A bill to amend the Agricultural Act of 2014 with respect to the [ORG] access and development program, and for other purposes; to [ORG]. By [SPEAKER] (for himself and Ms. [PERSON] ): H.R. 290.


[ORG] girls are girls. [ORG] women are women. If we truly want to protect girls and women, we must stand for inclusion, dignity, and respect, not division and exclusion.

presents a choice between 'inclusion, dignity, and respect' versus 'division and exclusion' as mutually exclusive options without acknowledging nuance or alternative perspectives


Cabinet Nominations Mr. President, on nominations, this week, the American people have gotten their first real look at what is in store for them under a second [ORG] administration, and it is very bad news for the working and middle class. Senate Republicans, of course, are in the majority. They control, to a large extent, the final outcome of each nominee in this [PERSON] if they stick together.

characterized nominations as 'very bad news for the working and middle class' without specifics; uses emotional language to invoke concern


Mr. [PERSON] , I urge all my colleagues to oppose this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time. [SPEAKER] (Mr. [PERSON] ). Members are reminded to refrain from engaging in personalities toward the President-elect.


PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE [SPEAKER] led the Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.


MEASURES PLACED ON THE CALENDAR The following bill was read the second time, and placed on the calendar: S. 5. A bill to require the Secretary of [ORG] to take into custody aliens who have been charged in the United States with theft, and for other purposes.


I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum. [SPEAKER].


[ORG] migrants released into the interior of our country have failed to show up for their day in court, showing others looking to make the dangerous journey to the United States that they might also be able to make it and suffer zero consequences. All of these actions--or lack of actions--from the [PERSON] administration have sent a clear signal that the laws of the United States will not be enforced. You know, law enforcement depends on our great men and women in blue to investigate crimes and to deter other people from committing crimes, but deterrence is a very important element that has simply been lost by the [PERSON] administration's open border policies.

migrants released into the interior of our country have failed to show up for their day in court, showing others looking to make the dangerous journey; laws of the United States will not be enforced; our great men and women in blue


Many of these colleges and universities are rushing to enter into settlements with the [PERSON] administration before the [ORG] administration takes office on Monday, which, of course, is not surprising. President [PERSON] has made clear that taxpayer support for those universities that failed to end anti-Semitic propaganda that has run rampant over the past few years, that that taxpayer support will end. Now is not the time to reward these institutions with widespread incentives to continue raising their tuition by canceling student debt.

'taxpayer support will end' combined with characterizing settlements as rewarding institutions for 'anti-Semitic propaganda that has run rampant'


Mr. [PERSON] , I reserve the balance of my time. [SPEAKER]. Mr. [PERSON] , I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. [PERSON] ), who is the chairman of [ORG].


We need to hold people accountable for the damage that has been done to our country. We need to support the pardon of January 6 protesters who were wrongly prosecuted and horribly treated by our justice system. We need to step up and fight for pro-life, pro-life protesters who were persecuted by the administration under the FACE Act.

wrongly prosecuted and horribly treated; persecuted by the administration


Americans are explorers, builders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and pioneers. The spirit of the frontier is written into our hearts. The call of the next great adventure resounds from within our souls.

Americans are explorers, builders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and pioneers...The spirit of the frontier is written into our hearts


Madam President, the certificate of the electoral vote of [ORG] seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that [PERSON] of the State of California received 10 votes for President and [PERSON] of the State of Minnesota received 10 votes for Vice President. [SPEAKER]. Madam President, the certificate of the electoral vote of [ORG] seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that [PERSON] of the State of California received 11 votes for President and [PERSON] of the State of Minnesota received 11 votes for Vice President.


When I took office, our economy was in the grips of worst pandemic in a century, and decades of trickle-down policies had left us especially vulnerable to its shocks. Hundreds of thousands of businesses had closed, and millions of Americans risked losing their homes. Unemployment was high and the risk of long-term damage was real.

in the grips of worst pandemic in a century, trickle-down policies, risked losing their homes, long-term damage was real


SA 39. [SPEAKER] submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by her to the bill [ORG], supra; which was ordered to lie on the table. SA 40.


MEASURES READ THE FIRST TIME The following bill was read the first time: S. 5. A bill to require the Secretary of [ORG] to take into custody aliens who have been charged in the United States with theft, and for other purposes.


[SPEAKER]. The bill shall be debatable for 1 hour, equally divided and controlled by the majority leader and the minority leader or their respective designees. The gentleman from Michigan (Mr. [PERSON] ) and the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. [PERSON] ) each will control 30 minutes.


EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, [ORG]. Under clause 2 of rule [ORG], executive communications were taken from the Speaker's table and referred as follows: EC-32. A letter from the Senior Congressional Liaison, [ORG], transmitting the [ORG]'s advisory opinion rescinding previous advisory opinion -- Truth in Lending (Regulation Z); [ORG]Docket No.


Cities like New York and population centers like Long Island need to be prepared. There is one [ORG] program that stands as the cornerstone for anti-terror preparedness for places like New York City and Long Island--the Urban Area Security Initiative, known as [ORG]. Today, I am announcing that I will request $615 million for [ORG] in the upcoming funding negotiations this spring.

positioning UASI as 'the cornerstone' for anti-terror preparedness and invoking terrorism concerns to justify large funding request


REMEMBERING ELISE J. BEAN [SPEAKER]. Mr. President, I rise today to acknowledge the life and contributions of one of the Senate's truly outstanding staff persons: [PERSON] . Elise, who worked for almost 30 years for Senator [PERSON] on various subcommittees of the [ORG] and [ORG], died on January 14 at the age of 68.


We are going to miss her terribly. So, [PERSON] , thank you. Thanks for your great work.


It is immoral. It has to stop. We are spending 24, 25 percent of GDP at the [ORG] level.

calling something 'immoral' and 'has to stop' paired with alarming spending statistics to provoke concern


Where is the President of the United States to make sure that American hostages are being brought home? It is shameful the way this administration has allowed these hostages to languish. They have not put adequate pressure on our allies.

allowed these hostages to languish; shameful way this administration


It was the best elevator pitch I have ever seen. [PERSON] rolled up her sleeves and learned everything she could, and before you knew it, she was running the department of natural resources, which in Alaska is the giant organization of hundreds and hundreds of people, the key to our economy. She was working with my other special assistant [PERSON] .


The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll. [SPEAKER]. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.


We need to show up for all Americans, regardless of political party.


Now, the nonpartisan [ORG] says that reauthorizing the [ORG] tax bill as-is would add $4.6 trillion to our national debt. That would raise interest rates and make it more expensive for families to buy a home, to send their kids to college, or to start a business. Based on how much time my colleagues across the aisle have spent the last 4 years--as I have sat in [SPEAKER]'s seat listening to my colleagues, I have heard them say that we should be talking about the deficit and doing something about it.

citing nonpartisan organization's $4.6 trillion figure and warning that it would 'raise interest rates and make it more expensive for families to buy a home, to send their kids to college, or to start a business'


Take our relationship with China. The senior Senator from Florida has been a leading voice on [ORG] malign intentions and their implications for the United States. He has been clear-eyed about what the United States ought to do to outcompete China in this century, and he has been outspoken in calling attention to China's human rights abuses.


Hardly a day goes by without hearing of another American who has fallen victim to crimes perpetrated by the illegal immigrants the [PERSON] administration let flood into our country. And worse, too many times an illegal immigrant arrested for a violent crime posts bail, never to be heard from again, escaping through loopholes in the law. This crisis only continues.

fallen victim to crimes perpetrated by illegal immigrants...let flood into our country...worse...violent crime...loopholes...crisis only continues


Yes. [SPEAKER]. One of the high schools in Fargo is called Fargo South.


EC-46. A communication from the Secretary of [ORG], [ORG], transmitting, pursuant to law, the [ORG]'s annual report relative to its compliance with Section 3686(c) of [ORG] of 2006; to [ORG] and [ORG]. [PERSON] .


[ORG] in Los Angeles: Man charged with drug possession now facing consequences of recently passed Prop 36. From [ORG] Examiner: [ORG] faces jail because Prop 36 passed. [ORG] in Los Angeles: Southern California woman facing enhanced charges with Prop 36 now in effect.

repeated emphasis on 'Prop 36' and 'facing consequences/charges' creates negative framing; the phrase 'now facing consequences' uses loaded language to emphasize punitive outcomes


The Senator from Arkansas. [SPEAKER]. Reserving the right to object, which I most certainly do, [ORG] isn't just another social media platform, [ORG] is a Chinese communist spy app that addicts our kids, harvests their data, targets them with harmful and manipulative content, and spreads communist propaganda.


This legislation would create a criminal penalty for the murder of a local, [ORG], or Federal law enforcement officer, punishable with the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole. I urge all Americans listening to contact your Senators and Representatives and tell them that you want to protect law enforcement officers and support enhancing penalties for those who would do them harm. The men and women in blue are heroes.

characterizing law enforcement as 'heroes' and 'men and women in blue' while urging support for enhanced penalties


This should be scaring the crap out of people around here. Why am I the only idiot running around with charts saying: Are you paying attention to this? Are you watching what is happening in world debt markets right now?

'This should be scaring the crap out of people' and 'the only idiot running around'


While [PERSON] 's name might not be in the headlines, the impact of his life will be felt across our [ORG] forever. As Undersecretary for [ORG] at [ORG], [PERSON] has been at the helm of cutting-edge innovation, pushing the boundaries of technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and cybersecurity, tools that protect American lives and keep us ahead of adversaries. At [ORG] was the chief scientist for the [ORG] and also stood up and led [ORG].

cutting-edge innovation, pushing the boundaries of technologies... protect American lives and keep us ahead of adversaries


[SPEAKER]. By unanimous consent, the mandatory quorum call has been waived. The question is, Is it the sense of the Senate that debate on the motion to proceed to Calendar No.


