State, Jaime began her career as an intern for Representative Norm Dicks and as a staffer for Senator Maria Cantwell. She then served as Washington Senator Patty Murray's Senior Policy Advisor for eight years, handling the appropriations and energy, agriculture, and water portfolios. Jaime left Congress; moving over to the Department of Energy where she served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Senate Affairs before serving as the Director of Federal Affairs at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. prgtoken She then came back to Congress and joined the Appropriations Committee, where she has served for the past five years, including as Clerk of the Energy and Water Development Subcommittee since 2017. prgtoken Madam , during her time with Appropriations, Jaime has been an invaluable asset to the Members of the Committee and myself. She has a profound technical understanding of the full scope of the Subcommittee's jurisdiction, ranging from water infrastructure projects across the country to nuclear weapons to energy and science programs. She has been at the helm of the responsible investments we have made in the past several years to strengthen our energy independence, diversify our energy sources, fight climate change, rebuild our water infrastructure, and create green jobs. prgtoken I know I do not just speak for myself when I say we will miss Jaime greatly on this team. Jaime's hard work and her dedication to the Appropriations Committee and Congress have made her an incredible asset. I look forward to her future endeavors in her home state of Washington at a Department of Energy national lab and congratulate her on her career. The Appropriations Committee, and our entire Nation are indebted to Jaime and grateful for her service.
UKRAINE AND LITHUANIA
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-6-21

last week, Senator Portman of Ohio and I hosted a group of visiting members of Parliament from Ukraine. We were joined by colleagues from both sides of the aisle in a continued demonstration of bipartisan support for that beleaguered country. prgtoken One of the Ukrainian Parliamentarians included a key negotiator with the Russians, David Arakhamia. He was clear in his assessment: The Russians won't negotiate seriously unless confronted with strength. I agree. We must not let Russia regroup and retrench in the eastern part of Ukraine. prgtoken We are now in the fourth month of this horrific war, launched without provocation by Russian war criminal Vladimir Putin to fortify his fragile ego and his warped nostalgia for Soviet horror stories. We all recall the initial assessments that Ukraine and its democratically elected government would fall within days of the Russian military assault. The Russians, for months, poised on the border of Ukraine a mighty force--armored military, virtually everything imaginable. Well, guess what. It not only didn't happen, but the Russian military was turned back decisively in their effort to take Kyiv. prgtoken In the war-torn months since, the government of Ukraine has become a symbol of freedom, of strength, determination, and defiance around the world. In fact, key leaders from Europe visited Kyiv last week and pledged their support for Ukraine's membership in the European Union. prgtoken President has played a key role in rallying NATO allies and providing equipment and support that have allowed the Ukrainians to heroically defend their nation. He has committed more than $6.3 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the administration, with $5.6 billion provided since the beginning of the war alone. prgtoken This kind of security aid typically takes months to process and deliver, but weapons are being delivered to Ukraine at unprecedented speed, some in as little as 48 hours. Technical assistance, training, and humanitarian aid continue in parallel. prgtoken In fact, under President 's leadership, the NATO alliance has never been more unified or formidable, including with two new aspiring members, Finland and Sweden, hoping to join soon--a step I strongly support. Imagine, Vladimir Putin started this vicious war against Ukraine to weaken NATO. He strengthened that organization, and now two pivotal nations in Europe have asked to join NATO for the first time-- an indication to Putin that NATO's days are ahead, not behind, it. prgtoken Despite these historic successes, we must continue to adjust our support for what is likely to be a protracted fight. The Ukrainian military needs long-range artillery and other key military equipment to withstand and repel the Russian onslaught. prgtoken I am joining Senators Portman, Blumenthal, and Grassley in a letter to Secretary of Defense Austin this week urging more long-range rocket ar
CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2022-6-21

I thank the chairwoman for capturing so well the unfinished business as it relates to the Caribbean and overall, and I thank her for being the leader of the resolution to establish Caribbean American Heritage Month that we now are able to commemorate year after year. prgtoken It is appropriate that the gentlewoman is the chair of the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee because she can have a very large voice on the changing of our treatment of the Caribbean, along with the leadership of our chair of the CBC and CBC members. I thank the gentlewoman so much for that. prgtoken , it is my privilege, of course, to now yield to the gentlewoman who hails from Brooklyn that has such a sizable representation of Caribbean Americans. She is a senior member and vice chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee and the founder of and collaborator with the Caribbean-American Caucus here in the United States Congress, and she has worked on a number of immigration issues that really impact our brothers and sisters in the Caribbean. prgtoken I must say that, just a few years ago, I think we were shuttling during the Christmas holiday--it seems like it was near the Christmas holiday--from the Hill to the World Bank, trying to work on redoing the treatment that they were giving to Jamaica. I thank the gentlewoman for that leadership. I was pleased to join her in that effort, and we were successful. prgtoken , from New York (Ms. Clarke), and I better say Brooklyn, New York.
CONFIRMATION OF ROBERT STEVEN HUIE
Alex Padilla (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-6-21

