mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Budget (Executive Calendar)
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2021-3-16

I come to the floor to talk about President 's runaway spending proposals. prgtoken Of course, as a conservative , when I look at this thing, I have to say: Wait a second. This is not something that I can support in any way. prgtoken We have a 50-50 Senate here in the United States. The have won a narrow margin in the House, but the in Washington are acting like they have won in a landslide and have a national mandate. They do not. If there is any mandate when you have a 50-50 Senate and when you have such a narrow range in the numbers between the s and the in the House, you would say it is a mandate to move to the middle. That is what the American people voted for. They said: Let's get to the middle. Let's find solutions to move our country forward. prgtoken It does seem, to me, what the are doing is an unprecedented overreach. The have only had control in Washington for about a month and a half, and it has already cost the American people $1.9 trillion. It is an astonishingly large figure. It was supposed to be for coronavirus relief, but 1 percent of the money went for vaccines, and only 9 percent went to actually fighting the coronavirus. Yet, before they passed the bill, that is what the said it was for. It does seem to be the oldest page in the ic playbook. prgtoken We all remember the old Care bill and debate and discussion. They said it was a tax. When they needed votes in Congress, they said it wasn't a tax. Then they realized they were going to lose in court, and they said it was a tax all over again. Well, we have seen the same playbook here. They said we needed more coronavirus relief, and then they passed this liberal wish list. Once they had the votes, they admitted the bill was not about coronavirus medical relief, healthcare relief or vaccines or fighting the disease. No--a liberal wish list. prgtoken Now, don't just take my word for it. The ic majority leader, standing right there, called it a ``turning point'' that transforms the United States. The White House Press Secretary called it the ``most progressive bill in American history.'' One ic leader in the House called it an ``ideological revolution.'' I guess they forgot it was supposed to be about the coronavirus. It doesn't sound like coronavirus healthcare relief to me. prgtoken After the bill passed, Pelosi admitted this was the same bill that she put forward last summer. Back then, the New York Times looked at it and called it ``more a messaging document than a viable piece of legislation.'' POLITICO called it a ``ic wish list filled up with all the party's favorite policies.'' prgtoken This was never a coronavirus relief bill. They used the coronavirus to cover the payoff to all of the most powerful people in the ic Party: $85 billion to union pension plans, irresponsibly run; $26 billion for
Border Security (Executive Calendar)
James Lankford (Republican, OK) \u2014 2021-3-16

on January 20 of this year, President declared the repeal of an emergency action at our southwest border. He withdrew that and said there is no emergency that currently exists there and paused all funding for the border wall system construction--stopped it. Wherever it was that day, it ended that day. prgtoken The same day, he announced a 100-day moratorium on deportations in the country--stopped that. Within a few days, the courts stepped in and a Federal court said that you can't just stop actually executing faithfully the laws of the United States. The court halted prgtoken then his halt of a moratorium on deportations. In this case, his actual request for a moratorium on deportation halt was for those who had actually gone all the way through the court system and a Federal court had asked them to be removed from the United States. That is what President was trying to stop. prgtoken Federal courts then stepped in and said that when the courts said they had to be removed, the executive branch can't just ignore that. They have to actually be removed. prgtoken That opened the flood gates. Those two announcements together--that we are not going to do any more border construction, that we are going to stop that, and the announcement of the moratorium--started the process of a stir in Central America among the human smugglers to get the word out to say this President is going to allow to let people in and it is going to be different. prgtoken Why would I say that and why would they say that? Because even in the time when I was sitting down with now Secretary Mayorkas in his hearings before he was actually confirmed, I asked him in those hearings: If there is a caravan coming to the United States right now with hundreds of people in it and growing, what is your message to them if you became the Secretary of DHS? What would you want to make sure those folks heard? prgtoken His response to me in that hearing was: I would tell them to wait. Not yet. Not yet. prgtoken The coyotes didn't hear it that way. They accelerated pushing people. prgtoken What is actually happening on the border? prgtoken Last weekend, I spent the weekend in Arizona just south of Tucson in Nogales, a small little town of 26,000 people that sits right on the border with Mexico. It is 26,000 on the American side, but on the Mexican side it is a city of 450,000. It is a very large community on that side and, literally, they have built up the community directly against the border. prgtoken Much of that border fencing has been there a very long time. They built properties directly against that fence. They are Mexicans. They can do that. That is their property to be able to do that. That is not the issue. prgtoken The interesting thing was to visit with folks from HHS taking care of the unaccompanied minors in the area, to visit with Customs and Border Protection that are actually handling the cross-border transition, and with Bor
VOCA FIX TO SUSTAIN THE CRIME VICTIMS FUND ACT OF 2021
Ann Wagner (Republican, MO) \u2014 2021-3-16

