mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Unanimous Consent Request--S. 3933 (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-5-23

reserving the right to object, we all agree that noncitizens who are convicted of violent crime should be detained and removed from the United States--period. Sadly, the Laken Riley Act does nothing to address violent crime. prgtoken Under current law--current existing law--noncitizens who enter the country illegally, violate the terms of their status, or have their visas revoked can be detained now, under the law, by officials of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, better known as ICE. prgtoken Current law also requires--requires--the detention of individuals with serious criminal convictions--those who have committed murder, rape, or any crime of violence or theft offense--with a term of imprisonment of at least 1 year. prgtoken The law also gives ICE discretion beyond that to detain a noncitizen in any case in which a noncitizen has been charged with a crime. To make this decision, ICE assesses the individual's circumstances in the case, ensuring the Agency's limited resources are used effectively to protect national security and public safety. prgtoken The reality is that Congress has never appropriated nearly enough money for ICE to detain every--every--undocumented immigrant who is charged with a crime. prgtoken And, remember, the vast majority of Senators on the other side of the aisle--including the sponsors of this measure--blocked the bipartisan national security supplemental in February that would have given ICE more funding to detain more undocumented immigrants who might pose a threat to our country. They voted against it. prgtoken They will have another chance to vote to provide that additional funding in just a short time today. I hope they will finally take this opportunity. Vote for more ICE agents if you want more ICE enforcement of existing laws that are serious on the books. prgtoken Here is the reality: The sweeping approach in this bill would actually harm national security. Why? Because it would eliminate ICE's discretion to prioritize dangerous individuals--certainly, people who are being convicted of a violent crime or charged with a violent crime or more serious offenders than, perhaps, those who are guilty of theft. We don't know the circumstances in each case. prgtoken This proposal would, instead, require ICE to treat those arrested for nonviolent crimes the same as individuals who are actually convicted of violent crimes. With limited ICE agents, you have to make a choice: What is the priority? Who is the most dangerous individual? prgtoken This proposal before us would overwhelm ICE facilities and make us less--not more--safe. prgtoken For example, this law would require ICE to detain every immigrant who is simply arrested for shoplifting--arrested--even if it quickly becomes clear the person is innocent, because this bill does not require a charge or conviction. prgtoken Tell me, does it make sense to treat a noncitizen arrested for shoplifting the same as someone co
BORDER ACT OF 2024
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-5-23

first let me add my greetings to our Chaplain from South Dakota and welcome him under John Thune's auspices. So welcome, Pastor. Pastor, welcome. prgtoken Three months ago, something truly stunning happened here on the Senate floor. Senate s filibustered the strongest, most comprehensive border security bill Congress has seen in a generation. And they did it because wanted to exploit the border for political gain on the campaign trail. prgtoken Well, today, we are going to try again. We will vote to move forward on a border security bill that and s spent months on together. I hope our colleagues join us to reach a different outcome. prgtoken We all know the situation at the border is unacceptable and demands attention from Congress. believe that, our s have been saying it, and that is why 3 months ago we sat down with them to write a strong and necessary and bipartisan border security bill. prgtoken Poll after poll shows that a large majority of Americans across party lines support our position of getting a bipartisan bill done, and only 8 percent are in opposition. prgtoken When s like say: Don't support a bipartisan bill, wait till next year, they are in a distinct minority with the American people from one end of the country to the other. prgtoken People want us to get things done. People want us to come together. And when they hear that the only reason s backed away from this bill is not that it wasn't strong enough but that said he wanted chaos at the border, they don't like that. prgtoken This is our bill. The public is on the same page, and in polling data, , s, and Independents are all on the same page: act on a bipartisan bill; get something done; don't play political games. prgtoken And this is a bill that will hire thousands of new border agents, a bill that will finally reform asylum, a bill that will commit billions to stop the flow of fentanyl, a bill endorsed by the National Border Patrol Union, the Chamber of Commerce, and the very conservative Wall Street editorial page. prgtoken So to my colleagues, you wanted this border bill. Today, we vote on this border bill, and it is time to show you are serious about solving the problem. prgtoken Look, I understand that today's bill is not going to win every single ic vote or every single vote. That was never the goal of this bill. The goal was rather to come up with something that could get 60 votes, a majority on both sides of the aisle. That is how it was crafted. prgtoken And it is far different than what the s have done. Look at what happened to H.R. 2. It didn't get a single ic vote here in the Senate. It did not even get the support of every Senate . prgtoken If anything is political theater, it is H.R. 2. It is not designed to solve the problem.
CBDC ANTI-SURVEILLANCE STATE ACT
Jake Auchincloss (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2024-5-23

