mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PROTECTING OUR KIDS ACT
Ben Cline (Republican, VA) \u2014 2022-6-8

. Madam , I thank the gentleman from Ohio for yielding. prgtoken I rise in opposition to the so-called Protecting Our Kids Act. What we saw 2 weeks ago in Uvalde, Texas, was tragic and horrific, and we should take action to prevent future tragedies such as this one, but this bill is not the solution for several reasons. prgtoken First, the bill restricts the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding adults. With very limited exceptions, the bill would prohibit 18- to 20-year-olds from buying nearly all semiautomatic rifles and shotguns. prgtoken During the markup of this bill, the Judiciary Committee chairman argued that this is applicable because these young adults don't have fully formed brains. Yet, we entrust these same young adults to serve our country in the military and die for our country. We trust these young adults to vote in our elections. prgtoken What is even more interesting is while believe that these young adults don't have fully formed brains, they certainly are more than willing to try to reduce the age at which a person can vote to 16. prgtoken Second, the bill makes it more difficult for a domestic violence victim to keep a firearm for protection. As drafted, the bill would criminalize a domestic violence victim's attempt to seek help from a friend or neighbor in obtaining a firearm. prgtoken The safe storage requirements of the bill make it harder for people to access a firearm in an emergency by mandating a one-size-fits-all approach for firearm storage. prgtoken Finally, the bill's limits on magazine capacity will essentially ban many common firearms, some of which may accommodate between 15 and 30 rounds of ammunition. prgtoken Overall, this bill is an attempt to restrict the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens while ignoring the broader problems of why these tragedies are happening. prgtoken Let's talk about school resource officers in our schools. Let's talk about fortifying school buildings. Let's talk about ending the dangerous mirage of gun-free zones. And yes, let's talk about mental health. prgtoken We have to look for commonsense solutions that make it easier for Americans to protect themselves and their loved ones. I oppose this bill, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''
Inflation (Executive Calendar)
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2022-6-8

I come to the floor today to talk about another crisis. We just had my friend and colleague from Oklahoma talk about the crisis, as he saw it, at the southern border while he was on his trip there very recently. We hear from other colleagues about the crisis of crime in our cities across the country as another failure of this administration's. I come today to talk about the economic crisis, which is hitting families in all of our States, in all of our communities, and it is the thing that I heard the very most about when I was home in Wyoming last week. prgtoken Across the country, summer is almost here. It is time for barbecues, visiting friends, and family vacations for many. This year, there will be many fewer who will be able to afford what has been a natural part of their family lives. prgtoken The American people have just been through the most expensive Memorial Day ever, and it has been painfully expensive for families across this country. This is just a preview of the summer of stress that families are going to be facing all across America. Hamburger meat today is at its highest price ever; chicken, its highest price ever; a gallon of gasoline, its highest price ever. prgtoken They say inflation is up by a certain percentage, but gas prices have doubled since became President. There has been a 100-percent increase in gas prices since the became the majority in the Senate and was sworn into office. Gas prices in America, under the , have gone up 15 out of 16 months since came to the White House and Chuck Schumer came to be majority leader. Gas now costs more than $4 a gallon on average in every State of the Union, and we are approaching $5 on average across the country. In the liberal paradise of California, the gas price today is over $6 a gallon if you can find it at that price. Financial analysts who have looked at prgtoken this thing recently predicted that the average price of a gallon of gasoline nationwide could be $6.20 all across the country this summer. prgtoken So what do the President of the United States and the in this body have to do about that? What is the solution? Because people are looking for solutions. prgtoken The say: We run the place. We are the House. We are the Senate. We are the White House. We run the place. prgtoken Well, where are your solutions? I would say to those . prgtoken Oh, has a solution: I think I will go and beg for oil from Saudi Arabia. I think I will go and beg for oil from Saudi Arabia. prgtoken The ic policy on energy seems to be ``anything but American energy.'' The administration has already been begging Venezuela, Iran, the OPEC cartel, and even Vladimir Putin to sell us more oil. We have seen that all in the last year. If North Korea had oil, I am sure the would go and try to beg them as well. This President would rather
NATIONAL SEERSUCKER DAY
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2022-6-8

