mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Voting Rights (Executive Calendar)
Cynthia M. Lummis (Republican, WY) \u2014 2022-1-12

it is always an honor to address the people of the United States from the floor of the U.S. Senate, and tonight is no exception. prgtoken I want to thank my colleague from Oklahoma for his wonderful remarks. prgtoken In order to form a more perfect Union, our Founding Fathers gave us a government that filters the will of the majority through a deliberative process of amendment and debate. For centuries, this has meant that legislative change, while slower in the United States than in some other countries, is moderated through healthy compromises and informed by a greater number of voices. This, in turn, has tended to give us legislation that benefits more Americans. prgtoken In recent decades, one of the most important factors in this process has been the Senate filibuster. It is one of the defining characteristics that sets the Senate apart from the House, and I served in the House. I remember how frustrating it was to send bill after bill to the Senate only to watch those bills die. prgtoken But because the House is set up on a more partisan basis, some of the bills we sent over here were pretty partisan. So the Senate has a chance to either look at those and reject them as purely partisan or, more frequently, take up bills that have been crafted on a bipartisan basis in this body, and I respect that. prgtoken The House is about simple majority rule, but the Senate, thanks in part to the filibuster, is defined by the rights of the minority party. Simply put, it gives the party not in power a voice to speak for forgotten Americans and for small States like Wyoming. prgtoken I am continually amazed at the whiplash-inducing about-face that Senate are doing on this issue. It was mentioned earlier by the previous speaker. Senate may be trying to end the filibuster today, but until recently, they sang a very different tune. As was pointed out, Majority Leader Schumer, in 2005, said that abolishing the filibuster would be doomsday for democracy--doomsday. Majority Whip Durbin said in 2018 that ending the filibuster would be the end of the Senate as was originally devised and created going back to our Founding Fathers. Vice President signed a letter in 2017, with 31 ic Senators, urging the protection of the filibuster. President was also a big supporter of the filibuster, calling it a Senator's right to require 60 votes for legislation and claiming that efforts to undermine the filibuster are a ``power grab'' by the majority party. prgtoken Well, today President and Senate are trying to do just that, grab power. They are trying to overhaul our voting system by nuking the filibuster and seizing unchecked power. prgtoken Some of their more levelheaded and forward-thinking colleagues really are hesitant to do that. To their great credit and to the benefit of the institution of the Senate, my colleagues Kyrsten Sinema and Joe Manchin recognize that wha
COVID-19 TESTING SHORTAGE
John W. Rose (Republican, TN) \u2014 2022-1-12

President promised to ``shut down the COVID-19 virus, not the country.'' He also promised ``access to regular, reliable, and free COVID-19 testing.'' prgtoken But as we near a year into his Presidency, he has failed to deliver on these basic promises. In the administration we got Operation Warp Speed. However, for the administration we seem to be getting operation no rush. prgtoken President alone is to blame for the current testing shortage that the American people are facing. Just look at the facts. prgtoken In the spring of 2021, when a group of health agency officials approached the White House on a proposal to purchase millions of rapid tests, the White House officials never followed up. prgtoken In October 2021, White House officials rejected a proposal for free rapid tests for the holiday season. prgtoken In December 2021, President announced that 500 million tests would be sent out in January 2022, however, the contract for these tests has yet to be signed. prgtoken The bottom line is that President failed to meet his promises, and the American people are paying the price.
Filibuster (Executive Calendar)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2022-1-12

the ' campaign to break the Senate continues. prgtoken I want to read a quote: The ideologues in the Senate want to turn what the Founding Fathers called the cooling saucer of democracy into the rubber stamp of dictatorship. prgtoken Not my words--those are the words of the current Senate leader back in 2005 when filibuster changes were under discussion. The current leader was once, in fact, a defender of the filibuster and the role it plays in ensuring that the minority party in the Senate and the Americans it represents have a voice. In fact, the minority leader at various times has described trying to get rid of the filibuster as ``doomsday for democracy.'' He described those who were behind the effort to try to get rid of the filibuster as being in support of turning America into ``a banana republic.'' Those were statements made by the current leader when he was defending the filibuster in years past. prgtoken In fact, a lot of my colleagues across the aisle have defended the filibuster and used the filibuster repeatedly when they were in the minority. In the last Congress alone, filibustered COVID relief legislation until they got a bill that they could support. They filibustered police reform legislation. They filibustered Israel legislation. They filibustered pro-life legislation--and on and on. prgtoken While s certainly didn't enjoy it when used the filibuster when we were in the majority, we recognized that it meant that our Senate was working the way that the Founders intended--as a place of compromise and deliberation, where the minority, as well as the majority, was represented. That is why we resisted repeated calls from the former President, our party's President, when we had the majority to abolish the filibuster. prgtoken Abolishing the filibuster certainly would have made it easier for us to advance important legislation--legislation that was of value to Members on our side, things that we wanted to see get done--but we knew that sacrificing the long-term good of the Senate and the country for short-term gain was not an acceptable course of action. prgtoken Let's be very clear that the gain would have been short term. If we had abolished the legislative filibuster, we could have passed a lot of important legislation, only to see it overturned as soon as took control of the legislative and executive branches. Once we returned to unified government, we could, of course, have put our original legislation back in place. That is the kind ping- ponging that would be terrible for our country. prgtoken Sharp changes in Federal policy every few years would mean endless confusion for Americans. Plus, free of the moderating influence of the filibuster, legislation would almost unquestionably become more extreme, which would harden and intensify partisan division not just here in Congr
Tribute to Staff Sergeant John ``Big John'' Quintrell (Executive Calendar)
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2022-1-12

