mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
SAVE22 AND VETERANS SUICIDE
Max L. Miller (Republican, OH) \u2014 2023-5-16

veteran suicide is a tragedy that claims far too many of America's heroes. prgtoken We lost 6,146 veterans that we know of from suicide in 2020 alone. That is about three times as many soldiers as we lost in Afghanistan from hostile action. prgtoken This is tragic, but any veterans listening should know that America is in their corner. prgtoken On May 6, I had the opportunity to join the patriots of Save22 for a veteran suicide awareness hike in prgtoken Massillon, Ohio. Similar events will happen across the country. Go to one to let our heroes know that they matter. prgtoken Veterans in crisis may call 988 and then press 1 if they need immediate support. prgtoken To our heroes listening: Please know that we are here for you and that we will never forget your service and sacrifice to our Nation. prgtoken May God bless our veterans.
Unanimous Consent Requests--Executive Calendar (Executive Calendar)
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2023-5-16

I appreciate the thoughtful insight provided by my friend and colleague, the distinguished Senator from Colorado. In particular, I appreciate his acknowledgment that issues related to abortion really involve deep and profound areas of fundamental disagreement among and between Americans. prgtoken I also appreciate his acknowledgment that this really is about Dobbs; it really is about abortion. This didn't arise in a vacuum. prgtoken I also appreciate his reference to federalism. He knows me well, and he knows that I am a fan of federalism, this concept that there are 50 States that have united for common purposes related to our national defense; weights and measures; trademarks, copyrights, and patents; regulating trade or commerce between the States and with foreign nations and with Indian Tribes; and a handful of other purposes, but then we leave the rest of the governing to the States. prgtoken We come together in the same manner articulated by the Iroquois Indian Chief Canassatego from the Onondaga Tribe, who at a conference in Albany explained to early Americans the secret to the Iroquois Confederacy's longevity, to its peace, to its security. The Tribes came together. When they were united, they couldn't be broken, but each one maintained its independence. prgtoken A quiver of arrows bound together is almost impossible to break. One arrow by itself can be broken easily. It is that same vision--largely unheard of in the rest of the world--that helped create a uniquely American experiment in self-government. This has been the recipe to our success, to our longevity as a constitutional Republic, to our ability to exist as now 50 separate States with different opinions. prgtoken There are great consequences to moments when we take debatable matters--matters of profound and fundamental disagreement, as described by my colleague--and we place them beyond debate. This is precisely what happened some 50 years ago when the Supreme Court of the United States arrogated to itself at once the power of lawmaker and the power of constitutional draftsman. You see, what they did was they took away the power from the 50 respective States to decide these issues of profound and fundamental disagreement regarding the sanctity of life: when it begins, when unborn human life deserves protection of the law and when it does not. prgtoken Oh, yes, last year, the Supreme Court of the United States finally undid that usurpation of constitutional authority. They were acting as lawmakers. It was not their role. They were taking something Federal, relegated to the States. It wasn't theirs. Even if it were a Federal issue, it wouldn't be theirs to make law in this area because there is absolutely nothing in the Constitution of the United States that makes abortion something to be decided at the Federal level by nine lawyers wearing robes, sitting at the Supreme Court of the United States. Not one jot, not one tittle, not
SECURE OUR SOUTHERN BORDER
Tracey Mann (Republican, KS) \u2014 2023-5-16

I am proud that my House colleagues and I passed H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, last week. prgtoken President 's open border policies have created chaos at our southern border and the resulting crime surge and fentanyl crisis. I urge my Senate colleagues to also pass this commonsense legislation, which would finish the border wall, add Border Patrol agents, end catch and release, protect children from human trafficking, and stop the fentanyl crisis. prgtoken The border crisis is getting worse and worse every day. People on the terrorist watch list are being apprehended regularly, and there is no telling how many have snuck in illegally. I have been to the southern border, and what I saw was shocking. I saw human heartbreak, scared children, overcrowded facilities, overwhelmed Border Patrol agents, and evidence of human and drug trafficking being committed by the Mexican cartels. prgtoken , I saw whole giant sections of the unfinished border wall, with the materials to finish these sections lying in piles in the sun. We need to fix this humanitarian crisis now, and we have done our part in the House to do just that. prgtoken , I hope that the U.S. Senate and the President will step up to the plate, as well. National Police Week
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-5-16

