mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2023-2-27

each spring, women from across the Volunteer State gather to vie for the title of Miss Tennessee USA. Those who shine brightest earn the privilege of competing for Miss USA's coveted crown; but more importantly, they set an example for young women in their own communities. prgtoken For 30 years, my friend and fellow Tennessean Kim Greenwood has mentored scores of dreamers seeking their place in this family of civic leaders. As executive director of the Miss Tennessee USA and Miss Tennessee Teen USA State Pageants, Kim has transformed these competitions into opportunities for growth and self-discovery. A former Tennessee Junior Miss and Miss Tennessee USA herself, she knows better than most how to empower ambitious young women to become positive examples of service and success that will transform the lives of little girls back home. prgtoken On behalf of all Tennesseans, I want to thank Kim for helping so many young women harness their potential and build for themselves the beautiful and fulfilling lives they have always dreamed of.
CELEBRATING TEXAS INDEPENDENCE DAY
Randy K. Weber, Sr. (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-2-27

I want to celebrate in advance Texas Independence Day on March 2, 1836. prgtoken They say everything is better in Texas. Let me just tell you, I am here to confirm that that rumor is true. More correctly, it is no longer a rumor. prgtoken We have a saying in Texas, and that goes like this: It ain't bragging if it's facts, and that's the facts about Texas. prgtoken , I am glad to be joined by my good Texas friends from both sides of the aisle to celebrate Texas Independence Day. prgtoken On March 2, 1836, that was the day the Republic of Texas was born. During the Texas Revolution, a convention of 59 Texans met at Washington-on-the-Brazos and declared our independence of Texas from Mexico. The declaration decried the arbitrary acts of oppression and tyranny from the Mexican Government under the dictator General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. prgtoken In particular, it noted that the government had ``ceased to protect the lives, liberty, and property of the people from whom its legitimate powers are derived.'' prgtoken The Texans signing that declaration sought to protect our rights of free speech, our rights to keep and bear arms--sounds familiar--and our rights of freedom of religion. prgtoken I am proud to report these same freedoms still hold true in Texas today. prgtoken March 2 is a day that all Texans come together and celebrate the calls of ``Come and Take It'' and ``Remember the Alamo.'' We remember and honor the pioneering, independent, trailblazing spirit of the great State of Texas. prgtoken Independence has flowed through the veins of Texans ever since. May our thirst for freedom never die, and may we and our offspring always remember that freedom is worth fighting for. prgtoken , just like those iconic frontier days, we are still at work using what my grandfather--who came over on a boat from Germany, by the way, in 1903--what my grandfather called good old-fashioned Texas horse sense to get the job done. You tell kids that today, ``good old-fashioned horse sense,'' and they look at you funny. They call it common sense. The sad fact of the matter is that common sense isn't very common these days, but in Texas, it is still alive and doing quite well. prgtoken Before turning it over to my fellow Texans here tonight, I would like to share two of my favorite quotes from Davy Crockett, who was a Member of Congress from Tennessee. His first quote is: ``I must say as to what I have seen of Texas, it is the garden spot of the world, the best land and best prospects for health I ever saw, and I do so believe it is a fortune to any man to come here.'' prgtoken Of course, when Crockett ran for reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives, he got defeated. Then he uttered his second, probably more famous quote. He said to the people who voted him out: Of course, I may not know what you all want to do. I am going to Texas. Y'all can all go to hell. prgtoken I am just quoting Davy Crockett, . prgtoken , I am pro
DEMOCRACY OR AUTHORITARIANS
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2023-2-27

I am grateful to serve as chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, also known as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. prgtoken Last week, in Vienna, all democracies of the 57-member Parliamentary Assembly unanimously supported Ukraine and condemnation of war criminal Putin. prgtoken The world understands there is competition between democracies with rule of law opposed by authoritarians with rule of gun. War criminal Putin is sacrificing young Russians for oil, money, and power for himself. prgtoken Ukraine represents peace through strength and must be victorious in this conflict to avoid the Chinese Communist Party invasion of Taiwan and to stop the Iranian regime as it develops intercontinental ballistic missiles to vaporize Israel and bring mass murder to America. prgtoken America is not alone in understanding freedom is not free. The European Union has provided $54 billion to Ukraine, and recently, Norway authorized another $7 billion and Japan another $5 billion. Over 52 nations are promoting eventual peace through strength for Ukraine. prgtoken In conclusion, God bless our troops, who successfully protected America for 20 years, as the global war on terrorism continues moving from the Afghanistan safe haven to America.
National Children's Advocacy Center (Executive Session)
Tommy Tuberville (Republican, AL) \u2014 2023-2-27

