mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DACA (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-6-18

8 years ago almost to the day, President announced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival, otherwise known as DACA. At the time, I remember the conversations a number of us had with President , saying please give us a chance to work this out by passing appropriate legislation in the Congress. He heard those pleas, but in spite of the fact of saying numerous times he did not have the authority to do so, he proceeded to issue a memorandum that gave rise to the DACA program. prgtoken Rather than rolling up our sleeves and working together to create lasting immigration policy, President chose to do this through an Executive memorandum. It is that Executive memorandum that has made its way through the courts over the last 8 years and finally to the U.S. Supreme Court. prgtoken Unfortunately, this is the bitter fruit of what President did when he attempted to usurp Congress in a way to provide certainty and comfort to hundreds of thousands of young people--a goal that we all share--but to do so in a way that ultimately created more harm. It sent them on a years' long tumultuous journey, which is not over with the Supreme Court decision today. Basically, what the Supreme Court said was, under the Administrative Procedure Act, he didn't do it the right way, so go back and try it again and get it right this time. prgtoken Well, I think these young people deserve better. The debate over President prgtoken 's authority has held these individuals hostage, leaving them wondering if they might ultimately be deported to a country they have no memory of and forced to leave their families, their jobs, and the opportunities they have worked so hard to build here in the United States behind. prgtoken Make no mistake about it, today the Supreme Court ruled that the Department of Homeland Security didn't follow the proper procedures to rescind the DACA program and thus allowed the program to continue for now, but this is just a temporary measure. DACA recipients must have a permanent legislative solution. They deserve nothing less. These young men and women have done nothing wrong. They came to the United States as children, and in America, we don't hold children responsible for the mistakes of their parents, in this case, the mistake of not going through the legal immigration process. So these kids--young people, I should say--are innocent. prgtoken Texas is home to more than 100,000 DACA recipients who are a vital part of our communities. They have grown up with our kids, attended the same churches, shopped at the same stores, and defended our freedoms in the U.S. military. Many of these young people are in their 30s now with careers, families, plans, hopes and dreams of their own. prgtoken So the uncertainty about their status and what will happen to them is no less terrifying for them than it would be for any of us. It is simply unfair for these young people who, again, through no
ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2020
Ben Sasse (Republican, NE) \u2014 2020-6-22

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today it adjourn until 10 a.m Tuesday, June 23; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; further, that following leader remarks, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Wilson nomination; further, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate recess from 12:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m for the weekly conference meetings; finally, that all time during adjournment, recess, morning business, and leader remarks count postcloture on the Wilson nomination. prgtoken PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
TRIBUTE TO JOSH JORGENSEN
Mike Rounds (Republican, SD) \u2014 2020-6-22

today I rise to recognize Josh Jorgensen, a legislative aide in my Washington, DC, office, for all of the hard work he has done for me, his colleagues, and the State of South Dakota. prgtoken Josh is a native of Sioux Falls, SD. He is a graduate of Bishop O'Gorman High School in Sioux Falls, SD, and the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD. During his undergraduate career, Josh majored in journalism and political science and served as president of the College s. prgtoken Josh first joined my office as an intern in the spring of 2016. During this time, he proved himself to be a diligent and dedicated worker and became a true asset to my office. prgtoken He later returned as a senior legislative correspondent, and through hard work and dedication, he worked his way up to legislative aide, handling Tribal relations, healthcare, and education issues for my office. Josh has played an instrumental role in my office by providing insight and guidance into these issues. prgtoken Josh has been a dedicated and faithful public servant during his time working in the Senate. I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to him for his fine work. As he continues on with his career, he bears the esteem of a grateful State and my utmost gratitude for a job well done.
PRESIDENT'S EXECUTIVE ORDER
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2020-6-22

President recently signed an Executive order requiring commonsense administrative steps to promote police accountability. immediately criticized it as weak and insufficient to combat racial injustice, citing the need for changing laws. Of course, this is an Executive order. In itself, it does not and cannot solve the whole problem. prgtoken This reminds me of when the President was criticized for not ordering a nationwide lockdown, despite having no such power, and then was accused of being a dictator for suggesting that he had a role in reopening the economy. prgtoken The President deserves credit for taking steps within his authority to improve police accountability, but he cannot change the law. prgtoken Congress must now work and do it in a bipartisan way to do what we can within the scope of our constitutional authority to make things better. prgtoken You cannot legislate away racial injustice overnight, but Federal, State, and local laws must reflect our national creed that all people are created equal. prgtoken .
Protests (Executive Session)
Tom Cotton (Republican, AR) \u2014 2020-6-22