. Madam Chair, the Framers of the Constitution understood the importance of a strong and stable national currency, which is why Article I, Section 8, grants Congress the exclusive power to coin money and regulate its value. prgtoken Congress must not forfeit this power to the Federal Reserve or the Department of Treasury when it comes to issuing a CBDC. CBDCs are digital liabilities issued by a central bank and made available to the public. prgtoken My bill, the Power of the Mint Act, which I introduced alongside my colleague and chair of the Digital Assets Subcommittee, Congressman Hill, would prohibit the issuance of a CBDC without authorization from Congress. The Rules Committee, though, controlled by s, refused to consider my amendment, which would have made the text of the Power of the Mint Act the base text of this bill. prgtoken Instead of voting on a bipartisan bill that I am confident would have secured a robust majority and achieved functionally similar ends, we are voting on one now that was thrown together haphazardly, ignoring the advice of legislative counsel, and combining our bills with no regard for duplicative sections. It was voted out of committee on a party-line vote. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this legislation.
IMPLEMENTING THE REPO ACT
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2024-5-23

I rise today to address a matter of profound importance: the implementation of the bipartisan and bicameral REPO Act. prgtoken This legislation, signed into law on April 24, grants the President the authority to seize Russian sovereign assets frozen in the United States and transfer them to Ukraine for its reconstruction. prgtoken As co-chair and cofounder of the Ukraine Caucus, I cannot overstate the urgency of this action. prgtoken Russia's illegal and unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine demands a decisive response from the international community. By swiftly implementing the REPO Act, we can provide crucial support to Ukraine. REPO proceeds will demonstrate our unwavering commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and efforts to rebuild once the war is over. prgtoken Let me commend the administration's efforts to collaborate with our G7 and European allies in this endeavor. prgtoken Together, we can establish an international compensation mechanism that leverages frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's benefit. prgtoken The time to act is now. Let us show the world America's resolve and stand resolute with Ukraine against Putin's aggression and tyranny.
HOLDING BANK EXECUTIVES ACCOUNTABLE
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-5-23

. Madam , after the 2008 financial crisis, Congress tasked our financial regulatory agencies with implementing a rule that bans pay packages for bank executives that incentivize excessive risk- taking. More than 13 years later, we are still waiting for this rule to be finalized. As the banking failures last year proved, these incentives continue to pose a serious threat to our financial system. prgtoken That is why I introduced the FAIR Fund Act, which requires large financial institutions to defer a portion of the executive compensation that would get paid out, unless there was misconduct or some sort of firm failure, after a period of between 2 and 8 years, depending on the size of the institution. In the case of misconduct or failure, deferred funds would be used to cover the costs of any fines levied on the bank and make depositors whole. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to help us hold these bank executives accountable. This is a huge financial risk that we continue to have not only on small businesses but retirees and so many others that are directly connected to the risk-taking and very negligent actions by bank executives.
EXPANDING THE RIGHTS OF PASSENGERS WITH DISABILITIES
Mary Gay Scanlon (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2024-5-23

over 60 million Americans live with a disability, including many of our seniors and veterans. When they travel, these passengers deserve a safe and dignified flying experience, but I have heard all too often from constituents living with disabilities that their air travel experience can be anything but safe and dignified. Inaccessible restrooms and aircraft, damage to wheelchairs, or an absence of assistive devices can make air travel unpleasant or even impossible. prgtoken I was proud to vote for the bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act, which expands the rights of passengers with disabilities and makes important strides for consumer protection and accessibility, including protections for powered wheelchairs, safer handling of assistive devices, new aircraft with accessibility standards, deadlines for DOT to investigate and respond to disability-related complaints, improved accessibility for airline mobile apps, and important updates to emergency medical kits on commercial planes. prgtoken Many of these measures are key provisions from the Air Carrier Access Amendments Act, which I have proudly fought to advance since coming to Congress and will continue working to include.
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
Deborah K. Ross (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2024-5-23

I rise today during Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the stark reality that more than one in five adults in America live with a mental illness. prgtoken Adults aren't the only ones who struggle with their mental health. Children, teens, and young adults face unprecedented mental health challenges every day but are far less likely to get the support that they need. While mental health is important all year long, during May, we raise awareness, educate others, and remind those struggling: You are not alone. prgtoken I was proud to secure $6 million in Federal funding for WakeMed's new Mental Health & Well-Being Hospital to improve access to mental healthcare in my community. Let's continue to fight for a future where every American has access to the resources that they need to live a healthy and fulfilling life.
RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF ESTHER KIM
Jimmy Gomez (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-5-23