last week, like many of us in here-- many of my colleagues--I spent time meeting with a lot of great folks back in my home State of Alabama. It was great to be home. It was great to be able to share the progress my office has made in the first 2 years, as well as my vision and priorities for the 118th Congress. prgtoken I visited Huntsville, AL, and had the opportunity to meet with some of the leaders in defense, education, and business. This included stops at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center; Alabama A&M University, one of the top HBCUs in the country; and other important sites, including businesses in Madison County, AL. prgtoken But I would like to take some time today to speak specifically about one stop on my trip that opened my eyes to a subject we should talk about more often in this Chamber. The National Children's Advocacy Center in Huntsville is a global leader in services, investigations, and counseling for children who suffer physical and sexual abuse. The center's work is important, and I am proud to share that work today. prgtoken I think we can all agree that we want our kids to have access to all the opportunities that this great country provides. Unfortunately, many children in Alabama and across the country are robbed of the opportunity to thrive and pursue their dreams because of abuse and neglect. prgtoken During my visit, the center's executive director, Chris Newlin, shared that 1 in 10 American children today will be victims of abuse before the age of 18. This is horrific, it is unacceptable, and it is embarrassing to our country. These kids don't know what it is like to have a carefree childhood or loving families who support their goals. They aren't able to devote energy to school, join in team sports, or have fun because their only goal in life is just to survive. Not only are they robbed of their childhood, but many times they are robbed of their adulthood as well. prgtoken Studies show that there are several long-term effects of child abuse. These include delayed brain development, lower educational success, and limited career opportunities. Victims are also more likely to suffer from future abuse, drug usage, and medical complications. Additionally, they are less likely to own cars, buy homes, or engage in business, making them less likely to be able to support a family in the future. prgtoken Nearly 600,000 kids in the United States were abused in 2021. To repeat that, 600,000 kids in the greatest country on the face of the Earth were abused in 2021, with the most common form of abuse being neglect. prgtoken Child abuse cases in Alabama have increased throughout the years, with more than 12,000 victims reported in 2018, costing the State of Alabama $3.7 billion. Now, that is up $1.5 billion from just 3 years earlier. The cost is outrageous. And while we are still collecting data from the past few years of COVID--and we know how bad that was--we all know that thos
TRIBUTE TO FREDRICK D. SCHAUFELD
Bill Hagerty (Republican, TN) \u2014 2023-2-27

I rise today to congratulate my dear friend, Fredrick D. Schaufeld, for receiving the 2023 Horatio Alger Award. Fred has spent decades giving back to his community by creating job opportunities and a path to prosperity for so many, while at the same time contributing significantly to philanthropic efforts. No one is more deserving of this honor than Fred Schaufeld. prgtoken The Horatio Alger Award symbolizes the values of personal initiative and perseverance, leadership, and commitment to excellence, belief in the free- prgtoken enterprise system and the importance of higher education, community service, and the vision and determination to achieve a better future. These are the ideals that serve as Fred's North Star. prgtoken Throughout his career, Fred has exemplified the best of American exceptionalism. In addition to his time in the private sector, Fred has spent decades giving back to his community, whether through his time as the chairman of the Inova Health System Foundation or through his participation on the board of the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts. Additionally, and one of my personal favorites, Fred is a recipient of the Loudoun Laurels award and the Loudon County Boy Scouts' Good Scout award. prgtoken I would also like to congratulate his wife Karen for her contributions to these causes over the decades. I know firsthand how important a supportive partner like Karen can be, and I am so pleased that you both are recognized in such an appropriate manner for your efforts. prgtoken Congratulations.
EXTENSION OF FCC AUCTION AUTHORITY
Neal P. Dunn (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-2-27

I rise today in support of H.R. 1108, a bill to extend the FCC spectrum auction authority through May 19, 2023. prgtoken From internet connectivity to telephone services, spectrum auctions are essential to the inner workings of the technologies that we use daily in our lives. prgtoken The FCC's authority to use competitive bidding augments American competitiveness by enabling our commercial providers to access the spectrum they need to continue operating and innovating. prgtoken In less than 2 weeks, the FCC's spectrum auction authority is set to expire. It is the duty of Congress to extend this authority, which has never been allowed to expire to date. The expiration of FCC auction authority would put U.S. wireless providers at a global competitive disadvantage, leaving users across the United States in dire straits. prgtoken This bipartisan legislation provides a solution that works for everyone, and I encourage my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 1108.
CELEBRATING TEXAS INDEPENDENCE DAY
Pete Sessions (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-2-27