today, I have the distinct honor of recognizing John ``Big John'' Quintrell of Helena, MT, for bravely serving our Nation during the Vietnam war and for his dedication to supporting the heroes who fought alongside him. prgtoken John served honorably in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969 with the Wolfhounds. I understand there are some Wolfhounds watching tonight. The Wolfhounds are the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. And he received honors, including the Bronze Star with Valor and the Purple Heart. prgtoken Upon returning home, John was met with hostility and was shamed for his sacrifice in Vietnam by his fellow Americans. For the next 35 years, John, like so many of our veterans, kept that pain to himself. prgtoken In 2004, John opened a box--a box filled with items that brought back memories of Vietnam--and he was inspired to host a reunion for his fellow Vietnam veterans. prgtoken For the very first time in over 35 years, these men were reunited. John's reunion gave these often-forgotten heroes a sense of peace, a sense of acceptance, friendship, and healing. And following that successful reunion, John and the other Wolfhounds were on a mission to find others who served beside them. prgtoken And since 2004, John has connected with over 125 Wolfhounds, and many have attended 1 of the 9 reunions John planned. After hearing John's story, his children and grandchildren worked to keep these reunions going and the legacy alive. prgtoken John's support for his fellow Wolfhounds extends far beyond the reunions he planned. In 2018, John decided to document the stories of the Wolfhounds and their time in Vietnam. To date, John has conducted over 90--90--video interviews, and because of John's work, future generations will have the opportunity to hear their relatives' firsthand account of service in Vietnam. prgtoken John decided to share his own story by publishing a book entitled ``My 365 Days With the Wolfhounds in Vietnam,'' and he did that in 2021. prgtoken John's honest account of his experience in the Vietnam war has given countless veterans and their family members a sense of understanding, as well as healing. After years of suppressing memories of his time in Vietnam, John now shares his story. He shares his story with others and encourages them to share their own experience and find their own path to healing. prgtoken A big thanks to John's passion, and because of his dedication in supporting his fellow veterans, many soldiers are once again proud of their sacrifice to our great Nation. You see, John epitomizes the heart of a Montana veteran, whose selfless service has reached far beyond the battlefield. So I want to thank John. I want to thank John for his service to our great country and for the kindness he has shown to the heroes who served alongside him. prgtoken John, keep up the great work because you make Montana proud, and you make America proud.
CONGRATULATING THE GEORGIA BULLDOGS
Jody B. Hice (Republican, GA) \u2014 2022-1-12

I rise to congratulate this year's college football national championship team, the Georgia Bulldogs. prgtoken For the first time since 1980, the Bulldogs are bringing the college football national championship trophy back to Athens, Georgia, after beating the Alabama Crimson Tide by a score of 33-18 this past Monday. prgtoken I could not be more proud of the Dawgs for showing all of us the true definition of heart, of character, and of dedication. prgtoken After losing to the Crimson Tide in the SEC championship game a few weeks back, the Bulldogs worked, they prepared, they practiced with intense focus in order to come back and win the national championship. prgtoken This team really gave us everything they had. They put it all on the field, and I am humbled to represent the University of Georgia and the 10th Congressional District of Georgia. prgtoken The Dawg spirit never ceases to amaze me. I want to extend sincere congratulations to the entire team, to Coach Kirby Smart and his coaching staff, and to the entire Dawg Nation. prgtoken Go Dawgs. Congratulations. It has been a great season.
COMMEMORATING THE LIFE OF DR. ANTHONY ORTEGON
Lauren Boebert (Republican, CO) \u2014 2022-1-12

