mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2023-3-22

in reserving the right to object, I am interested in this, and Senator Hawley and I discussed this issue just today. This is the first I have learned of it--in the last 24 hours-- and I was pleased to have had a chance to have discussed it with him. prgtoken Coincidentally, we are facing this at the Dover Air Force Base, which may be the finest Air Force base in the country. We have literally thousands of people--uniformed personnel and probably another 1,000 civilian employees and a bunch of children--who are involved in a school that is being rebuilt and replaced on the base. prgtoken I explained to Senator Hawley that we are facing something a little different from the one he is explaining, but it is one that reminds me that there are children's lives and health at stake, and their future is maybe not in the balance, but it is a matter of concern. prgtoken We are facing, as I said, a situation that reminds me a little bit of this in Delaware in realtime. Our school construction issue at the Dover Air Force Base and the safety issues there that are related to it have led my staff--my Delaware staff--and me to work with the Army Corps of Engineers in order to make sure that the issues that are particular to the Dover Air Force Base and to our school at that base-- it is actually a replacement school--are addressed. So, again, I am more than just a little bit interested and concerned about the issues that are outlined here. prgtoken My concern, in not spending like more than a few minutes in the last 8 hours in trying to learn a little bit more about the issue here, is that I have learned that the drafting of Senator Hawley's bill, however, to some is confusing and raises some serious implementation concerns based on the initial feedback we have received from both the Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Department of Energy as well as from the initial read of the legislation from members of my staff. prgtoken Just a couple of points. prgtoken First, the bill appears to overlap a number of authorities between these two Agencies, and the drafting of the text is not clear as to which Agency should be responsible for the remediation or the construction of a new school. prgtoken Second, the Army Corps of Engineers is telling my staff that, from all of the testing done, the Agency determined the school to be safe, and the results have been corroborated by an independent third testing party. prgtoken In having not been steeped in this for days or weeks but really for minutes, I need some time, and I think my staff would appreciate some more time to work with the Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Energy to understand how we can help Senator Hawley's constituents, including the very young ones who are involved in this. prgtoken With that, I am going to object at this time to Senator Hawley's unanimous consent request in order to provide us with the time to work with the Army Corps of Engineers and
HONORING NEW JERSEY STATE SENATOR RONALD RICE
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-3-22

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the life of one of New Jersey's most distinguished State senators. prgtoken New Jersey State Senator Ronald Rice passed away on March 15. He spent more than 35 years serving the people of New Jersey's 28th District, and he was the longest serving Black legislator in our State's history. prgtoken Senator Rice started as a Newark City Council member before he became a State senator, but his service to our community and our country extended beyond politics. Senator Rice was a sergeant in the Marine Corps and a decorated Vietnam veteran. He spent 8 years as a police detective and 4 years as Newark's deputy mayor. prgtoken As a State senator, he was known for his strong advocacy for social justice and civil rights. His dedication to equality was known throughout the State. prgtoken Senator Rice was an exceptional public servant, and I know his work for Newark and the people of New Jersey will be missed.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-3-22

I rise to speak to the amendments that we are considering on the effort to repeal the 1991 and 2002 authorization for the use of military force. prgtoken As I have previously said, I welcome a broader discussion on the 2001 authorization for the use of military force, but that is not before us today. prgtoken Following repeal of the 1991 and 2002 AUMF, I hope that we can engage in what will likely be a robust debate about what authorities the administration does need and what the scope, potentially, of a replacement AUMF would be, but as yet we have not had that substantive discussion, and I don't believe it would be wise to repeal the 2001 AUMF without engaging in that debate first, without having a hearing to understand what is the authority the administration needs to continue to protect America. prgtoken The details matter here. We just finished a hearing at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee with the Secretary of State. He testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that the 2001 AUMF is still a vital authority that is being relied on. So we may disagree with how the 2001 AUMF has been maybe stretched by other executive branches and concerned as to how we will continue to use it, but an outright repeal, with nothing to replace it--nothing to replace it--is not a sound response that ensures our military has what it needs to execute missions of defense of U.S. interests. prgtoken So I support a debate to replace the 2001 AUMF and to develop what should be the specifics of that replacement. But absent a framework to replace it with a new authority, how do we repeal it outright and leave the country naked? So I urge my colleagues to oppose the Paul amendment.I want to speak to Senator Graham's amendment. prgtoken I share and appreciate Senator Graham's concern about the Iranian regime. Indeed, he and I have worked very closely on the issue of Iranian threats. I have spent the better part of my career addressing Iranian threats--its nuclear program, its support for global terrorism, its destabilizing its neighborhood through proxies and interference, and the threat that it poses to its own citizens. Yet the question before us is not whether Iran poses a threat to U.S. interests but whether the 2002 AUMF is necessary to counter those threats and if there is already sufficient legal authority to respond to any such threat. And the answer is pretty clear. prgtoken The President is clear in his view--one shared by every recent administration--that he has sufficient authority under article II to defend U.S. interests and personnel against Iranian-backed militias. Indeed, the administration has actually taken military action a number of times to protect and defend our personnel against attacks from these groups and to deter future attacks. prgtoken The fact is, the 2002 AUMF that we have been debating is superfluous to today's military efforts in the Middle East. The administration ha
CELEBRATING REV. DR. BERNICE KING'S 60TH BIRTHDAY
Nikema Williams (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2023-3-22

