mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING AMIRAM COOPER
Becca Balint (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2024-2-7

I rise this morning to share the story of Amiram Cooper. prgtoken Amiram is 85, a husband, a father, a grandfather of nine, a composer, and a poet. His love for the arts and writing inspires everyone around him. prgtoken On October 7, he was 1 of more than 240 men, women, children, and elderly who were kidnapped by Hamas. prgtoken Amiram was one of the founders of Kibbutz Nir Oz, one of the sites of this horrible attack. This tight-knit community was left devastated by the brutality of that day. prgtoken Amiram and 135 others are still held captive in Gaza today. Their families continue to live a nightmare--devastated, not knowing what conditions their loved ones are in. It has been 123 days. prgtoken We must demand that medical and aid organizations be able to treat the hostages and negotiate on their behalf. prgtoken We must continue to do everything in our power to keep these hostages and their families in our hearts and to keep telling their stories. prgtoken We must bring every single hostage home and end this violence.
TRIBUTE TO GRETA BROWN
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2024-2-7

I rise today to express my sincere appreciation for the exceptional service rendered by Ms. Greta Brown during her four-decade tenure at the U.S. Senate Federal Credit Union, USSFCU. Greta has not only been a dedicated employee but has become an integral part of the fabric that binds our Senate community together. prgtoken Since 1981, Greta has been a constant presence within the Senate office buildings, witnessing the growth of the USSFCU from a small institution to a vital financial resource for Senators, dignitaries, and congressional staff. Her ability to connect with members, provide insightful financial advice, and create meaningful relationships has shaped the perception of the credit union within the walls of our office buildings. prgtoken Greta's journey is a testament to her commitment, professionalism, and the positive impact she has had on our community. She is a source of inspiration, always demonstrating dedication, poise, and flexibility in her tasks. Ambassador Alfonso E. Lenhardt rightly acknowledges her as one of the finest individuals, embodying the values that define our Senate community. prgtoken Many who know Greta echo this sentiment, expressing gratitude for her astute financial advice. Greta's influence extends beyond her role, with many young staffers seeking her guidance as they navigate their financial journeys. prgtoken In the spirit of ``people helping people,'' Greta has consistently served members with excellence and compassion. Her impact is evident in the numerous letters of appreciation she has received over the years. Greta is more than a colleague; she is a mentor, adviser, and friend to those fortunate enough to work alongside her. prgtoken As the credit union approaches its 90th anniversary, Greta stands as a symbol of continuity, dedication, and the values that define our Senate and Capitol Hill community. prgtoken In conclusion, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Greta Brown for her outstanding contributions to USSFCU and the broader Senate community. Her legacy will undoubtedly continue to resonate, inspiring us all to strive for excellence and service in our shared mission.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2024-2-7

I come to speak before the vote today, but I do hope that all of my colleagues heard the Senator from Oklahoma, heard his powerful words, especially the last several minutes, and pause and think about it. They were critically important for each one of us to think about, and for all of his work on this and for his powerful statement just now. prgtoken But if you want to understand why people can't stand politics, watch how many s vote against this bill. Some of my colleagues do not seem to understand this is not a game. There is a war happening right now in Ukraine where our allies are being gunned down and Putin is rolling his tanks into their homeland. There is a war happening right now between Israel and Hamas. There are civilians at this very moment caught in the crossfire. There are partners in the Indo-Pacific wondering if they can count on us. And let's not forget, there is the border, the site of countless photo ops, where we have a genuine need of reforms and resources. prgtoken That is the moment we are in. That is the moment that this package is meant to address. And by voting it down, s will be telling our allies, our word cannot be trusted; telling dictators like Putin that our threats are not serious; telling the world, American leadership has been hollowed out by obstructionism. And let's be clear, they will be telling the American people they don't want to solve the crisis at the border; they want to campaign on it because if you genuinely believe something is a crisis, you take any step you can to address it. You don't let a fire burn because wants to campaign on ashes. prgtoken We have heard a lot of talk from s about the border, about countering the Chinese Government, about supporting Israel and standing up to Putin. But governing is about action. Governing is about compromise. Governing is about standing behind your word in order to solve problems. prgtoken And I am sorry to say that despite the talks from many s about continuing to support Ukraine, they have yet to join us in actually voting for serious aid for Ukraine since last Congress. prgtoken As the minority leader admitted yesterday, this was all because his side, s, insisted--insisted--Ukraine aid be tied to border policies--a standard, by the way, that they have not applied to any of our other allies and one that tells every country who would partner with us that you better hope you don't become leverage for an unrelated, partisan demand. prgtoken It was an absurd request. I have said so from the start. But a lot hangs in the balance, so listened to them and took them at their word and have been glued to the negotiating table in order to address this problem, and I want to thank, from the bottom of my heart, my colleagues--to Senator Sinema, to Senator Lankford, to Senator Murphy--they worked so long
HONORING CINDY MACHADO
Jared Huffman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-2-7

