mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
STATUE TO HONOR UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT ASSOCIATE JUSTICE SANDRA DAY O'CONNOR AND STATUE TO HONOR UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT ASSOCIATE JUSTICE RUTH BADER GINSBURG
Rodney Davis (Republican, IL) \u2014 2022-3-28

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I would be remiss if I didn't point out a bit of irony that exists as we discuss honoring anyone by adding a statue or a bust to the Halls of the Capitol when for the past 745 days this building has been closed to the American people. Despite what is being called a reopening, it continues to be closed to most Americans. prgtoken This is about the last place in America to remain closed, and for no legitimate reason whatsoever. The honor of being memorialized in the Halls of Congress is far less an honor when no one is around to see it. prgtoken It is past time for Pelosi to reopen the people's House to the American people. prgtoken , .
AMERICA CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR MANUFACTURING, PRE-EMINENCE IN TECHNOLOGY, AND ECONOMIC STRENGTH ACT OF 2022--Continued
Todd Young (Republican, IN) \u2014 2022-3-28

in May of 2013, one of my constituents, Bob Evans from Lawrence County, was placed on the kidney transplant list. His particular kidney ailment was hereditary, meaning family members who might have been a match could not donate. So Bob was left waiting for someone--someone--to step forward. prgtoken Unbeknownst to Bob, an acquaintance, Ray Lindsey, quietly went to get tested. Now, Ray took several days off work, traveling 3 hours round trip to Indianapolis to see if he would be a match. He was. And only then did Ray tell Bob what he had been up to. In the summer of 2014, Ray donated a kidney, and he saved Bob's life. prgtoken Yesterday, Ray, one of the most selfless people I have ever met, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. prgtoken Ray was a humble and unassuming family man with a sense of humor. On his Facebook page, he called himself a ``part-time hillbilly.'' Ray worked hard and, by the way, didn't get any compensation whatsoever for the weeks he had to take off while recuperating from surgery. prgtoken Ray's sacrifice has made a lasting impact on public policy. His story impacted and informed my interest in organ donation policy. I introduced the PRISE Act to incentivize new breakthroughs in kidney disease treatment options. In 2018, the administration created a similar program called KidneyX. prgtoken We know Ray saved one life, but his story and selflessness impacted potentially thousands more. prgtoken Bob, by the way, is still going strong today, 8 years after the transplant surgery. prgtoken Ray was a man of deep faith, and I can think of no better tribute to Ray than words found in John, chapter 15: My command is this. Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. prgtoken Ray lived those words, and I and countless others are going to miss him deeply. I offer my condolences to all who loved Ray, including his wife Debbie, three children, and eight grandchildren. Ray's incredible life and impact will never be forgotten. prgtoken . prgtoken .
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-3-28

. President likes to say, and has said again today, that budgets are statements of values. Indeed, they can be, and the White House budget request that President published today offers the clearest possible reminder that the administration's far-left values are fundamentally disconnected from what American families actually need. prgtoken I mentioned around President 's State of the Union that the speech gave the President a chance to pivot. He has had a chance to assess the poll numbers, read the tea leaves, and make a dramatic course correction back toward where Americans would like for him to be. But he chose not to, and this budget proposal is just the mathematical version of that failure to pivot. prgtoken The White House is desperately spinning to call this budget centrist, but there is nothing remotely moderate about what is in it. prgtoken First and foremost, at a dangerous time, the President's budget falls woefully short on defense spending. Our Commander in Chief has again failed to budget for the resources that our Armed Forces actually need. The administration proposes a nominal 4-percent increase for defense over the bipartisan bill Congress just passed for this year. prgtoken That is a nominal 4-percent increase before any of the ' historic inflation is taken into account, and inflation right now is about twice that. So even if you accept the White House's rosiest predictions about where inflation is headed, this would amount to flat- funding defense, with none of the robust growth we need to keep pace with Russia and China. Even in the best case scenario for their budget, it prgtoken would leave our Armed Forces simply treading water. prgtoken And what if ' historic inflation does not plummet downward as quickly as they would like? What if the inflation they have caused keeps sticking around? Then, President 's budget would actually cut funding for our Armed Forces in real dollars. prgtoken Look, the world is a dangerous place and growing more dangerous by the day. Putin's escalation in Europe has created significant new requirements for the Pentagon and our defense industrial base. We have growing threats from Iran. China is pouring money into high-tech weapons systems. Beijing announced that they are increasing defense spending again this year by more than 7 percent. prgtoken So, amid all this, the White House has proposed no meaningful increase in resources for protecting innocent Americans, promoting our interests, supporting our partners, assisting Ukraine, or replenishing our stockpiles. President likes to give speeches about the need for American leadership in the world, but when the rubber meets the road, when it is time to invest so we can rise and meet challenges like Russia and China, this President has, again, decided to do exactly the opposite. Putin and Xi will sleep more soundly at night if the administration gets its way
UKRAINE
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2022-3-28