I rise today to celebrate the 60th birthday of Rev. Dr. Bernice King. A true representation of Atlanta Influences Everything, Dr. King was born in Atlanta the youngest child of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, then graduated from Spelman College (where she, like her mother, became a distinguished member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc), one of Atlanta's incredible HBCUs, and earned both a Master's in Divinity and a law degree from Atlanta's Emory University. prgtoken As the second woman ever ordained at Ebenezer Baptist Church and the CEO of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center For Nonviolent Social Change, Dr. Bernice King is a trailblazer and civil rights leader in her own right. Though there is perhaps no one in America now who carries such a heavy weight of history on their shoulders, she does so with unparalleled faith, integrity, and power. Dr. King's work to build our Beloved Community reminds us that we must move in the ``fierce urgency of now.'' prgtoken Dr. Bernice King has been a church leader, organizing and developing several new ministries. Bernice has been a community leader, establishing the Be a King Scholarship in honor of her mother at Spelman College and leading the 2013 ``Let Freedom Ring'' event bringing together a global audience including Presidents , Bill Clinton, and Jimmy Carter, and commemorating the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. And Dr. Bernice King has been a political leader, playing a pivotal role in bringing the Atlanta business community to the table in supporting critical racial equity and social justice issues during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, leading to the passage of long-overdue anti-hate crimes legislation. prgtoken As her father said, ``the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.'' But what we must remember, and Bernice demonstrates for us, is that the arc does not bend on its own. She reminds us that we cannot afford to operate as if we have the luxury of time; ``we must fight with a fierce determination to discover a win-win pathway to build the Beloved Community'' and we must ``forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline.'' prgtoken With that eternal spirit in mind, Bernice kept the Beloved Community together, engaged, and active, even during the pandemic. I was so honored when she included me with the illustrious LaTosha Brown and the amazing Al Vivian for an invaluable conversation in April 2021 about the rampant suppression of the Black vote around the country, and how important our continued advocacy for voting rights is. prgtoken During that conversation, Dr. Bernice King reminded us of her father's important imploration ``Let us march on ballot boxes until we send to our city councils, state legislatures, and the United States Congress, men who will not fear to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with thy God.'' prgtoken I remember that le
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2023-3-22

this past Sunday marked the 20-year anniversary of the war in Iraq. I could not be prouder of our servicemembers who bravely have served our Nation overseas. I am deeply grateful for their service and their sacrifice, and I am committed to making sure we live up to our obligations to each and every one of them. prgtoken As I have said many times, this is a war I never thought we should have started, and it is one we clearly should have ended long ago. prgtoken I come to the floor today to urge my colleagues to commemorate the anniversary of this war by officially ending this badly outdated war authorization at long last. I urge them to join me in taking the long- overdue step of reasserting Congress's authority in decisions about war and peace by voting to repeal the 1991 and 2002 authorizations for use of military force because when we send people to war, it should be a decision, not a status quo. prgtoken The decision about whether or not to go to war and put the servicemembers' lives at risk is the most serious and most consequential issue we can debate here in the U.S. Senate. American lives, American security, and America's future are all at stake when our country decides questions of war and peace. prgtoken When we first deliberated on whether to take action in Iraq, I wanted to know with absolute confidence we had done our due diligence before moving forward with the weighty decision to send our men and women into a dangerous conflict. That is why all those years ago I came to the floor to debate the very resolution that gave President the authority he wanted to wage war in Iraq. I wanted to know what our goals were, what our plan was, what a victory and an exit strategy looked like, and what evidence we had that this was necessary. prgtoken I will tell you, after hearing all the sides on whether to engage our military, one thing I still was not hearing was clear answers. I determined I could not support sending our men and women into harm's way on an ill-defined mission--a mission which ultimately cost us dearly in lives most importantly but also in dollars and in our standing around the world. prgtoken Twenty years later, the mission in Iraq is over. Our troops have returned home, and Iraq's Government has evolved into a diplomatic partner. But those outdated legal authorizations remain on the books, leaving an open-ended basis for Presidents to misuse our military power for political gain. prgtoken We have already seen how leaders can use them as a free pass to recklessly push for the misuse of military force. Just 3 years ago, without consulting Congress, former President ordered missile strikes in Iraq against an Iranian military leader, which, among many things, jeopardized our relationships with key allies, risked the safety of U.S. servicemembers and civilians, and brought us perilously close to war. That is not how this should work. That is not how the Constitution says
HONORING ANITA WILLIAMS
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-3-22

