mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Unanimous Consent Request--H.R. 2494 (Executive Calendar)
Ted Budd (Republican, NC) \u2014 2024-5-22

it is such an honor to serve the people in North Carolina, all 100 counties, all from different backgrounds. I don't profess to know what it is like in Connecticut, but for his remarks. prgtoken But it is disheartening to hear that a simple piece of legislation, the Police Act, which states that an alien--illegal alien--could be deported for assaulting a police officer, firefighter, or first responder is nothing. I don't profess to understand that. Perhaps it is different in Connecticut than North Carolina. I don't know. prgtoken I don't want to put words in the mouth of the family of Laken Riley or the family of Deputy Sheriff Byrd, but I don't believe it is nothing. prgtoken .
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 4763, FINANCIAL INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY FOR THE 21ST CENTURY ACT; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 5403, CBDC ANTI-SURVEILLANCE STATE ACT; AND PROVIDING FOR...
Erin Houchin (Republican, IN) \u2014 2024-5-22

I am prepared to close, and the balance of my time. prgtoken , Americans have always been a leader in innovation and technology, particularly in financial services. In order for this to remain the case, we must support regulatory structures that continue to foster that same innovative spirit without sacrificing privacy while providing necessary consumer protections and preserving market integrity. prgtoken Before us is the opportunity to move legislation that could have a positive effect on the everyday lives of all Americans. prgtoken H.R. 4763, the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century or FIT21, is a bill that delivers on all of these fronts for the future of digital assets here in the United States. prgtoken Speaking of protecting Americans, H.R. 5403, the Central Bank Digital Currency Anti-Surveillance State Act ensures that the government is never in a position to weaponize the financial system against the American people. prgtoken Innovation cannot come at the cost of sacrificing individual liberties. The issuance of a CBDC would only work to compromise Americans' rights and privacy. prgtoken Finally, H.R. 192 protects the integrity of American elections here in the District of Columbia, and we must prevent it. Congress must step in when local officials in the District fail to protect election integrity in this most basic sense. Noncitizens, including illegal immigrants and agents of foreign governments, must not have the ability to vote in American elections at any level anywhere. This is a basic issue of responsible governance. prgtoken To ensure government is responsive to and protective of the people it serves, elections must not include noncitizens or foreign actors. prgtoken , I look forward to moving these bills out of the House this week, and I ask my colleagues to join me in voting ``yes'' on the previous question and ``yes'' on the rule. prgtoken , , and I move the previous question on the resolution.
ISRAEL UNDER ATTACK
Chip Roy (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-5-22

anybody who is watching the world events unfolding today is well aware that our dear friends in Israel are under attack, but they are not just under attack by Hamas. They are, in fact, under attack from the anti-Western civilization radical progressives across the globe and, in particular, at the International Criminal Court. prgtoken In all ways, with respect to this attack on Israel, on Western civilization, on our own values, on the abuse of an international organization with no real legitimacy, the international court, the United States should have Israel's back. prgtoken Let's look back for a second at October 7. Let's look at what Israel is dealing with in addition to a long history of being under attack, of facing foes in the Middle East, of having to live in constant fear of attack, of having to live under the technology provided in a mutual relationship between the United States and Israel, the Iron Dome, with David's Sling, and with all the technology to shoot missiles down. prgtoken How many Americans would like to be sitting in Manhattan, D.C Austin, Dallas, San Francisco, or any other part of this country, knowing that the only reason they are safely sitting there is that the missiles that are constantly being fired at them are being taken down by technology? I don't think that would sit too well with most Americans. I don't think most Americans would sit back if rockets prgtoken were being fired into our Nation from Juarez into El Paso. prgtoken I don't think we would just sit back and say that is great, fine, keep firing missiles, and we will just put up a shield and shoot them down. I think we would do something about it, and I think it would be pretty violent. I think we would be right to do so. prgtoken Look at October 7 for our friends in Israel. Let's start with the fact that 22 American citizens were killed. Let's add to it that 1,000 Israelis or more were killed and almost 3,000 injured 4,500 rockets were fired from Gaza by Hamas into Israel, and 1,300 targets were struck. Not since the Holocaust has this large of a number of Jews been killed in a single day. That is the truth. prgtoken Hamas beheaded at least 40 babies. Let that sink in for a minute. Hamas beheaded at least 40 Israeli babies. prgtoken Hamas terrorists not only raped and murdered Israeli women, but they forced husbands, families, and friends to watch. That happened. We have documentary evidence. We know this occurred. prgtoken A compilation of those atrocities captured on video shows gunmen shooting the dead bodies of civilians in cars, militants in the process of beheading a body with a hoe, burnt corpses thrown in a dumpster. prgtoken An eyewitness on October 7 said: ``To be afraid for your kids' life and your wife, it is a whole new level of fearing.'' prgtoken A survivor of the attacks in Israel on October 7 said: ``I just waited pretty much that they will come and murder me, my wife, and my kids inside our house. I t
HONORING GEORGE HYAK
Michael Cloud (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-5-22

