mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PROVIDING RESOURCES, OFFICERS, AND TECHNOLOGY TO ERADICATE CYBER THREATS TO OUR CHILDREN ACT OF 2022
Jim Jordan (Republican, OH) \u2014 2022-12-5

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , S. 4834 reauthorizes the National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction for an additional 2 years. prgtoken In 2008, Congress passed the PROTECT Our Children Act, which required the attorney general to develop and implement a National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction. prgtoken The PROTECT Our Children Act formally authorized the Internet Crimes Against Children task forces. These task forces support State and local law enforcement agencies in combating online enticement of children and the proliferation of online child sexual abuse material. prgtoken Since its inception, nearly 90,000 individuals have been arrested because of complaints reviewed by these task forces. They not only put the dangerous criminals behind bars, but they also provide outreach to communities to spread awareness about and, hopefully, prevent internet crimes against kids. prgtoken , I urge a ``yes'' vote on this legislation, and .
CONGRATULATING LARRY EVANS
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2022-12-5

I rise today to congratulate Larry Evans for his recent selection to the Georgia 40 Under 40 list. prgtoken Larry Evans is a successful attorney, who focuses on civil litigation matters for clients ranging in size from small, local businesses all the way to Fortune 500 companies. prgtoken While many who pursue a profession as demanding as his are unable to find a balance between work and life, Larry has been able to strike that balance wonderfully. His drive to contribute to the greater good has led him to serve on the boards of the Savannah Center for the Blind and Low Vision and Junior Achievement of Georgia. Both of these charities are focused, high-impact programs for students in the areas of financial literacy and career readiness. These programs also focus on fostering an entrepreneurial spirit in the youth of the First District of Georgia. prgtoken Larry also holds a deep reverence for the outdoors and would rather be outside than nearly anywhere else. He regularly spends time running, hiking, paddling, and connecting with nature. prgtoken A true example of someone who works hard and fully commits to everything he does, Larry Evans is someone we can all look up to. prgtoken I, on behalf of the entire First District of Georgia, congratulate him for his outstanding service to this State and his selection to the Georgia 40 Under 40 list.
BIG CAT PUBLIC SAFETY ACT
James Lankford (Republican, OK) \u2014 2022-12-6

. Madame President, I thank Senator Blumenthal for helping clarify the intent and effects of the Big Cat Public Safety Act on this matter and would like to reiterate that we are not negating State authority with these changes within the bill. The Big Cat Public Safety Act will close the loopholes of private ownership that now exist and fill the gaps that exist within State laws where such prohibitions do not currently exist. prgtoken For States that have existing authorities addressing this area or any State that may enact and enforce such authorities in the future, Federal Agencies and authorities will not preempt or supersede them unless expressly authorized by that State. prgtoken Now, with this clarification and a commitment from the senior Senator from Connecticut to help include language in an upcoming authorization bill to affirm the clarifications made today, I will lift my hold on this bill
TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSMAN LOUIE GOHMERT
Steve Scalise (Republican, LA) \u2014 2022-12-6

I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Weber) for yielding and for organizing this tribute to my dear friend, Louie Gohmert. prgtoken We will miss you in this Chamber, but I have nothing but great memories of Louie. You expressed so many prayers for me in tough times, but also, the things you would do, and I see on the poster the ribs because that is what I think of when Louie Gohmert would offer to the Members to cook ribs for them at the end of a long night. prgtoken We have gotten into a lot of heady debates here. We sometimes spar with each other. At the end of that battle to bring people together and say, you know what, we are going to eat some ribs--and, by the way, they are really, really good. He has never given the recipe.
NATIONAL BIBLE WEEK
Robert B. Aderholt (Republican, AL) \u2014 2022-12-6