I would also like to take this moment to celebrate the confirmation last month of Judge Robert Huie, now serving in the Southern District of California. prgtoken Judge Huie is a resident of San Diego, where he has lived and worked for nearly 20 years, but his roots in California, in fact, began generations ago. His grandfather immigrated to San Francisco from China in the 1930s, making his home there until joining the U.S. Army. prgtoken Judge Huie is a talented lawyer who has continually sought out opportunities to promote justice. prgtoken He earned his undergraduate degree from Calvin College and his J.D. from Yale Law School. His career includes 12 years of service as an assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of California. prgtoken During that time, he investigated and prosecuted more than 600 district court cases and two dozen appeals on matters ranging from public corruption to securities fraud, to bank robberies. prgtoken And at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Judge Huie took the initiative to create a districtwide working group that combated pandemic-related fraud. prgtoken Judge Huie's commitment to service, his strong work ethic, and his insightful legal thinking will benefit the community of the Southern District. prgtoken , as a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I am proud of the work that we continue to do to confirm outstanding, effective, and diverse judges across the Federal court system. That is especially important in places like the Southern District and Eastern District of California--two of the busiest Federal judicial districts in the entire country. As we confirm more nominees like Judge de Alba and Judge Huie, we are building a Federal court system that can better deliver on the promise of equal justice for all. prgtoken .
GUN LEGISLATION
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2022-6-21

I have another matter to speak of, and before I do, I wish to commend my colleague and neighbor from New England, the distinguished Presiding Officer. As President pro tempore, I am always delighted to see somebody step into that position, but I wish to commend him for his tireless and, at times, what must be frustrating negotiations on a matter that is of extreme importance to our country. prgtoken In my prior profession, I went to many murder scenes. It seemed always at 2 or 3 o'clock in the morning people died of gunshots, and I can remember each one of them as though it was yesterday. prgtoken Since then, what we have seen has been far, far worse. And I commend the Senator and his leadership and those in both parties who have worked with him and have tried to at least take some steps to curtail that in this country.
RECOGNIZING JON BOUGHTIN
Suzan K. DelBene (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2022-6-21

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the service of Jon Boughtin, a dedicated staffer for the New Coalition. prgtoken Jon departs Capitol Hill this month after working for more than a decade in public service, but his legacy of strong member engagement and meaningful relationships with staff, members, and outside stakeholders alike will not soon be forgotten. prgtoken The New Dems occupy an important place within the ic Caucus. We are the center of gravity in the House ic Caucus, the majority makers, and forward-thinking policymakers. None of our work would be possible without a strong support system for our members and staff. Jon worked tirelessly to support the New Dems, helping them make a meaningful and lasting legislative impact in the House of Representatives. Jon developed relationships with countless external experts and organizations, which was essential for New Dems to ``get stuff done,'' as we often like to say. One thing we heard over and over from New Dem members and staff was, ``Jon always came in at the right time with the right advice before I even knew I needed it.'' This level of instinct and intellect is a rare combination. prgtoken New Dems are known for working across the ideological spectrum and with anyone who is willing to come to the table to get things done. But more than that, we've also become a home for thoughtful, measured leaders who have had enough of the shouting and division that too often defines our politics. Jon helped foster this spirit of collaboration and cooperation. Because of his relationships and thoughtful, smart work, New Dems have been able to deliver meaningful policy solutions that put kitchen-table issues at the center of the political debate. prgtoken Jon embodied the New Dem spirit as a selfless public servant and pragmatic policy advocate throughout his career. As the Chair of our 98-Member Coalition, I thank Jon for his service, both past and future, and wish him and his family all the best.
ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-6-21

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 22; 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 resume consideration of the House message to accompany S. 2938.
GUN LEGISLATION
Christopher Murphy (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2022-6-21

when I returned to Connecticut after the shootings in Uvalde and Buffalo, I saw prgtoken a level of fear on the faces of the parents and children whom I spoke to that I have never seen before. This country has lived through mass shooting after mass shooting, rising rates of homicide, but there was something different in the eyes of these families as they once again had to contemplate the idea that our schools are no longer safe places, that our supermarkets are no longer safe spaces. prgtoken But they also were contemplating the idea that Congress was so caught up in its own politics, so addicted to backing into our own corners that we wouldn't be able to do anything meaningful about the thing that matters most to parents and to families in this country: the physical safety of their children. Think about it. What matters more to you than the physical well-being of your children? You would give away everything--your job, your car, the roof over your head--in order to guarantee that your children were safe from physical harm. prgtoken So the anxiety and the fear that I saw in Connecticut and that I think many of my colleagues saw when they returned to their States was not just for the safety of their children but also a fear about the ability of government to rise to this moment and do something and do something meaningful. prgtoken I believe that this week we will pass legislation that will become the most significant piece of anti-gun violence legislation Congress will have passed in 30 years. This is a breakthrough, and more importantly, it is a bipartisan breakthrough. I am glad to join my friend Senator Cornyn on the floor today to talk a little bit about the piece of legislation that our colleagues will be able to look at hopefully in a matter of moments and that this body will be able to consider this week. prgtoken I want to thank Senator Cornyn, Senator Tillis, and Senator Sinema in particular. It was a hard road to get to this compromise, but nothing worthwhile is easy. And nobody in a compromise gets everything they want. This bill will be too little for many; it will be too much for others. But it isn't a box-checking exercise. This bill is not window dressing. This bill is going to save lives. This bill is going to save thousands of lives. It is going to be something that every single Member of this Senate who votes for it can be proud of. prgtoken I want to tell you a little bit about it, and some of this has already been covered by my friend Senator Cornyn. First, let me talk about the provisions in this bill that change our Nation's firearms laws. prgtoken First, we are going to invest in the development of crisis intervention orders. We are going to give money out to States that they will be able to use to implement what are commonly called red flag laws. These are laws that allow local authorities and courts to take weapons, firearms, temporarily away from individuals who are thr
RESTORING HOPE FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING ACT OF 2022
Tom O’Halleran (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2022-6-22