``I hope I am over wary, but if I am not, there is, even now, something of ill omen amongst us. I mean the increasing disregard for law which pervades the country, the growing disposition to substitute the wild and furious passions in lieu of the sober judgment of courts, and the worse than savage mobs for the executive ministers of justice. This disposition is awfully fearful in any community; and that it exists now in ours, though grating to our feelings to admit, it would be a violation of truth and an insult to our intelligence to deny. Accounts of outrages committed by mobs form the everyday news of the times.'' prgtoken Now, those are not my words. Those are the words of a young Abraham Lincoln. Sadly, they ring with truth today. prgtoken In recent weeks, violent mobs have roamed our streets, defacing and tearing down statues and monuments--in most cases, with neither resistance from the police nor legal consequences. prgtoken On Friday, a mob tore down another statue just a few blocks from here. The police stood idly by and watched as rioters toppled it and set it on fire. One can only assume they were ordered not to intervene by Washington's leftwing mayor. prgtoken Here is the thing: Steps were already underway to move that statue lawfully. Washington's delegates in Congress had legislation to that effect. But mobs don't care to negotiate--only to destroy. prgtoken The delegate said: I have no doubt I could have gotten that bill through, but the people got here before due process. prgtoken It is hard to imagine a more chilling summation of mob rule. As Lincoln knew, the mob threatens not just old statues but the lives and livelihoods of us all. Indeed, the mob threatens civilization itself in many ways. prgtoken Most simply, Lincoln knew that mobs inevitably make mistakes and commit injustices. Some may celebrate the destruction of disfavored statues and monuments, but what of the vandals in Boston who defaced a monument to the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, the first African-American regiment to fight for the Union, whose bravery and skill was immortalized in the movie ``Glory''? prgtoken What of the outlaws of Philadelphia, who defaced a statue of Matthias Baldwin, a devout, passionate abolitionist? prgtoken Mobs don't discriminate between legitimate and illegitimate targets of their destruction. That is because they are mobs. prgtoken Lincoln also warned that the ``lawless in spirit'' will become ``lawless in practice'' because of mob violence seeing no consequences for crimes. prgtoken A mob doesn't stop at statues. Rioters have already torched police precincts and low-income housing in Minneapolis. Churches and synagogues have been vandalized. Next, perhaps the mob will target the homes of police officers, and soon enough the mob may come for you and your home and your family. prgtoken As the mob expands its power, Lincoln cautioned that good citizens, ``seeing their property destroy
The JUSTICE Act (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-6-22

as we have been working over these last several weeks to develop police reform legislation, I figured the best use of my time would be to spend that time listening, as much as anything else--listening, for example, to Black Americans about their experiences with law enforcement and the changes they would like to see in our country; listening to my colleagues in the Senate about the most effective ways to make these changes, especially under the leadership of Senator Tim Scott, who has personally experienced the injustices we are trying to address, and, particularly, this deficit of trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve; and listening to leaders in Texas who are working hard--in the midst of this pandemic and widespread protesting--to keep every single Texan safe. You would think, before we decide on what reforms to take, it is important to hear from those who know best what is working, what isn't, and what we need to do more of. prgtoken A few weeks ago, I called two of my friends, who happen to be the mayor of Dallas and the mayor of Houston, Eric Johnson in Dallas and Sylvester Turner in Houston, and asked them to help me pull together a group of people in both of those major American cities for an open conversation about these issues. Less than a week later, I was in Dallas for an open and honest conversation with a group of law enforcement, faith, and community leaders. They provided very useful feedback and ideas that I brought back with me while the JUSTICE Act was in draft form. After the bill was introduced last week, I was eager to hear from more folks in Texas. prgtoken Last Friday, I traveled to Houston for another similar type of discussion at city hall. Like in Dallas, we were able to hear from a variety of points of view familiar with these challenges. I was glad to also be joined by Senator Cruz and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. In a way, I thought it was a coincidence, but maybe not, that this conversation happened on Juneteenth--a day that allows us to reflect on the progress we have made in the fight for equality. This year--I would say more than normal--it was a reminder of how far we have to go. prgtoken At this point, I would like to say the good news is there is a lot of common ground and good will, and I think we have a unique opportunity to do what I told the Floyd family I would do when they told me they wanted Texas-size justice. I think some good can actually come out of this tragedy, their loss of their loved one. prgtoken I heard an inspiring message from Bishop James Dixon, who is the pastor at Community of Faith Church and first vice president of the Houston NAACP. He talked about the need for unity and action in response to the widespread protests we are seeing and encouraged everyone, as he put it, to ``dignify the outcry.'' prgtoken We need to affirm that, yes, there is a problem; yes, it has gone unaddressed for too long; and yes,
TRIBUTE TO REAR ADMIRAL PATRICK ``PAT'' A. PIERCEY
James M. Inhofe (Republican, OK) \u2014 2020-6-22

