mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Nomination of Kirk Edward Sherriff (Executive Session)
Alex Padilla (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-1-25

colleagues, today we will have the opportunity to advance the nomination of Kirk Sherriff, President 's nominee to serve on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California. In doing so, we have a chance to confirm a well-qualified nominee and public servant to fill a vacancy on one of the busiest and most understaffed district courts in the Federal judiciary. prgtoken I rise to share a little bit more about what makes him so qualified to serve the Eastern District. Mr. Sherriff actually grew up in the Sacramento region within the district. He was raised for several periods of time by a single mother who worked hard to support her family, an experience he says profoundly shaped his appreciation for the opportunities made available in the United States of America. prgtoken Mr. Sherriff went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Columbia University and his law degree from Harvard Law School. prgtoken He began his legal career working as an associate of White & Case, focused on arbitration and civil litigation. prgtoken He also clerked on the New Jersey Supreme Court for Chief Justice Deborah Poritz. But before long, he returned to California--he came home--to work in the district that would come to define his career. prgtoken Mr. Sherriff joined the civil division of the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California. He spent 5 years litigating forest fire, civil fraud, and tort cases before moving on to the criminal division. prgtoken He worked his way up to serve as chief of the Fresno and Bakersfield offices of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District where he oversaw four Fresno unit chiefs, 20 attorneys, and the prosecution of crimes throughout the southern half of the district. prgtoken Now, in the course of his career, Mr. Sherriff has developed a reputation in the Fresno legal community for being fair, for being sharp, and incredibly hard-working--all characteristics in high demand at a court with an extraordinarily heavy caseload. prgtoken But in addition to that, Mr. Sherriff possesses a deep personal understanding of the needs of the many racially diverse and historically disadvantaged communities throughout the Central Valley. Because, for the last two decades, he has been there, serving the Eastern District and engaging in community outreach. prgtoken Colleagues, by confirming Mr. Sherriff's nomination, we will be confirming a nominee with a wealth of legal experience, with a fundamental understanding and respect for human dignity, and with deep roots in the community he serves and will continue to serve, and who will be filling a vacancy in one of the busiest courts in the country. prgtoken I urge all of my colleagues to join me in advancing and supporting Mr. Sherriff's confirmation.
CLOTURE MOTION
Cory A. Booker (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2024-1-25

I appreciate the Presiding Officer, my dear friend, and I think he and I are very aware of this. If you ask the average person who knows about their Federal Government how many people are in the U.S. Senate, their answer is going to be 100, and they would be wrong. There are 100 Senators, but as the Presiding Officer and I both know, there are thousands of people who work in the U.S. Capitol for the U.S. Senate. This is a larger body of people who are critical to keeping this institution running. prgtoken There are amazing folks who work here in the U.S. Senate. If you take the time to talk to them, you will hear stories that make you feel proud to be an American--from literally the people who are keeping the pipes under this place functional, who keep this place and its history and its heritage preserved. There are people on staffs who make sure the floor runs smoothly so Senators can present bills and ideas. This is an extraordinary collection of Americans who takes part in what is a hallowed and civic institution. prgtoken But, perhaps, when people look at the floor, there are two Senators here, but there are probably 30 or so people on the floor right now, not to mention those working in the cloakrooms. But often, when people turn on their TVs and happen to catch it on C-SPAN--hi, Mom, who watches a lot--the folks they probably most overlook are the people I think bring an energy, an excitement, and an enthusiasm to this place, and those are the pages. prgtoken Now, I can't even get my mind around, when I meet these young people, taking a year--or, excuse me, a semester--off of your normal track--all your extracurricular activities, from all of your friends--traveling from all over the country and coming here, not just to work a full-time job amidst these hallowed halls, but also to hold a full-time schedule of classes. prgtoken I look at these teenagers, and I feel this utter sense of just sympathy for them because they are grinding in ways that a lot of Senators don't do. Think about this. They work on the floor of the Senate, which is a demanding job, doing critical work. Then they go home and study. Then they wake up sometimes at 5 o'clock in the morning to take classes in things that I am not sure if every Senator can still pass--calculus, for crying out loud. They do their academic work, and they do their service for their country. So it takes a special breed to do something so irrational with their teenage years. prgtoken I get a chance every time--all of us Senators get a chance--to engage with them and meet them, and I just want to take this moment, on the last day that they are here, to just say some things particularly about this class. prgtoken , this class is the most awful group of joke tellers I have ever met. (Laughter.) prgtoken I mean, their jokes are so particularly bad that I have never used it to describe such a page class. They are not just bad; they are
INTRODUCTION OF THE MARIJUANA IN FEDERALLY ASSISTED HOUSING PARITY ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2024-1-25

