mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
National Police Week (Executive Session)
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2023-5-16

this week our Nation observes National Police Week. That observation began in 1962, when President Kennedy claimed the first Police Week as a time dedicated to pay tribute to our law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. prgtoken President Kennedy's proclamation stated that, during this week, ``all of our people may join in commemorating police officers, past and present, who by their faithful and loyal devotion to their responsibilities have rendered a dedicated service to their communities and, in so doing, have established for themselves an enviable and enduring reputation for preserving the rights and security of all citizens.'' prgtoken This afternoon I rise with my colleagues to honor the dedication and sacrifice of our law enforcement officers. prgtoken Over the course of this week, we pay tribute to 443 officers who gave their lives in the line of duty in 2022. prgtoken Saturday night, just a few days ago, hundreds of police officers, family members, and others, gathered for the annual candlelight vigil honoring our fallen officers. Among those memorialized this week are four brave Kansas officers. prgtoken Deputy Sheriff Sidnee Carter, with the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office, was tragically killed in an automobile crash while responding to a night disturbance call. prgtoken We also lost Sheriff Robert Craft from Marion County, Officer David Ingle from the Iola Police Department, and Sergeant Stacy Murrow from the Linn County Sheriff's Department--all Kansans. prgtoken In fact, all Americans are grateful to those officers for their service and honor them in making the ultimate sacrifice for the benefit of others, for the benefit of the people they knew in their community, but also for the benefit of people they never met. prgtoken While the purpose of Police Week is to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, we also should remember how those police officers' lives as husbands and wives and mothers and fathers--as members of their communities--they were people who happened to wear a uniform, who happened to take up a career to serve others, to protect and defend. prgtoken From educating kids in school about the dangers of substance abuse or providing driver safety education, coordinating neighborhood watch associations, and speaking at business luncheons, schools and community townhall meetings, law enforcement strive to make our community a safe place to live and raise a family and to work to foster a more safe and secure environment; in a sense, to provide justice. prgtoken During this National Police Week and throughout the year, we should remember that law enforcement needs our support. We should provide them the resources they need to do their jobs. We must also give them the tools they need to build and strengthen the bonds of trust with those they serve and our best efforts to address the underlying challenges that face our communities
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-5-16

last week, President met with top congressional leaders to talk about the debt ceiling. This meeting came 4 months after the United States hit the debt limit and just a few weeks before a potential default. prgtoken Considering the high stakes in this looming debt crisis, it is remarkable that it took this long for the President to sit down with the four leaders and to talk about how to solve this problem together. A debt default, of course, would set off an unprecedented economic crisis and inflict real pain on families all across the country. prgtoken We all know our economy is just trying to get back on its feet after COVID. Our banking system has endured three high-profile collapses, and inflation continues to wreak havoc on family budgets. If the United States defaults on its debt, those challenges will only intensify. And that is an understatement. Social Security and Medicare benefits could be delayed. Members of the military and Border Patrol would be left without a paycheck. We would see our economy reeling--skyrocketing mortgage rates, sinking stock prices, and instability across our economy. prgtoken Given the already fragile state of the economy, default is the very last thing we need. Fortunately, that is a point of agreement between the parties. I haven't heard anybody say it would be a good idea for us to default. prgtoken But the $31.7 trillion question is, What does the path forward look like? prgtoken As the American people know, the position is not shrouded in mystery. My colleagues and I have said over and over that a clean debt ceiling increase is not an option. It simply doesn't have the votes to pass the House or the Senate, making it a nonstarter. So we should move on. prgtoken In order to have a chance of passing both Chambers of Congress, a debt ceiling increase must come with some spending reforms. You would think President , after all of his years serving in the Senate, now as President of the United States, would understand that $31.7 trillion in debt is unsustainable. That is just common sense. But the President has dragged his feet for the last 4 months, saying he would not negotiate--until now. It looks like he, grudgingly, is acknowledging that he has to negotiate, which he knew or should have known all along. prgtoken Thanks to the leadership of McCarthy, the House of Representatives passed a bill last month to avert the debt crisis. I think President actually thought that the of the House would be unsuccessful in passing any increase in the debt ceiling, so he was happy to sit back, hoping that they would fail and then they would come running to him and agree to his demands. But by passing the House bill, they put the ball in President 's court and put the onus on him to drop his ``no negotiations, no reforms'' position, which was absolutely ridiculous in the first place. prgtoken For months, the President has said
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-5-16

