mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Crime (Executive Calendar)
Jeff Merkley (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2022-2-16

I would love for us to have a full, ordinary process here on the floor and to have all of us on both sides of the aisle support that process. prgtoken I come to the floor to ask for this unanimous consent because that process has been frustrated, and we now have been without a leader for this entire administration. prgtoken My colleague made a point about Afghanistan, and he said we need to know how many Americans are in Afghanistan. If you want better action on the issue of Americans as refugees abroad or stranded abroad, then you want to have a responsible leader, an accountable leader, heading up the Bureau of Population, Migration, and Refugees. prgtoken So let's do our job here in this Chamber because when we fail to enable such a critical organization, responsible for billions of dollars around the world being provided to millions of people, responsible for the vetting of people coming into our country, when we fail to do our job to put somebody in charge, we are only wounding ourselves. prgtoken This is exactly the type of partisan paralysis and destruction that is damaging our Nation. We need to get this confirmation completed.
Unanimous Consent Request--Executive Calendar (Executive Calendar)
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2022-2-16

. Fast-track? Fast-track? Senator Cortez Masto said it has been a year since they have had a U.S. attorney confirmed, sitting in Nevada. In Ohio now, it has been--let me count the days--404 days since 6 million people in the Northern District of Ohio last had a permanent U.S. attorney leading the office. Senator Cotton, with his demagoguery, comes down here and talks about fast-track? I don't know what speed they move in Arkansas, but I would not consider what we are trying to do as fast-track. prgtoken They have been vetted. Senator Portman supports this nominee. Let me talk about that. prgtoken We know the pandemic has caused an alarming rise in violent crime, especially gun crimes. The Northern District of Ohio, which includes Toledo, Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Youngstown, Mansfield, Warren--cities in basically the northern half of the State. The U.S. attorney has the highest caseload in the last 30 years, filing a record 846 indictments in 2021 alone without a full-time, confirmed U.S. attorney. prgtoken Even before the pandemic, the district had a staggering caseload after reaching a record low in 2016, with only 363 new cases through, Senator Cotton, I might add, the administration. The number of new cases began to climb in 2017, at the beginning of the administration, if you want to play those games, Senator Cotton. The number of new cases rose to 706 in 2018. This as kept climbing since. Last year, there were 170 homicides in the city of Cleveland, where my wife and I live--another 30-year record--not to mention a surge in carjackings. prgtoken We need to fill key law enforcement positions in Ohio and, as Senator Cortez Masto said, as Senator Durbin said, in their States--and Senator Rosen and Senator Duckworth. We need to fill these key law enforcement positions. prgtoken I hear from Ohio police officers that they are in desperate need of help, while we, through--Senator Cotton and others accuse of undermining police or whatever term they use--a term that none of us use--when we have supported local governments with more dollars so they can hire more police while you oppose those same positions, as we know. So we are working with local police to get them that help, whether it is confirming U.S. marshals, whether it is confirming U.S. attorneys. prgtoken Thankfully, we have an extremely qualified nominee in Ohio who is ready and eager to serve. The only thing standing in our way is the U.S. Senate. Apparently, the only thing standing in the Senate's way is Senator Cotton, although I am sure somebody else would be willing to take his place. prgtoken Marissa Darden is a seasoned prosecutor with extensive experience, a lead attorney in both civil and criminal cases. As an assistant U.S. attorney in the Northern District, she was recognized for her work on several cases involving highly complex legal issues. She received the National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Award for outstan
Climate Change (Executive Session)
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2022-2-16