I rise today to recognize the exceptional contributions of Esther Kim, our Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) fellow, who has used her talents for the betterment of California and the U.S. Congress as a whole. From astutely demanding answers from the Food and Drug Administration on how lead-tainted food was able to get to the plates of children and what the agency would do to ensure it never happened again, to building key coalitions of support and helping pass through the House a bill to redesignate a Koreatown post office in honor of activist Dosan Ahn Chang Ho, Esther's insights and diligence have made real change and pushed important congressional efforts forward. prgtoken As she prepares to enter Yale Divinity School in the fall, I am certain her time in Congress is only the beginning of the impact Esther Kim will make on our nation. I know I speak for everyone who encountered Esther on the Hill when I say we can't wait to see what she will do change the world next.
LIFT THE HOLD
Stacey E. Plaskett (Democrat, VI) \u2014 2024-5-23

. Madam , I rise today to thank my colleagues, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Senator Tim Kaine, and many other Members of both Chambers who are urging House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member James Risch to lift the hold on the State Department's request for $94 million for the multinational security support mission in Haiti. prgtoken Congressional s' refusal to support this mission is a serious obstacle to restoring peace, security, and democratic governance in Haiti. As Kenyan President William Ruto visits Washington this week, it is crucial that we find a path forward on these funds. Establishing the MSS is vital to advancing U.S. national security interests, demonstrating American leadership in the Caribbean, and providing a lifeline to the Haitian people. prgtoken We must act decisively and together. Haiti has a fighting chance to mitigate the chaos plunging and plaguing its communities if we support the MSS mission now.
HONORING CLAUDIUS BRITTON II AND HIS SON CLAUDIUS BRITTON III
Elissa Slotkin (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-5-23

today I pay tribute to Claudius Britton II and his son, Claudius Britton III, both of whom demonstrated exceptional bravery and patriotism in their service to our nation during its founding years. Claudius II served during the American Revolutionary War, and Claudius III during the War of 1812. prgtoken This Memorial Day Weekend, the Huron Valley Chapter of the Sons of the American prgtoken Revolution and the Michigan Society of the War of 1812 will commemorate their contributions with a plaque dedication ceremony at Pinckney Cemetery, honoring them as the only Revolutionary War and War of 1812 veterans buried there. prgtoken Claudius Britton II was born in 1761 in Connecticut and relocated to Weybridge, Vermont, with his family in 1773. In 1777, at just 16 years old, he enlisted as a scout for the Vermont Green Mountain Continental Rangers during the Revolutionary War. His knowledge of the Lake Champlain area made him an invaluable asset, though his service placed him in constant danger. In 1778, both Claudius II and his father were captured by the British and spent nearly five years as prisoners in Quebec, making multiple escape attempts before eventually being released as part of a prisoner exchange in 1783. Despite these hardships, he returned to Vermont, married, and had children, including his son, Claudius Britton III, in 1798. prgtoken Though the specifics of the younger Claudius Britton's service are lost in time, we do know that he followed admirably in his father's footsteps by volunteering to serve in the Vermont militia during the War of 1812, at the age of 16. prgtoken Claudius III moved to Michigan with his father and his brother, Roswell, in 1824. He purchased land in what is now Pittsfield Township and built a homestead with his father. After marrying his wife, Sarah, in 1832, Claudius III continued to cultivate his land and started a family. prgtoken In 1835, Claudius Britton II petitioned to obtain a Revolutionary War pension. Unfortunately, his petition was denied on the grounds that he did not serve a full six months because most of his time was as a prisoner of war, which sadly did not count as service back then. prgtoken In 1836, Claudius III, his wife, and his father relocated to a large farm in Putnam Township, Livingston County, in what is now Pinckney. Father and son lived in Pinckney for the rest of their lives, passing away one year apart, Claudius II in 1850 and Claudius III 1851. prgtoken The Britton family's legacy of service, from Claudius II's daring scouting missions during the Revolutionary War to Claudius III's defense of our young nation during the War of 1812, exemplifies the courage and dedication of early American patriots. As we reflect on their sacrifices in the founding and defense of our country, let us commit to preserving the memory of all who have fought for our freedoms and to honoring their enduring impact on our country. prgtoken With profound gratitude, I ask
JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2024-5-23