. Later today, I will attend a second discussion between President and McCarthy on the Nation's debt limit. prgtoken The presented his case to the President back in February. House s passed legislation to raise the debt ceiling in April, but as of mid-May, the President of the United States has found just two--two--more occasions to sit down and discuss an agreement to preserve the Nation's full faith and credit. prgtoken The administration took 3 months to reach a conclusion that just about everyone else recognized from the beginning. I said it myself back in February: that the only way forward is spending negotiations between the President and the . That is how the American people arranged the current situation, and, by the way, that is how 7 of the last 10--7 of the last 10--debt limit increases have been secured--bipartisan negotiations. prgtoken That is how a President and ic avoided crisis 4 years ago. I remember telling President he needed to do something he was not anxious to do, which was to talk to Pelosi, because the American people had given us divided government. That is how a ic President and a will avoid this crisis as well. prgtoken McCarthy is right. The Senate majority hasn't passed a bill to raise the debt ceiling. The House majority has. prgtoken So that is where the solution to this looming crisis will be found. prgtoken Last fall, the American people sent a divided government to Washington. They chose to require that President work with House s on the most consequential issues. Now, the President has to make a choice of his own: Pretend the last election didn't happen or sit down with the and deal responsibly with our Nation's debt. prgtoken Time is of the essence--of the essence. So, for the second time, I will be glad to sit in at the White House to support McCarthy and to urge President to start operating in reality. Border Security prgtoken Now, , on an entirely different matter, it has been 5 days since the administration ended title 42 emergency border enforcement authorities--5 days. By all accounts, the situation at our southern border is absolutely catastrophic--absolutely catastrophic-- for the brave men and women of Customs and Border Protection and for countless communities across Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. prgtoken As title 42 expired on Thursday, officials in Del Rio, TX--listen to this--reported a 1-day increase in border apprehensions of 75 percent-- 1 day. In El Paso, one area of downtown is rapidly being overrun by tents and garbage--tents and garbage. One Border Patrol officer reports that every CBP enforcement sector along the southern border is now near 150 percent capacity--150 percent capacity. Sadly, what the country is witnessing right now is a slow-moving car crash. prgtoken s have spent
NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
Cindy Hyde-Smith (Republican, MS) \u2014 2023-5-16

this week our Nation commemorates the 2023 National Police Week and honors the brave men and women of law enforcement who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. As a nation, we will pay tribute to those who have given their lives to protect our communities and join in mourning their loss with their families and loved ones. prgtoken As we recognize National Police Week and remember these fallen officers, we must acknowledge the critical role that law enforcement officers play in keeping our communities safe. They leave their homes and families every day not knowing if they will return. The amount of courage, dedication, and passion that demands cannot be overstated. It is important to remember, too, that their families also demonstrate exceptional courage, as they support their loved ones knowing the circumstances are sometimes life and death. prgtoken My State of Mississippi is blessed with amazing law enforcement. These men and women in blue are not only hometown heroes, but also are an integral part of our communities. Every loss of an officer is deeply felt by all. I would like to specifically remember and honor the nine fallen officers from Mississippi whose names have been added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year. These officers died heroes in service to their communities, and we will forever be grateful for their sacrifice. prgtoken We remember: Steven Michael Robin and Branden Paul Estorffe of the Bay St. Louis Police Department, who were shot and killed while conducting a welfare check, and Marzell Jerome Brooks of the Brookhaven Police Department, who passed from COVID-19 during the commission of his job duties. prgtoken We remember: Myiesha Breanna Stewart of the Greenville Police Department, who was shot and killed during a vehicle pursuit of a suspect who fled the scene after a shooting; Lee Dan Vance, Jr of the Hinds County Sheriff's Office who died after contracting COVID-19 during an outbreak among employees and inmates; and Robert Edward Moak, Sr of the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, who was killed by a suspect who he had testified against in court. prgtoken We remember: Kennis Winston Croom of the Meridian Police Department, who was shot and killed while responding to a domestic violence call, and Jeffrey Ray Turney of the Pontotoc Police Department, who succumbed to COVID-19 after contracting the illness during the commission of his job duties. prgtoken Lastly, we remember Johnny Raymond Patterson of the Verona Police Department, who was struck by a vehicle while directing traffic. prgtoken To honor their memory, we must put our words into actions by ensuring our officers have the resources and tools they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. It is critical they have adequate support for training, equipment, and technology, as well as policies that prioritize officer safety and well-being. prgtoken For my part, I will continue
Unanimous Consent Requests--Executive Calendar (Executive Calendar)
Tommy Tuberville (Republican, AL) \u2014 2023-5-16