at the end of this month, the U.S. Supreme Court is slated to hear oral arguments in the case of West Virginia v. EPA, in which the Justices will consider the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. The stakes could not be higher. This case will have lasting impacts in Maryland, the Nation, and the planet. prgtoken As we follow the science and work to mitigate the damaging impacts of climate change, it is imperative that the Court respect EPA's authority, which prgtoken Congress granted, to regulate greenhouse gas emissions to protect public health and the environment. prgtoken I would like to take a moment to consider where we are and how we got here. prgtoken At issue in the case is the question of whether EPA acted outside of its statutory authority when it promulgated in 2015 the Clean Power Plan, the CPP, which established guidelines for States to limit carbon dioxide emissions from powerplants. The administration repealed the CPP and issued in its place the Affordable Clean Energy rule, which eliminated or deferred the guidelines. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit vacated the Affordable Clean Energy rule as arbitrary and capricious. prgtoken One of the challengers, North American Coal Corporation, challenged how broad the EPA's authority is to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. prgtoken Notably, the Clean Power Plan was never implemented. Yet several of the parties challenging the plan are asking the Supreme Court to issue a decision far beyond whether the CPP constitutes a reasonable interpretation of section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act. The challengers have put forth interpretations of two legal doctrines--the nondelegation and major questions doctrines--that could, if adopted, strip EPA of its authority to regulate greenhouse gases entirely. prgtoken The Supreme Court has spoken on the Clean Air Act. In 2007, in Massachusetts v. EPA, a Supreme Court decision ruled that EPA has the authority to regulate heat-trapping gases in vehicle emissions. The majority found that the Agency could not sidestep its authority to regulate greenhouse gases that contribute to global climate change unless it could prove a scientific basis for its refusal. There is none. prgtoken The same year, in Environmental Defense v. Duke Energy, the Court ruled unanimously with regards to the EPA's authority to regulate factories and powerplants that add capacity or make renovations that increase emissions of air pollutants. prgtoken In the current case of West Virginia v. EPA, I joined Chairman Carper's amicus brief with nearly 200 Members of Congress. The brief illustrates EPA's authority under the Clean Air Act to protect the public from harmful pollution, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and address the climate crisis. It also rejects arguments made by the petitioners challenging the EPA's authority to address carbon pollution. It is among a notable numb
ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-2-16

. Finally, , I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10:30 a.m on Thursday, February 17; that following the prayer and the 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; that upon the conclusion of morning business, the Senate resume consideration of the motion to proceed to Calendar No. 267, H.R. 6617, the continuing resolution; that at 1 p.m the cloture motion ripen.
Unanimous Consent Request--Executive Calendar (Executive Calendar)
Catherine Cortez Masto (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2022-2-16

I am disappointed because I hear my colleague, but he is not listening. He keeps repeating the same talking point that he is defending law enforcement when, at the same time, he is harming law enforcement across the country. This really is nonsensical. It does not make sense not only to me and my colleagues but to the general public that is watching. prgtoken We are talking about filling positions at the U.S. Marshals Service and U.S. Attorney's Offices across the country. They are essential to addressing what we see across the country and ensuring that there is law and order. prgtoken So it is the means by which you are trying to achieve your goal which we would ask you to consider. Unfortunately, I am not hearing from my colleague from Arkansas that he is willing to reconsider it and stand up for law and order across this country and support the U.S. Attorney's Offices and marshals who need to be appointed. prgtoken .
ANNIVERSARY OF PROTESTS IN BAHRAIN
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2022-2-16

it has been 11 years since the people of Bahrain gathered in the streets of Manama to urge their leaders to grant them stronger economic, social, and human rights. Bahrainis of all backgrounds called upon their leaders for meaningful change, for a voice at the table in the matters that affected their everyday lives. But their activism was met with brutal repression from the Kingdom of Bahrain. prgtoken Journalists and human rights activists have shared with the world how Bahrain's national security forces violently beat unarmed protestors in the crowds, severely injuring and even killing protestors with tear gas, rubber bullets, and other live ammunition. The forces arbitrarily arrested and detained journalists, pursued volunteers who were helping the injured, and spared no one, not even children. This anniversary is stained by the blood of the Bahraini people, and it pains me that despite over a decade of asking for prgtoken accountability and reform, there has been little change from their government. prgtoken The country's leadership continues to commit and permit appalling human rights violations. Past reports from the U.S. State Department have highlighted the mistreatment of prisoners, including torture, inhumane punishment, and lack of proper access to medical care. Conditions have been further exacerbated by COVID-19, with two major outbreaks in overcrowded prisons last year. Yet the government continues to deny access to human rights experts, including the U.N. Special Rapporteur on torture. prgtoken The Bahrain Government has also attempted to silence dissent by imprisoning opposition leaders, outlawing opposition parties, and banning online content as they see fit. The government restricts free speech on social media from their people and requires news and broadcasting outlets to be government-sanctioned, effectively stifling all independent journalism and healthy discourse. Additionally, reports indicate that the Bahrain Government monitors activists and other targets of interest by hacking into their phones. prgtoken My father was a journalist, so I know how vital freedom of speech and freedom of press are to a flourishing, stable country. As a staunch defender against government overreach and unwarranted surveillance, I cannot stand idly by as the people of Bahrain live in constant fear of surveillance, arrest, and imprisonment for simply voicing their thoughts. prgtoken America must hold Bahrain to a high standard, as we do with all our allies. The United States maintains a strategic relationship with Bahrain, as the country cooperates on U.S. defense initiatives in the region and hosts the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet. The United States represents a beacon of hope and democracy to the rest of the world, and we cannot remain silent in the face of over a decade of human rights violations and repression. prgtoken This is a key year for change; Bahrain is slated to hold its parliamentary
Unanimous Consent Request--Executive Calendar (Executive Calendar)
Amy Klobuchar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2022-2-16

