mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Israel (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-10-17

as we all know, the war between Israel and Hamas is intensifying this week. prgtoken Just as any sovereign nation would have the right to defend itself against a terrorist attack, Israel has that right as well. It took swift and decisive action to retaliate against the terrorists who invaded its land and murdered its people, but Israel now has the responsibility to eliminate Hamas's leadership and to make sure that Hamas is incapable of mounting a similar terrorist attack against Israel in the future. prgtoken To that end, the Israel Defense Forces are preparing a ground assault against the Hamas forces in Gaza. Obviously, this is a terrible situation, but we shouldn't be confused about the right and the necessity of Israel to defend itself and to eliminate the Hamas threat. Deterrence is the best way to maintain the peace and to keep bad actors like Iranian proxies, like Hamas, from doing what they did in Israel. But, with that having failed for a variety of reasons, it is now important to give Israel the flexibility they need in order to do what they must. prgtoken Hamas's unprovoked attack on Israel has killed nearly 1,400 people, including 30 Americans. That point should not be lost. American citizens have been killed in Israel by this terrorist attack. In addition, nearly 200 people have been taken hostage, and their fate remains in question. And, given the way that Hamas has used Palestinian civilians as human shields, the number of casualties in Gaza continues to rise. prgtoken Hamas's war on Israel is not fueled by a quest for liberation or freedom or anything noble but, rather, by hate. This is a clear attempt to eliminate the Jewish State by any means necessary, a goal of the No. 1 terrorist state in the world, which is Iran, and their proxies--Hamas in the south, Hezbollah in the north. prgtoken Hamas's war on Israel is pure evil, and the United States cannot and will not be silent. We have the responsibility, moral and otherwise, to support Israel with our words but, more importantly, with our actions. The United States must support Israel without delay or hesitation. We must commit ourselves to defeating this evil by, with, and through our Israeli allies. prgtoken I, like many of us, am a student of history because it helps us understand the challenges we are experiencing today and realize that many of those challenges have precedents--things that have happened in the past that should inform us about how we should respond today. As Israel and Hamas continue fighting, it can be easy to mistake this as some isolated or, perhaps, local or regional conflict, but that could not be further from the truth. prgtoken I think back to what British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain said in the fall of 1938 about the escalating conflict between Nazi Germany as it prepared to invade Czechoslovakia. prgtoken Neville Chamberlain famously said: [It is] a quarrel in a far away country between
Israel (Executive Calendar)
Lisa Murkowski (Republican, AK) \u2014 2023-10-17

I am pleased to be able to follow my colleague from Nebraska in urging us as Members of Congress--really, us as Americans--to come together in a show of solidarity as we speak about the awful war that we are seeing unfold in Israel; of the unspeakable actions that we have seen by the terrorist group Hamas; of the awful, the barbaric, the genocidal violence and murders that we have witnessed that have been committed against thousands of innocent Israelis, beginning on October 8. prgtoken None of us can unsee what we saw that morning, throughout that day, and then in the ensuing days that followed. We may be thousands of miles away here in the United States, but we are reminded of it daily when we turn on our televisions, when we open the newspapers, when we open our social media--the atrocities, the brutality, the kidnapping of civilians, the murdered children, elders, women. These coldblooded crimes that have been committed by Hamas terrorists are unimaginable and absolutely unforgivable; and our hearts are just heavy. prgtoken In just talking with people, as I have had an opportunity to be on multiple coasts this week, from Alaska to Tennessee to California to here in Washington, DC--on the airplanes in between--people are just heavy with sadness, with grief, for what we are seeing in Israel, for what we are seeing as to the Israeli people. It is hard to imagine what so many families are going through right now. prgtoken So, at a time like this, when sometimes you are not quite sure how to proceed or how to move, it is so important to make sure of those words of commitment, of those words of support: that we stand with you, that we unequivocally--unequivocally--support Israel. prgtoken We unequivocally support Israel's right to defend their people from these brutal terrorist attacks. We unequivocally stand against Hamas, which, as Secretary of Defense Austin has said, has deliberately committed acts that match and even exceed the absolute evils inflicted by ISIS. We must assure the world that we stand with Israel and against the brutal genocide that we see from these terrorists. We must be unwavering; we must be ironclad; we must be resolute in our commitment to Israel. And we use these words time and time again. prgtoken Here in the Senate, there is a resolution that has been introduced-- signed by almost every single Member of this body--that reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense; that calls on all countries to unequivocally condemn Hamas's war on Israel; demanding that Hamas release--safely release--all hostages; condemning Iran's support for global terrorism, including its support for terrorist groups such as Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad; calling on the United States to lead an international effort, including through sanctions--as the Senator from Nebraska was just outlining--to deprive of Hamas and Iran and other Iranian groups their sources of funding. prgtoken So these words of
HONORING KIWANIS NEW YORK DISTRICT GOVERNOR LUCIEN GIANCURSIO
Brandon Williams (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-10-17