reserving the right to object. Again, for the fourth or fifth time, I am fighting against taxpayer-funded abortions--funding from taxpayers that was never, ever approved by this Congress. prgtoken By the way, poll after poll shows that Americans agree with exactly what I am doing. The American people do not support taxpayer-funded abortions. Period. prgtoken have had a few retired Secretaries, in the last few weeks, agree with them; but other retired military leaders and thousands of servicemembers and veterans just happen to agree with me, just like the majority of Americans. In fact, earlier today, a letter representing more than 3,000 servicemembers and veterans was sent in full support of my hold. Those servicemembers and veterans said: This policy is not just illegal, it shamefully politicizes the military, circumvents the authority of Congress, and exceeds the authority of the Department of Defense. prgtoken They sent that letter to Leader Schumer and Leader McConnell. I would encourage them to please read it. prgtoken Also, earlier today, retired Lt. Gen. William Boykin and retired Lt. Gen. James Carafano penned an op-ed condemning the Pentagon's policies. They said: The Pentagon's new abortion policy has everything to do with activist politics and nothing to do with Congress's obligation to raise and maintain armed forces to provide for the common defense. prgtoken So I object, and I will continue to object. prgtoken I will end with one comment from the retired military leaders' op-ed: America is a global power with global interests and responsibilities. We can't afford a military distracted by politics. The quickest way to make this right is for Secretary Austin to immediately rescind his radical abortion policy. prgtoken Because of this, I object.
HONORING DENISE JONES FOR 50 YEARS OF SERVICE
Kay Granger (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-5-16

I rise today to recognize the retirement of one of my constituents, Ms. Denise Jones. prgtoken Ms. Jones is retiring this May after 50 years of service to the public education system in North Texas. prgtoken A lifelong resident of Haltom City, Texas, Denise grew up attending public schools around her including WT Francisco Elementary, Haltom Middle School, and Haltom High School. prgtoken As a senior at Haltom High School in 1972, Denise joined the staff and never looked back. For the first 25 years, she faithfully served the Birdville Independent School District as a district administrative assistant. Then, in 1998, Denise joined the special education department where she has been a loyal servant for the past 25 years. prgtoken As a former schoolteacher and daughter of an educator, I know firsthand how important the of work our public servants is. Denise's achievement of working in public education for 50 years is truly impressive and reflects her unwavering dedication to helping shape the minds of future generations. Her impact will be felt for many years to come. prgtoken Again, I want to congratulate Denise on her retirement from Birdville Independent School District and wish her the absolute best.
RECOGNIZING MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
Marcus J. Molinaro (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-5-16

I rise today with many of my colleagues in honor of National Police Week. I join Members across this country in recognizing the brave men and women who serve in Federal, State, county, and local law enforcement. prgtoken I especially acknowledge and recognize the men and women of law enforcement throughout upstate New York, the county, State, and local men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. prgtoken Sadly, however, they don't get the recognition that they deserve, and appreciation, while well deserved, is simply not enough. prgtoken New York State passed cashless bail reforms that have allowed dangerous criminals to be released and remain in our communities and on our streets, reoffending, creating new victims, undermining law enforcement, and diminishing public safety. prgtoken These laws make it harder and more dangerous to be a law enforcement official or a police officer. It is no wonder our police officers are leaving the profession in record numbers. prgtoken Here in Congress, we are moving this week to pass bills to show our support and appreciation for law enforcement and to prove again that we have their backs. We defend those who defend us and vigorously oppose the defund and defame the police movement, not just because it is the right thing to do but because it will further protect our police officers and enhance community safety. prgtoken , we recognize all of those men and women who serve and sacrifice every day, and we are grateful to them and their families. prgtoken May they always come home to a family that loves them and a community that supports them.
Nicholas A. Langworthy (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-5-16