I rise today in recognition of Cindy Machado upon her retirement from the Marin Humane Society (Marin Humane) after 40 years of extraordinary public service. prgtoken A longtime Northern California resident, Cindy has been fighting for the rights and welfare of animals with Marin Humane since 1984. At that time, the animal service officer role was dominated by men, but Cindy's knowledge of animal science, equines and livestock made her an effective enforcer of animal control and cruelty laws. She was quickly promoted to Field Services Sergeant in 1985 and assumed the role of Animal Services Director in 1996, a position she held until her retirement. prgtoken Cindy's impeccable leadership was critical to establishing Marin Humane as a highly respected organization locally, and at the regional, national, and international levels. She was instrumental in creating the Animal Law Enforcement Academy, a program hosted by Marin Humane through Santa Rosa Junior College, in partnership with the California Animal Welfare Association (Cal Animals). She also served the Academy as an instructor on issues including animal cruelty investigations, animal hoarding, and inspections, and managed an annual Advanced Academy program for almost two decades. prgtoken From pet shops and cock fighting rings to circuses and amusement parks, Cindy has worked tirelessly to end animal cruelty. She has led investigations, testified in court, and participated in many legislative hearings. Her influence has been far reaching as an advocate and educator, leading trainings and workshops on behalf of Marin Humane across the world, including at the Brazilian Animal Welfare Congress in 2000, in Taiwan with the Humane Society of the United States in 2001, and in Mexico with Compassion Without Borders in 2005. prgtoken Cindy has also been an animal advocate in preparation and response to natural disasters. She co-founded the Marin Horse Council's Equine Evacuation Committee in 2006, represented Marin Humane with Marin's Emergency Operations Center since 1996, and spearheaded a Marin County Veterinary Medical Association and Marin Humane joint committee to educate the community on impacts on animals. When a disaster hit, Cindy was always quick to act. She deployed to Houston during Hurricane Katrina to assist with animal evacuations, the 2009 Cosco Busan oil spill in San Francisco Bay, and nearly every wildfire in the region. prgtoken Among her numerous commitments, Cindy is a member and former chair of the Marin Humane Advocacy Committee, member and trainer of the CalAnimals Training Committee, Advisory Member of the Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance, and co-founder of the Marin County Hoarding Alliance Taskforce. Cindy was also pivotal in creating a non-lethal predator control model in collaboration with Marin's Agricultural Commission and Project Coyote, which remains in use today. prgtoken , I have personally witnessed Cindy in action and can atte
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-2-8

. My last question, of course, relates to the aftermath if we abandon Ukraine. I have a special connection and affection for the Baltic nations as well as Poland, which is so ably represented in the State of Illinois and city of Chicago. We are very proud of that fact. What does this say to those countries that are literally in the sights of Putin as the next victim if we walk away from this situation in Ukraine?
RESOLUTIONS SUBMITTED TODAY
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-2-8

this resolution concerns a request for evidence in a criminal action pending in State district court in Lansing, MI. In this case, 15 defendants are charged with multiple felony counts relating to a certificate of votes for President and Vice President submitted by an unofficial, alternate slate of electors from Michigan in connection with the 2020 Presidential election. The first preliminary hearing, which began in December 2023, is set to resume on February 13, 2024, with additional preliminary hearing and trial dates to be scheduled thereafter. prgtoken The prosecution in this case has requested testimony from Daniel Schwager, formerly counsel to the Secretary of the Senate, concerning his knowledge and observations of how electoral ballots are received and processed in the Senate, and the process and constitutional and legal bases for Congress's counting of the Electoral College votes. Senate Secretary Berry would like to cooperate with this request by providing relevant testimony at the preliminary hearings and trial from Mr. Schwager. prgtoken In keeping with the rules and practices of the Senate, the enclosed resolution would authorize the production of relevant testimony from Mr. Schwager, with representation by the Senate legal counsel.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Kirsten E. Gillibrand (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-2-8