I thank the chairman for yielding. prgtoken , I rise in support of H.R. 7666, the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act, legislation that works to increase the accessibility of our mental health care system and breaks down the unique barriers to care for rural communities that are facing it. prgtoken Each year, hundreds of thousands of Arizonians do not receive the mental health care they need. Without access to this essential care, our families and our communities suffer. prgtoken In recent years, we have lost too many loved ones to opioid abuse, suicide, and senseless violence in our communities. It has gone on far too long. As a homicide investigator in Chicago, I can tell you of the hundreds and hundreds of these types of cases I saw day in and day out. prgtoken Affordable, accessible mental health care plays an important role in holistically addressing each one of these issues. That is why I worked with my colleagues on the Committee on Energy and Commerce, a bipartisan effort, to bring this urgently needed legislation to the House floor for a vote. prgtoken By investing in workforce education and training, and supporting critical mental health programs, the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act works to address the provider shortage millions of Americans are experiencing and expands access to the care our vulnerable and underserved communities need. prgtoken I am pleased to see the initiative to reauthorize and improve critical SAMHSA programs included in this bill. In Arizona, more than five people die every day from overdoses. This crisis is tearing entire families and communities apart. prgtoken Our legislation would assist in developing coordinated local opioid response plans, expand access to medications that reverse an opioid overdose, and improve substance use disorder and mental health treatment for homeless individuals. prgtoken Our bill also invests in mental health care for our children through programs that serve a wide range of ages and mental health needs, including suicide prevention for students. prgtoken , it is time we fill those gaps, and I urge my colleagues to vote for this bill.
MOTION TO DISCHARGE
Christopher Murphy (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2022-6-22

in the Gallery right now listening to the Senate debate on the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act is one of my interns. Her name is Sari Kaufman. I am glad to have her as an intern in my office this summer, but Sari has a story to tell because she is a survivor of a mass shooting. prgtoken She was a student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School when a gunman entered that campus and shot and killed her friends, her classmates. She reminds us that she went to more funerals in a matter of a week than many adults do in their entire lifetime. prgtoken She was in debate class when the shooting started, and she ran for her life, as did hundreds of other survivors of that horrible day. prgtoken No student in America should have to experience what she went through. No young person should have the burden that she bears to come to Washington and argue for changes that will make sure that other students don't go through the same thing, and no parent should have to go through the grief that parents day after day do, mass shooting after mass shooting, urban homicide after urban homicide, as we lose a generation of kids, of young people in this Nation to an epidemic of gun violence that can be stopped by better public policy. prgtoken I have been on this floor hundreds of times pleading with my colleagues to do something, and I am so grateful that Senator Cornyn, Senator Tillis, and a handful of their colleagues on the side this time stood up and sat down with Senator Sinema, myself, and other to find the common denominator. prgtoken I am here on the floor to talk a little bit more about what our piece of legislation does, but I agree with Senator Sinema--this is a moment where we have shown this country what is possible here in the U.S. Senate. prgtoken I talked last night about the fear that families in Connecticut and all across the country felt in the wake of Buffalo and Uvalde and that twin fear about what fate awaited their children but also what fate awaited our democracy if we were unable to rise to this moment to deal with this existential challenge--the loss of life in schools, in shopping malls, in supermarkets. prgtoken And while this compromise was hard-earned, every single day for the last 4 weeks proved to me what can happen in this body if we decide to come out of our political corners. prgtoken And let me say that this moment that we are in today, on the precipice of passing the most significant piece of anti-gun violence legislation in the last 30 years, would not be possible if it were not for Senator Sinema. It would not be possible if it wasn't for her decision to sit down and help us find a path to what was possible. prgtoken But it is also clear that without the leadership of Senator Cornyn, who has been through way too many of these tragedies in his State, and Senator Tillis, a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights but also somebody who believes in this place findi