. Pro Tempore, I rise today to honor Kiwanis New York District Governor Lucien Giancursio. prgtoken Kiwanis International is a global community of clubs, members, and partners dedicated to improving the lives of children, one child and one community at a time. Each community has different needs, and Kiwanis empowers members to pursue creative ways to serve the needs of children through local service projects and fundraising. The organization includes more than 600,000 members from Aktion Clubs, K- Kid Clubs, Builders Clubs. Key Clubs, Circle K Clubs and Kiwanis Clubs in over 80 countries. Kiwanis members have staged more than 150,000 service projects and have historically devoted more than 6 million hours of service. They have also raised over $250 million for communities, families, and projects via the Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) program and the Maternal Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) project. prgtoken The New York District of Kiwanis International, comprised of Kiwanis Clubs throughout New York State, this year marks the 108th anniversary, and the Ontario Division is hosting the 2023-24 District Governor's Official Visit in Syracuse, New York. prgtoken New York District Governor Lucien Giancursio joined the Kiwanis Club of Rochester West Central on September 1, 2004, and is a Life Member. Serving people and his community has been a life-long tradition for Governor Lucien. His Governor's Project this year is sending 1000 Kampers to Kamp Kiwanis in Taberg, NY, and his theme for 2023-24 is ``Excelsior, a Future of Hope''. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 22nd Congressional District, I would like to thank Governor Lucien Giancursio for his leadership of the New York District of Kiwanis and recognize the impact and commitment of the New York District's service.
RECOGNIZING THE CHARITABLE WORK OF THE FUTCH FAMILY
Bill Posey (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-10-17

. Pro Tempore, I would like to recognize Dawn Futch, her husband Mike Futch, and their daughter Stephanie Futch for their charitable service towards the people of Brevard County. After the sudden and tragic passing of Dawn and Mike's son Michael-Gene, the Futch family created the Michael-Gene Kids Basketball Foundation. prgtoken When Michael-Gene Futch passed away in November of 2010, his family requested basketballs instead of flowers due to Michael-Gene's love of the sport. When over 1,500 basketballs came, the Futch family decided to donate those basketballs to underprivileged children in Brevard County. prgtoken This charitable donation led to the creation of the Michael-Gene Kids Basketball Foundation, which aims to help underprivileged families. Since the Foundation was formed, it has grown far past donations of basketballs. While continuing basketball donations year-round, the Futch Foundation also hosts a back-to-school drive, sponsor-a-family thanksgiving, and a gift drive for the holiday season. prgtoken The Futch Family also holds an annual black-tie affair to raise money for charity. The Futch family plans to continue their many years of charity work for the children of Brevard County. prgtoken I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the Futch family and saluting their selfless service. The Michael-Gene Kids Basketball Foundation is an inspiration and blessing to underprivileged children, and families in our community.
EUSTACE MITA
Jefferson Van Drew (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2023-10-17

. Pro Tempore, today, I want to commend the achievements of Eustace Mita, a prominent figure in South Jersey's luxury real estate industry. Mr. Mita serves as Chairman and CEO of Icona Resorts, Chairman of Mita Management, and CEO of Achristavest, all of which have left a significant mark on South Jersey's luxury real estate sector. He founded ICONA Resorts in 2013, quickly establishing a highly regarded brand of luxury hotels in South Jersey, including the top ranked Icona Diamond Beach resort. Currently, ICONA operates seven hotels along the South Jersey shore in Avalon, Cape May, Wildwood Crest, and Spring Lake. Mr. Mita's business ventures extend to high-end luxury home development with Achristavest and strategic investments in local real estate and the automotive sectors through Mita Management. Outside of business, he is a devoted family man to his wife, Susie, and their five children and sixteen grandchildren. He is a respected leader in the Catholic Church's service initiatives and his contributions were recognized by Pope Francis during the 2015 World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. He also serves as the first lay president of the Papal Foundation, a charity that funds Papal requests for charitable grants and scholarships. It is an honor to celebrate Eustace Mita's contributions to South Jersey's luxury real estate and commitment to community service. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication have left a lasting impact on our South Jersey community. God Bless Eustice Mita and God Bless the United States of America.
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HUB ON SMITH
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2023-10-17