I hope everybody in this body knows that congressional oversight is a very important responsibility of all of us, and it is even a constitutional demand. We must ensure that our government truly does work for, of, and by the people. When fraud, waste, and abuse is discovered, Congress has the responsibility to the American people to make it public because transparency brings accountability. prgtoken Today, we have an example of wrongdoing to discuss. It involves the former Architect of the Capitol's blatant misuse of government property. According to the Architect of the Capitol inspector general, during Brett Blanton's time as Architect, he engaged in unnecessary, very expensive, and impermissible conduct. For example, the report found unauthorized vehicle use; misrepresentation as a law enforcement officer; ethics violations; and, lastly, appropriations violations. Specifically, the inspector general found that Blanton should have driven approximately 10,438 miles using government vehicles. Instead, the inspector general said that Blanton racked up 29,291 miles. That is almost 20,000 extra prgtoken miles of unauthorized benefit on the taxpayers' dime. prgtoken The inspector general's October 6, 2022, report expressly noted that Blanton's actions ``have violated every pillar the [Office of the Inspector General] operates under including theft, fraud, waste and abuse against not only the [Architect of the Capitol] but also the taxpayer.'' prgtoken In total, the inspector general identified $13,926 of inappropriate costs associated with Blanton's use of government vehicles. On February 22 of this year, I sent a letter to Mr. Blanton asking him when he would repay the money he impermissibly cost the taxpayers. As of today--now several months later--he has failed to respond to my inquiry and my staff's attempts to contact him. He has also made no effort to repay the money that he owes the American people. His actions show no respect for the taxpayer. prgtoken But that isn't the last word on this sad story. On the same day that I sent a letter to Mr. Blanton, I also sent a letter to Acting Architect of the Capitol Chere Rexroat. I asked her whether she intended to seek repayment from Mr. Blanton. She and her team have worked to recover these payments, and as of April 21, the money Mr. Blanton owed the taxpayers was repaid in full: $12,517 has been withheld from Mr. Blanton's final annual leave payment and has been returned to the Treasury. The remaining $1,409 was contributed by an insurance company. prgtoken When dealing with trillions of dollars in government spending, a dozen or so thousand can seem like a very insignificant amount. However, this amount would be important to a family struggling to make ends meet in a time of record inflation and price hikes. And the amount is important to me because it is about time that we see civil servants holding someone accountable for wrongdoing. prgtoken
John H. Rutherford (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-5-16

I appreciate the gentlewoman yielding me the time. prgtoken , as we move into National Police Week, I rise in support of two bills that will help make our officers safer out on the street. The first is H.R. 2494, commonly called the POLICE Act, which simply states that an illegal alien that assaults a police officer will be deported. Not might be; will be. prgtoken Currently, the situation is they can be arrested for assaulting, and in 2021 we had 43,000 law enforcement officers assaulted. I am sure many of those were by illegal aliens. Those numbers are just going to go up. They can be arrested, placed in a 287(g) jail facility where they are held for ICE, convicted of the crime of assault, but they still may not be deported. They have to go through a long legal analysis after their conviction to ensure that they are deported out of this country. prgtoken H.R. 2494, the POLICE Act, simply says if you assault one of our officers, we are kicking you out of this country. I can't imagine why anyone across the aisle would vote against that. prgtoken The other bill is H.R. 3091, the Federal Law Enforcement Service Weapon Purchase Act we have several of our Federal law enforcement agencies right now who are about to go through rearming their agencies to the tune of about 20,000 weapons. They are going to destroy these weapons if officers are not allowed to purchase their service weapon as it is being retired or as the officer may retire. prgtoken This bill simply says that we are going to take these officers that are retiring, and if they want to purchase their service weapon, they will be allowed to. Currently, they are precluded from doing that. All of these weapons are going to be destroyed; about $8 million worth. We are just going to destroy them, and the taxpayers are going to have to buy more. prgtoken As a 40-year law enforcement officer, I can tell you, , your sidearm is not just any old sidearm. There is a special relationship that you develop, and we need to allow these officers to purchase their firearms.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WARRIOR'S WEEKEND FIELD OF HONOR
Michael Cloud (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-5-16