I rise to commemorate the life of Dr. Anthony Ortegon of Pueblo, Colorado. prgtoken Dr. Ortegon and his amazing, strong, powerful wife, Vera, realized their American Dream early on. He will be remembered by those he loved as a God-fearing, country-loving, family man who was defined by his strong work ethic and love for helping others. prgtoken Dr. Ortegon was born in Bogota, Colombia, and made a courageous move to America, determined to create a better life for himself and his family. He finished college in 2\1/2\ years and attended the University of Miami's medical school to begin his passion for medicine and his patients, whom he loved. His work ethic was guided by his faith in God, and he trusted that he could build a life for himself in America. prgtoken He served the community of Pueblo for over 40 years, providing care to thousands of southern Coloradans through his medical practice, and he owned several small businesses. His spirit will live on through his strong wife, Vera; his sons, Anthony and Arthur; his four grandchildren; and through his impact on the community as a constant reminder of the potential of the American Dream.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF SENATE AMENDMENT TO H.R. 5746, NASA ENHANCED USE LEASING EXTENSION ACT OF 2021
Rodney Davis (Republican, IL) \u2014 2022-1-12

. Madam , I urge my colleagues to defeat the previous question so that we can bring up my resolution, H. Res. 866, to highlight how imperative it is for election integrity and voter confidence that only American citizens vote in our elections. prgtoken As Members of Congress, most of us have attended a naturalization ceremony or two during our time of service. We have watched these very moving ceremonies as these prospective Americans take the oath of allegiance to the United States of America. They pledge their allegiance to our country. They swear to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. prgtoken It is one of those moments that makes America the greatest country on Earth. They have earned the right to vote in our elections. prgtoken What New York City and others are doing, by allowing nearly a million noncitizens to vote, is a slap in the face to those who worked hard for that sacred right. While I don't support what New York is doing by any means, it is our job that we protect Federal elections. prgtoken Common sense will tell you that combining noncitizens and eligible American voters on the same voter rolls is ripe for abuse. It is really just not practical. prgtoken Currently, in Illinois, noncitizens cannot vote, and if they do, they face major legal consequences and could be deported. But in 2016, Illinois' Automatic Voter Registration program mistakenly registered to vote more than 500 noncitizens who had done the right thing by checking the box stating they are not citizens on their driver's license applications. prgtoken However, several of these noncitizens voted in the 2018 and 2019 elections. This does nothing to bolster voter confidence in our elections. In fact, Madam , it does the opposite. prgtoken Not only does this undermine the integrity of our elections, but the mistake by Illinois could also have had dire consequences for these individuals if they seek citizenship in the future. prgtoken All of this could be prevented if States were actually maintaining accurate voter rolls, which has been required by Federal law for nearly 30 years. prgtoken Whether intentional or not, we know this is happening. It is undermining the integrity of our elections. This amendment would simply ensure those who are noncitizens, who do not have the right to vote in Federal elections, are removed from States' voter rolls. This is especially critical as my friends on the other side of the aisle push for a Federal takeover of elections. prgtoken Let's defeat the previous question so that we can take a stand with my resolution to support only citizens voting in our elections and encourage States to adopt reforms that don't put noncitizens at risk of intentionally or unintentionally breaking the law by illegally voting in Federal elections.
ENERGY PRICES AT ALL-TIME HIGHS
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-1-12

many areas in northern California and across my district have seen record snowfall due to recent winter storms. That is good in a lot of ways, but we have seen that tens of thousands of residents have been without power for several weeks in freezing temperatures, and our Governor has banned the use of gas- powered generators as a heat and electricity source. prgtoken Meanwhile, those who do still have power face all-time high energy costs as they try to heat their homes, thanks to President 's anti-domestic energy policies. prgtoken On President 's first day of office, he canceled the Keystone pipeline, effectively killing 11,000 American energy jobs and stopping new exploration for oil, which has driven up energy prices and increased our dependence on foreign oil from China, Russia, and the Middle East. prgtoken The cost of having our homes heated has increased 30 percent since last winter, and more than one in four Americans reported they were forced to forgo other basic expenses to pay their energy bill in this last year. prgtoken Under the climate agenda President has, gas prices are up nearly 60 percent. The cost of propane, kerosene, firewood, and energy are all up over 30 percent from this time last year. prgtoken We must reverse these damaging and unnecessary policies and reduce our reliance on foreign oil before more harm can be done to the American people and our economy.
Filibuster (Executive Session)
Ted Cruz (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-1-12