I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding. prgtoken , tonight, we join Texans back home in a day of celebration for the State of Texas. The State of Texas, as you have heard, began its formation not just at the Alamo but as people came to Texas with the understanding that we wanted the freedom of our own country. prgtoken That is when, on February the 24th, the day after the siege of the Alamo began, heroism and opportunity filled the Alamo with ideas not only that they wanted to have their own country, but about a land, a land of people, a land of freedom, and a land that would be full of opportunity. prgtoken , that is what we still stand for in Texas, a State that has distinguished itself not only in honor and in principle but in the opportunity to be a part of the United States of America, one Nation under God, the opportunity to serve in war after war with the United States military, the armed forces of this country. Texas has produced for years, not just heroes like Davy Crockett and Colonel William Barret Travis, but produced in every single war in this country those men and women who would stand for the opportunity to make this country stronger and better. prgtoken Tonight, as we begin the celebration of Texas Independence Day, it should be remembered that here in Washington, D.C this delegation is proud of not only who we are and what we stand for, but we are proud to be the 28th State in the United States of America. prgtoken In 1845, we left Texas being a country to join the United States of America. The heroism, the pride of authorship, and the love which we have for the State of Texas we also share for our country, the United States of America. prgtoken I thank the gentleman for leading the Texas delegation tonight as we stand on the floor to give thanks. ``Texas, our Texas. All hail the mighty State.''
READING OF WASHINGTON'S FAREWELL ADDRESS
James Lankford (Republican, OK) \u2014 2023-2-27

. In 1781, the Revolution had actually ended. The war had stopped. George Washington, then as the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, continued to be able to stay on to be able to lead the Army until 1783, until the new government could be formed. In 1783, he came to Annapolis, MD, and Commander in Chief George Washington resigned his commission of the military. prgtoken Now, we don't see that as a significant event, but it is one of the most significant events at the beginning of our Nation because, in the past, if you led the Army and you won the war, you would become the leader based on the fact that the Army is behind you. That is the way it had always been in every place, in every country. If you had the Army, you have the power. prgtoken George Washington approached the civilian government in the beginnings of a new Republic, resigned his commission, and stepped back to being a private citizen. That event is so significant, John Trumbull, his painting hangs in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol right now. That painting has been hanging there since 1824. In fact, the painting of George Washington resigning his commission is actually older than the dome that it is under. prgtoken We don't think about a military leader taking over the United States. That is unthinkable for us because of the path that George Washington laid down behind us. prgtoken He did a lot of firsts in a lot of his leadership. He was our first President. He was a civilian leader. After one term, he wanted to be able to step down. In fact, he and Madison actually wrote together a letter to be able to go out to the American people after his first Presidency, but so many people came to him and encouraged him to be able to run again that he relented and ran again. But at the end of his second term, he would not relent and had determined he was not a King, he was not the only person who could lead these new United States, but it was time, after 45 years, for him to step aside. prgtoken And this time, with the help of another gentleman whom he had worked with for a long time named Alexander Hamilton--they had served together, even since the Continental Army. He and Alexander Hamilton wrote an address to the American people. This was to be the end of his Presidency and of his public service. It was actually--interestingly enough, it is referred to as ``George Washington's Farewell Address,'' but he never actually spoke it. They wrote it, and then they published it together. prgtoken Many people don't know that George Washington didn't like speaking in public and wasn't akin to coming to make big public speeches. So they published it, and it became a signature. prgtoken This speech begins with a farewell to the Nation, saying: I am stepping aside as President of these United States. Then he goes on to be able to challenge the Nation in multiple areas, beginning with being careful in the days ahead. prgtoken He saw the seeds of factions and of
RESPONDING TO THE EARTHQUAKES IN TURKIYE AND SYRIA ON FEBRUARY 6, 2023
Madeleine Dean (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2023-2-27

I thank Mr. Keating for yielding. prgtoken , I rise in support of this important resolution responding to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Turkiye and Syria as a result of the devastating earthquakes on February 6 and the many, many aftershocks. prgtoken The death toll from this tragedy is approaching 50,000 men, women, and children. Thousands more are injured, hundreds of thousands of buildings are destroyed, and millions of survivors have been displaced from their homes--many now residing in temporary shelters with inadequate food, heat, water, and medical care. prgtoken I commend the gentleman making this resolution. I commend the administration for its swift response to this crisis. Through USAID and the State Department, the United States Government quickly mobilized search-and-rescue teams, allocated $185 million in humanitarian assistance, and continues to deliver vital relief supplies to first responders. prgtoken Rebuilding from this disaster will not be easy, and the road ahead is long. We call upon the governments in this area to support the people, to support their recovery, and to support their rebuilding. prgtoken This resolution is a symbol of our commitment to ensuring we continue to deliver assistance to those so gravely impacted by this tragedy. prgtoken , I thank Congressman Wilson, and I thank Congressman Keating for his leadership in this important resolution. prgtoken God bless the people of Turkiye and Syria. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2023
Tina Smith (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2023-2-27

