mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Border Security (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-1-22

President , last Friday, garnered a lot of attention for his comments on the border crisis. prgtoken When asked by a reporter if the border was secure, the President didn't hesitate; he didn't equivocate. He said, ``No, it's not.'' ``No, it's not.'' prgtoken On its own, that statement is not particularly shocking because it is actually true. What is shocking is that it represents a 180-degree flip from the position taken over and over and over by the administration, from the President to the Vice President to the Secretary of Homeland Security, on down. prgtoken The fact of the matter is that under President 's leadership, the Federal Government has shattered virtually every record on the books when it comes to illegal border crossings. In the last 3 years, Customs and Border Protection has logged more than 6.7 million--6.7 million--border crossings. At the same time, the cartels have trafficked record amounts of fentanyl across the southern border, fueling the overdose epidemic. prgtoken Gang members, dangerous criminals, and potential terrorists--people on the Terrorist Watchlist--have used the chaos on the border to attempt to sneak into the United States. And 1.7 million of them, the so-called ``got-aways,'' that were detected on cameras and other various sensors simply have evaded law enforcement, and the administration can't tell you who these people are, what they are doing, and what their intentions are while they are here. prgtoken Communities across the country, not just in my State--in Texas--but across the country have been forced to carry the burden of caring for thousands of immigrants who cross our border every day. prgtoken No, the border is not secure, not in the least. Anyone who has been paying attention for the last 3 years could have told you that. prgtoken But it took the President 3 years to finally be willing to speak the truth, because for President , this is a shocking reversal. After all, as I said, the senior most leaders of the administration have spent the last 3 years trying to convince the American people that there is no such thing as the border crisis. prgtoken The White House press secretary has said, ``The border is secure.'' Secretary Mayorkas, the Secretary tasked with the border security responsibilities, the Department of Homeland Security, he said, ``The border is secure.'' prgtoken Vice President , the anointed border czar for President , said, ``The border is secure.'' prgtoken This is the same line that has been parroted over and over and over by leaders throughout the administration. And it is not true. It is not true. prgtoken On Friday, President not only admitted that the border is not secure, he went on to say he believes it hasn't been secure for the last 10 years. That means every single attempt by his administration to assure the American people that the administration was performing it
CELEBRATING THE OPENING OF IZUMI SUSHI & HIBACHI
Zachary Nunn (Republican, IA) \u2014 2024-1-22

I rise today to congratulate Scott Chen, John Weng, and Sandy Lin, the owners of Clive, Iowa's newest sushi restaurant--lzumi Sushi & Hibachi. prgtoken As a strong supporter of small business, it is a cause for celebration every time a new business opens its doors. Small businesses are the backbone of America, and without the entrepreneurial drive of people like Scott, John, and Sandy, our economy would simply not be the same. In this spirit, and as a sushi-lover myself, I am looking forward to watching Izumi Sushi & Hibachi grow and ingratiate themselves in the Clive community. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Scott, John, and Sandy on the opening of Izumi Sushi & Hibachi. I wish them the best of luck as they begin this new chapter.
RECOGNIZING CARSEN PARKER
Brett Guthrie (Republican, KY) \u2014 2024-1-22

I rise today to honor my Field Representative, Carsen Parker, for her service to Kentucky's Second District. prgtoken Carsen is a Glasgow, Kentucky native and joined my office in May 2021. A proud graduate of Glasgow High School, she attended the University of Kentucky where she studied Economics. She began her career in my Bowling Green office as Staff Assistant, helping residents of Kentucky's Second District with federal agencies, including helping expedite and process countless passports. In May 2022, she transitioned to Field Representative. Carsen traveled across numerous counties to hear the concerns of constituents and help with community issues. In this role, Carsen developed an enthusiasm for our veterans and enjoyed working to support the military communities at Fort Knox and Hardin County as a whole. That passion has led her to her new endeavor, as she leaves my office to help veterans and their families. prgtoken I want to thank Carsen Parker for her work serving Kentucky's Second District as my Field Representative and I wish her all the best in the next chapter of her life.
HONORING MASTER SERGEANT LAURA A. RIOS AS VETERAN OF THE MONTH FOR MICHIGAN'S NINTH DISTRICT
Lisa C. McClain (Republican, MI) \u2014 2024-1-22