today I rise in recognition of seersucker manufacturers and enthusiasts across the United States. I wish everyone a Happy National Seersucker Day. This uniquely American fashion has a storied history dating back to 1909. The first seersucker suit was designed by Joseph Haspel at his Broad Street facility in New Orleans, LA. Louisiana is proud to have played an important part in introducing the country to seersucker apparel. prgtoken This lightweight cotton fabric, known for its signature pucker, has been worn and enjoyed by Americans across the country during the hot summer months. Mr. Haspel said it best: ``Hot is hot, no matter what you do for a living.'' prgtoken In the 1990s, Seersucker Day was established by Members of this Chamber to honor this unique American fashion. I proudly resumed this tradition in 2014 in the U.S. House of Representatives and continued this tradition in the U.S. Senate. This year, I wish to designate Thursday, June 9, 2022, as the ninth annual National Seersucker Day. I encourage everyone to wear seersucker on this day to commemorate this traditionally American clothing.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-6-8

the Kentucky Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners--NAWBO--provides dynamic opportunities for women to network with other business owners, mentor one another, develop partnerships, and incubate and foster that next big idea. It is composed of women of all ages and levels of experience from all sectors of the marketplace. prgtoken This year, as NAWBO Kentucky continues to celebrate three decades of success stories that are as diverse as our Commonwealth, its members have established a series of awards to recognize women business owners who have excelled. These include the Woman Business Owner of the Year, the Next-Gen Women Business Owner of the Year, the Public Policy Catalyst of the Year, NAWBO Corporate Partner of the Year, and the NAWBO Member of the Year. prgtoken Christine Smalley, owner of Fort Thomas Coffee, was named the Woman Business Owner of the Year. FTC opened in March of 2019 and will expand in June of 2022, to include a wine and cocktail bar and a business center. Christine's husband Justin and their two children Kaelan and Cadence have been embraced by their community as ``The Hot Chocolate House,'' by serving hot chocolate instead of candy to their neighbors on Halloween. To this day, trick-or-treaters will make plans weeks ahead to visit the Smalley household and it delights the family to no end. prgtoken Brooke Corder, owner of Squeaky Cleaners, was awarded as the Next-Gen prgtoken Women Business Owner of the Year. Brooke has developed what was once an idea into a beautiful dream with her housekeeping, residential, and commercial cleaning services business in Louisville that opened in February of 2020. prgtoken Adriane Polyniak, owner of the Kentucky Cannabis Company, was awarded the Public Policy Catalyst of the Year. Based in Midway, this family- owned business has been involved in multiple policy changes that have been beneficial to women business owners. Some of these policies include the legalization of hemp, Shawna's Law, and improved access to cannabis research. prgtoken The NAWBO Corporate Partner of the Year was awarded to Wiser Strategies, a public relations and communication firm in Lexington, KY. President and APR Nancy Wiser has worked with NAWBO on many projects, including the NAWBO website and media relations efforts that made the EPIC event possible. prgtoken Vanessa Pennoyer, founder and owner of Go2Girl, LLC, was awarded the NAWBO Member of the Year. Vanessa helps diverse-owned businesses seek and obtain certification by navigating the time-consuming portal process. Vanessa has also been involved with NAWBO for years and stepped up this year to assist with all marketing efforts, as well as assistant duties. prgtoken I am proud to salute the Kentucky Association of Women Business Owners on its 30th anniversary and to honor these awardees.
U.S. Supreme Court (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-6-8

6 months ago, the Washington Post published an extremely disturbing report. prgtoken According to the report, a man in his mid-20s was stopped near the house of a Supreme Court Justice carrying a weapon and burglary tools. He reportedly told police he intended to murder the Justice. Reportedly, he indicated he was angry at the decision he thinks the Court may reach in an upcoming case in light of the unconscionable leak from a few weeks back. prgtoken So this is where we are. This is where we are. If these reports are correct, it was an assassination attempt against a sitting Justice, or something close to it. prgtoken This is exactly--exactly--the kind of event that many feared that the terrible breach of the Court's rules and norms could fuel. This is exactly the kind of event that many worried the unhinged, reckless, apocalyptic rhetoric from prominent figures toward the Court going back many months and especially in recent weeks could make more likely. prgtoken This is exactly--exactly--why the Senate passed legislation very shortly after the leak to enhance the police protection for Justices and their families. This is commonsense, noncontroversial legislation that passed in this Chamber--in this Chamber--unanimously. prgtoken But House have spent weeks blocking--blocking the measure that passed here unanimously related to security for Supreme Court Justices. The House's have refused to take it up. prgtoken Now, look, that needs to change, and it needs to change right now. Right now. House must pass this bill and they need to do it today. No more fiddling around with this. They need to pass it today. They need to stop their multiweek blockade against the Supreme Court security bill and pass it before the sun sets today. prgtoken I will have more to say on this subject as the facts continue to unfold.
Unanimous Consent Request--Executive Calendar (Executive Calendar)
Roger F. Wicker (Republican, MS) \u2014 2022-6-8

