mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Tribute to Officer Tyler Franks (Executive Calendar)
Mike Braun (Republican, IN) \u2014 2021-5-12

. I know we have a vote coming up, and I won't belabor it. prgtoken I think the basis for maybe a good conversation, because we are not going to solve it today, is when it comes to the tax package that was put through in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017--and I would have some authority on this, Senator Sanders. I spent 37 years in the trenches running a small business that ended up being a larger company. Three of my kids run it with a good young executive team--the American dream. And my observation was that we had kind of hit the sweet spot. prgtoken And the CBO, which actually put that original cost of $1.5 trillion-- $150 billion per year, over 10 years--said that we were actually generating record revenues pre-COVID and that they could have revised, and still might, that trajectory. prgtoken I think if we are going to go forward, you have to realize that there is a limit to anything you can do through government. And when you try to raise taxes, you have to be honest about it. Over 50 years, regardless of what the tax rate has been, the economy has generated about 17 percent of our GDP with tax revenues because when they are high, there is less economic activity. You actually find a sweet spot, like we did with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, and the economy was proving it pre-COVID.
IMPROVING MENTAL HEALTH ACCESS FOR STUDENTS ACT
John Kennedy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2021-5-12

I am going to talk for a few minutes about mental health for our kids. I think many Americans have known and, unfortunately, some Americans have loved some of our fellow citizens who suffer with depression and anxiety and thoughts of suicide. It is a particular problem for our young people. CDC reports that one in four young Americans have actually considered suicide, and, in fact, the second leading cause of death for young people is suicide. prgtoken I am sure there are a lot of reasons for this. I think it is harder to be a young person today. Many of our kids see things that those of us who are older didn't have to deal with until we were adults--drugs, of course; alcohol; also, social media. You can still find kindness in America, but unfortunately you have to go offline to do it. prgtoken Some of our young people--many of our young people--just need someone to talk to. Some of them, when their anxiety and their depression is acute, need medical treatment, and this bill will simply provide a mechanism for our young people to receive it. prgtoken The bill, as I said, is called the Improving Mental Health Access for Students Act. It would provide that schools--our universities--be required to print phone numbers for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the Crisis Text Line, and a campus mental health center or program on the student ID cards. prgtoken This bill would not require our schools to tear up current ID cards. It would be phased in. And if a school doesn't use an ID card, they don't have to start using an ID card. My bill prgtoken would simply require that the schools put the information on their website. prgtoken This bill passed unanimously by UC in our last Congress, but, unfortunately, the House ran out of time to take it up. prgtoken Toward that end, , as if in legislative session, I am going to ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. 1585, introduced earlier today.
HONORING THE MEN AND WOMEN OF LAW ENFORCEMENT
John W. Rose (Republican, TN) \u2014 2021-5-12

I rise today to salute the incredibly brave patriots who keep America safe. This National Police Week, I want to share my profound appreciation to members of our law enforcement community, our officers, deputies, and troopers, and especially those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. prgtoken America is the land of opportunity because we are a nation of laws. For our Nation to remain strong, we must have law and order. prgtoken Low morale is permeating police departments across our Nation as rioters and lawbreakers repeatedly vilify, demonize, and verbally attack the thin blue line. I will tell you here today: any violence against law enforcement must end, and it must end now. prgtoken Fair treatment in the justice system is critical, but it will not be achieved by the defund the police movement and cop-free zones. Lawlessness without police equals crime and the destruction of our Republic. prgtoken In my State, Tennesseans know that the men and women who serve in law enforcement are some of the best people in our communities. They run towards danger, never away, and they risk their lives to protect us and our families. Those who serve in law enforcement deserve the respect of every citizen every day. prgtoken I thank our law enforcement officers for what they do every day, and this National Police Week we respect, honor, and remember those we have lost.
OUR FRIENDS IN ISRAEL ARE UNDER ATTACK
Chip Roy (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-5-12