I rise today to honor the life of Anita Williams, an incredible activist, a founding member of the Niagara Movement ic Club, a former member of my team, and a dear friend of mine. I would like to extend my condolences to Anita's family, her sisters Sandra Herbert and Paula Carter, and her beloved friends and Church community. They are in my prayers during this difficult time. prgtoken Ms. Williams was born on December 5, 1945, in Memphis, Tennessee but relocated to California during her childhood. Anita attended Pacific Union College and went on to earn her nursing degree from Contra Costa Community College. Her passion for service eventually led her to politics and organizing, as Ms. Williams set out to uplift the underrepresented voices in Oakland, particularly the voices of African American women. prgtoken Ms. Williams was a charter member of the non-profit, Black Women Organized for Political Action, which seeks to increase political engagement and participation amongst African American women through advocacy and education. Their organization successfully helped elect the late Congressman Dellums and raised over $75,000 for his campaign. prgtoken Ms. Williams was also a founding member of the New Niagara Movement ic Club, an organization that is near to my heart. The Niagara Movement ic Club has been integral in increasing African American representation in Oakland and organizing the community. Ms. Williams impressively served as their second president and led the charge in fundraising efforts. prgtoken Anita's commitment to advancing racial justice and equity throughout her life will ensure that her legacy lives on. The outcome of her years of hard work and advocacy is ever-present throughout our community, as the city of Oakland has been a leader in the national fight for racial justice. In remembrance of all the good that Ms. Williams extended to the world, let us continue in her footsteps. prgtoken Anita was a kind, dedicated, and selfless woman whose life was spent serving her community and those around her. She was a political force in the Bay Area and an unbelievable field and casework staffer and was committed to progressive causes that improved the lives of the most vulnerable. prgtoken Anita and my late mother had a special and loving relationship, as she did with my two sons. I've been fortunate enough to speak with her several times over the last few weeks before her passing, and it brings me comfort that she was able to spend her final days with her sister and family in Louisiana, surrounded by those who loved her. I know that because of her deep faith, she was ready to be called home to her maker. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time. She will be truly missed. prgtoken Ms. Williams will be remembered as a fierce advocate and a true force for good. Today, I recognize and celebrate her beautiful life. May she rest in
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Amy Klobuchar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2023-3-22

I rise in support of the legislation repealing the 1991 and 2002 authorizations for use of military force against Iraq. I am pleased about the vote. prgtoken I want to thank Senator Tim Kaine and Senator Todd Young for leading this bipartisan legislation as well as Chair Bob Menendez for moving it through the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken With this bill, we are asserting Congress's constitutional power to determine when to begin and end wars. These AUMFs were passed 32 and 21 years ago respectively. The Gulf war ended in a matter of months, and the Iraq war that began more than a decade later has been over for 12 years. It is time for Congress to act. prgtoken Open-ended AUMFs serve no strategic purpose and undermine Congress's authority to determine if and when to send our troops into battle, which is a major decision that we should make. prgtoken On top of that, they come with great risk. It is far too easy for a Presidential administration to treat an AUMF as blanket permission to enter into or to stoke conflicts abroad. It doesn't matter which party is in the White House--our Constitution grants war powers to Congress. prgtoken We also must recognize that the situation on the ground has changed. Iraq is now a sovereign democracy and America's strategic partner in the Middle East. If we want to work with them to advance stability in the region--and we should--what kind of signal does it send to have our laws identify Iraq as an enemy nation? prgtoken Repealing the AUMFs will not halt our military's strategic operations in Iraq, and it will not harm our national defense; but it will offer a measure of closure to the veterans and servicemembers who sacrificed so much on the battlefield. prgtoken I will not soon forget when I went to Baghdad and Fallujah and saw firsthand the bravery and commitment of our troops. The Minnesota soldiers I met over there--as, I am sure, the Presiding Officer met with New Hampshire soldiers--never once complained about their missions. Instead, they asked me to call their moms and dads at home to tell them they were OK. prgtoken And not a day goes by that I don't think of that afternoon at the Baghdad Airport. By circumstance, we were getting on a plane. I saw a group standing, and I went over there. They were members of the Duluth National Guard, whom I have met many times since. They were there, saluting, as six caskets, draped in American flags, were loaded onto a plane to be flown home. prgtoken Our troops did their jobs and more. Let's do ours. It is time to bring an end to the AUMFs and the war. prgtoken .
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-3-22