. Madam , I thank the gentleman from California for yielding. A good friend in Congress for years, we are so glad to have the gentleman back. prgtoken I also thank Chairman Nadler for leading this legislation, along with so many others. prgtoken Madam , I rise in support of H.R. 1652, the VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act. I am proud to co-lead this critical legislation, which will ensure that victims of serious crimes can continue to access the services that they need to heal and rebuild their lives. prgtoken The Victims of Crime Act, or VOCA, grants are the primary source of support for programs dedicated to survivors of domestic abuse, sexual assault, trafficking, child abuse, and other very traumatic crimes. prgtoken These grants are funded by Federal criminal monetary penalties, not by taxpayers. However, with the Department of Justice increasingly seeking nonprosecution and deferred-prosecution agreements instead of prosecuting Federal crimes, VOCA grants are facing catastrophic cuts. prgtoken In my own home State of Missouri, we are expecting a 25 percent cut to VOCA funds in the upcoming year if this bill is not signed into law. Missouri law enforcement and victim service providers, along with prosecutors, need Congress to enact this legislation so they can protect and care for their communities. prgtoken If we do not act swiftly to stabilize the VOCA funding, thousands of Americans will be unable to access lifesaving services. These programs have never been more important. The pandemic has put women and children, in particular, at an increased risk of abuse and domestic violence. We cannot leave victims without support during frightening and vulnerable times. prgtoken This bipartisan and bicameral legislation will help those victims recover as our justice system prosecutes the criminals responsible, which is why I am also hopeful that when the Senate passes this, we will have the opportunity to actually make this law. prgtoken I am grateful that the House is taking swift action to secure services for victims. Again, I urge my colleagues to support the VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act.
AWARDING THREE CONGRESSIONAL MEDALS TO UNITED STATES CAPITOL POLICE AND THOSE WHO PROTECTED THE U.S. CAPITOL ON JANUARY 6, 2021
Nancy Pelosi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-3-16

I thank the gentlewoman from California for her leadership in bringing this legislation to the floor where we can recognize the patriotism and heroism of members of the Capitol Police force, and I thank her for facilitating this honor. prgtoken This usually takes a much longer period of time, but because of the gentlewoman from California, the chair of the Financial Services Committee, this is on a faster track, and it needs to be. prgtoken As you know, , January 6 was one of the darkest and deadliest days in American history. The waging of the violent insurrection against the United States Capitol and our very democracy on that day was a profound horror that nearly defies comprehension. prgtoken That day, the country witnessed the gleeful desecration of our temple of democracy. We observed Members of Congress flee for their lives, as staff and support workers barricaded behind doors and hid under furniture. prgtoken We saw how over 140 members of law enforcement were physically harmed while defending our democracy and how several lost their lives. prgtoken January 6 was a day of horror and heartbreak. But because of these courageous men and women, it was also a moment of extraordinary heroism. prgtoken That day, the United States Capitol Police force put themselves between us and the violence. They risked their safety and their lives for others with the utmost selflessness, and they did so because they were patriots, the type of Americans who heard the call to serve and answered it, putting country above self: prgtoken Heroes like Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, described by his brother as someone who ``spent his life trying to help other people.'' Our sympathies go out to his family. prgtoken Heroes like Capitol Police Officer Howie Liebengood, honored as ``an example of selfless service'' and beloved by Senators for being ``one of the most kindest and thoughtful people'' they had ever met. Our sympathies as well. prgtoken Heroes like Metropolitan Police Officer Jeffrey Smith, a 12-year veteran of the force, known by all as the type of officer who would never hesitate to help those in need. He made that sacrifice. prgtoken Heroes like Metropolitan Police Officer Daniel Hodges, whom I had the privilege of meeting and thanking, who was beaten and crushed nearly to death, who said about protecting our democracy on January 6: ``If it wasn't my job, I would have done it for free.'' prgtoken Heroes like Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman. We all saw his heroism as he drew the mob away from Senators, saving lives, again, in an act of profound heroism. prgtoken May the courage of these heroes always remain an inspiration to us, and may we always remember the valor of the fallen, which made them martyrs for our democracy. prgtoken I feel very honored to be sponsoring this legislation. The rarely sponsors legislation, certainly cosponsors hardly ever. prgtoken Today, united in grief and gratitude, the House is ho
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1620, VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2021; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 6, AMERICAN DREAM AND PROMISE ACT OF 2021; PROVIDING FOR...
Norma J. Torres (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-3-16