I would agree with the gentleman. I would suggest that the gentleman made the point best earlier when he said, How would we respond in United States of America if this many missiles were being fired from Mexico? prgtoken Where, by the way, we have cartels who are operating control of our border. prgtoken If we had, literally--and here is some of the data. The gentleman quoted some data. Here is some from my staff: prgtoken More than 1,500 missiles--possibly 700 already, I think the gentleman alluded to--in the last 72 hours, on average, every 3 minutes by Hamas; 200 of the rockets fired fell short of crossing the border and caused civilian damage; IDF targeting military PIJ and Hamas infrastructure, the operatives and the rocket launchers, an Iron Dome battery was operationalized from reserves. IDF forwarded an attack by an elite Hamas unit, which is trying to dig a tunnel into Israel. And now you have got the Palestinian Islamic Jihad Quds Brigade saying it will expand the ring of fire and target Tel Aviv, and after Tel Aviv with huge rocket barrage. This is the state of things in Israel. prgtoken And to the gentleman's point, and I will yield back: No American would be sitting here today--if I am sitting here in Austin, Texas, or San Antonio, Texas, about 150 miles to the west and over to Mexico, if we had 1,500 rockets firing in on San Antonio or Austin, look, man, I would be grabbing my weapons and I would be heading down to the border, and we would be taking care of business. prgtoken This is the reality of what we are talking about. So when I hear people saying Israel has a right to defend itself, Israel has a duty and a responsibility to defend itself, I support them fully. prgtoken , I would yield back to the gentleman.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Tommy Tuberville (Republican, AL) \u2014 2021-5-12

I join my colleagues today during Police Week to honor the work of our Nation's law enforcement officers. prgtoken Being a law enforcement officer is one of the toughest jobs that there is, but it is also foundational to a functioning society. We rely on these brave men and women to protect and serve our country every day. prgtoken Unfortunately, many officers are being driven out by a wave of anti- police rhetoric on the heels of bad actors who operated outside of their training. We need to have trust between law enforcement and citizens. Without it, our society frays and decays. prgtoken Over the course of this week, my colleagues are sharing many stories of law enforcement officers stepping up to help their fellow citizens in times of need and build trust with the communities that they serve. prgtoken We are lucky to have many brave and honorable officers in Alabama and around this country. prgtoken I think about Officer Jonathan Espino from the Decatur Police Department. Last year, Officer Espino responded to a medical call. A man was trying to bring his mom back to life, trying to perform CPR. Officer Espino took over for the man after he arrived and began CPR. Just before medical personnel arrived, the woman's heart started beating again, and she was gasping for air. He saved her life. prgtoken I think of Officer Wesley on from the Abbeville Police Department. Officer on received a call that a woman was in a burning building. Officer on arrived on the scene minutes later and was able to carry the elderly woman out of the structure, with the help of another investigator. prgtoken These police officers went above and beyond the call of duty, and lives were saved because of their heroism. But we know such an important job comes with great risk. Just last week, Alabama honored the 11 law enforcement officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice the last 2 years. In the last 2 days alone across the United States of America, four law enforcement officers have been killed. We are forever grateful to each of these officers who have laid down their lives in service for their community. prgtoken How would you like to every day wake up, put a uniform on, a badge on your chest, a gun on your side, leave your family, walk out the door, knowing it might be the last time you ever walk into that home or see your family? That is what happens to these law enforcement officers every day of their career, which is why I firmly believe we need more support for law enforcement, not less. prgtoken They need more training so they can be better at handling difficult situations. This is especially true as we see an uptick in mental health issues all across this country. They need targeted resources so they can recruit the best and brightest for these important roles in the community and across our country. Let's invest in the resources that they can ensure all law enforcement officers are a true force for go
American Families Plan (Executive Calendar)
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2021-5-12

