What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from Congress.

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Senate

Legislative Session

Official Congressional Record ↗

John Thune

Republican
“I went to my high school reunion. I grew up in a small town. People helped each other. I think about that when I make laws. I try to make laws that help farmers and ranchers. I want to cut taxes for working families.”
Our translation 93% shorter
“I don't like Trump's war. I think it is bad. Gas prices are high. I want our troops to come home. Trump is lying about the war. People don't want this war. Trump is also putting tariffs on many countries. This is bad for American families. It costs them more money. Trump lies about manufacturing jobs. We have lost jobs because of the tariffs. Trump does things to help his rich friends. I think Trump is corrupt. Trump wants to corrupt our elections. Democrats are trying to stop Trump. Democrats are planning for the election. We remember the Capitol Police officers who died 28 years ago. They were heroes.”
Our translation 91% shorter

John Barrasso

Republican
“I don't want non-citizens to vote. It happened in New Jersey. I blame Democrats. They let immigrants in and give them driver's licenses. I think this leads to voter fraud. Democrats don't want border security or voter ID. I think Democrats are extreme. They want to get rid of ICE and the electoral college. I think that's bad. Republicans secured the border. We need to deport more illegal immigrants. I think Americans want secure borders and safe communities.”
Our translation 92% shorter

Jacky Rosen

Democrat
“I'm upset that Jewish people are being attacked and facing discrimination. It's happening a lot. People don't like Jews. The numbers show it's getting worse. Synagogues have been attacked in different places. Young people think Jews cause problems. That's not right. I don't like that they think that way. Jewish people are scared to go to their religious services. They skip them because they're afraid of being targeted. I used to be the president of a synagogue. I know they need security. Synagogues spend a lot of money on security. The government should give them more money for security. I have a bill that would give synagogues more money to protect themselves. I think anti-Semitism is a warning sign. If we don't stop it, more hate will come. We need to pass my bill to protect Jewish people.”
Our translation 88% shorter
“I want to blame the President's war for causing chaos. The war has cost a lot of money. It caused high gas prices. This hurt American families. Many farms went bankrupt. Iran is stronger now. America used up a lot of weapons. Now we don't have enough weapons to defend ourselves. This war caused other wars. Israel invaded Lebanon. Many people died. Many people lost their homes. The war with Iran caused this. Iran controls important waterways now. They didn't control them before. America fired many missiles at Iran. We used up half our missiles. Our allies used up even more of their missiles. This war is a disaster. But the administration says it's worth it. They say the goals of the war are worth the costs. But the goals have not been achieved. The administration wanted regime change. They wanted to destroy Iran's military. They wanted to stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. But none of this happened. Iran's leaders are younger and more confident now. Iran still has many missiles and drones. They can still get a nuclear weapon. This war did not achieve its goals. It was a mistake. It cost a lot of money. It caused a lot of death and chaos. I want to vote to end this war.”
Our translation 88% shorter

John Hoeven

Republican
“I support this judge. He is from my state. He is a good man. He does a good job. He follows the law. He does not make new laws. He is fair. I knew the last judge. He is a good guy too. He played sports in high school. The new judge will do a good job like the old judge. The new judge has a nice family. They are good people. I want him to be the new judge. You should vote for him too.”
Our translation 86% shorter