very briefly, as I know we are about to begin the vote, the Paul amendment is just one that is based on a sentiment that I think many of us agree with--that the 2001 authorization needs revision. He proposes to repeal it but not for 6 months, giving us time to do the revision. I would vote against it but would look forward to working with him and others and the administration to find out what an appropriate revision should be. I don't think we should leave a gap. prgtoken With respect to the Graham amendment--a colleague who is a good friend--the President has the ability to take action against Iranian- backed militias in Iraq. The President is doing that every day, not based on the 2002 authorization. prgtoken I agree with my colleague from New Jersey in that this is a debate about ending a war authorization that has gone on for 20 years, not on the floor, without committee action, coming up with a new authorization against a new enemy. If we need to do that, we can discuss it in committee. prgtoken The good news is that the President has article II power to defend against Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and is doing it every day. prgtoken With that, I would urge a ``no'' vote on both the Graham and Paul amendments.
VOTE EXPLANATION
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-3-22

. ; I was necessarily absent for rollcall vote No. 63, motion to proceed to S.316, a bill to repeal the authorizations for use of military force against Iraq. Had I been present for the vote, I would have voted yea. prgtoken I was necessarily absent for rollcall vote No. 64, Confirmation of the nomination of Gordon Gallagher to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Colorado. Had I been present for the vote, I would have voted yea. prgtoken I was necessarily absent for rollcall vote No. 65, on the Paul Amendment No. 2, to repeal the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force. Had I been present for the vote, I would have voted nay. prgtoken I was necessarily absent for rollcall vote No. 66, on the Graham Amendment No. 14 to provide for more targeted authority under the Authorizations for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002. Had I been present for the vote, I would have voted nay.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-3-22

first let me salute our chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and our Member of the committee, the Senator from Virginia, for the great work they have done. prgtoken We are trying to be very fair in the amendment process. We are trying to allow amendments to occur, but we want to try to move the bill along as well and not just do things for dilatory or extraneous purposes. So I am very glad we have agreed on these three amendments and hope we can agree on a few more and get things done. Order of Business prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent that it be in order to consider the following amendments: Paul No. 2, Graham No. 14, Lee No. 22; that if offered, the Senate vote in relation to the Paul and Graham amendments at 5:50 p.m. today, with 2 minutes for debate equally divided between votes; further, that the Senate vote in relation to the Lee amendment at a time to be determined by the majority leader, following consultation with the leader, with 60 affirmative votes required for the adoption of the Paul and Lee amendments, all without intervening action or debate.
TRIBUTE TO PASTOR HAN BYEONG CHEOL
Jon Ossoff (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2023-3-22

I rise today to commend Pastor Han prgtoken Byeong Cheol, senior pastor of the Korean Central Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, for his years of service and advocacy on behalf of Atlanta's Korean American community. Since 2009, Pastor Han has led the Korean Central Presbyterian Church's missionary work and has dedicated his time to spreading the gospel to his local Korean community and the entire region. prgtoken Two years ago, following the horrific spa shootings in which three members of Georgia's Korean American community lost their lives, Pastor Han demonstrated strong leadership by bringing faith leaders together to speak out against acts of hate and help the community heal. At a time when acts of violence toward Asian Americans are on the rise across our Nation, Pastor Han is stepping up to spread awareness about the rise of hate crimes, educating people on how to use faith to bring about positive change, and guiding his community forward. prgtoken Georgia's Korean American community is strong, and even in the face of vile attacks, their resolve has not broken. Pastor Han and the Korean Central Presbyterian Church community are prime examples of that. As we commemorate this solemn anniversary, may we find solace in those in our community like Pastor Han who have turned tragedy into healing. prgtoken As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I recognize and commend Pastor Han Byeong Cheol for his years of service to Georgia's Korean American community.