today, I introduce the Marijuana in Federally Assisted Housing Parity Act. Senator Cory Booker is introducing the companion bill in the Senate. This bill would permit the use of marijuana in federally assisted housing, including public housing and Section 8 housing, in compliance with the marijuana laws of the state (including the District of Columbia) where the property is located. prgtoken Individuals living in federally assisted housing should not be denied admission, or fear eviction, for using a legal product. Adult-use marijuana, medical marijuana or both are currently legal in 38 states and the District of Columbia, and over 90 percent of Americans support legalized medical marijuana. Under current federal law, users of drugs that are illegal under federal law, including marijuana, are prohibited from being admitted into federally assisted housing. Moreover, federal law allows landlords to evict residents of federally assisted housing for using illegal drugs. prgtoken The federal government has begun to change its approach to marijuana. In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration approved Epidiolex, which is derived from marijuana. Epidiolex is used to treat children who suffer from seizures. Notably, the medicine does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the psychoactive component in marijuana. For the last several years, Congress has prohibited the Department of Justice (DOJ) from using federal funds to prevent jurisdictions from implementing their medical marijuana law's. This bill would similarly allow individuals to use marijuana in federally assisted housing in compliance with a state's marijuana laws. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), like DOJ, should not be allowed to prevent jurisdictions from implementing their marijuana laws. prgtoken Under this bill, HUD must develop regulations that restrict smoking marijuana in federally assisted housing in the same manner and the same locations as HUD restricts smoking tobacco in federally assisted housing. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
CLOTURE MOTION
Brian Schatz (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2024-1-25

this week is the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. Because of the current rightwing Supreme Court's decision almost 2 years ago to dismantle reproductive freedom, women in many parts of the United States today have less control over their bodies than they did 50 years ago--50 years ago. prgtoken The Dobbs decision was the crowning achievement of the hard right's decades-long war on a woman's right to choose, but it wasn't the end. They want to go even further. These very same people are now going State by State, trying to pass extreme laws to all but ban abortion access, and it is working. Over half of the women of reproductive age live in States that are hostile to abortion rights, and more than 64,000 women and girls have become pregnant because of rape in States that have implemented abortion bans after Roe was overturned--64,000 women and girls pregnant in States where abortion access is limited or not available at all. prgtoken The stories they share about the pain and trauma inflicted by this extremist cruelty will break your heart. A woman in Ohio had 1 day--1 single day--to decide whether or not to keep her child because she was right on the verge of the State's ban at 6 weeks. A Florida woman was forced to carry her baby to term even though doctors found fatal abnormalities in an ultrasound at 23 weeks and knew that it had at most a few hours to live after birth. Another woman, whose baby would have been born without a skull--without a skull--traveled 1,400 miles from Baton Rouge to New York City to get an abortion because local doctors were afraid they would lose their license--they would lose their license--or be thrown in prison for providing abortion services. prgtoken Horrific as these stories are, they haven't stopped s from trying to destroy every last bit of bodily autonomy and freedom. s here in Congress are explicit: They are pushing for a national abortion ban. So some of the things you say about what is happening sound like they are partisan talking points, but that is what is happening. They actually do want an abortion ban in Federal statutory law. prgtoken The rightwing Supreme Court may well deliver another hammer blow to abortion rights in the coming months if it reverses Federal rules governing access to medication abortion--rules that were shaped in part by a Federal lawsuit where a Hawaii doctor argued correctly that women should be able to access abortion pills, which are safe and effective, when and where they need them. For Hawaii and so many other places around the country that rely on telehealth and medication by mail for access to care, this is vital, but they may not last much longer. prgtoken If there is a glimmer of hope in all of this, it is that a majority of Americans reject this extremism on abortion. They see it for what it is: plainly unjust and needlessly cruel--needlessly cruel. They believe in a woman's right to choose,
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Brittany Pettersen (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2024-1-25

I missed a vote on February 1, 2023, on the Motion Ordering the Previous Question on H. Res. 83. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 101. I missed a vote on November 3, 2023, on Amdt. 127 offered by Mr. Roy (TX). Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 595. I missed a vote on December 14, 2023, on the Motion to Adjourn. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 722.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2024-1-25