I come to the floor, again today, to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. This is the seventh week in a row I have come out here to talk about the atrocities being committed by Russia and what more the United States and this Congress can do to support Ukraine in its fight for survival. prgtoken It has now been more than a month since Russia's assault on our ally Ukraine, an independent sovereign democracy, a democracy that just wants to live in peace. prgtoken Earlier today, Russia continued its cowardly and brutal bombing attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine. Some civilians, like those trapped in and surrounding Mariupol, are dying due to a lack of access to water and food. prgtoken Russia continues its assault on humanitarian corridors which are designed to allow safe passage for civilians fleeing the conflict and for lifesaving humanitarian aid to come in to those who can't get out. prgtoken You may recall the theater in Mariupol, where people were taking refuge in the basement and using it as a bomb shelter. The words ``children'' in Russian were emblazed with huge letters clear enough to see from the sky so that it would not be a target, but it was. prgtoken We just learned Friday that roughly 300 Ukrainian civilians were killed in that basement when the theater was hit by Russian bombs about a week ago--mostly women and children. prgtoken Vladimir Putin's war has resulted in death and destruction not seen in Europe since World War II. Thousands of civilians have been killed. Roughly, 10 million people have been displaced from their homes, and 3.6 million refugees, almost all women and children and the elderly, have fled the country they love, while men have stayed behind to fight the invaders. prgtoken In my recent visit to the Polish-Ukrainian border with three colleagues, I talked to dozens of refugees. Through their tears, they spoke of their apartments or houses that were destroyed. They spoke about their friends or family members who were injured or even killed. They talked about the pain of being separated from their husbands or fathers or brothers who had stayed behind to fight, not knowing their fate. prgtoken They pleaded for us to do more--to stop the missiles, stop the bombs, and they all said they wanted to return to their homeland as soon as they possibly could. prgtoken President is just back from the region where he, too, met with refugees, and I am glad he went. He was clearly moved by what he saw and heard. I thought his speech in Poland Saturday was a powerful indictment of Russia's invasion and a strong statement of support for Ukraine, as well as a reminder that this battle in Ukraine is about the larger issue of freedom and democracy versus tyranny and authoritarianism. prgtoken Unfortunately, a compelling speech was overshadowed by an off-the- cuff remark at the end, saying of Putin that ``this man cannot stay in power.'' prgtoken This was read as suppor
HOMICIDE VICTIMS' FAMILIES' RIGHTS ACT OF 2021
Cliff Bentz (Republican, OR) \u2014 2022-3-28