After World War II, [ORG] continued his distinguished service, eventually retiring at the rank of colonel in 1978. In recognition of his heroic service, Colonel [PERSON] has since received numerous accolades, including the distinguished [PERSON] , [ORG], and the 2015 Congressional Gold Medal. It is my privilege to honor the life of Colonel [PERSON] , a decorated veteran and true American hero in the 15th District of Florida.

heroic service, decorated veteran and true American hero, distinguished service


So the American people want to know: Will the President-elect's nominees follow through on cutting costs for the American people, or will they return to cutting sweet deals for mega corporations and the wealthiest people in this country? Will the President-elect's nominees actually make communities safer, or will they protect the bottom line of special interests? Will they help their corporate contractors cozy up to foreign entities and oligarchs, all while undermining our national security?

presents only two opposing options (cut costs vs. sweet deals for corporations); uses charged language like 'cozy up to foreign entities and oligarchs' and implies nominees would 'undermine national security'


[Pages [PERSON] ] ARMS SALES NOTIFICATIONS [SPEAKER]. Madam President, section 36(b) of [ORG] requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed.


These are good-paying jobs that support communities in red States and blue States. Repealing these jobs would be profoundly anti-worker and might cause many to lose their jobs. Americans deserve to know what kind of people are going to serve in President [PERSON] 's [ORG].


That is why we need to pass [ORG]. As elected representatives, our greatest responsibilities are to listen to the will of the American people and to keep the American people safe and secure. And on November 5 of last year, the American people made their voices heard, and they were very clear.

As elected representatives, our greatest responsibilities are to listen to the will of the American people and on November 5 the American people made their voices heard, and they were very clear


[SPEAKER]. The Senator from Arkansas. Unanimous Consent Agreement [SPEAKER].


The [ORG] humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan--including the urgent needs of the people of Afghanistan for food security, livelihoods support, water, sanitation, health, hygiene, and shelter and settlement assistance, among other basic human needs--and the potential for a deepening economic collapse in Afghanistan continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. In addition, the preservation of certain property of [ORG] ([ORG]) held in the United States by United States financial institutions is of the utmost importance to addressing this national emergency and the welfare of the people of Afghanistan. Various parties, including representatives of victims of terrorism, have asserted legal claims against certain property of [ORG] or indicated in public court filings an intent to make such claims.

unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States; deepening economic collapse; national emergency


RETIRED COLONEL GREG GADSON ([SPEAKER] asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.) [SPEAKER]. Mr. [PERSON] , I rise today to honor the patriotic and inspiring service of retired [ORG] Colonel [PERSON] .

honor the patriotic and inspiring service of retired Colonel


Let freedom ring from every hill and every molehill [in] Mississippi''--from every [ORG], every city, every village, and every hamlet. And when we let freedom ring, we will be able to speed up that day, where all of your children, Black men and [ORG] men, Protestant and Catholic, Jew and Gentile, will be able to sing in the meaning of that old [PERSON] spiritual: Free at last, free at last. Thank you, God Almighty, we are free at last.

Let freedom ring from every hill and every molehill; invocation of universal freedom and unity across all groups (Black men and white men, Protestant and Catholic, Jew and Gentile)


This is making a big difference in my district, the Second Congressional District of Connecticut, which is home to the oldest submarine base in our [ORG]'s history, with about 9,000 sailors and many retirees serving in the area there. Over 4,025 veterans in the district have filed PACT Act claims. That is more than double the rest of the congressional districts in the State of Connecticut.

references to submarine base, sailors, veterans, and PACT Act claims to establish credibility and invoke patriotic authority


Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record. There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows: S. 42 Be it enacted by the Senate and [ORG] in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT [ORG].


[PERSON] 327: Mr. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] , and Mr. [PERSON] . [PERSON]


After [ORG] issued arrest warrants for Israel's Prime Minister and Foreign Defense Minister in November, I called on the Democratic leader to bring up an ICC sanctions bill that had already passed the House--again, with bipartisan support. The [ORG]'s rogue actions only enable the terrorists who seek to wipe Israel off the map, and they cannot be allowed to stand unchecked. In November, I promised that if Leader [PERSON] wouldn't bring the ICC sanctions bill to the floor, Republicans would.

ICC described as 'rogue,' claim that ICC actions 'enable the terrorists who seek to wipe Israel off the map'


Child Tax Credit [SPEAKER]. Madam President, we are here in the second week of the 119th Congress with enormous work to do. We have a border to secure; we have streets to make safe; we have an economy to resurrect.

resurrect an economy, make streets safe, secure the border - uses emotionally charged language suggesting crisis and urgency


Under President [PERSON] 's leadership, [ORG] is moving in the right direction. I look forward to seeing the great work they do in the school's second century and beyond.

moving in the right direction", "great work


That is sort of silly, but that is one of the key responses we got. I think it may say more about what they think about me. Let's do another one that came back to us from our constituent survey.


[PERSON] is going to be a Secretary of [ORG] who respects the warfighter and who respects the taxpayer. He is a bold choice for the future of our military, a bold choice for the future of our Nation, and the right choice to be Secretary of [ORG]. A Senate confirmation is not an easy process, and the Secretary of [ORG] is not an easy job.

respects the warfighter and taxpayer, bold choice for the future of our military and Nation, right choice


I can't say that strongly enough: against pure evil. It is that pure and simple. The [ORG] doesn't get it.


1, S. 5. [SPEAKER]. Without objection, it is so ordered.


[SPEAKER]. Mr. [PERSON] , I rise today in support of my legislation, which aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of disaster assistance. Unfortunately, none of us are strangers to the effects of natural disasters, and we have all had these problems in our hometowns.

framing legislation as improving 'efficiency and effectiveness' and claiming 'we have all had these problems in our hometowns'


With this majority, with our new President-elect, we will deliver a new direction for America. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.


By [SPEAKER] (for himself, Ms. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] of Arizona, Mr. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] , Mrs. [PERSON] of Illinois, Mr. [PERSON] , and Mr. [PERSON] ): H.R. 221. A bill to abolish [ORG]; to [ORG].


[Pages [PERSON] ] INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS The following bills and joint resolutions were introduced, read the first and second times by unanimous consent, and referred as indicated: By [SPEAKER] (for himself and Mr. [PERSON] of Florida): S. 30. A bill to require each agency to repeal 3 existing regulations before issuing a new regulation, and for other purposes; to [ORG] and [ORG]. By [SPEAKER] (for herself and Mr. [PERSON] ): S. 31.


The truth of the matter proves otherwise. In my very own district, my constituent [PERSON] , an incredibly talented swimmer and Olympic medalist, lost the 2022 [ORG] women's swimming championship title for the 500-meter freestyle by less than 2 seconds. The man who beat her formerly competed for years on the men's swimming team and took home that title after identifying as a woman.

describing competitor as 'the man who beat her' and emphasis on 'formerly competed for years on the men's swimming team' uses loaded language to frame the situation emotionally; the anecdote is structured to invoke concern about fairness and competitive disadvantage


We are talking about the realities of what this will and will not do. The incoming administration is going to try and pass this off as--you heard it here--a middle-class tax cut. That is how they are going to sell this to the American people, but it is not.


By [SPEAKER] (for himself and Mr. [PERSON] ): S. 105. A bill to direct the Secretary of the [ORG] to complete all actions necessary for certain land to be held in restricted fee status by the Oglala Sioux Tribe and [ORG], and for other purposes; to [ORG].


This bill passed the House last year in September by a vote of 266-158. Mr. [PERSON] , 158 Democrats voted against this bill last time. Will they apologize to American women and girls today and do the right thing for our citizens?

framing opposition as failing to 'do the right thing for our citizens' and 'American women and girls' implies opponents are harming vulnerable groups


[PERSON] , Ms. [PERSON] of Pennsylvania, Mr. [PERSON] , Ms. [PERSON] , Ms. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] , Ms. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] , Ms. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] . (7) Committee on rules.--Mr. [PERSON] , Ms. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] , Ms. [PERSON] .


A bill to make available necessary disaster assistance for families affected by major disasters, and for other purposes; to [ORG], and in addition to [ORG], for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. By [SPEAKER] (for himself, Mr. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] , and Mr. [PERSON] ): H.R. 427.


1, S. 5, occur at 3 p.m. tomorrow. [SPEAKER]. Without objection, it is so ordered.


So that is what we Democrats intend to do. That is what we will do. It is no different than what we intend to do on the legislative side.

repeated use of 'that is what we' and parallel construction emphasizing intention and commitment


[SPEAKER]. Without objection, it is so ordered. [ORG] [SPEAKER].


By [SPEAKER]: H.R. 377. Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following: Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18: To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing [ORG], and all other [ORG] vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any [ORG] or Officer thereof.

invokes Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18 of the Constitution to justify legislative power


It is not hard to imagine an emergency situation where the Secretary of [ORG] has to make quick and steady decisions about our military. Is someone with [PERSON] alleged history really the kind of person we want at the helm in a very, very important situation--dangerous situation--like that? Is that really in the best interest of Americans' safety?

emergency situation, dangerous situation, alleged history, best interest of Americans' safety


[ORG]. (12) Committee on oversight and government reform.--Mr. Connolly.