I rise today in recognition of the 15th anniversary of the Warrior's Weekend Field of Honor. prgtoken The mission of the Field of Honor has always been to honor our Nation's veterans and encourage our wounded warriors. This all began in May 2009 when Warrior's Weekend president, Ron Kocian, a Texas Army National Guard veteran, gave retired Colonel Mike Petrash of the U.S. Army the approval to conduct the first Field of Honor in Victoria, Texas, in support of Warrior's Weekend. It became an instant success during which 550 sponsored flags were posted by local area sponsors, patriots, and families, touching the hearts of over 300 visiting warriors from all over the United States. prgtoken In 2011, the Field of Honor expanded its army of volunteers, so to speak, and encouraged faith-, civic-, veteran-, and youth-based organizations to partner with them as a way of raising funds for their own community programs in a way that is honorable and noteworthy. prgtoken As the Field of Honor matured and the mission of honoring veterans for their service continued to thrive, it eventually led to the inclusion of the third pillar of the Warrior's Weekend mission: to build a community of honor and excellence. prgtoken Throughout the lifetime of the Field of Honor, over 30,000 flags have been sponsored, prepared, and posted in honor of our veterans, wounded soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen who come to Victoria from all 50 States and Puerto Rico to enjoy a weekend of respite from their wound care. prgtoken Warrior's Weekend and the Field of Honor are truly a nationwide ministry that has a positive impact on the thousands of cities and towns across America. The warriors go back and live more complete, productive lives for themselves, their families, and their communities. prgtoken On this day, we recognize the service and sacrifice of all those thousands of patriotic servant leaders who have strived for 15 years to honor veterans, encourage warriors, and build a community of honor and excellence. prgtoken Warrior's Weekend Field of Honor has shown this Nation what ``right'' looks like, and it is through the great work and leadership of volunteers demonstrating a true commitment to honoring the United States of America as one Nation under God.
Michelle Fischbach (Republican, MN) \u2014 2023-5-16

the balance of my time. prgtoken I am honored to be here today to support this rule and this legislation to make sure we honor our law enforcement and that we are moving forward. prgtoken This is a completely different agenda from the legislation that my ic colleagues were advancing at this time in the 117th Congress last year. By this time 2 years ago, had already passed legislation that would have removed qualified immunity for police officers acting in good faith, voted to restrict policing methods that keep officers safe, and supported investigations into departments that insinuated that police officers are racists and white supremacists. prgtoken Today, House s are changing the narrative and standing up for law and order and for those who enforce it. If my ic colleagues don't think this matters, then they clearly are still not listening to what the law enforcement community needs. prgtoken Today, they have the opportunity to show their support for law enforcement. prgtoken The defund the police movement has been disastrous in the areas that have tried it, emboldening criminals. Cities like Minneapolis and San Francisco have seen dramatic increases in crime, and residents and businesses alike are fleeing in droves. prgtoken Crime is skyrocketing throughout the country, and the lack of respect for law enforcement in this country also means fewer people are willing to enter the profession. This needs to change, and we in Congress can pass legislation like the bills today that support our police officers and show them their sacrifices and services are appreciated. prgtoken It is time for leaders to stand up for law enforcement and stop the anti-police rhetoric. I ask my colleagues on the other side to join with us in supporting and honoring law enforcement by voting for this rule today and supporting the legislation. prgtoken , I support the underlying legislation, and I urge all Members to do so.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-5-16

I rise today to recognize June as Iowa Beer Craft Month. This celebration honors our local craft breweries which contribute so much to the economy and culture of our State. prgtoken Iowa's craft beer industry continues to grow and thrive, creating more than $1 billion in economic impact. Iowa Beer Craft Month offers beer lovers across the State a wonderful opportunity to responsibly explore the unique and amazing flavors and styles of our local breweries, while also supporting Iowa small businesses. prgtoken I encourage all who can to raise a glass and toast to the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of Iowa beer.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Ted Budd (Republican, NC) \u2014 2023-5-16