. Madam , I include in the Record a March 16 USA Today opinion piece from activists Dolores Huerta, Carol Jenkins, and Eleanor Smeal titled ``There is no deadline on women's equality. Add the equal rights amendment to the Constitution.'' [From USA TODAY, March 16, 2021] There's No Deadline on Women's Equality. Add the Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution. (By Dolores Huerta, Carol Jenkins and Eleanor Smeal) For the second time in a century, a global pandemic has occurred at the height of a determined movement to expand women's rights under the U.S. Constitution. The 1918 flu pandemic nearly halted the drive for ratification of the 19th Amendment on women's suffrage. But advocates rallied, lobbied President Woodrow Wilson for support and urged Congress to pass a joint resolution adopting the amendment. That was followed by ratification by the states and final certification in August 1920. Today, the campaign for ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment is in the middle of another global pandemic with women losing jobs at a much higher rate than men, especially affecting women of color. In these first 100 days of the - administration and during Women's History Month, there is a real opportunity to make constitutional history again with lasting change for women's rights and gender equality by adding the ERA to the Constitution. No rights denied 'on account of sex' Congress approved the ERA in 1972. It says, very simply, that ``equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state on account of sex.'' President and Congress now have the opportunity to rally as well. This week, the House of Representatives will consider a joint resolution clearing the way for the ERA to be added to the Constitution. If the Senate also adopts the resolution, it could become part of the Constitution this year. The ERA won ratification by the necessary three-fourths of the states when Virginia became the 38th state last year. Earlier, Nevada ratified in 2017 and Illinois in 2018. However, the ERA has yet to be formally enshrined into the Constitution because of an arbitrary timeline in the amendment's preamble--not the legislative text sent to the states for approval--which set 1979 for ratification. Congress changed the timeline by extending it to 1982. Congress can again weigh in by removing the timeline and recognizing the final three states, because Article V of the Constitution puts the amending process with the Congress and ratification with the states. Button supporting the Equal Rights Amendment on April 2, 2013, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Congressional action is
ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2021
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2021-3-16

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it recess until 10:30 a.m Wednesday, March 17; further, that following the prayer and pledge, 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 and resume consideration of the nomination of Katherine Tai to be Trade Representative; and finally, that the postcloture debate time with respect to the Tai nomination expire at 11:30 a.m.
Racism (Executive Calendar)
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2021-3-16

I take no pleasure in coming to the floor today. We in the Senate take pride in our decorum and our sense of comity with each other, so much so that we often twist ourselves into pretzels to avoid saying anything that might be interpreted as a criticism of another Senator. Yet there comes a time when these verbal gymnastics simply won't do. You are either going to speak the truth or fail to do justice to the values you hold dear. prgtoken What one of our colleagues said last week about the events of January 6 was felt by many to be racist and hurtful--a stain on the office he is so fortunate to hold. prgtoken Look, I get that no one likes to be called racist, but sometimes there is just no other way to describe the use of bigoted tropes that for generations have threatened Black lives by stoking White fear of African Americans and Black men in particular. prgtoken On a radio show, our colleague explained that he never feared for his safety during the January 6 insurrection of the U.S. Capitol. But make no mistake, under different circumstances, he would have been afraid. He said: Now, had the tables been turned--now, Joe, this will get me in trouble--had the tables been turned and President won the election and those were tens of thousands of Black Lives Matter and antifa protesters, I might have been a little concerned. prgtoken Is that not racism? prgtoken I don't think the Senator is ignorant of the fact that for centuries in this country, White supremacy has thrived on using fear to justify oppression, discrimination, and violence against people of color. I do, however, think my colleague may be ignorant of the pain caused by his comments and unaware of how they compound the trauma that so many still feel in the wake of the events of January 6. prgtoken Because I do not think I can do justice to that pain, I want to share with you an email I received this weekend. It is from one of the most devoted public servants I have ever had the pleasure of working with, an African-American member of my staff. His name is Keith Roachford. He has devoted nearly three and one-half decades to serving the people of New Jersey in Congress and his community as a faithful churchgoer and Boy Scout leader. It reads: Senator, I would not normally send you an email like this but I am at a loss of how to express the outrage and hurt I am feeling from the comments made by Senator Johnson that he would have been more afraid on January 6th if the insurrectionists would have been from Black Lives Matter. I am blessed to be on your staff and have had the opportunity to serve as a staff member in the NJ delegation for 34 years, but this is the most painful thing I have ever heard being said by a US Senator. I could not imagine that the horrible and painful events from [January] 6th could be replicated in a statem
AWARDING THREE CONGRESSIONAL MEDALS TO UNITED STATES CAPITOL POLICE AND THOSE WHO PROTECTED THE U.S. CAPITOL ON JANUARY 6, 2021
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2021-3-16