reserving the right to object, and I certainly hope we don't have to prolong this for very long, but I can report to Members of the Senate that there are Members on this side who have concerns about this particular nomination. Perhaps those matters can be resolved in short order. I certainly understand my friend from Massachusetts and his support for this nominee, and I respect that. In addition, there are larger issues involving actions and conduct of the State Department in Europe writ large that go beyond this nominee. Again, I hope the State Department will work with us on those important concerns. But for those stated reasons, I do object at this point.
Gun Safety (Executive Calendar)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-6-8

when the Senate considers complex and profound issues of public policy, I am particularly reminded of the wisdom of our late friend, Mr. Mike Enzi, the Senator from Wyoming. Not long after I came to the Senate, I noticed how productive that Senator Enzi, one of the most conservative Members of the Senate, was working on the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions committee with Teddy Kennedy, the ``liberal lion of the Senate.'' You had one of the most conservative Members of the Senate working with one of the most liberal Members of the Senate. But, amazingly, to me, they seemed to get a lot done. prgtoken So I asked Senator Enzi, I said: How is it that you, a staunch conservative, could work so productively with somebody with such different views? Senator Enzi told me: It is easy. I call it the 80-20 rule. prgtoken Well, the fact of life is we are not going to agree with everybody 100 percent of the time. And I sometimes say I don't agree with my wife 100 percent of the time, but she is always right. prgtoken But, seriously, if we are going to get things done here in the U.S. Senate for the benefit of the American people, we have to understand nobody is going to get everything they want. And I think for purposes of simplicity, an illustration of Senator Enzi's comments about the 80- 20 rule are very helpful. prgtoken I have tried to employ that strategy many times since those days, and I hope we can apply that wisdom and strategy again dealing with this recent string of shootings, including Uvalde, TX. prgtoken Now this debate evokes strong emotions and strong opinions from people across the political spectrum, and it is an understatement to say that there are serious differences of opinion. prgtoken I start with the premise that I took an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States, and I prgtoken have no intention of violating that oath. That is where I start. Part of the Constitution is the amendments, including the first 10 which are the Bill of Rights that includes the Second Amendment, which provides a constitutional right to keep and bear arms for law-abiding Americans. I have no intention of violating my oath, and I have no intention of undermining the rights of law-abiding gun owners in America because it is a constitutional right. prgtoken It is no secret that when it comes to the culture in America, there are very different views ranging from, let's say, Connecticut, where Senator Murphy comes from, to places like Texas, where guns are commonplace but people know how to use them and they use them responsibly and they are not a threat to public safety. prgtoken There are those who would like to restrict the rights of law-abiding gun owners because that is their view--they strongly hold that view, but I have been clear that is a nonstarter for me. prgtoken But to Senator Enzi's wise advice, rather than focus on the 20 percent we can't agree on, I have been trying to explo
Border Security (Executive Calendar)
Roy Blunt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2022-6-8

normally I don't like to use numbers in speeches because I think numbers get lost in people's minds as they are trying to wrap their heads around numbers, but I do want to use some numbers today because the numbers are just so incredible. prgtoken During President 's time in office, the Department of Homeland Security has encountered illegal immigrants crossing our border more than 2.8 million times. In not quite a year and a half, 2.8 million people were encountered crossing the border. Last month alone, they caught people trying to cross the southern border illegally 234,088 times. So a quarter of a million people just last month were caught trying to cross the border. That is the highest number in the Department's history. It is more than four times the average monthly number from 2018 to 2020. If you have a problem that is four times bigger than it was in the 3 preceding years, it is probably time to ask, what were they doing in those 3 preceding years that we are not doing now? prgtoken Some of the people who cross the border got sent back and may have gotten caught later in the month. They may have been a catch-and- release, and then they come back. But some people who cross the border didn't get caught at all. I am not sure that number is not bigger than the other number. But even if you had double-counting, it is still an incredible number: a quarter of a million people coming across the border illegally in 1 month who were caught--not who were coming across the border but who were caught coming across the border. prgtoken We have never seen such a massive or prolonged effort by people to illegally enter our country as we are seeing now. It has created a giant humanitarian crisis at the border. Ask anyone who lives in a border community the problem that has been created by this. prgtoken The administration's response has actually been to tie their own hands by removing the most effective tools we have to try to manage the situation. We developed a reasonable approach to the border based on lessons we learned from previous surges--one in 2014 when President was Vice President and one in 2019. These policies helped cut the number of people trying to cross the border illegally. They allowed us to deal with legitimate cases of people seeking asylum in a much more responsible way. prgtoken People who actually qualify for asylum come to the United States like people don't come to any other country in the world. We are still the most welcoming country in the world for people who have a legitimate request for asylum, but that doesn't include everybody who lives in a poor and dangerous place. prgtoken In contrast to what we have been doing to make it easier for people to seek asylum and harder for people to illegally cross the border, the administration has over and over again reversed the progress that is being made. prgtoken As Senator Ernst just well pointed out, on th
HONORING THE MEMORY OF THE VICTIMS OF THE HEINOUS ATTACK AT THE PULSE NIGHTCLUB ON JUNE 12, 2016
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2022-6-8