. First, I would like to associate myself with the remarks from the Senator from Iowa, who very clearly stated the problems that people all across the country are facing. I love the line about we can't even claim the government as a dependent because the government truly is dependent upon the people of this great country. prgtoken Tax day is just a few days away so I come to the floor to oppose the tax hikes proposed by President . Today, tax revenues in America are at a near-record high of all times. We don't have a revenue problem; we have a spending problem. Yet President wants to take more money out of the wallets of America's hard-working men and women. prgtoken How much is he calling for? Astonishingly, $3 trillion in additional taxes. This is on top of the taxes that are already being paid. It is the biggest tax increase in over half a century. prgtoken It is supposed to pay for a lot of liberal spending ideas. It is a big liberal agenda that this President is promoting. Yet even with these historic tax increases being proposed, our Nation will still need to continue to borrow money from China. prgtoken In just over 100 days, President has already put $1.99 trillion on our Nation's credit card. Now he wants more. In total, President 's agenda would cost more than America's total commitment to World War II. Are these liberal spending proposals as important to our Nation as was our victory in World War II? Of course not. prgtoken As I have said before, our economy was already on track to be back to normal this summer. That was before President passed his spending bill on a party-line vote crammed through the Senate after a middle-of- the-night debate, crammed through on a direct party-line vote using budget reconciliation. prgtoken President has said--it is interesting, astonishing, and amusing to listen to the President when he says only the rich will have to pay these taxes. The American people have seen this movie before. We know as Americans that when we hear politicians say only the rich will pay, it is time to hold on to your wallet because they are coming for you. prgtoken Working families are going to pay in the form of higher prices, lower wages, and fewer job opportunities. prgtoken We are already seeing higher prices. We are seeing significant inflation since the day President has taken office. We see it again today with the newest economic statistics that have come out. We hear about it at home on the weekends as we talk to folks at home about what is happening with their day-to-day life and their expenses. prgtoken Experts tell us that President 's tax hikes could destroy a million jobs--a million jobs. When s cut taxes in 2017--and it is good to be here on the floor with my friend and colleague from Ohio who is one of the four horsemen who put that proposal together on behalf of the s--revenue at the Federal Government actually went up.
For the People Act (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-5-12

they did it in a closed room. No one in the public was allowed to watch. They did it by a voice vote so that there would be no physical record of how individual Congressmen--how they voted. And they decided to remove a Member of the leadership in the House of Representatives this morning in that fashion. These proud, courageous disciples of didn't want to be on the record publicly as to where they stood on the fate of Congresswoman . prgtoken This is the same Congresswoman who was reelected to leadership in the House just a few weeks ago. This is the same Congresswoman who is one of the most ideologically conservative Members of the House. She voted with President nearly 93 percent of the time while she was in office. With a name like , it is hard to question her credentials. prgtoken No, the decision, in private, in secret this morning by a voice vote, was not about a disagreement over policy but the issue as to whether or not Liz dares to tell the truth. prgtoken She refused to defend or ignore the big lie that the 2020 election was stolen from , and in today's Party, it seems like that is all that is necessary for grounds for removal. prgtoken More than 6 months after the 2020 election was held, it is clear that the big lie has been spread in a big way. And that lie is not just a threat to the future of the Party, it is a threat to our democracy. prgtoken Since the start of this year, State legislatures, inspired by 's big lie that the election was stolen, have introduced more than 360 bills with restrictive voting provisions in 47 States-- one of the most notorious examples, the State of Georgia. prgtoken Remember, the State of Georgia--hotly contested in the 2020 election, and then the troops came in and went to court over and over and over again, suggesting there was election fraud and dishonesty in the Georgia election. And the Georgia election officials, virtually all s, stood up and said it was an honest election, a close one, but it was an honest election. They were challenged over and over again, to the point where the former President of the United States, while he was still in power, called an election official in Georgia and basically threatened him; that if he didn't change the votes and give President what he thought he needed to win, he would pay a price for it. It went that far. prgtoken To his credit, this election official stood up and said: The results are accurate and I stand by them and I am not going to change it. prgtoken It went that far. prgtoken And there was a big turnout in Georgia. In fact, there was an amazing turnout in the runoff elections for the two Senate seats won by Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, our colleagues here in the U.S. Senate. So even with that big turnout and even with the certainty that that election
PUPPIES ASSISTING WOUNDED SERVICEMEMBERS FOR VETERANS THERAPY ACT
Elissa Slotkin (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2021-5-12