I rise today in recognition of May as Jewish American Heritage Month. Please, if we could just acknowledge that through the resolution that was passed by this body. prgtoken Since 1980, when President Jimmy Carter first celebrated Jewish American Heritage Week, our country has come together to recognize Jewish contributions to American culture, history, military, science, government, and more. Over the course of 250 years, since before the Revolutionary War, Jewish-American values and culture have been woven into the fabric of our Nation. prgtoken We in the Congress of the United States, despite our political differences, have historically stood united in our support for the Jewish community. This position aligns with our Nation's founding commitment to safeguard the right to worship free of persecution. prgtoken Countless Members in this body on both sides of the aisle have quoted George Washington's letter from 1790 to the Hebrew congregation in Newport, RI, in which our first President wrote: For happily the government of the United States gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support. prgtoken Jewish-American heritage commemorations have always shared a mix of celebration--with the anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel--with darker memories and commemorations, such as Holocaust Remembrance Day, Yom HaShoah. prgtoken This month, we also honor the victims of the Holocaust and lift up the lives of the survivors, nearly 40,000 of whom live in the United States. These men and women came to this country seeking refuge from unimaginable horrors. They have enriched our Nation and made us stronger. prgtoken We have an obligation to provide Holocaust survivors the community support and special services they need to live out their final days, and we must do all we can to ensure their stories are never forgotten. prgtoken The split screen between Jewish-American accomplishments and somber reflections is even more intense this year as war continues between Hamas and Israel. prgtoken As an American Jew, I can tell you that there is a level of trepidation and fear that has mushroomed throughout the American-Jewish community since the deadly attacks of October 7 by Hamas. In the wake of this horrific terrorism, anti-Semitic activities have soared, with documented verbal and physical threats against Jews in the United States and around the world. prgtoken I am pleased to say that, along with the President, majorities in Congress are taking steps and not sitting idly by. Earlier this month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Antisemitism Awareness Act. This bill codifies the U.S. Department of Education's need to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of ``anti
PROHIBITING VOTING BY NONCITIZENS IN DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ELECTIONS
Jamie Raskin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2024-5-23

. Madam , I thank the gentlewoman for her trenchant remarks. She makes an excellent point. Washington, D.C is the only National Capital on the planet Earth disenfranchised in its own legislature, which is the vulnerability that is being exploited today by our colleagues. prgtoken Can you imagine if they told the people of Paris that they could not be represented in L'Assemblee nationale simply because they breathed the same air as representatives coming from other parts of France? You would have another French Revolution on your hands. prgtoken I will thank the people of Washington that Ms. Norton represents, who have a valid bona fide political grievance and yet did not come down here and beat the daylights out of our police officers, wounding and brutalizing and hospitalizing nearly 150 of them. prgtoken They have gone about it the right way. They have petitioned for statehood, and they are trying to defend their rights to govern themselves. prgtoken Madam , .
RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE HUDSON RIVER CLEARWATER SLOOP
Patrick Ryan (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-5-23

I rise today to recognize the contributions of the Hudson River Clearwater Sloop--a champion of environmental activism and education that has sailed the Hudson since 1969. prgtoken Inspired by folk legend Pete Seeger, the Clearwater Sloop was born out of a deep commitment to protecting the Hudson River, Seeger, alongside his wife Toshi and a cadre of fellow musicians, created a replica of the historic sloops that once sailed the river. Their mission: to let residents experience the beauty of their river and be moved to preserve it. prgtoken Throughout its history, the Clearwater has consistently stood as a steward of the Hudson River. In 1970, it set sail for Washington, D.C with thousands of petitions in support of the federal Clean Water Act. This historic voyage is credited with playing a pivotal role in the adoption of this historic legislation. prgtoken From successful campaigns against the Storm King Mountain power plant, standing up against pollution caused by PCB dumping from General Electric, to the thousands of students throughout my district who for generations have learned about the river through their educational programming, the Clearwater has been a beacon of advocacy, education, and it has helped shepherd in the modern environmental movement. prgtoken Today, despite its legacy, the future of the Clearwater is uncertain. Financial strain compounded by the challenges from the pandemic threatens to put a ship listed on the National Register of Historic Places out of commission. Despite this threat, hope remains high. prgtoken Together with the support of my constituents and the efforts of my office, we are working to not just save the Clearwater but also continue its mission. Last week, the House of Representatives passed my bill, the ``Hudson River Protection Act.'' This vital legislation is yet another example of the challenges and work that lie ahead to ensure that we protect clean drinking water in the Hudson Valley. prgtoken As we recognize the work and legacy of Clearwater, I will end today with a line from a song written by its founder ``Some day, though maybe not this year/My Hudson River will once again run clear.''