this weekend will mark 6 years since 49 of our fellow Americans were killed in one of the deadliest attacks in our Nation's history. prgtoken It was a tragic, despicable terrorist attack on the Hispanic and gay communities in Orlando. Each person killed was a son or daughter, brother or sister, mother or father, husband or wife. They were part of our families and communities. The assault on Pulse was an act of pure evil that was and remains the worst terror attack on U.S. soil since September 11, 2001. And it was inspired by the same ideology of hate. But ultimately, that hateful ideology failed to tear apart our community. prgtoken June 12, 2016, is a day that I will never forget. The senseless, tragic loss of life will never dull with time, nor will the memory of how our communities came together in the days and weeks that followed. Pulse was a well-known nightclub in central Florida. It was part of the fabric of the local community, and that awful day struck a terrible blow. But the community awoke from the tragedy stronger and more united than it was before. prgtoken The terrorist would have been horrified to see the First Baptist Church in Orlando--another pillar of the local community--opening its doors to the LGBT community, welcoming them and their families, and holding services there. The terrorist would have hated to see Floridians from all across the State bringing food and water to support victims, families, and first responders. There were unending lines to donate blood. There were memorial services around the State. There was a sense that there was something greater than any one person worth sacrificing for; there was a sense of community, fellowship, and solidarity. This is the America I know and love, and it is our country at its best. prgtoken Sunday will be a day for reflection, for remembering those who lost their lives to an evil, hateful ideology. It will also be a day to acknowledge the tremendous impact their families and the survivors have had, not only on their community and State, but on our Nation. prgtoken And while the fight against evil and hate continues, we can and should take inspiration from their strength.
HONORING THE MEMORY OF THE VICTIMS OF THE HEINOUS ATTACK AT THE PULSE NIGHTCLUB ON JUNE 12, 2016
Rick Scott (Republican, FL) \u2014 2022-6-8

nearly 6 years ago, our State, Nation, the city of Orlando, and Hispanic and LGBTQ communities were attacked. Forty-nine innocent and beautiful lives were lost. It was an evil and hateful act, an act of terrorism designed to divide us as a nation and strike fear in our hearts and minds. But, instead, we came together, we supported each other, and we persevered. We have proved to the world what we in Florida already knew: Floridians are resilient. prgtoken The days I spent in Orlando following the shooting will always be with me. I talked to parents who lost their children. I went to funerals and wakes. I sat in hospital rooms. It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. It was heartbreaking. But in this horribly dark time, the selfless courage of so many--from community members to law enforcement, to healthcare workers--provided a sense of hope. This incredible strength, love, and bravery lifted up Orlando and the State of Florida and helped us begin to rebuild. prgtoken This week, on the sixth anniversary of this devastating tragedy, the State of Florida comes together to honor the lives lost too soon, and we vow to always stand up and fight against evil and hatred in this world. prgtoken I was proud that last year Congress passed and the President signed into law legislation I introduced with Senator Rubio and Senator Padilla to designate the location of the Pulse nightclub in Orlando as the National Pulse Memorial, which will honor the memory of those we lost. prgtoken Today, I am requesting all my colleagues to join Senator Rubio and me to pass a resolution honoring the memory of the 49 lives lost during the heinous attack at the Pulse nightclub. Let's come together now to say that our Nation will always stand against hate and evil in this world.