I rise today to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Sheridan's Senior Center, the Hub on Smith in Sheridan, WY. The Hub is a cornerstone for the community. It provides essential care, meals, and support to residents of Sheridan County. prgtoken To commemorate this outstanding achievement, the Hub is hosting ``50 for 50''--50 small events and opportunities to highlight staff, patrons, and programs. prgtoken In 1972, Sheridan County created the Senior Citizen's Coordinating Council to address the need for senior citizen services. The council discovered many seniors were living alone and struggling to meet basic needs. Poverty and lack of services resulted in a push for a nursing home. prgtoken In 1973, the Senior Citizen's Coordinating Council was incorporated into a private nonprofit organization, the Senior Citizens Council. This began their longstanding commitment to the community. The Sheridan Senior Center was established. prgtoken Numerous expansions of land, acquisitions, and services occurred over the years. Longstanding relationships with volunteers, foundations, individual donors, local businesses, local government, and elected leaders are greatly responsible for the success and sustainability of the Hub. prgtoken The Sheridan Senior Center rebranded in 2017 to the Hub on Smith, a Center for All Generations. This was done to modernize the way services are delivered and marketed. Folks now refer to the center as ``the Hub.'' prgtoken The Hub on Smith exemplifies their vision statement of ``Sheridan is a community that improves the quality of life for people of all ages by strengthening and supporting its elders and where elders contribute to the well-being and foresight of the community.'' This is evident through the many services provided to residents in these Wyoming communities: Sheridan, Ranchester, Dayton, Arvada, Clearmont, Big Horn, and Story. prgtoken The number and quality of services increased over the years. The Hub on Smith prepares 400-500 nutritious meals daily. These meals can be enjoyed in the center or delivered to residents' homes. The Sheridan minibus was the first service provided by the center. Through fundraising and expansions, Goose Creek Transit is now a door-to-door service for appointments, grocery runs, trips to the Hub, and out-of- town medical appointments. The support center is a team of dedicated information specialists, intake workers, care coordinators, and case managers. They work together to offer an all-encompassing resource hub, often referred to as ``the hub of the Hub.'' prgtoken The Hub recognizes the importance of supporting family members and caregivers. Programs such as counseling, support meetings, respite, education, and training creates a strong network of care for this courageous group. The Hub offers care to seniors both at the center and in their homes. Registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, and access care coordinators make up the H
ELECTION OF SPEAKER
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-10-17

. pro tempore, Mr. Clerk, colleagues, on behalf of the House Conference, I rise today to nominate the gentleman from Ohio, Mr. Jim Jordan, as of the people's House. prgtoken We are at a time of great crisis across America, a time of historic challenges in this very Chamber, and a time when heinous acts of terror and evil have been committed against our great ally, Israel. prgtoken As this body convenes for the sacred responsibility to elect the next of the people's House, I am reminded of the Book of Esther: for such a time as this. Jim Jordan will be America's for such a time as this: prgtoken A time when hardworking American families are struggling under the vice of inflation, not able to afford groceries, heat, or gas because of the trillions and trillions of dollars of reckless spending by failed far-left government; prgtoken A time when millions are being illegally trafficked and smuggled across our southern and northern borders due to the catastrophic and inhumane wide-open borders of ; prgtoken A time when violent crime is skyrocketing across America, destroying our great cities, suburbs, and small towns, where people no longer feel safe in their homes or in their communities; prgtoken A time when American energy production has been crushed by 's radical, failed, far-left policies, causing seniors, farmers, and families to pay more at the pump and struggle with skyrocketing utility bills; prgtoken A time when the Federal Government is weaponized against we the people, who they are supposed to serve, stripping us of our God-given constitutional rights and wrongfully targeting conservatives, Catholics, and even parents at school board meetings; prgtoken A time when the people of our closest and most precious ally, Israel, suffered the bloodiest day since the Holocaust, with acts of inhumane evil committed by Hamas terrorists backed by Iran, grotesque atrocities, the beheadings of babies, rapes, kidnappings, and slaughter of women, children, and the elderly, and Israelis and Americans taken hostage. prgtoken We are here in this very Chamber for such a time as this. Jim Jordan will be we the people's for such a time as this. prgtoken Our friend and colleague Jim Jordan is a patriot. He is an America First warrior who wins the toughest of fights, going after corruption and delivering accountability at the highest levels of government on behalf of we the people. prgtoken Jim is the voice of the American people who have felt voiceless for far too long. Whether as Judiciary chair, conservative leader, or Representative for his constituents in west central Ohio, whether on the wrestling mat or in the committee room, Jim Jordan is strategic, scrappy, tough, and principled. prgtoken He is a mentor, a worker, and above all, he is a fighter. We know that Jim Jordan is a winner on behalf of the American people. prgtoken Almost 10 years ago, many of us sat with our colleague
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-10-18