today I rise to honor George Hyak, a native of Victoria, Texas, who passed away on May 4, at the age of 104 years. prgtoken George's 104 years marked a life well lived. He was a wonderful man whose life truly emulated the values of faith, family, and freedom that built the American miracle. prgtoken Growing up in the family grocery store business, George learned early the value of hard work and the importance of family. These values guided him throughout his long life. prgtoken When his country called, George answered the call without hesitation and served in some of the most significant battles of World War II, including D-Day, the Battle of the Bulge, and the Ardennes campaign. prgtoken It is because of the bravery of men like George that we enjoy the freedoms we do today. prgtoken After returning home from the war, George continued his journey and became an entrepreneur, where his work ethic and dedication helped him to grow a successful local business. prgtoken He was always ready to give back to the community and even served as a volunteer firefighter, but it was at home where George truly thrived and where he built his beautiful family with his devoted wife of 75 years. He loved nothing more than spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren. prgtoken Quite the storyteller, those closest to him tell of him captivating family and friends with tales of those significant battle campaigns that he was in. prgtoken Faith was the key central focus to George's life. Oftentimes George's powerful voice could be heard singing hymns loudly in worship, praising the Lord with all his heart. This faith guided him, giving him strength and comfort his whole life. prgtoken As we look back on George's life, we are reminded of the profound impact one person can have on a family, a community, and a nation. George's life is a testament to service, love, and faith, and he lived fully, loved deeply, and served honorably. prgtoken As we honor him today, let's remember the legacy that he left and strive to live with the same courage, dedication, and love that he showed every day of his 104 years. honoring officer kyle hicks
HONORING PETE BOUDREAUX
Garret Graves (Republican, LA) \u2014 2024-5-22

I rise today to recognize a man who selflessly served his alma mater for more than 50 years. Coach Pete Boudreaux, Catholic High School track coach, teacher, guidance counselor, and legend, is a member of the Catholic High School Class of 1959. After a stint in the Army and an SEC Championship-worthy track career at LSU, Coach Boudreaux returned to his alma mater to begin his service career. Over his career, Coach Boudreaux brought home 52 state championships between cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track. He is the first man to be inducted into both the Catholic High School and St. Joseph's Academy High School Athletic Halls of Fame and is also a member of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. prgtoken Beyond his legendary coaching career, Coach Boudreaux is a man who passionately worked to get the most out of his students. Some of the constants in Coach Boudreaux's approach are to work to prepare his students for the future and mold them into good people. Coach Boudreaux's ability to evolve and contribute to the lives of young men over the course of generations is unparalleled, and Catholic High has been fortunate to have such a dedicated teacher, guidance counselor, and coach. As a former sprinter under ``Coach Boo,'' I join thousands of Catholic High graduates in wishing him a huge congratulations on his retirement and go Bears.
Israel (Executive Calendar)
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2024-5-22

first, I would like to thank the Senator from South Carolina. We know that normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel is incredibly important, and the Senator from South Carolina has been knee-deep in efforts to bring those two nations together. I would like to thank him first for that. prgtoken America's promises mean something--or at least they should. President has repeatedly promised that his commitment to Israel is ironclad, but revoking much needed military support for our closest Middle Eastern ally says otherwise. prgtoken Let's be clear: The Middle East--really, the entire world--right now is on fire, and the blame lies, in large part, on the shoulders of the administration. President 's weak leadership has consistently appeased our enemies and abandoned our allies. prgtoken This dangerous trend began with the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, where he left behind Americans and Afghan allies to the mercies of Taliban rule. As a result, terrorists across the globe rejoice at 's decisions instead of trembling in fear of the United States as they once did and should. prgtoken Two weeks ago, I returned from Israel, where I advocated for the release of American hostages held captive by Iran-backed Hamas. I stood before Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, and assured them that America has your back. Yet, as my words were still reverberating, the administration sent a far different, far more damaging message to our ally: We are withholding key munitions. prgtoken Unbelievable and unconscionable. prgtoken Let's not miss that the very weapons that President is withholding include kits that will convert bombs into precision-guided weapons--tools that would help Israel conduct very precise strikes against Hamas, thus reducing civilian casualties. prgtoken Mind you, reducing civilian casualties is the administration's stated goal when it comes to how the IDF prosecutes their rightful retaliation. Yet the White House is withholding the very means Israel needs to accomplish this goal. prgtoken It is total hypocrisy, folks. prgtoken As Prime Minister Netanyahu said to me and to the world, the United States withholding these precision-guided capabilities will not stop Israel from defending itself. prgtoken But make no mistake, 's decision will make it harder for Israel to avoid civilian deaths. This, my friends, is a very, very grim reality. prgtoken In April, Congress, with my help, stood firmly with our ally by approving critical weapons support for Israel. Leading up to the passage of this bill, President himself declared the aid to Israel was critical and called for ``swift and decisive action'' to ensure Israel had everything it needed to defend itself. Yet, now, when it is his time to act, fails to do so. prgtoken Since October 7, Israel has faced existential, Iran-backed threats on every side. In the Gaza Strip, H
FINANCIAL INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY FOR THE 21ST CENTURY ACT
Mike Flood (Republican, NE) \u2014 2024-5-22