today, I am introducing the Affordable Housing and Homeownership Protection Act with Senators Smith, Gillibrand, Blumenthal, Klobuchar, Fetterman, and Baldwin. Our bill would provide up to $50 billion to help build and preserve approximately 3 million units of affordable housing and would be fully paid for through a transfer tax on investors who acquire and hold more than 15 single-family homes. prgtoken Driven by a shortage of as many as 6.8 million homes nationwide, home prices have surged 39 percent and rents 31 percent over the last 4 years, according the National Association of Realtors and Zillow. Higher rents and fewer opportunities for home ownership are devastating for millions of families. As housing costs skyrocket, more households are priced out of home ownership, while renters have less to spend on food, clothing, and other everyday necessities. prgtoken Low-income Americans are particularly strained. The National Low Income Housing Coalition estimates that 73 percent of extremely low- income households spend more than half their income on housing. Unsurprisingly, homelessness has risen in line with housing prices and is up 15 percent since 2019. prgtoken Unfortunately, Federal investments in low-income housing are insufficient to solve this affordability crisis. Indeed, researchers at Harvard University found that the three largest Federal housing programs serve nearly 300,000 fewer households today than they did 20 years ago, while approximately 25 percent more households are eligible but can't get aid. prgtoken At the same time, investors are buying a greater share of single- family homes sold each year--many of which they hold as rentals-- preventing more families from reaching home ownership and often driving up rents. Most households cannot compete with the largest investors, who are typically private equity and other institutional investors. That is because large investors can use their financial might to make all-cash offers, waive, contingencies, and provide other concessions that individual buyers simply cannot match. Through last October, more than one out of every four single-family homes sold in 2023 were bought by investors, not hard-working households--a 69-percent increase from investors' prepandemic share of home purchases. prgtoken Our Affordable Housing and Homeownership Protection Act would tackle both our affordable housing crisis and institutional investors who crowd out families in the housing market. It would raise $50 billion by taxing investors who purchase large numbers of single-family homes, with higher tax rates for the largest investors. Revenue would be split between the Housing Trust Fund, HTF, and Capital Magnet Fund, CMF, to help build and rehab over 300,000 rental units for extremely low-income Americans through HTF grants and help finance 2.7 million homes for low-income families via CMF, which leverages private investments. prgtoken In other wor
HONORING MS. AMY FALK SHELDON
Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2024-1-25

I rise to recognize my constituent Amy Falk Sheldon for her outstanding work at the National PTA. As Director of Resource Development Amy made an immeasurable difference in the lives of PTA leaders across the county. She tirelessly dedicated her time to PTA's mission to make every child's potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. Beginning in 2015, Amy collaborated with local PTA leaders to develop corporate alliances and create partnerships which delivered engaging and educational opportunities for members. Amy is a dedicated humanitarian having worked at the Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry and American Association of University Women. She is also a board member of the Washington Area Women's Foundation. prgtoken I am proud the National PTA is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia and congratulate Amy for her service to the organization, its staff, partners, and affiliates.
Israel (Executive Session)
Kirsten E. Gillibrand (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-1-25

19-year-old Karina Ariev is a gentle and humble girl. Her loved ones say she often has a wide smile and is always ready to help those around her. prgtoken Nineteen-year-old Agam Berger is a gifted violinist who volunteers to help disadvantaged populations. Like Karina, she also enjoys helping others and is an optimist who is always smiling. prgtoken Naama Levy is a soft-spoken, athletic, and determined girl. She is compassionate and understanding, with a passion for helping those in need. prgtoken As a mom, I cannot fathom the anguish these parents are facing. I know every other Senator here cannot fathom the anguish they are facing. All of us must do everything we can to bring them home. prgtoken .
HONORING MR. EDWARD R. DESMOND
Katherine M. Clark (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2024-1-25

I rise today to recognize an outstanding citizen of Waltham, Massaclrusetts--a devoted husband, father, grandfather; a dedicated serviceman; and distinguished World War II Navy Veteran, Mr. Edward R. Desmond. Mr. Desmond was honored by the History Department at Marshfield High School on January 25, 2023. prgtoken Edward Desmond, known to most as Eddie, served as a Petty Officer 2nd Class on USS LCS (L) (3) 128 and served at the Battle of Okinawa. In his service he was regarded highly by peers as a good cook and earned the Navy's Combat Action Ribbon for his time under fire in the Battle of Okinawa. prgtoken Edward also received the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal and was involved in the Liberation of the Philippines. During his time in the Navy he spent time away from family in service to his country in some of the longest and hardest battles in the history of naval warfare. Perhaps even more notable than the long list of accolades and awards is Edward's 40-year career devoted as a Central Office Technician for the New England Bell Telephone Company. prgtoken Mr. Desmond has accomplished so much in his life, but none of it would have been possible without the support of family. Mr. and Mrs. Desmond raised five children. They are the proud grandparents of six grandchildren. prgtoken It is a great honor to represent Edward Desmond and his lifetime commitment to advancing our Nation's understanding of World War II, what happened, and what can be done to avoid another war.
Net Neutrality (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2024-1-25