I took those skills to [ORG] legislature where I fought for [ORG] expansion, a fair judicial court system, consumer protections, and for women to make their own healthcare decisions free from government intrusion. When extremists decided to target the LGBTQ community in Texas, I raised my voice and helped kill hundreds of anti-LGBTQ bills that would have hurt the members of my community and their families. As the trusted voice for Texas' 32nd Congressional District in Congress, I am ready to deliver real results for my neighbors.

fought for expansion, fair judicial court system, consumer protections, women's healthcare decisions, and raising voice against extremists targeting LGBTQ community; positions presented as universally positive values without specifics


Well, as someone who left her boots in a dusty field in Iraq, let me tell you exactly why he is unfit to lead our heroes. Mr. [PERSON] likes to say that our military is a great meritocracy, and I agree with that. So let's go over his supposed merits for this role.

Left her boots in a dusty field in Iraq - establishing personal military credentials to lend authority to criticism; 'our heroes' - emotionally charged language framing military as heroic


It seems all too likely the wrong answer on each of these questions might be very, very real. Should the time come that some of these nominees fail on the job-- which, given their lack of qualifications, sadly, seems likely-- Democrats will continue to make it clear that there were red flags all along. TikTok Mr. President, finally, on [ORG], we know a lot of things are up in the air with the [ORG] ban scheduled to go into effect this weekend, but everyone--the [PERSON] administration, the incoming [ORG] administration, even [ORG]--should continue working to find a way to find an American buyer for [ORG] so we can both free the app from any influence and control from [ORG] and keep [ORG] going, which will preserve the jobs of millions of creators.


We as [ORG] will not sit idly by on this issue, nor have we, as evidenced by the bills that I referenced today. Let me personally thank, again, Congressman [PERSON] , Congressman [PERSON] , and [PERSON] for their dedication to protecting my two daughters and every daughter, mother, and sister across this Nation. [SPEAKER].

thanking named congressmen for their dedication and invoking protection of 'every daughter, mother, and sister across this Nation'


ANNOUNCEMENT BY [SPEAKER] [SPEAKER]. Proceedings will resume on motions to suspend the rules previously postponed. Votes will be taken in the following order: [PERSON]


It is time for the Governor to either bear down or get out of the way because California keeps suffering. My counties up north had the [PERSON] fire, the Camp fire, the [PERSON] fire, 1 million acres, and now it is hitting the constituents of southern California hard. Why does this have to keep happening?

'either bear down or get out of the way' presents only two extreme options while ignoring alternatives; 'California keeps suffering' uses emotionally charged language to intensify the claim


I expect, I hope, the President will review these cases on a case- by-case basis. I think all Presidents should do that. But whatever President [PERSON] does with the January 6 defendants through commutations or pardons will pale in comparison to eliminating the judgment of these 37 depraved murderers' fellow citizens to impose the death penalty on them, will pale in comparison to depriving these families of some measure of justice 2 days before Christmas.

'37 depraved murderers' and 'depriving these families of some measure of justice 2 days before Christmas'


Pursuant to Senate Concurrent Resolution 2, 119th Congress, the electoral vote will be spread at large upon the [ORG].


During the pandemic, these same people were making hand sanitizer. President [PERSON] has the power to save their lives. That is what this moment demands, and we are grateful for his leadership.


It is amazing to me that the idea that we would have [ORG] chromosome males competing and taking the place of women and girls in sports is just mind-blowing. Where are we at in the country, where are we as a society, that we are doing this? It is beyond comprehension that we are doing this to our girls.

mind-blowing, beyond comprehension, doing this to our girls - emotionally charged language designed to provoke alarm about transgender athletes in women's sports


[[ORG]] CALIFORNIA AIR RESOURCES BOARD PULLED [ORG] (Mr. [PERSON] asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. [PERSON] . Mr. [PERSON] , California had at least one piece of welcome news.


Instead, the [ORG]'s attempt to obstruct Israel's right to defend itself has only prolonged the war and prevented the release of American hostages by boosting the morale of [ORG]. If you are boosting the morale of [ORG], you are on the other team. In November, the ICC's [ORG] approved the arrest warrants.


A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States limiting the pardon power of the President; to [ORG]. By [SPEAKER]: [ORG].


Well, Washington ended the last fiscal year with trillions of dollars left unspent, $1.6 trillion of which isn't even obligated for any specific purpose yet. With trillions of dollars stashed away in secret slush funds, why is Washington borrowing any more money? [ORG] employees and government contractors are being rewarded with financial bonuses for poor performance resulting in delays and cost overruns.


Come meet the families that have been affected by these fires. And, finally, I want to speak to the people of California because it is, indeed, a long road ahead. And there will be more challenges to overcome as we continue the search and rescue phase of this, as we go into the environmental remediation and debris removal, and eventually the rebuilding of homes and businesses.


[PERSON] primarily sits in Tennessee. We have the Naval station over in Millington, right outside of Memphis. We have [ORG].


I remember talking to this L. A. Fire Department firefighter, and he had told me he wasn't sure he was going to make it out when he was there during the early hours of the fire. I asked him what that was like.


It went from 0.6 to 1.2, I believe. That is going to cost the employers. Ultimately, it is going to cost the employees themselves, because there is less ability to give raises.

framing a doubled cost metric as definitively harmful to both employers and employees without presenting counterarguments or context


Now you are in my daughter's locker room requiring physical exams of children. It is so profoundly disgusting and inappropriate and un-American. We have an economy to fix, a border crisis to address, a budget to balance.

'profoundly disgusting and inappropriate' combined with dismissing urgent issues as distractions from 'economy to fix, border crisis, budget to balance'


Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the important contributions of [PERSON] and his retirement as the property appraiser for Nassau County, Florida. For 12 years, [PERSON] has been an amazing public servant, committed to fairness and customer service. Let's be honest, Madam Speaker, being a property appraiser is probably one of the toughest jobs around, but [PERSON] has done it well, skillfully, and leaves the office in a much better place.


A bill to direct [ORG] on the [PERSON] to procure a statue of [PERSON] for placement in the Capitol; to [ORG]. By [SPEAKER] (for himself and Mr. [PERSON] ): H.R. 251.


Madam Speaker, I rise in remembrance of [PERSON] , whose life was defined by service, family, and enduring dedication to our community. As someone who was blessed to call him a friend, I can tell you [PERSON] 's love for his family was matched only by his unwavering dedication to serving our community, a calling he fulfilled with distinction throughout his remarkable career. A Buffalo native, [PERSON] 's career with [ORG] spanned nearly four decades, where he rose to the position of commissioner, embodying courage and leadership every step of the way.

'service, family, and enduring dedication' and 'courage and leadership'


The Illinois Poor People's Campaign understands that democracy is too precious and too significant to leave in the hands of those who would prioritize the interests of the ultrawealthy corporations. I especially recognize the Illinois Poor People's Campaign members and constituents of Illinois' Third District, [PERSON] , [PERSON] , and [PERSON] . Additionally, I recognize [ORG], [PERSON] , and Reverend [PERSON] .


Mr. [PERSON] , on that I demand the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays were ordered. [SPEAKER].


There was so much money in that bill that [PERSON] --Senator [PERSON] from South Carolina, who was another member of the Gang of 8, used to say there were going to be so many border patrol agents that they could literally hold hands from one end of the border to the other across the United States of America. I can see that the Senator from Alabama has heard that story before. There has been a huge cost of inaction, not just the money that if we had spent it then would have made such a huge difference but the painful consequences the Senator from Alabama and others have talked about, I have talked about, for the American people and for our country.

characterizing bill money as excessive ('so much money'), using authority figures (Senator from South Carolina, Senator from Alabama) to validate claims about border security and consequences


ADJOURNMENT [SPEAKER]. Mr. [PERSON] , I move that the House do now adjourn. The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 3 o'clock and 37 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until Monday, January 13, 2025, at noon for morning-hour debate.


Congress already requires the [ORG]'s intercity passenger railroad to submit this information to Congress. This bill would increase transparency of the information to the public and require it to be posted online as well, as [ORG] has now done for the last 2 years. Mr. [PERSON] , I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.


Mr. [PERSON] , I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding. I am happy to join him, and I am happy to join him in what I think he is saying, which is what I am saying. I am saying yes to fulfilling the President's agenda and mandate to secure the border, yes to the President's agenda and mandate to strengthen our military, and yes to the President's agenda and mandate to reduce the cost-of-living and inflationary pressures that printing--creating out of whole cloth, out of nothing--money floating around in the economy making every single good, service, and purchase more expensive.

Repeated use of 'yes to the President's agenda and mandate' combined with emotionally charged language like 'printing...money floating around' and 'out of whole cloth, out of nothing'


My bill, the WISE Act, would strengthen protections for survivors. I wish we could do that here and not this harmful, misleading bill. I urge my colleagues to oppose it.

Characterizes opposing bill as 'harmful, misleading' while positioning own bill as strengthening protections; presents choice as between WISE Act protections versus a harmful alternative


This misguided bill bans transgender kids from participating in school sports, causing harm and undermining civil rights for all students. Rather than focusing on ways to strengthen public schools, meet the needs of all students and families, and protect transgender students from attacks, this bill targets students and blocks them from participating in school activities alongside their peers. Schools and colleges are looking for a practical road map on how to craft athletic policies and criteria for male and female teams consistent with Title IX-- not a politically motivated blanket ban.

misguided bill, causing harm, targeting students, attacks


The estimated total cost is $265 million. This proposed sale is consistent with U.S. law and policy as expressed in Public Law 96-8. This proposed sale serves U.S. national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient's continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability.


Committees have begun noticing hearings with several nominees for national security roles in the [PERSON] administration. [ORG] is preparing to hear from [PERSON] , the nominee for Secretary of [ORG]. [ORG] has announced plans to hear from our colleague Senator [PERSON] , who has been nominated for Secretary of [ORG].


Mr. [PERSON] , [PERSON] was, by all accounts, a remarkable young woman, whose life was tragically cut short by a horrific act that should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. My heart goes out to her family and loved ones who grieve her death. I understand, as a mother myself, fully why in the face of such senseless violence, especially against someone so young, there is an urge to do something, anything, to feel like you are actually helping to fix the problem.