I want to thank my colleague for his kindness in letting me go ahead. prgtoken , as Israel's war with Hamas drags into another month, I know it can feel hopeless to know that with every passing day, the chances that we will get these hostages home safely are dwindling. prgtoken But above all, we must not abandon them. We must not abandon hope. We must tell their stories and do everything we can to bring them home. prgtoken I recently met a woman, Yarden. Her little sister, Romi, is a hostage. She said that early on the morning of October 7, she woke up to the sound of her sister's phone call. At first, Yardan was confused. She knew her sister was supposed to be having the time of her life at the Nova music festival. Instead, Romi was calling her, scared to death. She said a lot of missiles were being fired, but there was no shelter at the open-air festival. prgtoken Romi and her best friend Gaya tried to drive away, but they got stuck in a traffic jam. Suddenly, they saw people shouting and running: Get out of the car. There are terrorists. Run for your lives. prgtoken They hid in a bush as gunshots sounded. Over the phone, Yarden asked Romi if there were police anywhere around her. ``Yes,'' Romi whispered. ``There is one policeman''--just one policeman facing a multitude of terrorists. prgtoken Another friend, Ben, came to rescue the girls with his car, and the group began to drive away, picking up another man, Ofir. For 10 minutes, the group thought they would be safe, but then Romi called her mother. She said: Mom? We were ambushed. They are shooting at us. Ben is most likely dead. Gaya was shot, and she is not responding. Ofir is wounded badly. I was shot in my arm. If no one comes quickly, I will be dead. prgtoken Romi was on the phone with her mother and sister for 4\1/2\ hours that day, including at the moment she was captured. prgtoken Her family says that she has asthma and chronic sinusitis, and they worry that she could be struggling to breathe without her inhaler. They worry that her gunshot wound is not being properly treated. And they are worried that she doesn't have food, fresh water or fresh air. prgtoken Romi's sister Yarden says she gets nauseated when she thinks about her sister. She gets nauseated when she uses the bathroom or takes a shower because she doesn't know whether her sister can do that safely. She misses Romi desperately and describes her as a magnificent young woman. prgtoken A natural leader and advocate for justice, Romi loves dancing and traveling and hanging out with her friends. Her family says that everyone who meets her falls in love with her immediately; that she is her family's private sunshine and the glue that holds them together. prgtoken Romi, like all the people still in Hamas captivity, deserves to live her life to the fullest. She deserves to have her story told. And so we have to keep telling it--and never abandon hope--for her, her family,
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Mark Kelly (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2024-2-8

the Federal Government has failed Arizona and other border States for decades. And for decades, Congress has done nothing about it. As we have lurched from crisis to crisis, Arizona and other border States have always been hit the hardest. prgtoken This humanitarian crisis is bad for asylum seekers, bad for law enforcement, and bad for communities. The problem gets worse the longer it is ignored. And yet for decades, nothing has been done. I see it every time I go to the border. So have my colleagues who have traveled to Arizona to see it for themselves. I hear about it every time I talk to border mayors and sheriffs. And we talk about it every day here in the Senate and over in the House. In fact, there are few topics we talk about more while nothing changes. prgtoken This week, we had a real and rare opportunity to actually do something about it. There was a real plan, a real bill ready to be passed and signed into law by the President. We got here because for months, Senators Sinema, Murphy, and Lankford worked together on a bipartisan agreement almost every single day for months. If we passed it, we would get more Border Patrol agents, more technology to stop fentanyl, more asylum officers to quickly screen asylum claims, and more judges to bring down this massive backlog of cases. That would make a real difference. If we passed it, we would have an updated asylum system, authorities to prevent the border from being overwhelmed, and more visas to keep families together. prgtoken We would have a more secure and fair process at the border. That is what all of us want, and it should be no surprise that we got this plan thanks to s and just working together. It was the product of tough conversations and compromise--in other words, the way legislation is supposed to happen. And it came together in an agreement that was not going to just address the border, but also the biggest challenges in our national security. prgtoken This is a perilous time. The decisions we make here, now, will shape the world that our kids and grandkids grow up in. As Hamas and other Iranian-backed militias threaten stability in the Middle East, this agreement included support for our ally Israel and aid for civilians in Gaza. prgtoken And as China expands its influence in order to offset U.S. power in the region, this agreement included support for Taiwan and other partners in the Pacific to strengthen their own self-defense. prgtoken Finally, as Putin wages his illegal war to annex Ukraine and destabilize Europe, this agreement included desperately needed weapons and ammunition to support Ukraine in their self-defense. I have traveled to Ukraine twice since Russia invaded nearly 2 years ago. As someone who has fought in combat myself, I was struck by the bravery of their citizens and soldiers in this existential fight that they are facing. Over the course of the last 2 years, armed with support from u
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Michael F. Bennet (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2024-2-8