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of H.R. 3359, the Homicide Victims' Families' Rights Act of 2021. This bill creates a process for relatives of homicide victims to request that Federal agencies rereview the case of their lost family member once the case has gone cold. prgtoken To be clear, this bill would only apply to Federal cases of murder, and it wouldn't apply to murder cases investigated by State and local law enforcement, which are most cases. prgtoken The majority of cold cases at issue under this bill are likely to be cases arising from Tribal jurisdictions. Fortunately, President already took steps to try to solve cold cases in Tribal jurisdictions. In November of 2019, President signed an executive order to create the Operation Lady Justice Task Force. prgtoken In its first year, this task force opened seven offices across the country to address the number of missing and murdered indigenous women. The task force held listening sessions, Tribal consultations, webinars, meetings with law enforcement, and victims' services programs, and formed domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions. prgtoken The task force put out guidance and protocols, developed relationships with entities like missing persons clearinghouses, began training for investigators and volunteers, and started a public awareness campaign. This was all in 2020. prgtoken This legislation is cut from similar cloth as President 's executive order creating that task force. Hopefully, it will motivate the administration to continue President 's good work. prgtoken , .
SECRETARY WALSH IS A BAD-FAITH ACTOR
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2022-3-28

. Madam , Labor Secretary Marty Walsh needs to remember that he is a Cabinet member, not an activist. His one-sided involvement in active labor disputes is unfair and unprecedented. prgtoken He is a former union president and the first union member in nearly half a century to lead the Department of prgtoken Labor. If you believe he can be an impartial arbiter, then I have swampland in New Mexico to sell you. The head of the AFL-CIO herself expressed approval of Walsh's willingness to work ``behind the scenes.'' prgtoken Walsh's infamous picket line participation with strikers at the Kellogg's factory won't be his last attempt to interfere with labor- management disputes. Politico recently reported Walsh is ``eager to help with others.'' prgtoken Walsh's pro-union advocacy disqualifies him from acting as an honest broker. He would rather protect his union boss cronies than protect workers and job creators.
AMERICA CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR MANUFACTURING, PRE-EMINENCE IN TECHNOLOGY, AND ECONOMIC STRENGTH ACT OF 2022--Continued
Ron Johnson (Republican, WI) \u2014 2022-3-28

I first want to thank the senior Senator from the State of Iowa for his tenacity in pursuing the truth and ignoring all of the false attacks lobbed against us during the course of our multiyear investigations into corruption at the highest levels of the Federal Government. prgtoken Both of us have been firsthand witnesses and at the same time victims of the dishonesty of our ic Senate colleagues and their willing accomplices in the media. prgtoken When it comes to our investigation into the vast web of foreign financial entanglements of the family, those attacks have had one goal in mind, to cover up the extent to which President might be and almost certainly is compromised. prgtoken Over the course of our investigation into how Hunter used his father's position and name to enrich himself and his family, the dishonest press published countless stories reporting on the ' false charge that Senator Grassley and I were soliciting and disseminating Russian disinformation. prgtoken Once we issued our September and November 2020 reports, which were based almost exclusively on U.S.-sourced documents and interviews with U.S. citizens, the media largely ignored it. When they did write a story, they declared that our reports found nothing new, a classic media coverup. prgtoken I have always said the bias in the media is revealed far more in what they don't report than what they actually do report. But all the false attacks did not deter us. We have continued to uncover the truth and, fortunately, our reports also served as a catalyst for others to come forward and for more investigative journalists to keep digging. prgtoken The American people deserve the truth. That is why we are presenting additional evidence today and over the next few days. For example, this is the first time this document is being made public. As Senator Grassley described in detail, it shows that money from CEFC, which is effectively an arm of the Chinese Government, went directly to Hunter . prgtoken Bank records like this piece of evidence are pretty hard to deny and sweep under the rug. Our reports were chockful of irrefutable evidence like this, and yet the media buried those details in an attempt to keep it hidden from the American people. prgtoken Because the mainstream media and our ic colleagues had no substance to refute our reports, they reverted to their time-honored tradition of lying, making false accusations against us, and engaging in the politics of personal destruction. prgtoken Again, their goal was to destroy the credibility of our reports before the American people even had a chance to read them. They were fully aware that the lie can travel halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to put on its shoes. For example, listen to what New York Times journalist Nicholas Fandos said about our report: ``lack of meaningful new information'' and, again, ``overlap
CONGRATULATING IOWA'S HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL ALL-STATE HONOREES
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican, IA) \u2014 2022-3-28