'horrific act', 'senseless violence', 'tragically cut short' combined with emotional appeals about grief and a mother's understanding


If we are going to be more successful, we have to consider the Endangered Species Act working the way it was intended, the way Congress passed it back in the early 1970s. I don't think the weapon that has turned into would have even passed in Congress because nobody would have wanted to have been responsible for what you see now, with people being sued to death if they have a stocked pond on their land. Somehow that can be interpreted as you have now changed the waterways and you have changed the ability for a species to be there, like the raise of Shasta Dam.

people being sued to death; weapon that has turned into


Mr. [PERSON] , let's be clear: Under current law, people who commit sexual offenses are already inadmissible to this country and subject to deportation. Let's be clear: I fully support, all of us fully support, getting convicted sexual predators off of our streets, irrespective of their legal status. Sexual crimes are the most heinous crimes.

Repeated phrase 'Let's be clear' combined with emotionally charged language like 'heinous crimes' and 'sexual predators' to emphasize a point without substantive new information


We are not members. The [ORG] has no authority to violate the sovereignty of either of those nations. This bill is essential for protecting American citizens, servicemembers, our allies, especially Israel, from these politically motivated, punitive prosecutions by the [ORG].

framing the bill as 'essential for protecting' and characterizing prosecutions as 'politically motivated, punitive'


Instead, they are talking about immediately taking money out of the pockets of working families and seniors and poor people. Instead of borrowing money and having the bill come due for middle-class families later, this new tax cut for billionaires and corporations is going to be financed by an immediate cut to services and benefits to some of the most vulnerable people in this country. At the end of last year, as a means of passing the continuing resolution, there was a deal apparently cut--this is reported in the press--in which there was a promise made to finance this tax cut with $2 trillion of cuts to [ORG] and [ORG].

taking money out of the pockets of working families and seniors and poor people; immediate cut to services and benefits to some of the most vulnerable people


I am clear-eyed about the risk. But unlike many of my colleagues, I am also clear-eyed about the profound economic, political, and social importance of [ORG] to 170 million users and 7 million businesses in the United States, and I understand how many creators depend on [ORG] to find community, share their story, find resources. So my ask again here is simple: 270 days, and we can try to find a resolution of this issue that doesn't have a draconian cutoff on Sunday afternoon.

positioning self as 'clear-eyed' (authority claim) while describing the alternative as 'draconian cutoff' (loaded language)


Nothing in our history would tell you that is true. How do you think we got to $36 trillion in debt? It was by refusing to do basic math.

characterizing debt accumulation as 'refusing to do basic math' uses loaded language to frame fiscal policy as foolish/irresponsible, while the mention of '$36 trillion in debt' invokes fear about economic consequences


1125. LIMITATION ON REMOVAL. (a) In General.--An alien who appears to be prima facie eligible for status under this title shall be given a reasonable opportunity to apply for such status.


They are frequently provided worse facilities, equipment, and uniforms than men and boys, and they receive less financial support and publicity from their schools. In the 2019-2020 academic year, women received $252,000,000 less than men in athletic-based scholarships, and for every dollar colleges spent on recruiting, travel, and equipment for men's sports, they spent 58 cents, 62 cents, and 73 cents, respectively, for women's sports. (8) Amid ongoing unfair treatment, athletes and athletics- related staff too often are unaware of the rights and obligations provided by title [ORG].


My dad then calls me back and says: [PERSON] , you left me a voicemail, but I didn't understand it. Would you repeat it? [PERSON] is no longer in a position in which I can tell him what I told my dad, nor is my dad.


With a 30-28 win that happened in triple overtime, the Indians capped off a remarkable 15-1 season. Under the guidance of Head Coach [PERSON] , the team showed unparalleled resilience and unity. From the first snap of the season to the thrilling final play, they demonstrated the power of teamwork and perseverance.

'unparalleled resilience and unity' and 'power of teamwork and perseverance'


There was no objection. The resolution was agreed to. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.


None of this would have taken place if this person was detained and deported for a simple property crime. Enough. It is [ORG] primary responsibility to protect its citizens.

Implies a tragic outcome could have been prevented by detention/deportation, and presents protection as a binary choice between deportation policy and citizen safety


This was pitiful--yet predictable--from a guy who has said that we women do not belong in combat, who has dared to claim that the military is lowering its standard so that we, the poor, fragile, fairer sex--and, God forbid, us moms--can serve. Well, the only standards being lowered today are the ones for Secretary of [ORG]. Our female servicemembers have earned the jobs that they are in, unlike Mr. [PERSON] who won't even say whether he would refuse an unlawful order.

attacks on character ('pitiful,' 'poor, fragile, fairer sex') and misrepresents opponent's position on military standards while questioning his integrity


By [SPEAKER]: [ORG]. Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following: This bill is enacted pursuant to the power granted to Congress under Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 of the United States Constitution.


It is unfair to the families who have sacrificed and saved to send their own children to college. It is unfair to the students who worked multiple jobs during college to avoid accruing large amounts of debt. And it is unfair to all the graduates who have worked hard and paid off their loans.

repetition of 'unfair' combined with emotionally charged descriptions of sacrifice, hard work, and burden to trigger resentment


[PERSON] 's killer easily crossed our southern border with millions of others; and when he committed several crimes and was arrested, a [PERSON] administration-led ICE made no effort to deport him. Had he been appropriately prosecuted for his previous crimes, the [PERSON] family would have celebrated [ORG]'s birthday instead of mourning an empty chair. On February 22, 2024, it would have been an ordinary day for their family instead of the worst day of their lives.

killer easily crossed our southern border with millions of others; worst day of their lives


People deserve to have their day in court and are innocent until proven guilty. That seems to be something that the majority has forgotten or doesn't seem to care about unless the alleged criminal is the President-elect. The upcoming administration is poised to bring back their no-priority immigration enforcement priority guidelines in which a convicted murderer would be the same priority for deportation as an undocumented mom who has been living in this country for 20 years.

contrasting treatment of 'alleged criminal is the President-elect' versus others to suggest inconsistent application of due process principles; comparing convicted murderer with undocumented mom to create false equivalency about immigration enforcement priorities


They have failed miserably in their responsibility to get Americans home. When, in fact, there have been cease-fires and when, in fact, hostages have been released, Americans have not been released. It is shameful.

failed miserably, shameful, Americans have not been released


CONGRATULATING GREG SEIDENBERGER ON HIS RETIREMENT (Ms. [PERSON] asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Ms. [PERSON] . Mr. [PERSON] , today I rise to honor Guadalupe County Commissioner [PERSON] on his well-deserved retirement after a lifetime of extraordinary service to both our country and our community.


Since the [ORG] regulates so much of this, then what is the [ORG] doing to ensure, since they have a lot of fires in L.A. and have the Santa Anna winds every year, that they are doing everything they can to make sure it is not vulnerable? Are we doing everything we can to help streamline permits to build up the infrastructure even more? They aren't.

Emphasizes recurring fires and winds as a threat, then presents a binary choice: either streamline permits to build infrastructure or accept vulnerability


He was not detained and deported, as he should have been as a criminal illegal alien, because Minneapolis is a sanctuary city. He then made his way to a small town of 5,600 people, Prairie du [PERSON] , my hometown, where he brutally raped a mother and savagely beat her daughter over a period of days and was finally arrested for domestic battery, strangulation, suffocation, physical abuse to a child, disorderly conduct, and two counts of second-degree sexual assault. None of this needed to happen if the law was adhered to.

brutal rape, savagely beat, strangulation, suffocation combined with sanctuary city criticism and 'law was adhered to' appeals to authority


The JASSM-ER is designed to kill hard, medium-hardened, soft, and area-type targets. The extended range over the baseline was obtained by going from a turbo jet to a turbo-fan engine and by reconfiguring the fuel tanks for added capacity. a.


Significant malicious cyber-enabled activities continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States. To address this continuing national emergency and protect against the growing and evolving threat of malicious cyber-enabled activities against the United States and United States allies and partners, including the increasing threats by foreign actors of unauthorized access to critical infrastructure, ransomware, and cyber-enabled intrusions and sanctions evasion, section 9 of the Executive Order I have issued updates the criteria to be used by the Secretary of the [ORG] in designating a person for sanctions for engaging in specified malicious cyber-enabled activities and related conduct. I am enclosing a copy of the Executive Order I have issued.

unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States; growing and evolving threat of malicious cyber-enabled activities


We are no longer paying for the study on the Russian wine industry that Americans used to pay for. We are no longer funding the [ORG] puppets that we once paid for. We have been able to put sunshine on those things, and those things have stopped.


[Pages [PERSON] ] NATIONAL SECURITY [SPEAKER]. Madam President, I rise today to talk about the threats to America's security and our Republican effort to fight back. On New Year's Day, 14 Americans were killed in a heartbreaking, deadly act of terrorism.

threats to America's security, 14 Americans were killed in a heartbreaking, deadly act of terrorism


[ORG] OF APPROPRIATIONS. There is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for the Secretary of [ORG] and the Secretary of [ORG] to carry out the provisions of this subtitle. TITLE III--ELECTRONIC VERIFICATION OF EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY [ORG].


That is why the management of it is important. That is why the management of these forested lands and grasslands are important. It is because these have an effect, too.