. Madam , I rise in support of the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act. I am incredibly proud to be co-leading this bipartisan bill to connect veterans with service dogs in their communities through a new pilot program at the VA. prgtoken There are two organizations in Livingston County in my district that train dogs and place them with veterans in need: Veteran Service Dogs in Howell, and Blue Star Service Dogs in Pinckney, Michigan. prgtoken In 2019, I had the chance to visit Blue Star Service Dogs. It was incredible to see these dogs in action and to hear directly from the veterans about how these remarkable animals are helping them heal from depression, PTSD, and so many other invisible service-related wounds. prgtoken The bill sets up a pilot program through the VA to partner with local nonprofits, just like the ones in my district, to create work-therapy programs for veterans to train and potentially adopt service dogs. prgtoken The issue is extremely personal to me. I am an Army wife, married to a 30-year Army officer and Apache pilot. I have a stepdaughter currently on Active Duty and another stepdaughter who is a doctor at the VA. I am also the mom of two wonderful rescue dogs, Rocky and Boomer. prgtoken I have seen how big of an impact service dogs can have on people's lives when it comes to dealing with mental illness, and that is why I am so passionate about this pilot program. prgtoken When we make the decision to send men and women in to fight for our country, we make the decision to support them for the rest of their lives. prgtoken The PAWS for Veterans Service Therapy Act helps us honor the commitment and will have a real impact on the day-to-day well-being of our veterans. prgtoken I want to thank Representative Stivers for his leadership on this issue, and wish him all the best as he departs Congress. He is a , but much more concerning for me, he is from Ohio, and we have still managed to work closely together on this issue. prgtoken To my colleagues, if I can work with a graduate of Ohio State University, you can get on this darn bill. I urge both sides to join me in supporting the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act.
NATIVE AMERICAN CHILD PROTECTION ACT
Darren Soto (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2021-5-12

. Madam , the balance of my time. prgtoken We had extensive hearings on these issues in the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States, and it became clear we needed resources and technical assistance to protect Native American children and families in addition to what they are getting now. prgtoken I thank our outgoing chair, Mr. Gallego, for his leadership on this; the dean of the House, Representative Don Young, for his amazing leadership in working together; former Member Cook, who participated in these meetings extensively; as well as now-Secretary Deb Haaland, one of the first Native American women to serve in the Congress. I thank Ranking Member Westerman for helping us get this done in a bipartisan fashion. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and .
ENDLESS FRONTIER ACT
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-5-12

now, speaking of bipartisan legislation, today the Commerce Committee will begin marking up the Endless Frontier Act, one of the most significant investments in American innovation in generations. The bill will be at the core of comprehensive legislation to address American competitiveness and security in the 21st century. prgtoken Once again, for the information of the Senate, it is my intention for the Senate to consider and finish competitive legislation before the end of the month. There have been productive bipartisan talks over the last week to improve the Endless Frontier Act. prgtoken This is an issue I have worked on with my friend the Senator from Indiana for the past few years. He has been a great help, a great partner, and I appreciate his work. And, of course, Senator Cantwell, our chairman of the Commerce Committee, and Senator Wicker, our ranking member, have come together. And everyone had to give a bit here, there, and everywhere, but I think we have a strong bill that should get strong bipartisan support. prgtoken The simple truth is very simple. The Endless Frontier Act is legislation our country desperately needs. For decades after the Second World War, our country led the world in science and technology, from healthcare to computers, from telecommunications to manufacturing, to defense. Our workforce brought these innovations to the global economy, and it produced more than half a century of prosperity. prgtoken People in the last 50 years, from 1950 to 2000, thought the future was going to be better even than the present, and it created the usual American optimism. But things have changed, and one of the things that has changed is years of Federal investment in sciences, and they have exposed long-term weak spots--serious weak spots--in our economic competitiveness. This could hurt us dramatically in the next 50 years. prgtoken The longer we put off investing in sciences, the likelier it is that other countries, like China but others too, will overtake America as the global leader in innovation, and that will have profound consequences for our economy, our national security, even the future of human liberty, and it will have a lot to do with whether Americans believe that the future economically will be better for them than the present, which is part of the American hallmark and trademark, our sunny optimism, which we must restore. There has been a sourness in the land lately. It is our mission to restore it. prgtoken So to take the initiative back, the Endless Frontier Act provides $100 billion for basic research through the National Science Foundation, focusing on the critical technologies of tomorrow, where we have to stay the leader: AI, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, quantum computing, cyber security, 5G, battery storage, and so much more. prgtoken This bill will nurture tech labs and tech hubs across the country in places where they are not now. We