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the achievements of several young men from Iowa's Second Congressional District. prgtoken Earlier this month, the Iowa high school basketball State championships were held in Des Moines. It was a weekend of competition and sportsmanship. While no school from the Second District won the championship, several young men recently earned all-State honors from the Des Moines Register. prgtoken Dayton Davis of Fort Madison and Shawn Gilbert of Central DeWitt were named to the Class 3A team. Eric Mulder of Pella Christian was named to the Class 2A team, and Maddox Griffin of Wapello was named to the Class 1A team. prgtoken In addition, Kaden Hall of English Valleys, Carter Harmsen of Mid- Prairie, Karl Miller of Pella, Pete Moe of Iowa City West, and Blaise Porter of New London earned honorable mention recognition. prgtoken Congratulations to all of these young men, teams, families, schools, and communities on achieving these honors. They are all well deserved. prgtoken Madam , I also knowledge that tomorrow, March 29, my daughter, Taylor Miller-Meeks, was born, which was one of the best days of my life.
AMERICA CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR MANUFACTURING, PRE-EMINENCE IN TECHNOLOGY, AND ECONOMIC STRENGTH ACT OF 2022--Continued
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2022-3-28

well before we gaveled in to last week's Supreme Court confirmation hearing, our friends in the mainstream media had made it clear what the approved narrative was going to be. According to them, we were supposed to talk about what a historic moment it was and what a historic nominee Judge Jackson is. prgtoken My ic colleagues on the Judiciary Committee spent most of their time focusing on the approved talking points memo, but those of us who didn't play along were punished in print. prgtoken But, back home in Tennessee, these unhinged attacks by the media went over like a lead balloon, and I think my ic colleagues would benefit from listening to what people outside of Washington, DC, have to say because they--the people--are the ones who will bear the practical consequences of what happens here in DC. prgtoken Now, on Thursday, my ic colleagues declared victory for Judge Jackson, but Tennesseans I talked to this weekend still have a lot of questions. They expected more from her. They don't appreciate being called racist for saying they expected more. They wanted her to answer tough questions about the Constitution. They wanted assurance that a Justice Jackson would protect their constitutional rights. prgtoken They have no problem with having a former public defender on the Court. That could even be a good thing. But they wanted her to account for her record of granting light sentences to dangerous criminals. Why did she choose to let some of them out of jail on compassionate release? prgtoken I asked those questions, and I commend all of my colleagues on the committee who dug in and did the same thing. Many of my ic colleagues, on the other hand, accused us of ``tarnishing'' their historic moment. But Tennesseans didn't see it that way. They say it was the who tarnished the proceedings by ignoring their duty to vet Judge Jackson, who is up for a lifetime appointment to the highest Court in the land. They feel it was the media that tarnished the moment by politicizing--politicizing--the hearings. prgtoken Now, I cannot support Judge Jackson's nomination to the Supreme Court, but I am withholding my support for reasons my ic colleagues and the media have chosen to ignore. For all the focus my colleagues placed on ``judicial philosophy'' in previous confirmation hearings, I had hoped that Judge Jackson would come ready to tell us about hers, but she didn't. Instead, she came armed with a methodology that spoke to the thoroughness of her process but said very little about her approach to constitutional interpretation. prgtoken After the hysteria that broke out during Justice Barrett's hearings about the so-called dangers of originalism, I thought we might discover what sort of jurist my ic colleagues think would be more effective than a constitutionalist. But oh no--to ask that--you are not supposed to do that. prgtoken But, suddenly, judicia
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-3-28