Research by [ORG] shows that terrorist groups end through targeted intelligence operations or through a negotiated political settlement. In fact, I feel the war in Gaza will act as a recruitment tool for [ORG] and will create a new generation of fighters who will seek revenge. After over a year of fighting, [ORG] is weakened but has not been eliminated nor have the remaining Israeli hostages been released.

will act as a recruitment tool and will create a new generation of fighters who will seek revenge; weakened but has not been eliminated


And we will win like never before. We will not be conquered. We will not be intimidated.

repeated structure of 'we will' statements emphasizing national resilience and strength


He was very clear in the hearing yesterday, the incoming administration is going to refocus the Pentagon on American strength and on hard power--not a woke agenda, which is what we have seen for the last 4 years. To me, this is very welcome news, and I believe it is welcome news to Americans all across this country who are worried about the security of our [ORG] and the strength of our Nation. We have a significant problem in the military today.

contrasting 'American strength and hard power' against 'woke agenda'; claiming 'Americans all across this country' welcome this view; presenting only two opposing positions


[PERSON] also clearly laid out the philosophy he will bring to the job. He spoke about peace through strength, restoring American leadership, and advancing America's interests. Our colleague is ready to step into the leadership void that the [PERSON] administration has too often left on the world stage.

peace through strength, restoring American leadership, advancing America's interests


I invite any Republican in Congress who is entertaining these demands to visit my district, see the devastation for yourself, and look the victims in the eye when you tell them they don't deserve help from their country because you disagree with certain policies passed by their [ORG]. This is the United States of America. We help our citizens when they fall victim to a natural disaster, regardless of their political party or opinions.

appealing to American values/authority ('This is the United States of America. We help our citizens') and loaded language ('devastation,' 'victims,' 'look them in the eye')


A couple of our economists basically say we are going to borrow about 7 percent of the entire economy this year. If we don't start to stabilize that and roll it down, you hit this interest spiral into the ground. I am going to show you a couple of charts here, that should scare the crap out of you, of how much of the taxes we take in from hardworking people is just paying interest.

charts that 'should scare the crap out of you' combined with citation of 'economists' to support alarming debt claims


Madam President, the certificate of the electoral vote of [ORG] seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that [PERSON] of the State of Florida received 11 votes for President and [PERSON] of the State of Ohio received 11 votes for Vice President. [SPEAKER].


Over the past week, we have seen firefighters--exhausted and yet unyielding--waging war to save communities and lives and property. And in the last few days, we have seen some hopeful signs as the level of containment--particularly of the Eaton fire--has increased; more slowly, the containment of the Palisades fire. But we are not out of the woods.


A bill to amend title 41, United States Code, to prohibit [ORG] from entering into contracts with an entity that discriminates against firearm or ammunition industries, and for other purposes; to [ORG] and [ORG]. By [SPEAKER] (for himself, Mr. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] , Ms. [PERSON] , and Ms. [PERSON] ): [PERSON] . A bill to require each enterprise to include on [ORG] a disclaimer to increase awareness of the direct and guaranteed home loan programs of [ORG], and for other purposes; to [ORG], and [ORG].


ISRAEL [SPEAKER]. Mr. President, the Jewish people have faced many libels and many libels over their history--in their case, for millennia. Today, the Jewish State faces the dirty libel--can you believe it?--of committing genocide, all while defending themselves from [ORG].

use of 'dirty libel' and 'can you believe it?' to characterize genocide accusations as false and outrageous, combined with framing Israel as under threat from [ORG]


28 and S. 9. If you have questions about this letter, please contact [PERSON] and [PERSON] . Sincerely, [ORG], joined by: national organizations [ORG], [ORG] (AAUW), [ORG], [PERSON] , Bend the Arc: Jewish Action, Callisto, [ORG], Clearinghouse on Women's Issues, Empowering Pacific Islander Communities, End Rape on Campus, [PERSON] , Family Values @ Work, [ORG], Girls for [ORG], [ORG], [ORG], interACT: Advocates for [ORG], Know Your IX, a project of Advocates for [ORG], Ms. Foundation for [ORG]), [ORG], [ORG], Power to Decide, [ORG] (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice America), [ORG] (SVPA), [PERSON] , Stop Sexual Assault in Schools, [ORG], [ORG], [ORG], YWCA USA.


We are so close to the finish line, so close to delivering results for the American people, for the voters who sent us here, and for [PERSON] and her family. So now, to my fellow Senators, let's do right by the American people. Let's heed their call, help keep them safe, and pass this bill.

We are so close to the finish line... let's do right by the American people


That is over a 2-week pay period. Those families had to float those costs from one paycheck to the next paycheck. You know and I know that a lot of families live paycheck to paycheck, so that put a financial burden on those families with kids with special needs.

families live paycheck to paycheck, put a financial burden on those families


The economy is in bad shape, job numbers are down, inflation is sky high. Our enemies are on the move abroad and in the interior of our country, but the American people chose President [PERSON] and the Republicans for such a time like this. They gave us a mandate to deliver them from the past 4 years of hell that this administration has caused.

enemies are on the move abroad and in the interior of our country; 4 years of hell; mandate to deliver them


Now, I also have a fantastic director of constituent services in Anchorage, [PERSON] , who has completed more than 3,600 of these cases herself. She is amazing. But here is what [PERSON] said about [PERSON] : [PERSON] is at the helm of the ship.


There is much more to do. We have years of decline of the American family to reverse. We have years of neglect of the American worker to undo.

years of decline and neglect invoke emotional concern about deteriorating conditions requiring urgent reversal


This is Shasta Dam in northern California which we are trying to get filled right now but is going to be less useful for people as more of this water is dumped out to the delta. What does that mean for southern California? Well, for example, let's take a look at this.

'dumped out to the delta' - characterizes water allocation with negative framing


A bill to prohibit certain telework employees from receiving certain annual adjustments to pay schedules, and for other purposes; to [ORG]. By [SPEAKER]: H.R. 237.


Where? At [ORG]. Mr. [PERSON] , I congratulate Ms. [PERSON] on her retirement and thank her for the 46.5 amazing years.


This agreement would not have been possible without months of steadfast diplomacy by the United States and our allies in the region and could not have happened and would not have happened until the threats of [ORG] and other Iranian proxies like [ORG] were radically reduced, which, thankfully, they have been. I want to thank President [PERSON] and everyone in his administration who persistently negotiated for a year to make this agreement possible. I thank and honor all the families of the hostages, especially those who live in New York, for their courage and perseverance and boundless grace amid so much grief.

credit to President and administration's persistent negotiation; emphasis on US diplomacy and allies in region


4. A determination has been made that Greece can provide the same degree of protection for the sensitive technology being released as [ORG]. This sale is necessary in furtherance of the U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives outlined in [ORG].

A determination has been made that Greece can provide the same degree of protection and the sale furthers U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives - appeals to official authority and institutional decision-making


Please, mentor every flaw. You are the God in whom we trust who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.


Turning to our Federal workforce. Our Federal workforce does, by and large, great work. They do important work on behalf of the American people.

'great work' and 'important work' are vague praise without specific examples or evidence


I know all too well, Americans still too often struggle to afford lifesaving prescription drugs, and sometimes are even forced to choose between medicine and rent. It's wrong. The Inflation Reduction Act also takes historic steps to change that, capping total out-of-pocket costs for seniors on [ORG] at $2,000 a year; slashing insulin for seniors to $35 a month, down from as much as $400; and finally giving [ORG] the power to negotiate lower drug prices across the board.

forced to choose between medicine and rent; lifesaving prescription drugs


In my home [ORG], the [PERSON] administration issued a midnight rule that limits agriculture production and oil and gas leasing in Wyoming on public lands. He did this over the objections of the people of Wyoming. This is one more insult from this outgoing administration to the families and the workers in my home [ORG].

midnight rule, insult, outgoing administration to the families and workers


[SPEAKER]. Without objection, it is so ordered. Cloture Motion Pursuant to rule [ORG], the [ORG] lays before the Senate the pending cloture motion, which [SPEAKER] will state.


The victory was decisive. Starting this week, Republicans are going to begin to deliver on the mandate. You just heard the minority leader in the Senate talk about what Republicans are going to do to help the American people.

Republicans are going to begin to deliver on the mandate; Republicans are going to do to help the American people


Republicans aren't going to trade American lives for amnesty. We will make the law that puts the safety of the American people first. That is what Americans voted for in November: safety, security, for our communities, for our citizens.

Republicans aren't going to trade American lives for amnesty...That is what Americans voted for in November


General Leave [SPEAKER]. Mr. [PERSON] , I ask unanimous consent that Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material into the Record on H.R. 192.


LAYING A FOUNDATION FOR PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST ([SPEAKER] asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) [SPEAKER]. Mr. [PERSON] , today I rise to say thank you to President [PERSON] and his team for their relentless perseverance and leadership in securing a needed agreement between Israel and [ORG] that includes the release of 33 hostages, who have endured unimaginable suffering.

gratitude to President and his team for 'relentless perseverance and leadership' in securing agreement; 'unimaginable suffering' describing hostages


Can you imagine that happening? What happens if we have another pandemic? What happens if we have a war?

repeated questions about hypothetical catastrophic scenarios (pandemic, war) designed to evoke anxiety about potential future dangers


These aren't policies the American people voted for. It seems that the lameduck President is working overtime to undermine the American values and the demands and the wishes of the American people. The outgoing President has actually had his administration sign contracts with government unions so government workers have the right to stay home from work, maybe pretending that they are working, while still getting paid for a job that they are supposed to be doing.

lameduck President, undermine the American values, government workers...pretending that they are working


People aren't sick. Things have improved dramatically. She walked out to show me a sewer lid and a pump on it.


The fact that there is sympathy or condolences, I agree with the gentleman, is not enough. We need real public policy changes that will be effective and that will be constitutional. That is what the discussion is about today.