I am very pleased to be here this afternoon with the Senator from New Hampshire and the Senator from Maryland to talk about our commitments in Europe, our commitments to Ukraine. I want to thank them for their leadership on the Armed Services Committee and the Foreign Relations Committee here in the Senate. They are a team that I wouldn't want to tangle with. And I am glad they are out here on the floor today as allies in support of this incredibly important mission. prgtoken I am also very glad that after 4 months of an endless--almost seemed endless--and painful set of negotiations, we find ourselves in a place where we have actually had a sign of bipartisan cooperation to fulfill our obligations at this really, really critical moment just in the nick of time. And I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for that strong vote. And I hope as we go forward in the coming hours that that is a bill that we will actually build on because there are some people who are saying this will never pass the House of Representatives. It never will unless we can figure out how to pass it here. And we can do it in a bipartisan way. And we are off to that start. prgtoken When Russia invaded Ukraine just 2 years ago, the world expected Kyiv would fall in 72 hours; that Putin would depose Ukraine's government and that he would install a puppet government in that capital city. But the Ukrainian people astonished the world. prgtoken Practically barehanded, the Ukrainians fought off Putin's army, saving Kyiv and its democratic government. And since then, with our help, they have liberated over half of the territory that Putin stole from them. They have won battle after battle after battle that nobody ever thought they could win. prgtoken As the Senator from New Hampshire said, they basically pushed Putin out of the Black Sea, opening up the seaways to get wheat out to the rest of the world--to Africa and to other places in the world. They don't even have a navy, the Ukrainians. They are a nation that is--I am talking about this in Colorado. It is like this is an entire nation of MacGyvers. And every day they are figuring out some new way to defeat Vladimir Putin or to push him out of the Black Sea. prgtoken Just last week, Ukraine sank another one of Putin's warships. And since the war began, Putin has killed 70,000 Ukrainian troops and nearly 100,000 Ukrainian civilians. prgtoken Our military support and our intelligence support has been critical. But it is really important to remember that it has only represented less than 0.4 percent of our economy--of our GDP--and that we are spending less as a percentage of our economy than many of our European allies. prgtoken I know it is fashionable around here for some people to say that the folks in Europe aren't doing their part. But many of them are actually doing more as a group. They are doing more than we have done. prgtoken In fairness to us, we provided
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Lindsey Graham (Republican, SC) \u2014 2024-2-8

. Thank you. So let's have an overview of where we are at here. Everything my colleagues on the ic side said about helping Ukraine makes perfect sense to me. I think we need to help Ukraine. prgtoken I thought it was a really bad idea to get out of Iraq in 2011, and I issued a statement about our withdrawal in 2011. I said: I respectfully disagree with President . I feel all we have worked for, fought for, sacrificed for is very much in jeopardy by today's announcement. I hope I am wrong and the President is right, but I fear this decision has set in motion events that will come back to haunt our country. prgtoken The ISIS was not the JV team. A lot of people were slaughtered throughout the planet because of that ill-advised decision. prgtoken So we got out of Afghanistan. President chose to do that. I have a statement here I will put in the record. I was very clear that if we get out of Afghanistan, pull all the troops, that there will be a reemergence of al-Qaida and ISIS and there will be a great major upheaval, as this decision by President is a disaster in the making. prgtoken So a lot of s agree with those two things. To my colleagues, if we pull the plug on Ukraine, it is going to be worse than Afghanistan. The idea of pulling the plug on Ukraine and it will not affect our national security is a fantasy. prgtoken It was clear to me that getting out of Iraq in 2011 was too soon and would lead to the rise of radical Islamic terrorists. They literally took over half the country, killed people in Paris and here and everywhere else. prgtoken Now we are back in Iraq. We should never have got out in the first place. The bottom line about Afghanistan--I know it was a long slog and people prgtoken wanted out, but the Taliban took over within weeks. And the Taliban being in charge of Afghanistan led to other people in the world thinking, hey, America is weak, now is the time to pounce. prgtoken So in 2021, we withdraw from Afghanistan. The Taliban take over. In 2022, Russia invades Ukraine. That has been a complete disaster. In 2023, Hamas attacks Israel, killing more Jewish people than at any time since the holocaust. In 2024, Iranian proxies are killing American soldiers and they are running wild throughout the world. Other than that, everything is pretty good. prgtoken Now having said all that, my point is, I want to help Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. I really do. I think it is in our national security interests to do all of the above. But I have also said from, like, day one: I want to help other countries, but we got to help our country first. prgtoken Now what do I mean by that? I mean that the border is not just broken, it is a complete nightmare. It is a national security disaster in the making; 7 million people have come across the border illegally-- a lot of people on the Terrorist Watchlist. So it has been a nightmare. And we tried to sit