. I can only hope that the leaders of America's universities recognize what time it is in America. This is a time for moral clarity, not a time for anti-Semitic hate dressed in faculty- lounge jargon. Leaders cannot afford to be silent. Terrorism is evil. Anti-Semitism is despicable. And Israel has a right to exist. It shouldn't take a Ph.D. to understand that, but it also shouldn't be so hard for a Ph.D. to acknowledge it. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau prgtoken , now on an entirely different matter, today, the Senate will vote on a resolution to chip away at yet another example of the administration's runaway regulatory state using the Congressional Review Act. The junior Senator from Louisiana, Senator Kennedy, has put forward a measure that would block a proposed rule at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that would require financial institutions to collect and report personal information on small business loan applications, including data on race and sex. Apparently, as if the radical progressivism on campuses wasn't enough, Washington want to tie small business loans to diversity quotas. prgtoken Small businesses are the lifeblood of the American dream, and I am grateful to my colleague from Louisiana for giving the Senate an opportunity to stick up for them. I would urge each of our colleagues to join me in supporting his resolution later today. prgtoken .
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF LT. COL. GEORGE CARRUTHERS
Chip Roy (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-10-18

. Pro Tempore, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Lieutenant Colonel George Carruthers. October 22, 2023, marks Lt. Col. Carruthers 100th birthday and the awarding of the prestigious French Legion of Honor medal--the highest level of recognition awarded by the French Government for his service to the country during WWII. prgtoken Lt. Col. Carruthers began his military career by joining the Army Air Corps at nineteen years old, where he proceeded to be a 2nd Lieutenant Bombardier during WWII. During the war, his B-17 was shot down, and he spent 22 months in the German POW camp Stalag Luft 3, home of the Great Escape, the largest escape by allied Air Force personnel of the war. prgtoken After the war, he went on to have a thirty-plus year career in the United States Air Force, being awarded numerous medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, several Air Medals, and the Purple Heart in recognition of his outstanding and selfless service. prgtoken We are able to live free today because of the courage of men like Lt. Col. Carruthers, who put their lives on hold and answered their country's call when it needed them most. Love of family, country, and a life dedicated to service sum up the character of Lt. Col. Carruthers, a member of the Greatest Generation. These stories will inspire future generations of Americans to pursue a life dedicated to causes greater than themselves. I hope this testament to Lt. Col. Carruthers' life serves as an acknowledgment of the immeasurable debt of gratitude owed to him by the American people. On behalf of Texas' 21st Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the extraordinary life of Lt. Col. Carruthers and his dedicated service to our country. Today, a grateful Nation thanks him.
ISRAEL
Roger Marshall (Republican, KS) \u2014 2023-10-18

let my message to Israel be clear: America stands with you and your right to defend yourself from this unspeakable evil perpetrated by Hamas. prgtoken From my earliest memories, my mom, my Sunday school teachers told me that we support Israel. And as you go through your faith journey, as you go through your education, you learn why your mom and your Sunday school teachers said: We support Israel. I looked no further than my own bedroom wall to see Moses's Ten Commandments there that my mom had put for my brother and myself to look at every day when we awoke in the morning. prgtoken We learned later that Moses was indeed the greatest lawgiver; that this prgtoken Nation was founded on Judeo-Christian values. It is what defines the United States of America in so many ways. And to our faith partners in Israel, we are grateful for that heritage and culture that they passed on to us. prgtoken But what I have learned as a Member of Congress, I need to pass on to every person in America--how important Israel is as an ally. In so many ways, they are the eyes and ears for America in a very, very troubled land. No doubt, their efforts have prevented the deaths of tens of thousands of Americans by thwarting terrorist attacks from our enemies. We are so blessed to share military technology that is saving American lives as well. Indeed, Israel has been one of our greatest, most staunch allies. prgtoken Today, we need to face the truth. We need to tell the truth. Hamas is a terrorist organization, and it only knows one language: death and destruction. Hamas's sole purpose is to radicalize its people, serve as a breeding ground for terrorism, and entirely eradicate Israel and other freedom-loving people like Americans. prgtoken The actions of Hamas over this last week serve as an illustration of their principles. Look, Hamas has no interest in dialogue, only in destruction. Hamas does not want peace, they want punishment. Hamas wants war, not coexistence. Hamas is a terrorist army with a track record of unspeakable brutality and a commitment to wiping out not just Israel but America as well. This terrorist organization knows only one language: death and destruction. prgtoken But the head of the snake is Iran. That is part of the truth that needs to be told. Iran is the head of the snake and Hamas is just a puppet fulfilling the prophecy of its leader. Hamas fighters and other terrorist groups are inspired, encouraged, and empowered by Iran to continue committing more brutal, more savage, and more devastating terrorist attacks around the globe. prgtoken Look, I think there is no doubt in my mind that Iran planned, they funded, they armed, and they authorized the brutal murders of babies, burning women alive in the streets, and killing 30 Americans. This blood--the blood of American citizens--is on the hands of Iran and Hamas. As we go forward over these next weeks, these next months, we need to realize that all