just this week, we saw the College Football National Championship game. A lot of tremendous athletes engaged in tremendous feats of skill and strength, but I have to say, there wasn't an athlete on the field who demonstrated the flexibility that we are seeing in the U.S. Senate right now. We are today seeing in the Senate, with the active encouragement of President , engaging in not one but two partisan power grabs and doing them both with a twist. Let me explain. prgtoken are desperate to hold on to power. It is their No. 1 priority. It is more important than anything else. It is more important than jobs and our economy to . It is more important than getting kids back to school. It is more important than defeating COVID. Nothing matters more to today's than staying in power no matter what. prgtoken How do we know that? Well, the very first bill introduced in the House of prgtoken Representatives, H.R. 1, is a bill many of us call the ``Corrupt Politicians Act.'' It is a bill designed to keep in power forever. That was Nancy Pelosi's No. 1 priority. prgtoken The very first bill introduced in this Chamber, S. 1, is likewise the ``Corrupt Politicians Act,'' a bill designed to keep in power forever. It is the No. 1 priority of elected . prgtoken When that failed to get sufficient votes to pass, shifted to option 1B. Option 1B has the same objective--keep in power forever--but it is through a little twist, a sleight of hand. Now, want to subject every significant decision concerning voting to the unreviewable--in most instances--arbitrary power of an unelected bureaucrat in the Federal Department of Justice. prgtoken My State of Texas has 29 million people. Those 29 million people have democratic rights. They have rights to elect legislatures that reflect their views, their policies, their values. Do you know what Senate say? We don't care. We don't care what those 29 million people want; we, the , want to stay in power. prgtoken So let's take, for example, photo ID. I have in my wallet my driver's license. Most people do. Voter ID is a policy that is supported by the overwhelming majority of Americans. Roughly 80 percent of Americans support voter ID, requiring a driver's license to vote. Two-thirds of African-American voters support voter ID. It is overwhelmingly supported across the country. prgtoken Do you know who doesn't support it? Elected . Sadly, every single in this Chamber has been willing to go on board with proposals to strike down voter ID laws. Here is what the want to do: They want to say that even though the voters of Texas want voter ID because we want elections with integrity--we want to know that if you come in and vote and say your name is John Doe, that you are not somebody else pretending to be that person--congressional Democ
Biden Administration (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-1-12

12 months ago, a newly inaugurated President stood on the west front of the Capitol, and here is what he had to say: My whole soul is in this: bringing America together, uniting our people, uniting our nation. prgtoken Yesterday, that very same man delivered a deliberately divisive speech that was designed to pull our country further apart. prgtoken Twelve months ago, this President said we should see each other not as adversaries but as neighbors. Yesterday, he called millions of Americans his domestic ``enemies.'' prgtoken Twelve months ago, the President called on Americans to ``join forces, stop the shouting, lower the temperature,'' but yesterday, he shouted that if you disagree with him, you are George Wallace. George Wallace? If you don't pass the laws he wants, you are Bull Connor. And if you oppose giving untrammeled one-party control of the country, well, you are Jefferson Davis. prgtoken Twelve months ago, this President said ``disagreement must not lead to disunion.'' Ah, but yesterday, he invoked the bloody disunion of the Civil War--the Civil War--to demonize Americans who disagree with him. He compared--listen to this--a bipartisan majority of Senators to literal traitors. How profoundly--profoundly--un-Presidential. prgtoken Look, I have known, liked, and personally respected for many years. I did not recognize the man at the podium yesterday. prgtoken American voters did not give President a mandate for very much. He got a tied Senate and negative coattails in the House--the narrowest majorities in over a century. The President did not get a mandate to transform America or reshape society, but he did arguably get a mandate to do just one central thing that he campaigned on. Here is what that was: Bridge a divided country; lower the temperature; dial down the perpetual air of crisis in our politics. That is the one central promise that made. It is the one job citizens actually hired him to do. It is the one project that would have actually been consistent--consistent--with the Congress that voters elected. Ah, but President has chosen to fail his own test. prgtoken The President's rant--rant--yesterday was incoherent, incorrect, and beneath his office. He used the phrase ``Jim Crow 2.0'' to demagogue a law that makes the franchise more accessible than in his own State of Delaware. He blasted Georgia's procedures prgtoken regarding local election officials while pushing national legislation with almost identical language on that issue. prgtoken The President implied that things like wildly popular ID laws are-- listen to this--``totalitarian.'' Totalitarian? Ironically, on the same day, Washington, DC's ic mayor told citizens to bring both a photo ID and a vaccine card anytime they leave the house. prgtoken The President repeatedly invoked the January 6 riot, while himself using irresponsible, delegitimizing rhetoric th