. Being that I am the Senator from Minnesota and I am not on the staff of the Attorney General of the United States and I have nothing to with the State in which this happened, I am not aware of all the facts of this. And I think it would actually be inappropriate for me to be involved in Justice Department policy. I am here on behalf of the people in my State, and I want to get someone in place. prgtoken And I have made the case, Senator Cotton, that at no time did I not only hold up the U.S. attorneys or the marshals under , I actually supported the ones in my State. And I am just asking for that same courtesy for the people of my State. We have talked about this before. And I simply believe that we should be able to get our U.S. attorneys and marshals in place. And you can do what you want to complain about what is going on in the Justice Department, to make your case to them, to go on TV about it, to make speeches in this Chamber, to write letters about it, to advocate, to gather your friends who might support you on this, but you shouldn't be hurting the people of my State while you do it.
Russia (Executive Session)
Edward J. Markey (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2022-2-16

as I speak here today, Russian President Vladimir Putin has amassed 130,000 to 150,000 soldiers on Ukraine's doorstep in a show of force that could be a dress rehearsal for an invasion of Ukraine. But Putin's inventory of tanks, infantry, and missiles is enabled by another dangerous weapon: Russia's export of dirty energy, oil and gas. prgtoken Our global addiction to fossil fuels, an addiction which Russia is only too happy to exploit, is kindling this potential conflict. Without a worldwide clean energy revolution, we will never be able to quit this cycle of fossil fuel corruption and conflict. We will never be able to experience true independence from foreign interference. And we will never be able to protect our friends and our allies or ourselves from wars spurred by dirty energy profits. prgtoken As long as Vladimir Putin can wield natural gas and oil as a threat against our country and our European allies and partners, we will always be on the defense. As long as Putin can wield gas prices and oil prices as a cudgel to remake borders, these crises will become a repeating drumbeat on the battlefield of history. As long as Putin can rely on global economic systems that are dominated by dirty fossil fuels instead of clean renewable energy, we will all remain vulnerable. prgtoken The most effective way to reduce the long-term security threat to Ukraine and to Europe and to sovereign nations everywhere is to stop the spigot that puts billions of Euros and dollars into the hands of Vladimir Putin and his oligarch cronies in return for dirty fuels. prgtoken In 2021, more than 36 percent of Russia's Federal budget revenues came prgtoken from oil and gas sales. This could fund annual Russian military activities more than twice over. prgtoken The United States itself participates in these dirty profits. Seven percent of our oil imports come from Russia. We send billions of dollars a year to Putin, to those oil giants in Russia. We do it ourselves. prgtoken Since 2015, Russia has used these oil and gas revenues to expand its currency reserves to $631 billion, the fourth largest reserve in the world. prgtoken Why does this matter? Because the massive revenue chest dilutes the impact of nonmilitary options to respond to Russia's aggression. prgtoken President is right to seek a diplomatic off-ramp to the current crisis over Ukraine. This crisis has no military solution, but a long-term solution has to include a comprehensive strategy that ends the globe's deadly addiction to Russian fossil fuels. That strategy will only happen through an American-led clean energy revolution that frees the West from dependence on Putin's pipelines. prgtoken Many of my colleagues think that the only way to address energy security is by building more pipelines or drilling for more oil and gas. That is just plain wrong. Instead of doubling down on investments that align with Russia's dirty energy business m
NATIONAL FFA WEEK
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2022-2-16