It is coming from all edges. Taxing people out of this is part of their goal. Of course, the power grid of my home [ORG], California, is already struggling to deliver electricity to meet existing energy demands, with the currently frequent blackouts and energy shortages.

coming from all edges, taxing people out of this, power grid struggling, frequent blackouts and energy shortages


I suggest the absence of a quorum. [SPEAKER]. [SPEAKER] will call the roll.


I will tell you, we were able to get so much done over the last 6 years. Much of it was done by working with colleagues across the aisle, by taking these great ideas from Tennessee, bringing them here, and saying: How do we distill this so that it becomes a policy that is going to positively impact and make better the lives of Tennesseans and all Americans? In Tennessee, we have a lot of veterans, and there are two provisions that I was able to shepherd through and get signed into law.

phrases like 'great ideas', 'positively impact', and 'make better the lives' without specific details about actual accomplishments


And she gets on the elevator, and, boy, oh, boy, it was the elevator pitch: Commissioner [PERSON] , I understand you are looking for a special assistant. The elevator is going up, all these people are listening: I believe I have the qualities, the hard work, the ethics, the commitment to excellence to be your special assistant. I would like to come by your office and interview.


It is an ancient truth that some crimes are so evil that the scales of justice can never balance so long as the perpetrator lives. Every day that men like [PERSON] and [PERSON] draw breath at the expense of American taxpayers is a day that justice is denied. There is no forgiveness in this world for what they did, and there is no redemption.

crimes are so evil...justice denied...no forgiveness...no redemption


[ORG]. If any provision of this Act, or the application of such provision to any person or circumstance, is held by a [ORG] court to be unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act, and the application of such provisions to any other person or circumstance shall not be affected.


I, like many others, recognize that that in and of itself was a beginning. The real beginning, however, has to go back to the [ORG] legislation that recognizes [PERSON] as the bill introduced first by Congressman [PERSON] of Michigan just days after the assassination of Dr. [PERSON] . Unfortunately, it would take 15 years of those protests, perseverance, attempts, tenacity, and pure resolve by civil rights leaders and others across this Nation for the holiday to become recognized, and then finally signed into law by President [PERSON] in 1983.

references to civil rights leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, and the establishment of a national holiday as symbols of national progress and unity


----------------------------------------------------------------------- House of Representatives The House met at 10 a.m. and was called to order by [SPEAKER] (Mrs. [PERSON] ).


By [SPEAKER] (for himself, Mr. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] , Mrs. [PERSON] , Mrs. [PERSON] , and Mr. [PERSON] ): [PERSON] . [PERSON] . 4.


Yet, if we had just done an egalitarian tax policy, say we want to maximize productivity across the society because we are smart enough to know what the breakthrough is tomorrow. That breakthrough tomorrow is the thing that raises all boats, I guess that is the saying, and makes us productive. What do you get in a society that is more productive?


[ORG] [SPEAKER]. Mr. President, I have to say, I think the remarks I planned today are so pertinent to what is taking place in our world as we are hearing about the [ORG] effect actually bringing forward a deal with Israel, [ORG], and the hostages because my remarks today are centered on [ORG], [ORG] for [ORG].


We, blessed citizens of this one Nation under God, humbled by our claim that in God we trust, gather, indeed, this inauguration day to pray for our President [PERSON] , his family, his advisers, his [ORG], his aspirations, his Vice President, for the large blessings upon [PERSON] , for our men and women in uniform, for each other whose hopes are stoked this new year, this inauguration day. We cannot err in relying upon that prayer from the Bible upon which our President will soon place his hand in oath. As we make our own the supplications of [PERSON] for wisdom, as he began his governance, God of our fathers, in Your wisdom, You set man to govern Your creatures, to govern in holiness and justice, to render justice with integrity, give our leader wisdom, for he is Your servant, aware of his own weakness and brevity of life.

blessed citizens of this one Nation under God, humbled by our claim that in God we trust, and repeated religious appeals invoking divine authority and wisdom


She was 21 years old, she was from [ORG], and she had just graduated from [ORG] in Nebraska with a 4.0 [ORG]. She had her bachelor's degree in criminal investigations. She was headed home after celebrating this really important milestone with her family and her friends.


To date, the United States has signed double taxation agreements with over 60 countries, including the People's Republic of China. It does not have one with Taiwan. The scope and severity of the threat from [ORG] is crystallized in the Taiwan Strait, which is under constant harassment.

scope and severity of the threat...constant harassment


After his 1996 election to the 39th District in the State senate, Mr. [PERSON] went on to be re-elected 10 times. Mr. [PERSON] earned his undergraduate degree in history at [ORG] in 1978 and moved to Atlanta to study African-American history shortly thereafter. There he wrote his thesis on the sit-in movement at [ORG], where he later taught history.


SUPPORTING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND PUERTO RICO [SPEAKER]. The [PERSON] recognizes the gentleman from Puerto Rico (Mr. [PERSON] ) for 5 minutes. [SPEAKER].


The yeas and nays were ordered. [SPEAKER]. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this motion will be postponed.


[SPEAKER] submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill [ORG], to require the Secretary of [ORG] to take into custody aliens who have been charged in the United States with theft, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the end, add the following: [ORG]. ___. CLARIFICATION WITH [ORG] TO CERTAIN ALIENS WHO CAME TO [ORG] AND ALIENS WHO ARE 16 YEARS OF AGE OR YOUNGER.


[Pages [PERSON] ] SA 2. [SPEAKER] submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by her to the bill [ORG], to require the Secretary of [ORG] to take into custody aliens who have been charged in the United States with theft, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the appropriate place, insert the following: [ORG]. ___.


[PERSON] . 30: Mr. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] , and Mr. [PERSON] .


While he suffered brain damage as a result of his seizures, [ORG] is working hard in physical, occupational, and speech therapy sessions to regain his strength and abilities. This type of perseverance deserves to be celebrated and cheered for, just as [ORG] has always cheered on his Bobcats. Between [ORG]'s courage and his incredible support system--his parents [ORG] and [PERSON] and four siblings--he is bound for great things and serves as an inspiration to all.

perseverance deserves to be celebrated and cheered for, courage and incredible support system, inspiration to all


Making guests in our country inadmissible to and removable from the United States because they have committed a sex offense or domestic violence offense should be something that even open-border Democrats can agree with us on. Mr. [PERSON] , [ORG] by Illegal Aliens Act is a straightforward, commonsense bill that I urge my colleagues to support, and I yield back the balance of my time. Ms. [PERSON] .

characterizing immigrants as 'guests in our country' and 'Illegal Aliens'; framing support as issue that 'even open-border Democrats can agree with us on' creates false dichotomy between reasonable position and opposing view


Why? In practice, this would overwhelm ICE detention facilities and make America less safe. Let me tell you some of the numbers of this what appears to be simple bill.


Without objection, it is so ordered. S. 5 [SPEAKER]. Mr. President, you will see for the next hour a whole group of Republicans coming to the floor to be able to talk about one issue: our need for border security and safer communities.

whole group of Republicans coming to the floor to talk about one issue


----------------------------------------------------------------------- House of Representatives The House met at 9 a.m. and was called to order by the Speaker.


How many of you understand we borrow $70,000 a second? The math will tell you almost 100 percent of that borrowing from today through the next decade is interest and healthcare, but we don't want to tell people that. Of the $2.3 trillion that my math says we are going to borrow this year--and [ORG] is going to publish something in the next day or so, and we will see how close my math got to what their prediction is--half of it is interest.

framing of '$70,000 a second' borrowing and '100 percent of that borrowing...is interest and healthcare' with assertion that 'we don't want to tell people that' suggests hidden crisis and manipulative withholding of truth


[PERSON] I congratulate them on this recognition and thank them for their dedication to public service.


All we are paying for is interest on the debt. We don't get any new government programs, and we don't get any new and better military programs. We don't get anything for it.

repetition of 'we don't get' emphasizes futility; 'all we are paying for' uses loaded framing to characterize debt as wasteful


In some parts of the [ORG], you had to have a low-flow device for your shower head, and then they would punish you if you used too much water when you took a shower, if you didn't take a 5-minute shower. All the while, we are sending staggering amounts of water into the ocean, and we are failing to build the storage that would actually catch the water and preserve it for when we need it. Another example, relevant to the situation in L.A., [ORG] actually rejected the building of a desalination plant just a couple of years ago.

Criticizing water restrictions by pointing to separate water management failures (ocean discharge, desalination rejection) rather than addressing the actual logic of conservation measures


It requires her to answer an adult's humiliating questions. It will accelerate our national crisis of sexual assault on young women and girls. It puts a target on the back of every girl, every young woman who chooses to play sports, from T-ball to competitive collegiate athletes.

accelerate our national crisis of sexual assault on young women and girls; puts a target on the back of every girl


By [SPEAKER] (for himself, Mr. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] , Mrs. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] , Ms. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] of Texas, Ms. [PERSON] , Mrs. [PERSON] -[PERSON] , Mr. [PERSON] , and Mr. [PERSON] ): H.R. 520.


That is why, when my bill was killed here in December to pass a law which said that parents can just say: Erase all that information you are gathering about my daughter--and it is the third Congress in a row that happened. Yes, [ORG] should be stopped, and so should Facebook, and so should [PERSON] --so should all of them. But just don't raise it in a [ORG] context.

raising concern about data privacy while dismissing it by saying 'just don't raise it in a [ORG] context' - deflects from the main issue and presents a false choice between addressing the problem or not raising it at all


Yesterday, [PERSON] gave strong answers to tough questions. He is confident, and he is knowledgeable. He is ready to lead [ORG].

strong answers to tough questions, confident, knowledgeable, ready to lead


24 intended to be proposed to S. 5, a bill to require the Secretary of [ORG] to take into custody aliens who have been charged in the United States with theft, and for other purposes. AMENDMENT NO. 35 At the request of Mr. [PERSON] , the name of the Senator from Georgia (Mr. [PERSON] ) was added as a cosponsor of amendment No.