if there is anything that keeps my colleagues up at night, I am pretty sure it is the specter of some aspect of society not being regulated by the Federal Government. How else to explain ' tendency to propose heavyhanded government solutions to address nonexistent problems? prgtoken There is no better example of a heavyhanded government solution to a nonexistent problem than the Federal Communications Commission's recent push to impose burdensome net neutrality regulations. prgtoken So what is net neutrality, ? Well, at its core, it is the idea that internet service providers shouldn't prioritize or block certain internet traffic at the expense of other traffic. Understood in that way, it is a concept that has strong bipartisan support, but that is not what we are talking about with the FCC's proposal. prgtoken The FCC wants to use the idea of net neutrality as a cover to assert broad, new government powers over the internet using rules that were designed for telephone monopolies back during the Great Depression. The net neutrality regime the FCC is contemplating was actually put in place once before--during the administration--and the results were predictable. prgtoken The FCC's measure opened the door to a whole host of new government regulations, including price regulations, and broadband investment declined as a result. That was a problem for Americans generally, who benefit when the United States is at the forefront of internet growth and expansion. It was particularly bad news for Americans in rural States like South Dakota. Getting broadband to rural communities is already more challenging than installing broadband in cities and suburbs, and the possibility of heavier regulations acts as a further disincentive to expanding that access. prgtoken Fast-forward to 2017. The FCC, under Chairman Pai, voted to repeal the heavyhanded net neutrality regulations passed by the FCC--a prospect that was greeted with absolute hysteria from . We were told that the internet as we know it would disappear, that providers would slow speeds to a crawl, and if you can believe this, that our freedom of speech was threatened. prgtoken Well, I don't think I need to tell anyone that none of what predicted came to pass. As anyone who has been on the internet lately knows, the internet has not just survived but thrived. Innovation has flourished. Competition has increased. The internet remains a vehicle for free and open discourse. And internet speeds have not only not slowed down, they have gotten faster and faster. Despite the explosive growth and internet usage during the pandemic, American networks had no problem keeping up with demand, delivering the reliable service Americans have come to expect. prgtoken Let's contrast that with Europe, where internet regulation is much more heavyhanded and Europe struggled to deal with
National Security (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2024-1-25

the Constitution of the United States, the consensus of our Nation's Founders, and the weight of exhaustive historical precedent give the President the clear authority to use military force when American lives and interests are under attack. The Commander in Chief does not lack authority; rather, he is failing to sufficiently exercise the authority that he has. prgtoken Right now, every day, enemies of the United States are engaged in a campaign of brazen aggression that threatens American servicemembers, our interests, and our allies in the Middle East. This campaign is hardly new. Year after year, the world's most active state sponsor of terrorism trains, equips, finances, and coordinates efforts to drive America--the ``Great Satan''--from the Middle East and to wipe Israel-- the ``Little Satan''--off the map. prgtoken When President took office, Senate s warned him not to go soft on Iran. We urged him not to abandon maximum pressure, not to obsess over restoring a failed nuclear deal, and not to ignore Iran's relentless--relentless--campaign of terror. prgtoken But the President failed to heed this advice. He ignored the 80-some attacks on U.S. troops over his first 2 years in office. He failed to recognize the killing of an American in an Iran-backed drone attack in Syria last March as a wake-up call. Instead, his administration slept through glaring indications that Iran-backed terror was actually reaching a tipping point. prgtoken So, today, America and our allies face an adversary profoundly undeterred. Iran's proxies are responsible for more than 150 lethal attacks--and counting--against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria since October 7 and for persistent strikes against U.S. warships and civilian vessels in the Red Sea, including just yesterday. prgtoken But we have yet to see signs that the administration understands how to compel Iran and its proxies to stop. Even with the world's strongest military at the ready, the Commander in Chief has failed to deter Iran and its proxies. Instead, a fear of escalation has only invited more aggression from Tehran to Moscow to Beijing. prgtoken For nearly 2 weeks, the President has hesitantly and intermittently directed strikes against low-value Houthi terrorist targets. He has played Whack-A-Mole against warehouses and launch sites but has left the terrorists' air defenses and command-and-control facilities intact. The same is true over in Iraq and Syria, where the U.S. response to Iran-backed terrorist attacks has been to impose limited damage on proxy storage and training facilities. Yet the administration has refused to impose meaningful costs on Tehran itself--on the architects of this entire regional conflict. prgtoken Tehran is happy to fight until the last Houthi, Hamas, or Hezbollah terrorist. That is literally why they use proxies--they are expendable. Until Iran feels that its own interests and its own IRGC officers across t