I rise today to acknowledge the outstanding dedication and service of Master Sergeant Laura A. Rios (ret), our distinguished Veteran of the Month for January in Michigan's 9th Congressional District. As the Chief Veteran Service Officer for the Macomb County Veterans Services Department, Sergeant Rios epitomizes the essence of selfless commitment to our Nation's heroes. prgtoken Master Sergeant Rios boasts a remarkable military career that spans over 26 years, commencing in October 1983 when she enlisted in the Air Force. Her journey led her to bases in Maryland, Ohio, the United Kingdom, California, and Michigan, where she concluded her service as the First Sergeant of the 339th Recruiting Squadron in Clinton Township on November 1st, 2009. Her leadership and dedication during her military tenure have left an indelible mark on the lives of those she served alongside. prgtoken In her current role, Sergeant Rios oversees a dynamic team of eight veteran service officers, a financial coach, and five administrative staff. Her responsibilities include counseling veterans on their benefits, facilitating enrollment in healthcare, and aiding in the upgrade of discharges. Her impact extends beyond the office, as she actively participates in community initiatives, serving on the Executive Council of the Human Services Coordinating Body and chairing the HSCB Portal of Services Committee. prgtoken Notably, Sergeant Rios is at the helm of the Macomb Veterans Action Collaborative (MVAC), where she spearheads the mission to establish a ``No Wrong Door'' system of care. Her volunteer endeavors further showcase her commitment to the community, from serving as a Post Service Officer at the VFW Disco Post 4659 to managing the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, preparing over 2,300 tax returns for veterans and low-income individuals. prgtoken Under her extraordinary leadership, Macomb County earned the prestigious title of Veteran Friendly County of the Year from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency in 2021. Master Sergeant Laura A. Rios' dedication, leadership, and unwavering service make her a beacon of inspiration and a deserving recipient of this esteemed recognition. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this true champion for those who put everything on the line in service to our Nation.
RECOGNIZING THE HEARTLAND PREGNANCY CARE CENTER AND TRIBUTE TO BECKY REIMER
Roger Marshall (Republican, KS) \u2014 2024-1-22

I rise to day to recognize the Heartland Preganacy Center and Becky Reimer for their efforts in declaring January 22, 2024, the Sanctity of Human Life Day and Respect for Life Day in Harvey County, KS. prgtoken As a staunch advocate for life who spent my career as an OB/GYN protecting the lives of both mother and child, I had the privilege of delivering over 5,000 babies, witnessing each time the beauty of the gift of life. There is nothing more precious than handing a child to his or her mother to be held for the first time. prgtoken As a U.S. Senator, I have continued this passion for protecting life in all its forms, including the unborn, the pregnant woman, and the new mother. Having started and supervised multiple family planning clinics, I can tell you that we must all work together towards ensuring access to prenatal care, proper nutrition, and childcare, as well as attending to the social challenges a mother faces. I am proud to have sponsored legislation that addresses these points, and I look forward to future opportunities to continue protecting the sanctity of life. prgtoken Our Founding Fathers acknowledged the defense of life, from conception until natural death, as the backbone of our country when they declared that all men are created equal, endowed by their Creator with the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Thus, it is our collective duty to create and provide an environment in which life, from conception until natural death, is safeguarded as the moral foundation for America and the rest of the world. prgtoken For this reason, I now ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Heartland Pregnancy Center and Becky Reimer for their collective efforts in declaring January 22, 2024, as the Sanctity of Human Life Day and Respect for Life Day in Harvey County, KS.
PREGNANCY CENTERS
Cindy Hyde-Smith (Republican, MS) \u2014 2024-1-23