But what a program and what a great group of guys that created. One of the things that I wanted to throw out there is--by the way, this poster, this is what I texted to President [PERSON] about 30 seconds after the game. [ORG] posted this image on their X or their Twitter feed, so I forwarded it to President [PERSON] and said: Does this mean we get to come to [ORG]?


I am the original author of the only [ORG] online protection for children today: [ORG]. And I have authored legislation to update and modernize those protections. My Children and [ORG] to lift it up to age 16, that was blocked here on the Senate floor just 1 month ago in December.

claiming to be the 'original author of the only [ORG] online protection for children today' and referencing self-authored legislation


We can't address them because of the way this majority is bringing this bill to the floor. Zero amendments are allowed because Republicans brought it up under a closed rule-- again, another wasted opportunity. Mr. [PERSON] , we can do better.

presenting only two options (current process vs. unspecified alternative 'we can do better') and using charged language like 'wasted opportunity' and 'zero amendments'


PRAYER The Chaplain, Dr. [PERSON] , offered the following prayer: Let us pray. Spirit of God, descend on our hearts, for apart from You, life is sound and fury signifying nothing. Lord, make our lawmakers great enough for these momentous times.

Spirit of God, descend on our hearts" and "make our lawmakers great enough for these momentous times


By [SPEAKER]: [ORG]. Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following: This bill is enacted pursuant to the power granted to Congress under Article I, Section 8, Clause 5 of the United States Constitution.


She calls [PERSON] our hero: She is our conscience. She is the gatekeeper of decorum. She is all about kindness and respect.

describing someone as 'our hero,' 'our conscience,' 'gatekeeper of decorum' using abstract positive virtues without substantive detail


In response, they put out a statement insisting that all was well and that the operations at [PERSON] and [PERSON] were doing just fine. Now, 4 years later, wouldn't you know it, [ORG] is declaring bankruptcy, threatening the health and safety of thousands of Rhode Islanders who rely on [PERSON] and [PERSON] and the livelihoods of the hundreds of healthcare workers who work in those hospitals. The executives at [ORG] [ORG], who sucked all the money out of those hospitals, are long gone, counting their millions.

threatening the health and safety of thousands; executives who sucked all the money out


I also want to acknowledge [PERSON] . He is a freshman running back who won the Jerry Rice Award as the freshman of the year and obviously just had an incredible year. It is a very prestigious award.


Finally, in 2022, it was removed from the list. Interestingly, when we talk about the weaponization of [ORG], a study that was just released revealed that the snail darter isn't an actual distinct species but is actually just another population of one called the stargazing darter. This raises concern about a specie's identification when really what it is being used for is a weapon.

questioning species identification and describing conservation protections as 'weaponization' with negative framing


[ORG] and then my [ORG] economists actually worked through some math saying what would happen because we have all these expiring provisions of [PERSON] , the 2017 tax reform. If you extend them all--the individual, the passthroughs, the small businesses, the subchapter [ORG], the partnerships--if you extend those tax provisions over 10 years, it is about $4.6 trillion of revenue that would have come in because of the increased taxes because of the expired provisions. What is this body able to do to find policies to offset that spending?


Across the country, skills gaps are plaguing employers and barring workers from filling millions of open job opportunities. That is why today I was proud to introduce the bipartisan Skills Investment Act. This commonsense legislation allows workers at any point in their career to contribute to [PERSON] lifelong learning accounts, which are tax-advantaged savings opportunities that will allow Americans to pursue new job skills and better career prospects.


The impact of these efforts is just starting--and the full effects will be felt over the next decade--but there is no question that our nation today is the best-positioned on earth to win the competition for the 2lst century. We've laid a foundation of possibilities that will make life a little easier for millions of Americans and can propel America forward for decades. Today, we hand the incoming [ORG] the world's strongest economy.

best-positioned on earth to win the competition, world's strongest economy, propel America forward


[PERSON] is a senior [ORG] art student at Canton McKinley High School. This year, he was awarded a Gold Key, two [PERSON] , and an honorable mention in the regional scholastic art competition. [PERSON] 's beginnings in art started in kindergarten, where he used his creative skills to make unique constructions out of [ORG] blocks.


Dr. [PERSON] , Jr., would go on to travel for over 6 million miles, speaking over 2,500 times to launch his nonviolent protest movement that spanned the Nation. It began to grow, and it began to unfurl, and it found its way, reaching and touching the hearts of a lot of people who never even gave a thought about civil rights, but when they thought about their own selves, their own families, and their own desire to live and grow up in a country that many of whom had fought for overseas and defended with their lives, people then realized that this was not just about [PERSON] or [PERSON] , but it was, in fact, about the moral consciousness of our Nation. After that successful boycott, Dr. [PERSON] was arrested again, this time in Birmingham.

many of whom had fought for overseas and defended with their lives; Dr. [PERSON] traveled 6 million miles speaking 2,500 times to launch his nonviolent protest movement


PRAYER The Chaplain, Dr. [PERSON] , offered the following prayer: Let us pray. Lord of life, thank You for the opportunity to honor the life and legacy of the 39th President of the United States. Lord, Your mercies are new to us every day.


It is the cause of every mother, every father, every brother, every sister--of a young girl who simply wants to go to school and then go out for a run in her neighborhood and feel safe. I know, at its core, this is truly a bipartisan issue. We all want to keep our communities safe--all Republicans and Democrats.


I would urge our colleagues to take a much more serious approach here. The murder of [PERSON] was an unspeakable and appalling crime, a heinous act, and no parent, no family should ever have to bear such a calamity. We must take clear steps to make sure that people who commit crimes like this are punished to the full extent of the law.

unspeakable and appalling crime, heinous act, calamity - emotionally charged language paired with emphasis on severe punishment to evoke fear of crime


She started work on June 29, 1978, at 18 years old. At that time, a Big Mac was 90 cents, and since, she has become a beloved fixture in the community. Nearly half a century, she has not just served meals; she has built strong community relationships with her customers and coworkers.


Lillian was a proud [ORG], and I have no doubt that the Lord welcomed her with open arms and a smile on His face. She will truly be missed. I think the first thing she heard was, well done, thy good and faithful servant, when she closed her eyes for the last time.

proud [ORG]...Lord welcomed her with open arms...well done, thy good and faithful servant


No. It is disgusting. Is it protecting girls to empower adult men to ask your daughter to inspect what is in her pants while you are not around?

'disgusting' and 'inspect what is in her pants' evoke emotional distress about child safety


They have no information. And I have read the reports and news articles. I have tracked the court case closely.


Mr. [PERSON] , I wish to recognize retiring [ORG] Chief [PERSON] for his years of service in the [ORG] area. [PERSON] devoted career of service to the [ORG] community and his country has spanned over four decades, including the last 9 years as chief of [ORG]. Chief [ORG]'s longstanding commitment to public safety goes back to the age of 18 when he first joined the fire service.


Instead, supporting and enabling terrorism against Israel is [ORG]'s main purpose. I want to say that again: [ORG]'s support for these terrorist groups is not just at the fringes. It is with their leadership.

repetition of '[ORG]'s support for these terrorist groups' with emphasis 'I want to say that again'; use of 'terrorist' and 'enabling terrorism' as loaded language to characterize the organization


[SPEAKER]. Without objection, it is so ordered. [ORG]--Amendment No.


This bill would ensure that Americans can select vehicles based on their individual needs and financial situations without undue government interference. My home State of California is once again leading on the wrong things. The agency called [ORG] is intending to ban the sale of gas and diesel-powered cars, trucks, and SUVs by 2035, only 10 model years from now.

'undue government interference' and 'leading on the wrong things' combined with urgency framing 'only 10 model years from now'


That is an absolute disgrace, and it alone would blacken the legacy of any Presidency. There should be a Senate resolution condemning every single one of these commutations and the release of every single terrorist. Unfortunately, Senate Democrats would block every single resolution.

'absolute disgrace', 'blacken the legacy', 'every single terrorist', 'would block every single resolution'


Clearly, more information is needed about [PERSON] 's background. But when Democrats asked to make Mr. [PERSON] 's full FBI background documents available to all members of the committee, the Republican chair said no. Why?

Presents a simplified version of a procedural decision as evidence of wrongdoing ('the Republican chair said no. Why?'), implying improper motives without addressing legitimate reasons for document handling procedures.


Perhaps the easiest thing, the most obvious thing is to assure that [ORG] does not stand in the way. That is why I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and both [ORG] of Congress to move on this legislation as quickly as possible. This will be an important first step towards rebuilding Los Angeles and towards restoring some common sense in California.

urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to move quickly; restoring common sense


Misguided policies erase what has been built for female athletes all this time.


Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 17, H.R. 30; Preventing Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act.

Framing immigrants as 'Illegal Aliens' in conjunction with violence prevention creates an emotionally charged association between immigration status and violent crime


Enclosure. transmittal No. 25-0B Report of Enhancement or [ORG].


Mr. [PERSON] , I reserve the balance of my time. [SPEAKER]. Mr. [PERSON] , I reserve the balance of my time.


[[ORG] [SPEAKER]. If the Senator-elect will now present himself at the desk, the [ORG] will administer the oath of office. The Senator, escorted by [SPEAKER], advanced to the desk of [SPEAKER]; the oath prescribed by law was administered by [SPEAKER]; and he subscribed to the oath in the Official Oath Book.


But we would run down. There was about 2.2 miles to get down there, so that was kind of our warmup run, and then we would do our workouts on the airport runway. We would all line up at one end of the runway, and Coach [PERSON] would be down at the other end of the runway.