I rise to honor the police who are to receive Congressional Gold Medals: The U.S. Capitol Police, the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, and the other law enforcement agencies that participated in protecting the Capitol on January 6, 2021. prgtoken The insurrection that day halted the final leg of congressional business declaring President of the United States. Yet, Congress was able to continue with its business that evening and early the next morning because of the help of the law enforcement officers we honor here today. prgtoken Then-President urged the crowd to the Capitol and delayed using his authority to deploy the D.C. National Guard in the country's moment of crisis. As a result, I have reintroduced a bill that would give the mayor of the District of Columbia control over the D.C. National Guard, and I am hopeful that this bill will be brought to the floor during this Congress. prgtoken It cannot be forgotten that the damage done would have been worse were it not for the Metropolitan Police Department, our local police, funded by D.C. taxpayers, who were was responsible for indispensable intervention when most Federal police forces did not appear, saving lives at the Capitol on January 6. I appreciate this recognition for the work of our local police force. An important way to reward them would be to ensure that the people they protect in the Nation's capital are given full and equal rights by passing the D.C. statehood bill. prgtoken Congratulations again to the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, the U.S. Capitol Police, and the other law enforcement agencies on these congressional gold medals, which are well deserved for the protection they provided to our democracy on January 6.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTION
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-3-16

I rise to speak in support of the ``Help Independent Tracks Succeed (HITS) Act,'' which Senator Blackburn and I introduced today. Representatives Linda Sanchez (D-CA) and Ron Estes (R-KS) have introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. prgtoken Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have consistently heard from independent musicians and producers in California who have lost a large percentage of their incomes due to concerts, festivals, and other events being cancelled. prgtoken With many live performance stages and venues across the Nation closed for months as a result of the pandemic, independent musicians and music makers such as technicians and creators have suffered significant loss of income. prgtoken According to a survey by the Copyright Alliance, 88 percent of creators have lost income due to the coronavirus pandemic, which is more than double the national average. Approximately half of survey respondents had lost 90 percent or more of their income. prgtoken Our bill would provide some relief to music creators by allowing independent musicians, technicians, and music producers to deduct the cost of producing new musical recordings, putting them on a level playing field with other arts productions. prgtoken The U.S. Tax Code allows film, television, and theater productions to fully deduct production expenses in the year they are incurred. prgtoken However, recording artists are not given the same treatment, and are forced instead to amortize their production expenses over a number of years. prgtoken The HITS Act would allow qualified sound recording producers to deduct 100% of recording production expenses--up to $150,000--in the year they are incurred, rather than in later years. prgtoken Because this change would simply accelerate a tax deduction that already exists, the bill's expected cost would be minimal. prgtoken In addition, because the deduction would be capped at $150,000 per production, our legislation would benefit smaller, independent musicians and music producers rather than large companies. prgtoken The coronavirus pandemic has had a dramatic impact on music creators around the Nation. Our bill would help create parity between musical creators and other creative producers, stimulate the economy, and get music makers back to work. prgtoken I hope my colleagues will join me in support of this bill. Thank you, , and .