. Mr. Chair, I would like to focus on one particular aspect of this bill. It is exactly responsive to the problems in the digital assets market that we have seen over the last couple of years. prgtoken In the aftermath of the collapse of FTX in 2022, we need to ensure that there are investor protection rules that prevent anything from happening like that again in the United States. prgtoken Under the regulatory structure created by this bill, FTX would not have been able to register. FTX would not have been able to comingle customer funds that hurt so many of their investors. prgtoken Some of my friends on the other side of the aisle have spoken about protecting investors. The great irony is that they are opposing a bill that would do just that. If you believe in investor protection, if you believe we need to respond to the disaster of FTX, then we need to pass a bill that would prevent the next FTX. prgtoken The status quo will not work. It did not work in 2022, and it will not work today. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
FARM BILL
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2024-5-22

farming is more than a profession. It is the true cornerstone of American society. Moreover, no group has had a more significant impact on the evolution of modern society than our hardworking farmers. From the earliest days of our Nation's founding, the work ethic and devotion of our producers is what pushed us forward. prgtoken Before the sun rises, our Nation's farmers, ranchers, and foresters have already been hard at work for hours tending to their fields and caring for their livestock. Providing for our families goes beyond putting food on our tables. It includes clothes on our backs, heat in our homes, and fuel for our vehicles. prgtoken With each harvest, our farm families ensure that America and the world has access to a safe and abundant food supply. prgtoken American agriculture remains America's backbone, and we must support the families who give us so much by passing an effective 5-year farm bill.
RECOGNIZING SAM SIMMERMAKER
Greg Pence (Republican, IN) \u2014 2024-5-22

inflation under this administration continues to hit record highs. prgtoken We are all paying the price for this administration's mistakes. In April, the average Indiana household was paying $948 per month more than they were in January 2021. Everything, from electricity to rent to groceries, costs more under this administration. prgtoken Numbers don't lie, and the can't keep pretending everything is okay. prgtoken , I strongly urge the administration to quit ruining the American middle class.
RECOGNIZING ROY SPRINGFIELD
Victoria Spartz (Republican, IN) \u2014 2024-5-22

I rise today to recognize Sergeant Roy Springfield of Anderson, Indiana, who served in the U.S. Army for 3 years as a member of the elite Special Forces. Roy enlisted in the Army in 1961, where he completed his tour of duty in Vietnam and Laos. prgtoken While evacuating a Special Forces base in Laos under intense enemy attack, Sergeant Springfield managed to grab an American flag and keep it from falling into enemy hands. He has retained and treasured this flag for more than six decades. prgtoken After his time in the Army, Roy went on to serve his community for 27 years as a police officer with the Anderson Police Department. In 1973, he also started the Police Athletic League in Anderson for disadvantaged youth. prgtoken In recognition of his brave service to our Nation, it was my honor to present Sergeant Roy Springfield with a National Defense Service Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal on January 26, 2024. I am extremely grateful for Roy's bravery and am humbled to express our appreciation on behalf of the American people in Indiana's Fifth Congressional District.
Israel (Executive Calendar)
Shelley Moore Capito (Republican, WV) \u2014 2024-5-22