it is great to be here today to recognize National Bible Week and, especially, along with my colleague, Doug Lamborn from the great State of Colorado. prgtoken I appreciate his willingness to organize this this evening and to call attention to a book that has had more impact on world history than any other book I think that has ever been written. prgtoken I just want to say that here in this Chamber we are reminded, as we look around, of the influence the Bible has had. I look around the room here and see the reliefs of many lawgivers that were depicted around the top of the ceiling that shows that there were men over the ages that have contributed to the making of laws; and it is, of course, to remind us of what our job here is, to make great laws. prgtoken But what strikes me is the one that is over the main door that leads into the House Chamber here in the Capitol, and that is a relief of Moses. The relief of Moses that is behind me is different from the other reliefs there. He is neither looking to the left nor to the right. He is looking straight down, actually, on you, . prgtoken I don't think it is any coincidence when they designed this room that they had that in mind; that Moses was the great lawgiver because he gave the laws that came from God. prgtoken Of course, above the 's chair are the words ``In God We Trust.'' So it is on and on throughout the Capitol building itself you see--we remember that the Bible has such a significant part. prgtoken But there is one painting here in the Capitol building that I want to call your attention to, in closing, that a lot of people don't really think about, and that is the signing of the Constitution. prgtoken They have seen this painting, but it is here just a few steps from where I stand right now, and it was painted in 1940. The artist was commissioned to design a painting showing the signing of the Constitution in Philadelphia. prgtoken In that painting you will see several of the delegates, and most of the delegates are actually depicted in that particular painting. In that particular painting, you have George Washington that is presiding over the signing of the Constitution. You can see Ben Franklin prominently depicted there, and several other of the Founding Fathers that you can see depicted. prgtoken But on the far right, at the bottom, you will see one of the delegates there, who was Delegate Robert Morris from Pennsylvania. Unless you look closely at that painting, you may not notice, but he has his elbow on the table and right beside his elbow is a book that is open. prgtoken If you are like me, you may have passed by that painting on many occasions but never noticed what that book was about because you just think it is maybe some law book that was open there during that particular time. prgtoken But quite honestly, if you look closely at the painting, you can see that it says, ``Saint Matthew, Chapter 5.'' I can't help but believe that during the d
TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSMAN LOUIE GOHMERT
Russ Fulcher (Republican, ID) \u2014 2022-12-6

it is 2022 in the U.S. Congress. We have crises with inflation, energy, and homeland security. We have got issues with the border, the Ukrainian invasion, and the list goes on. The only thing higher than the degree of partisanship is our national debt. The only thing lower than congressional approval is confidence in the President. prgtoken So why would anybody want to serve at a time like this? prgtoken There tends to be two types of congressional Members, those with a personal agenda, typically one that places themselves and the title of Congressman at the forefront, and those who sincerely desire to serve Americans and protect the divine principles our Nation was founded on. prgtoken Louie Gohmert is clearly in the latter category. prgtoken Time after time, when personal liberties were being challenged, taxpayer money misused, and Christian values maligned, Louie Gohmert would stand, and with his unrivaled passion he would state his case. prgtoken Mr. Gohmert, you are that rare type of Member our Founders had hoped would sit in this Chamber in the future. You made your constituents proud. You honored biblical guidelines for governance. prgtoken It is an honor to call you a friend. You will be missed.
TRIBUTE TO STEPHEN BOYD
Tommy Tuberville (Republican, AL) \u2014 2022-12-6

I want to honor a great public servant and Alabamian, my first chief of staff, Stephen Boyd. After nearly two decades of public service, we recently said goodbye to this integral part of our team. When you run for Congress, you learn that people are quick to give you advice--especially when you have had a lifelong career outside of politics. One tip I heard over and over was ``hire a good chief of staff.'' prgtoken I assembled a lot of teams as a coach. I could easily tell you what makes a ``good'' offensive coordinator or a ``good'' defensive coordinator. But when I thought about what would make a ``good'' chief of staff, I decided I needed someone with three main qualifications: one, someone who knew the Federal Government; two, someone who knew Alabama; and three, someone who would lead with integrity. There were a lot of people who fit the first two qualifications, but the third qualification, integrity, was the most important to me. I was looking for someone who didn't just have the knowledge or skills required to oversee a Senate office and advise a Senator who was new to politics. I was looking for someone who wanted to do the right thing for the people we represent, someone who puts the service of others first. And that someone was Stephen Boyd. prgtoken To simply say Stephen was born to serve and born to lead would be accurate. Stephen's grandfathers and father served in the military, and his family is dedicated to their community--but it would not tell the full picture. Stephen has purposefully led a life dedicated to constant learning so that he could be a better servant of others. A native of Birmingham, Stephen received his undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama. He used his God-given talents throughout his time in college to lead in many roles, including as president of university programs. Just last year, Stephen was awarded the University's Bert Bank Distinguished Service and Achievement Award, one of school's highest alumni honors. He went on to earn a law degree at Alabama, and upon graduation, Stephen felt a calling to serve--and headed to Washington, DC, to work for then-Senator Jeff Sessions from Alabama. During his time in Senator Sessions' office, Stephen held positions of increasing responsibility and served at times in policy and communications roles. prgtoken He quickly earned a reputation for being able to digest complex policy details and tell the story of the office's work in a way that resonated with Alabamians back home. This is where Stephen began to fully understand the responsibility that all of our offices have to keep our constituents informed. While Senator Sessions served on the Judiciary Committee, Stephen led the Senator's communications through some of the most crucial moments in the Senate: Supreme Court nominations and confirmations. It was also during this time that Stephen met Martha Roby. At the time, Martha was an attorney in M
RECOGNIZING FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF KENTUCKY TORNADOES
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-12-6