today I wish to pay tribute to a great leader and an exceptional officer, Rear Admiral Patrick ``Pat'' A. Piercey who will soon retire from the U.S. Navy after over 35 years of dedicated service to the Nation. Rear Admiral Piercey is a native of Clinton, OK, and graduated with distinction from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1985. He is a true professional and a dedicated leader. Throughout his career, he commanded our great sailors at many levels, deployed numerous times in defense of the Nation and served in some of the most critical positions in our Navy. Rear Admiral Piercey has provided outstanding leadership, advice, and sound professional judgment on numerous critical issues of enduring importance to the Navy, Congress, and the Nation. prgtoken Rear Admiral Piercey commanded USS Howard--DDG 83--USS Bunker Hill-- CG 52--Carrier Strike Group 9, and Naval Surface Forces Atlantic. Due to his sound judgment and intellect, Rear Admiral Piercey served in many critical assignments, including special assistant to the Deputy Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, executive assistant to the Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Director for Operations--J3--U.S. Inda-Pacific Command. prgtoken For the past 2 years, Rear Admiral Piercey has served as the Chief of Staff of U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany. During this period of extraordinary change and challenge in Europe's security environment, Rear Admiral Piercey has improved relationships with NATO allies and European partners. Through his strategic vision, he has successfully positioned U.S. European Command to meet every mission requirement in Europe. prgtoken On behalf of my colleagues and the entire U.S. Congress, I want to thank Rear Admiral Piercey for his decades of dedicated service to the Navy and our Nation. I am sure that many officers and sailors will continue to emulate him as a role model for service, sacrifice and leadership. I also want to thank his wife, Katherine, and their children, Rebecca and Andrew, for their sacrifices and tremendous support. I join my colleagues in wishing him and his family fair winds and following seas and future success in retirement.
THE JUSTICE ACT
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-6-22

while the House continues to be absent, the Senate continues to be open for business. While taking smart precautions, Senators have stood with all the other essential workers who are continuing to man essential posts. So as our Nation continues to work through medical, economic, and social challenges of historic proportions, the Senate has been able to lead on serious action to help our Nation heal. prgtoken The killings of Black Americans, such as Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, have rightly accelerated the national conversation on policing and racial justice. Large majorities of Americans support new steps that would help the vast majority of good, decent, and brave law enforcement officers re-earn the trust of Black Americans for their vital institutions. prgtoken We need to be a country where communities of color feel confident that the police are there to safeguard their rights to equal justice and equal protection under law and not to infringe on those rights. prgtoken To that end, while the Constitution means many of the specifics of police reform are primarily State and local issues, there is an enormous appetite in the Senate to incentivize change and move toward greater progress using Federal policy. prgtoken The junior Senator from South Carolina has led the development of a strong new proposal. The JUSTICE Act is informed by data, by the facts, by stories from across America, and, sadly, by his own lived experience. It enjoys the support of 46 cosponsors already. prgtoken The legislation Senator Scott has put forward identifies productive ways that Congress can encourage and incentivize smart police reform efforts in communities all across our country. prgtoken Recognizing the urgent need for greater accountability, it supports expanded use of body cameras and expanded review and disciplinary measures to back them up. prgtoken Recognizing the need for more transparency, it steps up efforts to establish the records of police activities and requires full Federal reporting of all incidents involving the discharge of a service weapon. prgtoken The bill takes immediate action to help end departments' reliance on choke holds and to facilitate enhanced training for deescalation. It includes further steps to protect the physical safety of people in custody and to finally--finally make lynching a Federal prgtoken crime. It lays out new requirements for departments to explain their policies on how, when, and why no-knock warrants are used. On behalf of the many people looking for answers in my hometown of Louisville, I am, unfortunately, especially interested in that provision. prgtoken In recent weeks, the ic leader and many of our colleagues on the other side of the aisle have insisted--insisted--over and over and over again that they wanted to consider legislation on this subject prior to the Fourth of July. My friend the ic leader repeatedly expressed how eager--eager he was to c
HONORING STEPHEN KONZ
Cathy McMorris Rodgers (Republican, WA) \u2014 2020-6-22