I rise today to recognize the National FFA Organization and celebrate National FFA Week, February 19-26, 2022. This is a week to applaud the positive impact FFA has made on our country and acknowledge the accomplishments of its members. prgtoken Previously known as the Future Farmers of America, the National FFA Organization was founded in 1928 by a group of young farmers with dreams to develop an organization which would address the challenges of feeding a growing population. These young farmers' leadership, experience, and passion for the industry became a movement that, for nearly 100 years, has adapted to represent the entirety of agriculture, not just farming. The National FFA Organization has been an institution where students can grow as both agriculturists and leaders. Today, there are 735,038 FFA members in 8,817 chapters across all 50 States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington, DC. In my home State of Arkansas, FFA has 229 chapters with close to 16,000 members. prgtoken FFA is a part of an integrated model that implements classroom agricultural education and hands-on, experiential learning. I commend the more than 13,000 agricultural science teachers and FFA advisers who prepare the next generation of leaders. It is because of them that we can be confident in the upcoming farmers, ranchers, foresters, agriculturalists, scientists, educators, and those who seek a career outside of the agricultural industry. prgtoken I have been fortunate to spend some time with these impressive young people. They hail from different parts of the country and come from unique backgrounds, but all possess the same passion for agriculture and service. It is always encouraging hearing FFA members share their experiences and goals for the future. There is no doubt they are prepared to make those goals reality. prgtoken FFA is about more than preparing students for careers in agriculture. It teaches leadership skills, instills a sense of service, and places young Arkansans and young people all over the country on the right path for success. After leaving their chapters, these young leaders continue to make a positive difference in the world around them. There are over 8 million FFA alumni. Alumni continue to use the knowledge and skills acquired while they were members. I know this to be true. Currently, I have eight FFA alumni on my staff, including some who received the highest degree achievable in the National FFA Organization and alumni who served as chapter, State, and national officers. prgtoken FFA members inspire those they serve, and I, too, have been impressed by the members and their accomplishments. I am increasingly optimistic about the future of agriculture, especially with passionate, dedicated leaders, like the ones developed by FFA, at the helm. FFA members serve as a reminder that our future is bright. I am honored to applaud the great work of FFA at the local, State, and n
Crime (Executive Calendar)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2022-2-16

I have come to this floor before for the same subject, but I now come to express my concerns once again about the rise in crime in America. Now I want to express what that rise in crime means for everybody if we don't stop it. If we don't act soon, and don't reverse the trend of tolerating crime, a generation of Americans will see the greatest cities fall once again into decay. We have seen it before, and it is not something that we want to see again. To stop it, we must allow the police to enforce the law and demand that prosecutors do their job. prgtoken A couple of generations of Americans have now grown up not knowing how dangerous some of our biggest cities used to be. The two that come to mind are New York and Washington, DC. prgtoken First, let's look at New York 20, 40 years ago. When asked what they think of Times Square in Manhattan, most younger Americans would probably say that it is a tourist trap. But it wasn't always that way. In the 1970s, Times Square was an open sore, filled with adult theaters, drugs, and rampant crime. Back then, the New York City subway looked like something from some dystopian horror movie. In other words, you avoided New York City subways if you could. prgtoken Now, let's turn to Washington, DC, in the late 1980s. Its decay could almost be traced back entirely to one person. Just a few blocks from here where we are standing right now, a drug dealer named Rayful Edmond ran the most notorious crack cocaine operation in the country. By 1989, he was bringing 1,700 pounds of cocaine into DC every month. He used to put snipers on rooftops near his headquarters. Police suspected his operation was involved in 30 homicides. During that time, the city's murder rate doubled. Washington had the nickname the ``murder capital of the world.'' prgtoken Then something great happened. Mayors and prosecutors got serious about dealing with crime. They sent Rayful Edmond to jail for life. People who lived in cities felt much safer. Businesses flourished. Pervasive fear gradually lessened because police took criminals off the street. prgtoken The crime rates in New York and Washington plummeted. Young families moved to urban neighborhoods that were far too dangerous just a few years before. This was wonderful, obviously. The block where Rayful Edmond once put his snipers on rooftops is now a very normal residential street. prgtoken Our cities, everybody knows, should be places where we want to live. We should enjoy going there to see other people. We shouldn't avoid cities because we are afraid of getting harassed on the streets or carjacked, at the worst. But that is what is beginning to happen again. All over the country, our biggest cities are starting to look dangerous and empty. History repeats and repeats. prgtoken Cities are devolving into what they were just a couple of decades ago. Homicides in 22 major cities have gone up 44 percent since 2019. Carjackings are up do