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, February 28; 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; further, that following the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session and resume consideration of the Walker nomination, postcloture; that at 11:30 a.m. the Senate vote on confirmation of the Walker nomination and that following the cloture vote on the Whitehead nomination, the Senate recess until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly caucus meetings; that at 2:15 p.m if cloture has been invoked on the Whitehead nomination, the Senate vote on confirmation of the nomination; further, that if cloture has been invoked on the Martinez-Olguin nomination, the vote on confirmation be at 4:30 p.m.; finally, that if any nominations are confirmed during Tuesday's session, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's actions.
END HUNGER NOW
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-2-27

this week, millions of Americans will see their SNAP benefits drastically reduced when emergency allotments end. These supplemental benefits have been a lifeline for families, and I am deeply disappointed they are ending. prgtoken In Massachusetts, SNAP benefits will be reduced by $100 per person per month. One family in western Massachusetts, for example, says the reduction will mean having to choose between healthy foods or therapies for their young son with Down syndrome. There are thousands of other heart-wrenching stories just like this. prgtoken Thankfully, our incredible Governor, Maura Healey, has a proposal to extend 3 months of State-level partial payments. I support the Massachusetts State legislature acting as quickly as possible on her proposal. I encourage other States to look for ways to help ease the cliff for SNAP recipients. prgtoken In the upcoming farm bill, Congress must thoroughly examine benefit adequacy. The average benefit of $2 a meal prgtoken just is not enough. We can and must do more to end hunger now.
Nomination of Jamar K. Walker (Executive Session)
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-2-27

I rise in support of Jamar Walker, who has been nominated as U.S. district court judge for the Eastern District of Virginia, Norfolk Division. We will be voting in a few minutes on Mr. Walker's nomination. He is an assistant U.S. attorney for the EDVA, where he currently serves as the Acting Chief for the Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Unit. prgtoken Mr. Walker was raised by a single mother on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, where he attended public schools, graduating from Nandua High School in Accomack County, VA. He is a double graduate of the University of Virginia and clerked for Judge Raymond Jackson, whose seat he has been nominated to fill in a particularly nice turn of events. Mr. Walker counts Judge Jackson as among his mentors who inspired in him not just a life of service but also a deep commitment to the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Eastern Shore. prgtoken Following his clerkship, Mr. Walker worked first as an associate at Covington & Burling, where he actually was an associate for one of my best friends, the head of the litigation section there, John Hall, who speaks very highly of Jamar Walker. Then he joined the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Eastern District of Virginia. prgtoken Given his deep history with the EDVA, it will come as no surprise that Mr. Walker has broad support in this very important court, starting with Judge Jackson. In his letter of support, Judge Jackson observes that Mr. Walker ``has the intellectual prowess, integrity, and temperament that is fundamental in the position of a Federal judge.'' Former U.S. attorneys in the Eastern District Dana Boente and Zach Terwilliger note that Mr. Walker ``is a person of unimpeachable character who is known by the bench and bar for his keen intellect, decency, sober judgment, and humility.'' prgtoken As you can see, Mr. Walker would be serving the same community that raised him, where he has deep ties and is widely respected. For these reasons, Jamar Walker received a ``well qualified'' rating from the American Bar Association. prgtoken His nomination is also historic in that, once confirmed and sworn in, Mr. Walker will be the first openly LGBTQ Federal district judge in Virginia. prgtoken I practiced in this court for 17 years. It is justifiably called the rocket docket because it has one of the fastest times from filing a case to trial of any district in the United States--6 months from filing a case to trial. Such speed is tough on the judges, and it is tough on the lawyers, but the EDVA does it because, for the litigants, the ability to know that they will have their claim heard within 6 months is a wonderful, wonderful thing. prgtoken The EDVA is also a little bit unique because its proximity to the Pentagon and the CIA and Federal Government Agencies gives it a docket that has a high percentage of national security cases. Mr. Walker's experience in and knowledge of the EDVA and his work on cases of that
SENATE SUBCOMMITEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS AND BORDER MANAGEMENT RULES OF PROCEDURE
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-2-27

Senate Standing Rule XXVI requires each prgtoken committee to adopt rules to govern the procedure of the committee and to publish those rules in the Congressional Record not later than March 1 of the first year of each Congress. On February 22, 2023, a majority of the members of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs' Subcommittee on Government Operations and Border Management adopted subcommittee rules of procedure. prgtoken Consistent with Standing Rule XXVI, today I am submitting for printing in the Congressional Record a copy of the rules of procedure of the Subcommittee on Government Operations and Border Management.