I rise to honor Judge John Phelps on his retirement as judge executive of Cumberland County, Kentucky. prgtoken A native of Cumberland County, John has dedicated his life to bettering his local community and State. After graduating from Cumberland County High School, John married his high school sweetheart, Leslie, and raised a family of four children and four grandchildren in his hometown of Burkesville. prgtoken In addition to being a dedicated family man, John served south central Kentucky in various ways throughout his career, including as a well-respected loan officer and realtor before becoming Cumberland County judge executive in 2011. prgtoken For over a decade, John served his constituents with honor and humility. In 2020, he was elected president of the Kentucky County Judge/Executive Association. In this role, he led the association in helping judge executives work together to solve common issues and improve their local governments. prgtoken I am proud to have worked with Judge John Phelps throughout his career and wish him the very best in a well-deserved retirement. Honoring Judge Wade White on His Retirement
Tribute To Roy Blunt (Executive Calendar)
Richard Burr (Republican, NC) \u2014 2022-12-6

I rise today to remind my colleagues of what we have often heard: In Washington, if you want a friend, get a dog. prgtoken Roy Blunt destroys that because Roy has been a true friend. Our relationship goes back to the House, though. The Senator wasn't whip when I was there. Clearly, he came in, and the math got better. prgtoken But Abby is a strong woman. She has put up with a lot, as have all of our spouses. And, Abby, I hope you have a wonderful chapter in what is in store for him next. prgtoken I want to speak from the standpoint of chair of the Intelligence Committee, and the fact that I work with 14 extraordinary people who understand upfront that they are going to learn a lot, they are going to be faced with some tough decisions, and they are not going to be able to talk to their colleagues, their friends, their family about anything that goes on. prgtoken There can be some rather difficult days to go through, as we have seen over the 18 years I have been in the Senate and--16, 14? prgtoken MR. BLUNT. Twelve.
TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSMAN LOUIE GOHMERT
Clay Higgins (Republican, LA) \u2014 2022-12-6

I am so honored to speak on behalf of the people of the country that we serve, the oath that we have sworn, and bid some words of adoration and respect for our brother and friend, Louie Gohmert. prgtoken I have described Louie as a living Founding Father. To those that have inquired as to whether I have known him, which from sea to shining sea, it is a common question as we travel in service to ``we the people,'' we are asked: ``Do you know this fellow? Do you know that lady?'' It is quite common to be asked: ``Do you know Louie Gohmert?'' I am honored to say yes. prgtoken Louie has represented not just the people of his district, and by extension the Nation that we love and have sworn to serve, but he has represented the foundational core principles that gave birth to our Nation. prgtoken In Matthew, the words of the Lord stated: ``Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.'' prgtoken You, my brother Louie, should feel satisfied within your soul, good sir, because you have brought the very essence of pure principle and spirit to this great body. This Chamber shall forever resonate with your words and your love for God and country. I am honored to have worked with you, to call you brother and friend.
VETERAN SERVICE RECOGNITION ACT OF 2022
Mike Bost (Republican, IL) \u2014 2022-12-6

I thank my friend from California for yielding the time for me to speak today. prgtoken I rise in opposition to this legislation. This bill is unnecessary and creates additional carve-outs to an already broken immigration system. prgtoken Right now, DHS can't even do their job of securing the southern border and enforcing current immigration law. Just last month, we saw the highest number of got-aways ever at the southern border. That is 73,000 individuals that evaded Border Patrol. prgtoken DHS agents and staff are overwhelmed and overworked. We should not be adding more to their plate when they already struggle to secure the border. prgtoken Now, as a veteran, I greatly appreciate those who are willing to raise their right hand and swear to protect our Nation and our Constitution, and I served with many of them. prgtoken Even though an individual is a veteran, that shouldn't excuse or create an excuse for poor judgment or criminal activity, and I fear that this bill may encourage just that. prgtoken We already have a pathway for individuals who are serving our country in uniform to stay here in the U.S. and become citizens. Instead of this bill that we are debating today, we should improve the information provided to our servicemembers during the Transition Assistance Program on how to upgrade their immigration status. Making improvements to the TAP has been and will continue to be a top priority of mine. prgtoken During that time, we could explain to them, once again, how important it is to follow the laws and the Constitution, which they fought to uphold. prgtoken Next Congress, I plan to be working on the TAP to ensure a smooth transition to civilian life for all of our servicemembers, but on this bill, I urge a ``no'' vote.
RECOGNIZING THE LEGACY OF WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE IN IDAHO
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2022-12-6