I rise today to support Senator Vance's resolution of disapproval for the District of Columbia's anti-police law. prgtoken When lives are on the line, when seconds count, members of law enforcement are there putting their lives on the line to protect and serve their communities. prgtoken Backing the blue is especially important now, as rogue prosecutors and activist judges undercut those who are out there fighting crime. We see big cities implement policies that make the already difficult job of crime-fighting that much harder. Consequently, crime in our country has risen. Our streets are less safe. Our citizens' safety is under constant threat. prgtoken A prime example of this overreach is right here in Washington, DC. Last year, the DC City Council passed a so-called comprehensive policing and justice reform package. The package contains provision after provision that hamstrings the police in this city. It limits the tactics they can use to control unruly crowds and riots, and it buries them in paperwork before they can even execute a constitutional search. It strips cops of the power to review body cam evidence, and it allows for their names to be released to the media before an investigation can even begin. prgtoken And what has happened since this act went into effect? Well, in the first full year that this law was in effect, DC's homicide rate reached nearly a 20-year high. In just the first 4 months of 2023, there have been over 250 carjackings and an increase in robberies throughout the city. prgtoken DC's chief of police recently reported that the average homicide suspect is arrested 11 times before committing murder. Now, it is striking that DC is making it harder to arrest these criminals before they commit such heinous acts. And, at the same time, the District's police union has reported that the department ``has lost over 1,200 police officers while only replacing 700.'' The force is poised to be at its lowest number of officers since the 1970s. prgtoken Congress has the authority and the responsibility to ensure public safety in the District; and, furthermore, the symbol of our Nation's Capital under siege from crime is one our country cannot and should not tolerate. As politicians in this city push anti-police laws, it is incumbent upon our country's national leaders to stand up to these legislative attacks on law enforcement. prgtoken Now is the time for elected officials to express their full and complete support for the police. We need to fund them; we need to back them; and we need to push back against false narratives. prgtoken Strong nations support law enforcement because these are the men and women who stand on that thin blue line between safety and chaos. For the sake of law and order in our Nation's Capital, I stand in support of Senator Vance's resolution. prgtoken .
Ralph Norman (Republican, SC) \u2014 2023-5-16

it is an honor to speak to you today in honor of our police force. What better time to honor the brave men and women of law enforcement. They don't do it for the money. They do it because of service. prgtoken What you are hearing from the other side is just not true. They are the party of defunding the police. Their own Vice President put up bond money for rioters. I can name you--and I am not going to name them by name--you have got one, two, three--five sitting Congress people whose statements are ``defunding police means defunding police,'' ``efforts to defund the police department,'' ``no more police.'' They are the party of defunding the police. prgtoken What better time to celebrate the fact that men and women are willing to do this? They see things we don't see. They go places we don't go. To have 135 officers shot in 2023 is unacceptable. Fifteen officers have been killed by gunfire, and 43 officers were shot in ambush-style attacks. The amount of officers shot in the line of duty is up 52 percent from this time in 2020. prgtoken Words are cheap, but it is what we as a party are doing to support the police. The statistics are outrageous. I look forward to considering legislation that supports our police officers and condemns the leftists' efforts to dismantle local law enforcement agencies, which they do. prgtoken To all those in law enforcement, , I thank them. For those who are willing to go through good times and bad times to protect us, I thank them. God bless every police officer in this country.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2023-5-16

talks on the debt ceiling continue, and the and ic leaders of the House and Senate are meeting with President again today. I hope that is a positive sign because, if the President's Treasury Secretary is correct, we could be 2 weeks away from the United States beginning to default on its debts, something that would have very serious consequences for our economy and for our Nation's financial standing. prgtoken If we are going to get a debt limit increase, the President is going to have to negotiate with McCarthy and House s-- really negotiate, --which means that President is going to have to accept some real spending reforms because, otherwise, a debt limit increase is not going to make it through the House of Representatives. Those are the just the facts. prgtoken , of course, have been kicking and screaming at the idea of spending reforms. You can witness their frantic campaign to portray the responsible reforms in the House s' bill as extreme. Apparently, suggesting that we should return to 2022 discretionary spending levels for 2024 is an extreme position, despite the fact that we were clearly doing just fine at those levels mere months ago. prgtoken The Senate ic leader came down to the floor last Thursday and suggested the s were attempting to pair a debt ceiling increase with ``unrelated partisan priorities''--``unrelated partisan priorities.'' Well, let that just sink in for a minute because, according to the Senate ic leader, spending reform is a partisan priority that has nothing to do with increasing our Nation's credit card limit. If a discussion over increasing our Nation's credit card limit isn't a good time to have a discussion about spending, I don't know what is. And if spending reform is just a priority, then there is something seriously wrong with the ic Party because, with a national debt like ours, spending reform should be a priority for everyone. prgtoken Our national debt currently stands at more than $31 trillion--$31 trillion. Our debt has already exceeded the size of our economy. Within a few short years, we are going to be spending more just meeting the interest on our Nation's debt than we will on national defense. prgtoken How do not realize that a national debt of that size has serious consequences? By 2044, we will be spending more on interest than on Medicare. By 2050, we will be spending more on interest than Social Security. That is barely going to leave enough money for the government to meet its most basic obligations, much less invest in all the new or expanded government programs would like to implement. prgtoken Yet are apparently content to simply ignore this reality. It is like they think that we are going to find a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow to rescue us once we have spent the Federal Government