we have all heard the phrase ``law enforcement family.'' This law enforcement family is a diverse family with representatives from all walks of life. This family is not bound by traditions of race, religion, color, or sex. This family is all inclusive. Today, I want to provide an example of this family and how they came together to save the life of a fellow law enforcement officer. prgtoken On January 28, 2022, Kentucky State Police Trooper Michael Sanguini was shot multiple times, while conducting a traffic stop in on County. According to the preliminary investigation, he was struck six times, of which three shots were stopped by his ballistic vest. One shot struck his portable radio, and another struck his issued taser, with one shot striking his body. prgtoken Although many officers from multiple agencies responded to assist the injured trooper, I want to recognize Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Officer Samantha Faoro for her quick response and actions of assistance. Officer Samantha Faoro is a native of Colorado, who move to Kentucky to pursue her career with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. She graduated from the police academy in February 2021 and was assigned to work in on County. Officer Faoro comes from a family of first responders, continuing the life of service to protect the great Commonwealth of Kentucky. prgtoken Officer Faoro was working in the area of Cynthiana, KY, when she heard Trooper Sanguini state he had been shot. Without hesitation, Officer Faoro responded directly to the scene to provide assistance to a fellow officer in need. Upon arrival to the scene, she observed the wounded trooper and quickly transported him to the hospital. Trooper Sanguini quickly received medical treatment for his gunshot wounds because of the quick action of Officer Faoro. prgtoken It is my privilege to stand here today and recognize another great officer such as Officer Samantha Faoro. She prgtoken exemplifies the law enforcement motto, ``To Protect, and To Serve.''
Ukraine (Executive Calendar)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-3-29

it has been more than a month since Russia launched an unprovoked and unwarranted attack against the people of Ukraine. In the interim, the world has marveled at the strength, the resiliency, and the courage of Ukrainian forces, as well as their leadership in President Zelenskyy. prgtoken Ukraine has a real shot at defeating this Russian aggression, but that can only happen if it has the weapons and resources it desperately needs. prgtoken I recently traveled to Poland and Germany with a bipartisan group of Senate colleagues to learn more about what Ukraine needs and the challenges our NATO allies are up against. prgtoken Over the course of 3 days, we met with American military leaders and diplomats, as well as members of the 82nd Airborne. We spoke with our NATO partners, who are supporting both the military and humanitarian needs of Ukraine, and we had the opportunity to talk to some of the Ukrainian refugees themselves. The primary message we heard, consistent message that we heard was, we need more and we need it faster--more Stingers, more Javelins, more air defenses, more lethal aid--and they reiterated their need for aircraft like the Poland MiGs. prgtoken Statements of support are important, but they do nothing to help Ukrainian forces defeat this Russian aggression. prgtoken It was an incredibly powerful and enlightening experience to hear directly from the incredible men and women on the ground, and I want to thank our friend, Senator Ernst from Iowa, for leading this bipartisan congressional delegation. I think it also sent a very strong message to our friends and allies in the region that 10 Senators--one-tenth of the United States Senate--were willing to make this trip on a bipartisan basis. I think we all came back with a deeper understanding of Ukraine's needs and a renewed sense of urgency to do everything in our power to make it happen. prgtoken Over the last 4 weeks, Russia has bombed Ukrainian hospitals, schools, apartment buildings, humanitarian refugee corridors even, and even civilians waiting in a bread line. It is pretty clear that we need to use every tool available to bolster Ukraine's defense and weaken the aggression of the Russian forces. It is not a matter of one or the other; we need to do both. prgtoken To support Ukraine, we need to answer the call for more defensive weapons. Whether intentionally or not, the administration has given Ukraine the bare minimum--just enough to keep it from being completely overrun by the Russians but not enough to help it win the war. In other words, the administration is propping up Ukraine to keep taking further hits rather than giving it the full forces it needs to win the fight. prgtoken We need to help Ukraine vanquish Russian forces from its territory entirely, not just to extend the length of this war. Actually, by not giving Ukraine everything it needs in order to repulse Russian aggression, we are playing into Putin's h