last week, on May 14, our friend and ally Israel celebrated its 76th Independence Day. prgtoken As we all know, Israel was founded in the wake of the Holocaust to give the Jewish people a homeland that would allow them to return to their ancestral land that they had been forcibly removed from. prgtoken I am proud--very proud--that the United States was the first country to recognize Israel; and since then, we have been steadfast allies that support one another through times both prosperous and challenging. prgtoken However, this year's Israeli Independence Day came during a time of great turmoil, as Israel battles terrorist forces that have ruthlessly waged war against them since October 7. prgtoken We join them as they mourn the loss of over 1,200 Israelis killed in that initial attack and pray for the safe return of the hostages still kept in captivity by Hamas. prgtoken In an alarming development, this longstanding U.S.-Israel relationship is now becoming unnecessarily strained by President 's quest to appease those in his party who do not support the State of Israel, a bastion of democracy and freedom in the Middle East. prgtoken The October 7 attack marks the most horrific attack Israel has suffered since its founding and the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. So how did we get to this point? prgtoken The common refrain for those opposed to Israel now has been to call for cease-fire now. We have seen it all across our college campuses. And we saw President clap along to these demands, again, as he delivered a commencement address just this past weekend. prgtoken And what is even more mind-boggling is that those who are protesting, who are they demanding a cease-fire from? I haven't heard a single campus protest group call for Hamas to lay down its arms or call for Hamas to release the hostages. prgtoken Why? Why? Because they want Israel to stop fighting, because they want Israel to stop defending itself, and because they want Israel to lose. We cannot forget the fact that a cease-fire was in place on October 7, and that cease-fire was broken by Hamas as they deliberately attacked innocent civilians in the most brutal and barbaric ways. prgtoken So let's not forget that some of these communities, the border towns in Israel that were attacked by Hamas, were some of the most ardent supporters in Israel for the Palestinian people. prgtoken They were some of the biggest advocates for peace. Yet despite the reality, here in the United States, our colleges have become embroiled in controversy over this and play host to anti-Israel and anti-Semitic protests that ultimately stopped Jewish students from attending class and even led a rabbi at Columbia University to recommend Jewish students return home for their own safety. prgtoken These protesters demand that Israel drop their weapons, yet refuse to acknowledge that Hamas is the instigator of the war. But we now know what H
Unanimous Consent Request--S. 505 (Executive Calendar)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2024-5-22

I regret that there was objection because fixing the border crisis begins with regaining operational control and security at the border. This responsibility ultimately falls to President , as head of the executive branch, to enforce the border and immigration laws already on the books. In other words, I would ask President to honor his oath, where he said, in upholding the Constitution, he would take care to faithfully execute the laws. prgtoken .
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST--S. 4392
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2024-5-22

let me be very, very brief in just pointing out that this bill calls for using unspent COVID money, specifically as a result of the COVID pandemic that hit our Nation, money sent to be spent for that. It does seem to me and to probably just about every American that we are way beyond that period of time, and money designated for that purpose has not yet been spent. It should be readily available for a project like this. prgtoken I would also note that my friend and colleague who is on the floor was, along with President and Senator Schumer, one of those who did vote on September 29, 2006, for a bill, at the time, that was called the Secure Fence Act of 2006. prgtoken .
SNAP BENEFITS ARE NEEDED BY 42 MILLION AMERICANS
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-5-22

I thank my wonderful, amazing, dedicated, committed colleague from Connecticut, who is today, as we say in Detroit, speaking truth to power when it comes to our most vulnerable in the United States. prgtoken We have heard over and over again that we are the richest country in the world. Even though we live in the richest country, millions of children live in poverty, lacking access to necessities like food, housing, and healthcare. It is shameful. prgtoken More than 44 million people in our country face hunger, including over 15 percent in one of the largest counties in my district, Wayne County. SNAP is an essential food assistance program that has been a key tool in combating hunger in our most vulnerable communities. prgtoken Now, my colleagues want to cut this essential program that so many of our families rely on to feed their children. It is shameful. The GOP farm bill would make the largest cut to SNAP in nearly 30 years. The bill threatens $27 billion in SNAP benefits for low-income families. It is utterly shameful. prgtoken We must stand together strongly in support of expanding the social safety net and increasing funding programs for SNAP and other child nutrition programs. They are essential in creating healthy, thriving communities. prgtoken It is time to protect programs to combat hunger, not make extremist cuts. Working families in our country should not have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. prgtoken In this body, we see over and over again that we seem to find money for endless wars like this, but we can't seem to find the same resources to end child hunger in our country. prgtoken The first African-American woman ever to serve in our Congress was Shirley Chisholm. She used to say children can't learn if they are hungry. prgtoken Children should and must have access to SNAP benefits to experience long-term positive outcomes like better health, improved learning, and higher success as adults. prgtoken I don't think people realize the trauma of what the most vulnerable people among us go through in going to sleep hungry. Access to nutritious meals is essential for every child's health and development. We know this. prgtoken Why make these extremist cuts? We must continue to invest in universal school meals and so much more. prgtoken I am proud to cosponsor the Universal School Meals Program Act and proud to say to all my folks in the 12th Congressional District that I am not going to back down. I am not going to back down until we fully fund SNAP benefits. prgtoken , it is the least we can do in this Congress. It is not just our children. It is our disabled neighbors, our seasoned residents, our veterans, and working-class folks who are working hours and hours a day but still can't put food on the table. We must do better. prgtoken , I again thank my colleague from Connecticut for bringing us together today to discuss the importance of protecting SNAP.