today, I join my fellow members of the Idaho congressional delegation, Senator Mike Crapo and Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher, in honoring the fight that so many waged for women's suffrage by recognizing Idaho's role in securing the vote for women in Idaho 24 years before the passage of national women's suffrage legislation and by acknowledging the installation of the Idaho Women's Suffrage Commemorative Sculpture on Idaho's capitol grounds. prgtoken Notably, 126 years ago, on December 11, 1896, the Idaho State Supreme Court ruled in favor of the women's suffrage cause when it unanimously upheld the Idaho Equal Suffrage Amendment. According to historic Idaho publications, Idaho became the fourth State in the Union to enfranchise women with the right to vote and the first to do so via a State constitutional amendment. Remarkably, Idaho cemented the value and importance of women in the Gem State through a highly visible action prior to the Equal Suffrage Amendment--the adoption of the Idaho state seal--designed by a young woman named Emma Edwards. According to the Journal of the State senate of the Idaho Legislature, on March 14, 1891, the first Idaho State Legislature and Governor Norman B. Willey approved, for official use, Edwards' rendering of the Idaho State Seal--the only woman-designed State seal in the country. Idaho's all- male legislature approved Edwards' design, thus enshrining the importance of women in Idaho's past, present, and future and further validating the important role art continues to have in commemorating significant historical moments in time. prgtoken Edwards' design reflects Idaho's unlimited potential, and her depiction implies that women represent an equal half of that potential. Edwards assigned women's influence as symbolic of the ideals of justice and liberty. A woman's placement within the State seal suggests that women are integral to the protection of those ideals in Idaho. The inclusion of women in relation to Idaho's strongest and most prominent 1890s-era industries, mining, timber, and agriculture, position women not only as recipients of Idaho's bounties, but also as essential for the successful stewardship of these valuable resources. prgtoken Inspired in part by the Idaho State seal and the long-fought efforts of Idaho suffragists to enfranchise women of the Gem State and to serve as leaders in the fight to secure the vote for women nationally, the Idaho State Historical Society, in partnership with the Idaho Commission on the Arts and the Foundation for Idaho History, commissioned local sculptor Irene Deely to develop the Idaho Women's Suffrage Commemorative Sculpture. This sculpture, privately funded by the Idaho State Historical Society and the Foundation for Idaho History, embodies the spirit and legacy of the women's suffrage movement, universally represents Idaho women through time, and pays tribute to the Idaho Women 100 initiati
National Defense Authorization Act (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-12-6

I know the Senator from Kentucky and the Senator from Michigan are trying to work through some differences on a potential unanimous consent request, but I have asked them if I might make a few remarks if they are not quite ready yet, and they have graciously allowed me to do so. prgtoken What I want to talk about is--it is December 6. It is 19 days until Christmas, and the 117th Congress is quickly coming to a close, but there is a lot of work that needs to be done in the meantime--first, the National Defense Authorization Act, which I hope will be the next order of business. prgtoken You know, when people ask me, ``What are your priorities when it comes to representing the State of Texas in the U.S. Senate?'' I say: Well, it is clear there is one priority, and that is the strength and security and safety of our Nation and our way of life--to preserve and protect the peace and to protect the freedom of all Americans. prgtoken The way we do that is through the National Defense Authorization Act. It is, I believe, the most important piece of legislation that we consider each year, among other important pieces of legislation. This is how we support our troops, how we support our military families in an all-volunteer military, how we maintain our military bases, how we modernize our weapons systems and airframes and invest in the next generation of weapons. prgtoken I believe what Ronald Reagan said--that we maintain peace through strength--and when we don't make our national defense a priority, when we neglect the most important responsibilities we have here, it sends the wrong message to our adversaries and those who would take advantage of a power vacuum left by an America that refuses to lead. prgtoken The National Defense Authorization Act is how we strengthen our relationships with old allies and forge strong partnerships with new ones. For example, as a result of the invasion of prgtoken Ukraine by Vladimir Putin, now Finland and Sweden have said they want to become part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which is certainly not what Mr. Putin contemplated when he said he was invading Ukraine because he didn't want a potential NATO member on his border. Well, as a result of his blundering invasion and wrongful invasion of Ukraine, he is now going to have Finland as a NATO partner on his border with some, I believe, roughly, 800 miles of common border. prgtoken We know that this is an increasingly challenging global threat landscape, and we have to do everything we can to make sure our troops have the training and the equipment and the resources needed to counter adversaries of today and tomorrow. prgtoken Given the state of the world, preserving our military readiness has never been more important. China and Russia have, obviously, grown more aggressive in their efforts to disrupt the global order. North Korea continues to threaten the United States and our allies with its nuclear capabil