Where do they stand? Where do they stand? The hearings glaringly show that [PERSON] and his nominees are on the side of the very powerful and that we Democrats who are asking the questions are on the side of working people.

dividing into two opposing sides ('on the side of the very powerful' vs 'on the side of working people') with repetition of 'Where do they stand?' and implicit bandwagon through 'we Democrats'


These values have guided us for 112 years and will continue to light our way forward. Let me add that I associate myself with every word that [PERSON] said with respect to what we are rightly naming. When we think about this bill being proposed, it is really the child predator empowerment act.

calling the bill the 'child predator empowerment act' uses inflammatory language to attack the proposal rather than describe it factually


It was about inflation. It was about the amount that people were paying. That is what the last election was about.


The majority leader. Order of Business [SPEAKER]. Madam President, filing cloture does not signal an end to our amendment process.


That is why we need to make sure we put money back in the pockets of hard- working [ORG], which is why any package--any package--should include the bipartisan plan to eliminate income tax on tips for service and hospitality workers. By ending income tax on tips and adding guardrails to prevent the ultrawealthy and CEOs from exploiting loopholes, we can make sure that [ORG] keep more of their hard-earned money. We also need to provide a broad-based tax cut for working families and the middle class and make sure that families making less than $400,000 a year don't see a tax hike.

hard-working [ORG], hard-earned money, working families and the middle class


Good. Come for it. We are ready for this discussion.


The past several years have been trying at times for many, many Americans and also for the nations of the free world that we humbly strive to lead. In November, Americans chose again to steer this Nation toward greatness--the secure, safe, and prosperous future that our [ORG] envisioned for all of us. And today, we celebrate not only their decision to do so but also the simple right and wisdom of a free people to make their own choice so that their [ORG] might endure.

toward greatness...secure, safe, and prosperous future...free people...their [ORG] might endure


Over the decades, this organization has tackled some of the most pressing challenges facing our community. [ORG] provided books to underserved Black communities in the segregated South. [ORG] became the first sorority to establish employment counseling and career development for Black women.

tackled some of the most pressing challenges facing our community; emphasis on historical accomplishments without specific current details or evidence


302. SUBMISSION OF BIOMETRIC AND BIOGRAPHIC DATA; [ORG]. (a) Submission of [PERSON] and [PERSON] Data.--The Secretary may not grant an alien adjustment of status under this division, on either a conditional or permanent basis, unless the alien submits biometric and biographic data, in accordance with procedures established by the Secretary.


It will take years to salvage the Los Angeles neighborhoods, and some will never be rebuilt. Meanwhile, other regions across our [ORG] can welcome fire refugees. The growing freshwater fights between communities and States that attend to life in the West are hastening.

will take years to salvage, some will never be rebuilt, growing freshwater fights, hastening


However, I stand today because Congress needs to make it clear that [ORG] cannot and will not be weaponized to perpetuate a lie that men can become women. This bill simply affirms common sense and reflects reality. Men and women are uniquely created by God, and no amount of testosterone therapy can reverse biological design.

loaded language in 'weaponized,' 'perpetuate a lie'; appeal to authority via 'God'; false dichotomy presenting complex biological/medical reality as simple binary


If it is transcribed, the transcript shall be made available for inspection by the witness or the witness's counsel under [ORG] supervision. The witness shall sign a copy of the transcript and may request changes to it, which shall be handled in accordance with the procedure set forth in subsection (E). If the witness fails to sign a copy, the staff shall note that fact on the transcript.


The estimated total cost is $130 million. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that continues to be a force for political and economic stability in Europe. The proposed sale will improve Greece's capability to deter current and future threats, support coalition operations, and increase interoperability with the United States.


Eighty-five percent, to repeat, of H-1B visas were awarded to entry level and junior guest workers, and they are paid 20 to 40 percent less than American workers in similar occupations. Let me just give you a few examples as to how unfair [ORG] is. In Dallas, [ORG], H-1B software developers are making $44,000 less than American workers doing the exact same job.

repetition of '85 percent, to repeat' combined with loaded language characterizing H-1B program as 'unfair' while presenting wage gap statistics


(c) Vice [ORG] Chairman shall appoint a Vice Chair of the [ORG] and of each subcommittee. If the Chairman of the [ORG] or subcommittee is not present at any meeting of the [ORG] or subcommittee, as the case may be, the Vice Chair shall preside. If the Vice Chair is not present, the ranking majority member who is present shall preside at that meeting.


When I was Governor of Nebraska, I was the first Governor to ban [ORG] on [ORG] devices because of the threat it posed. Why did I do that? Well, because [PERSON] said that he wants to replace us as the world leader.


The [ORG] ban not only threatens to shut down a platform critical for 170 million Americans, but also, 7 million American businesses use [ORG]. They use it as part of their business. All of that will shut down on Sunday, 4 days from now--just shut down--7 million businesses who use it.

threats of shutdown, repeated 'shut down,' emphasizes immediacy ('Sunday, 4 days from now') and scale (170 million Americans, 7 million businesses)


So Senator [PERSON] 's amendment would require ICE to detain illegal immigrants accused of a crime that resulted in death or serious bodily injury. Every Member of the Senate should be able to agree that illegal immigrants who commit a crime that kills or seriously injures another person should, at the very least, be detained. In the coming days, the Senate will have a serious debate about this and other amendments and about [ORG].

framing detention of illegal immigrants accused of serious crimes as something 'Every Member of the Senate should be able to agree' on, presenting complex immigration policy as a binary choice between supporting detention or opposing public safety


I don't doubt that the climate is changing. I don't doubt humans have an impact on it. But to say this is the end-all and be-all of all of our policies, to the detriment of our economy, job creation, and so many other important issues, just strikes me as misguided.

presents climate action as requiring policies 'to the detriment of our economy, job creation' - falsely suggesting these must be in direct opposition rather than compatible


This is a moment to reaffirm our commitment to human rights, to international law, and to the partnerships that have defined American leadership, and this bill fails that test. By sanctioning officials of the [ORG] and anyone who has done business with them, this bill would have a chilling effect on America's work to support human rights and rule of law around the world. It would hamper the [ORG]'s efforts to prosecute serious atrocities that have wrecked lives and destabilized countries in many places around the world, from Ukraine to Uganda to Darfur.


According to an Athens-[ORG] report, this illegal alien went on to shoplift in Georgia just weeks after his encounter with law enforcement in New York. Clearly, this illegal alien had a pattern of criminal history, one that started when he accepted [PERSON] invitation to illegally enter our country. He should never have been allowed to reside in the United States illegally, and ICE should have immediately issued a detainer after he committed these crimes.

repeated use of 'illegal alien' in dehumanizing context; emphasis on criminal pattern to suggest threat to public safety


So, yes, due process is dramatically changed, with a huge impact on children. And my colleague mentioned that we don't want children to be targeted for gangs. Amen to that.


[SPEAKER]. [SPEAKER] will call the roll. The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.


I had a solution to a math problem that I thought they were going to like. Instead, what they said is, no, it has got to be 21 percent and these individuals are going to be weighted to the wealthy and they are going to be temporary. [SPEAKER].

characterizes opponent's position as dismissive ('no, it has got to be') and misrepresents their reasoning to make it seem arbitrary rather than substantively argued


[PERSON] 's is a one-stop destination for all floral arrangements, special gifts, tuxedos, event supplies, and much more. Back in September, [PERSON] 's celebrated their 45th anniversary where [PERSON] , the original owner, shared captivating stories about the humble beginnings of this business. It is now owned by [PERSON] , and [PERSON] 's Flowers will continue to make special occasions even more special.


Madam President, I thank Senator [PERSON] . As it is my first time addressing you from the Senate floor since I began my second term, I would like to start by saying how grateful I am that [ORG] have put their trust in me to serve another 6 years in [ORG]. People in my [ORG] know that above all else, I am a [ORG] first before any political party or ideology, and my track record is clear.

grateful...trust...serve...track record is clear


[SPEAKER] will call the roll. The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll. [SPEAKER].


[SPEAKER]. Mr. [PERSON] , I was necessarily absent today and missed one vote on [ORG]. Had I been present, I would have voted the below, consistent with my [ORG] vote in the 118th Congress on June 4, 2024: YEA on Roll Call No.


On the global stage, he restored faith in America as a world power, a global leader, and a responsive ally that would not tolerate the post- World War II global order to be undermined by autocrats like [PERSON] . He defended Ukraine, boosted competition with China, and strengthened alliances in the South Pacific. He oversaw the expansion of NATO and its bolstering of defenses of its Baltic members.


Indiana: [ORG], [ORG] (ICESAHT), [ORG], ASSIST Indiana, Inc., [ORG], [ORG], [ORG]. Iowa: [ORG], EMBARC Iowa. Kansas: [ORG].


I think we have an opportunity in this [PERSON] administration coming up to resume some of the work that President [PERSON] led during his first term to talk about a possible raise of Shasta Dam. This dam was actually designed to be much taller when it was built back in the late 1930s, and it would be pretty simple to add 18 more feet to that. That is the plan that is being looked at.


I am grateful for their cosponsorship and their courage to say now is the time for results. I have been encouraged by other Members of [ORG] who have said: This is a bill I would like to see cross the finish line. Last week, we had 84 Senators who voted to advance it.


[SPEAKER] submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill [ORG], supra; which was ordered to lie on the table. SA 18. [SPEAKER] submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill [ORG], supra; which was ordered to lie on the table.


Unfortunately, without more changes to address deficiencies in the bill, I will be voting no. We Democrats want to see our broken immigration system fixed. We worked with Republicans last year on the strongest immigration bill in a decade.

'strongest immigration bill in a decade'