I rise to tell you the story of one of my constituents named Hannah. When faced with an unplanned pregnancy, Hannah chose life for her baby with the help of a pregnancy center. Despite coming from a long line of single mothers and from a family background plagued with alcoholism, drugs, and dysfunction, Hannah was able to overcome her circumstances and create a better life for herself and her daughter. prgtoken At 18 years old, Hannah learned she was pregnant. Her child's father drained her savings and spent it on drug abuse. Disgusted, alone, and hopeless just weeks into her pregnancy, Hannah went to her local pregnancy center, Women's Resource Center in Gulfport, MS, where she began to receive weekly parenting classes. prgtoken In November 2014, Hannah gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Ava, a name which means ``life.'' prgtoken As a single mother, bringing a child into her circumstances was not easy, and Hannah struggled to overcome severe postpartum depression in the early months after the birth of her daughter. prgtoken When she turned 21, Hannah got a job at a casino--an answer to her prayers. This job gave her a sense of pride and independence. prgtoken When Ava turned 3, Hannah met Nuno, the love of her life, and together they welcomed another daughter, Maisy. After Hannah and Nuno got married in 2020, Nuno legally adopted Ava before she started kindergarten, stepping in to be the father she never had before. prgtoken This year, Hannah felt God's call and now works as a volunteer at the same Women's Resource Center in Gulfport, MS, that helped her as a client nearly a decade ago. There, she uses her life experiences to give hope and help to women facing unplanned pregnancies. prgtoken Hannah writes: With God, we don't have to be victims of our circumstances; we can be victors who will rise up from anything. prgtoken Hannah's story is part of the untold story of the pro-life movement that goes on at many other pregnancy centers in Mississippi and across the Nation. prgtoken Last week, the good works conducted by pregnancy centers and maternity homes were recognized by the tens of thousands of pro-life Americans who came to Washington, DC, last Friday for the 51st annual March for Life. They marched not only for the protection of every unborn child from the moment of conception but also to support mothers. This year's March for Life theme--``With Every Woman, For Every Child''--highlighted the fact that no woman should ever feel alone in her pregnancy journey. prgtoken The life-affirming impact of pregnancy centers is considerable and growing following the Dobbs decision that allowed lifesaving laws to take effect in States across America. prgtoken In addition to having loved ones and communities to lean on, every woman should know of the lifesaving work of pregnancy centers and maternity homes across the country. A new Charlotte Lozier Institute study found that 2,750 pregnan
SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2024-1-23

the goals of supplemental national security legislation are pretty straightforward. We need to restore security and order at our southern border. We need to help the fight against authoritarian aggression in Europe, we need to invest seriously in competition with our top strategic adversary. And we need to stand side by side with Israel and other allies to impose real costs and restore real deterrence against Iran and its terrorist proxies. prgtoken Keeping America safe, securing our interests, standing with our allies--it is a basic appeal to a fundamental governing responsibility. But, unfortunately, it is especially evident in the Middle East that the administration and some of our colleagues here in the Congress have yet to muster the resolve and clarity to fulfill this responsibility. Three and a half months after Iran-backed terrorists slaughtered 1,200 Israelis on October 7, the resolve among some Washington to help our allies fight back seems to be flagging. prgtoken I have said repeatedly that Israel deserves the time, space, and support it needs to restore its security. But, increasingly, the administration and some of our colleagues have expressed a different sentiment--that America deserves the final say in how Israel conducts its defense. prgtoken Just consider the renewed fixation with rushing--rushing--to a two- state solution. First, why would any of us think it is a good idea to reward Hamas and the Palestinians who rejoiced on October 7 with a state? Who, I might ask, do our colleagues expect is ready to govern such a state? prgtoken We know the answer is not Hamas. Every time those terrorists have faced a choice between improving the lives of Palestinians and taking the lives of Israelis, Hamas has chosen the latter. Billions upon billions of dollars in international aid and yet the only thing Gaza's rulers appear to have chosen to invest in is lethal weapons and terror tunnels. prgtoken Hamas certainly doesn't want a two-state solution. It wants to destroy Israel ``from the river to the sea.'' prgtoken Palestinians have endured the raw oppression of their supposed leaders' corruption and terrorism for generations. Make no mistake, the most prominent alternative to Hamas is not substantially better than the darlings of Iran's terrorist network. prgtoken Leaders of the Palestinian Authority, from Arafat to Abu Mazen, have rejected every chance at an agreement to live in peace. The PA is also relentlessly and thoroughly corrupt. Their officials may skim off the top to line their own pockets rather than line terrorist tunnels with concrete like Hamas, but the result for average Palestinians is not dissimilar. prgtoken I cannot understand why some of my ic colleagues, including the chair of the Foreign Relations Committee, who pushed so hard to pass legislation combating global corruption, now want to shovel billions of taxpayer dollars to one of the most cor
PREGNANCY CENTERS
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2024-1-23