I rise in support of the rule which provides consideration of important bills that support our Nation's law enforcement officers. This legislation comes at a critical moment when those on the front lines in our communities are being attacked, maligned, and stripped of the resources they need to keep us safe. prgtoken , time and again my colleagues on the other side of the aisle claim that the phrase ``defund the police'' is a slogan of a very small and prgtoken rogue minority that doesn't reflect their party's broader values. said that even as cities across this country burned in the summer of 2020, to the deafening chant of ``defund the police.'' prgtoken Let's take a look at the facts. Since 2021, 25 cities across America defunded their police departments by upwards of $2 billion. Police department budgets were slashed in Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Austin, and even in my home State of New York, New York City. prgtoken What do all these cities have in common? They have mayors, city councils, monopolies on all of the levers of power. prgtoken New York City is seeing felony crime skyrocket to levels not seen in 15 years after its mayor and -dominated city council embraced the destructive ideals of the defund the police movement. Last year, the city saw a 22.4 percent jump in serious offenses like felony assault, rape, burglary, robberies, and grand larceny. prgtoken Let's call it what it is. Defunding the police is not a fringe idea. It is a movement at the heart of the ic Party, and it is in practice right now. If my colleagues on the other side of the aisle truly believe that it is a fringe idea, then I look forward to strong bipartisan support for this important pro-law enforcement legislation this week. prgtoken Let's show our men and women in blue, the ones on the front lines of our community, of every community, that they aren't alone, and we have their backs.
NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
Ben Cline (Republican, VA) \u2014 2023-5-16

the greatest threat to America's economy is our debt crisis. Even according to former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Admiral Mike Mullen, the most significant threat to America's security is our national debt. prgtoken Our financial instability today has spiraled out of control because of President and the ' reckless spending to fund their radical agenda. prgtoken Now our Nation faces an unsustainable $31.7 trillion in debt. prgtoken Earlier last week, President met with McCarthy and congressional leadership to discuss legislation to raise the debt ceiling, and to no one's surprise, and Senate continued to avoid their responsibilities to negotiate. prgtoken House s have already worked toward a deal by passing a sensible debt ceiling bill that will limit government spending, grow the economy, save taxpayer dollars, and protect vital benefits. prgtoken We have also done our job to stop the chaos at our southern border by passing H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act. The security of our border is inextricably linked to the fiscal security of our Nation. prgtoken A recent cost estimate of the Secure the Border Act by the Congressional Budget Office has confirmed that Federal taxpayers are spending tens of billions of dollars on benefits for illegal immigrants like health care, nutrition, and refundable child tax credits due to 's current border policies. prgtoken Taking into account costs at the State and local level, American taxpayers pay $182 billion annually for services and benefits to illegal immigrants. prgtoken At the end of the day, blank government checks got us into this debt crisis, and a no-strings-attached debt ceiling increase will only serve to push our already fragile economy off the fiscal cliff. prgtoken , it is time to act, and I urge the President to join us at the table.
DISAPPROVING THE ACTION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COUNCIL IN APPROVING THE COMPREHENSIVE POLICING AND JUSTICE REFORM AMENDMENT ACT OF 2022--Continued
J.D. Vance (Republican, OH) \u2014 2023-5-16

I speak today on behalf of millions of Americans who come to Washington, DC, and want this to be a safe city where they can enjoy it, where they can view the beautiful monuments, and where they can actually live in this city comfortably and in safety. prgtoken I speak for the staff members who have seen this city deteriorate over the last decade, and I speak for the many people who have no connection to this city but want it to be a beautiful and safe place to live and work because this is where the people's business is ultimately done. prgtoken A very simple problem that we have is the DC violent crime rate and the nonviolent crime rate have gone up way too quickly, in part because the DC Council has passed a number of statutes and a number of laws that make it harder for police officers to do their job. prgtoken I will not go through the laundry list of the act that we are dealing with here today and the number of ways in which it makes police less safe in doing their job and makes it more difficult for them to do their jobs in the first place, but a few things in particular jump out. First of all, the law that we are trying to undo bans or severely restricts ordinary law enforcement practices, including the use of riot gear to disperse violent crowds; it makes it harder for police to actually give chase to violent offenders; and it also forces police to go through these ridiculous exhaustion requirements before they can use lethal force to protect themselves and people around them. prgtoken This is why a number of DC police officers and organizations don't agree with this act. It is why they think that it makes them less safe, and it is why we have to go in a different direction in this community. prgtoken I will close by saying that whether you are a or a --whatever your politics are--we should be proud of this incredibly beautiful city. The people sent us here to do a job; they sent us here to do that job proudly; and it is hard to do it if we are surrounded by crime and we are surrounded by lawlessness. prgtoken I want this to be the kind of place where Ohioans can come and visit, where they can walk the streets with their children without fear of their personal safety; and, unfortunately, DC is going in the wrong direction. prgtoken .