. Madam , I rise today to honor Stephen Stanley Konz for a life of service to his country, his family, and his community. prgtoken Steve was born in Poland on September 6th, 1926 to Lillian Kwiatkowski and Michael Rosinski. As a three-month-old baby he came to America through Ellis Island in the arms of a teenage mother. He joined the Navy at age 17 where he served until the war ended in August 1945. prgtoken After the war, Steve moved to Republic, Washington to teach fifth grade. During this time, he raised five children, built a log home, and grew a cattle herd. While the log home burned in 1978, it was rebuilt with the help of friends and neighbors. prgtoken Steve was passionate about politics, advocating for the Constitution, individual freedom, property rights, limited government, and the right to bear arms. Steve was deeply involved in the community as a member of the Kiwanis Club, Grange, PTA, local school board, Cattlemen's Association, and Washington Farm Forestry Association. He also served as the manager of the Ferry County Fair, the President of the Republic Chamber of Commerce, and a district court judge for 14 years. prgtoken A captivating storyteller, Steve often had listeners laughing and crying. In 1994, at age 75, Steve drew up plans to convert his ranch into a guest lodge. The foundation was completed in 2000, and for the next 17 years Steve could be seen with a smile on his face, working every day from dawn to dusk to complete his dream lodge. prgtoken Steve Konz passed away at age 90 in the lodge he built, on the ranch he loved, with family at his side. prgtoken Madam , on behalf of a grateful nation and Washington's Fifth Congressional District may we rise to remember Steve and his legacy. His service and passion will inspire generations to come.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2020-6-22

I rise today to recognize Carolyn Ashcraft on her retirement as State librarian and director of the Arkansas State Library after 15 years of transformative leadership. prgtoken Carolyn has a dedication to the State of Arkansas and a passion for books, and her departure from a career that blended the two will leave a significant void in Arkansas' library community. Her enthusiasm for libraries has been evident since childhood, leading to an invitation to serve as a student library aide in sixth grade. She went on to serve in a similar position at the university level while earning her degree in English at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. She continued her education at the University of Alabama, where she earned a master's degree in library science. In 1981, Carolyn launched her professional career at the Grant County Library and next served as director at the Saline County Library. She held this position until she started with the Arkansas State Library in 1993, where she served in various positions, including deputy director in the library development unit before being selected as State librarian in 2005. prgtoken Carolyn's career and the accomplishments of the Arkansas library system prgtoken during her tenure as State librarian testify to her dedication and influential direction. Under her guidance, our libraries adapted emerging technologies. She helped facilitate the transition to digitization, expanding digital programs such as the Traveler Statewide Digital Resource Program and establishing the Arkansas Digital Library Consortium in 2018. She also oversaw the relocation of the agency and its collection of books, State and Federal documents, Library for the Blind materials, and other documents. prgtoken Carolyn is known for having an unrivaled and encompassing knowledge of libraries, as evidenced by her involvement in both State and national professional library associations. The list of such organizations is lengthy and includes the Arkansas Library Association, American Library Association, the Association for Rural and Small Libraries, and Chief Officers of State Library Agencies. prgtoken I thank Carolyn for her contributions to Arkansas during her career of dedicated service, guidance, and support of our public libraries and library services. She will be missed, but I am confident she will enjoy her time in retirement.
CONGRATULATING THE SEVEN LAKES HIGH SCHOOL PRESS STAFF FOR FINISHING STRONG IN THE FACE OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
Pete Olson (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-6-22

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate the Seven Lakes High School press staff on their hard work and dedication in completing their school yearbook amid the COVID-19 pandemic. prgtoken With schools being closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, it would have been easy for the Seven Lakes High School press staff to stop working on their yearbook and final newspaper edition until they were certain what would happen with the rest of their school year. Yet these incredible students refused to let COVID-19 stop them. When they realized that the coronavirus would bring their school year to an early end, these students turned lemons into lemonade. prgtoken Using video conferencing software to host meetings, the Seven Lakes High School press staff would regularly pitch stories and develop plans to complete their yearbook and final newspaper. Often, these students would continue working on it after the school day had ended. Thanks to their hard work and perseverance, the students of Seven Lakes High School will have a record of the memories they made during the school year with their yearbook and final newspaper edition. prgtoken On behalf of the 22nd Congressional District of Texas, I would like to congratulate the press staff of Seven Lakes High School for completing their work in the face of incredible odds. The Katy community is very proud of them.