America's students are failing. Reading and math scores are at historic lows nationwide. In places like Baltimore, 40 percent of high schools don't even have a single math-proficient student--not a single one. Forty percent of the schools in Baltimore can't find a single math-proficient student. prgtoken This must be a wake-up call because those school districts aren't alone. There are others that are failing. And yes, there is a wide array of performance outcomes in school districts across the country, but this kind of trend is being seen more and more seemingly every day. So it has to be a wake-up call, and it is proof that our education system has lost its way. It has betrayed its charge and lost our trust. prgtoken Now, to be clear--to be perfectly clear--our students' failures are not of their own making. Those failures are the unintended yet undeniable consequences and the students the innocent victims of a one- size-fits-all education system that has ventured into the business of ideological conformity, forsaking our children's literacy for the pursuit of social engineering. prgtoken American classrooms have become arenas where history is rewritten, and parents--the rightful stewards of their children's futures--are marginalized or in some instances labeled as ``domestic terrorists'' just for questioning this new order. It comes as no surprise that parents are seeking alternative ways to educate their children. prgtoken In fact, the Washington Post found that since 2018, homeschooling has increased by 51 percent while public school enrollment is decreasing year after year. prgtoken So these parents are making a different decision. Who can blame them? Who can blame parents for wanting to shield their children from inappropriate school materials--inappropriate school materials that parents, understandably, are outraged upon discovering that these things are being shared with their students. prgtoken Sometimes they are sufficiently upset about it that they will show up to a school board meeting. And sometimes within that school board meeting they will just read the materials that are being given to their children in a public school and then be told that they have to stop; that they have to stop reading it because it is too inappropriate. It is making too many people uncomfortable. prgtoken Well, if it is inappropriate to be read at a school board meeting because it makes the school board or spectators uncomfortable, then it is inappropriate to be taught in the schools. In any event, it is the parents' decision as to whether it is inappropriate. And a parent who decides that their child is being subjected to this kind of material ought to have the opportunity, without excessive difficulty created by the government, to choose a different educational option for the parents' children. prgtoken Who can blame parents for taking education into their own hands when year after year they are not seeing im
BIDEN ADMINISTRATION
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2024-1-23

this past Saturday marked 3 years of the administration. After 3 full years under President , the question naturally arises, Is America better off? Are Americans better off? For a whole lot of Americans, the answer is no. prgtoken In a December poll, 55 percent of voters said they are worse off under President . In a January poll, 46 percent of voters said their personal financial situation is getting worse compared to just 28 percent who said it is improving. prgtoken A recent ABC News article noted: In a dispiriting sign of the times, barely more than a quarter of Americans say the American dream still holds true. prgtoken It is no wonder because perhaps the biggest legacy of the President's first 3 years in office is a massive inflation crisis that has still-- still--not gone away. prgtoken Inflation may have descended from the stratospheric heights it reached earlier in the President's term, but we are still stuck with an inflation rate well above the Federal Reserve's target rate of 2 percent. And inflation actually ticked up again in December by a not insignificant margin. The practical effect has been that a whole lot of Americans have seen their breathing room disappear under President . prgtoken According to a recent analysis from the members of the Joint Economic Committee here in Congress, a typical household has to spend over $11,000 more each year to maintain the same standard of living it had at the beginning of the administration--$11,000 more each year. That is a staggering amount of money. It is money that a lot of families don't have. prgtoken So it is not surprising that 55 percent of voters say they are worse off under President . It turns out that when you are spending 20 percent more on groceries, 18 percent more on shelter, 35 percent more on gasoline, and 25 percent more on electricity--and on and on--over the course of just 3 years, you don't feel very prosperous. And I haven't even mentioned how difficult it has gotten for many Americans to achieve the dream of homeownership, thanks in part to rate hikes that the Federal Reserve has had to implement to deal with President 's inflation crisis. prgtoken Suffice it to say that the inflation crisis President helped create with his so-called American Rescue Plan has resulted in economic misery for a lot of Americans. prgtoken The President will unquestionably be remembered for his massive inflation crisis, but he will also be remembered for presiding over a border crisis of staggering proportions, a crisis that, like the inflation crisis, he had a large hand in creating. prgtoken From the day he took office, when he rescinded the declaration of a national emergency at our southern border, President made it clear that border security was at the bottom of his priority list. And over the 3 years since, he has turned our southern border into a magnet for illegal migration
ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2024
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-1-23

. Finally, , I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 24; 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; that upon the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Austin nomination; further, that notwithstanding rule XXII, at 11:30 a.m the Senate vote on cloture on the Austin nomination, followed immediately by a vote on cloture on the Brisco nomination; further, that if cloture has been invoked on either nomination, all time be considered expired at 2:15 p.m. and the Senate vote on confirmation of the nominations in the order in which cloture was invoked; further, that following the disposition of the Brisco nomination, the Senate resume consideration of the Lund nomination and that the cloture motion ripen at 6:15 p.m.; finally, that if any nominations are confirmed during Wednesday's session, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.