mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Immigration (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-11-12

for the record, how many pieces of legislation did we consider in the Senate last week? None. The week before? None. How many months has this measure been sitting in the Senate, the -controlled Senate? Five months, and for five months the leader has not considered it worthy to even bring it before the Senate for debate. prgtoken I don't control the agenda. Senator McConnell does. He has decided this measure is not worth debating on the floor of the U.S. Senate. prgtoken When I come and make a unanimous consent request to bring this measure to the floor, it isn't as if we are taking away an option, which the leader is using. He is not. When we look back to the debate or at least the effort to find a compromise with President on this issue, it is next to impossible. He is surrounded by people who are completely against DACA and Dreamers. Stephen Miller is a good illustration of one. It used to be Jeff Sessions. He is no longer with the administration. Every time the President starts to lean toward DACA and the Dreamers, these people intervene and stop him, and negotiations come to an end. prgtoken It is time for us in the Senate not to wait for a permission slip from President to pass legislation. I am prepared to bring this matter to the floor and to accept the decision on the amendments on the floor. We are in the minority. We will lose some of these amendments. So be it. Let's let the Senate be the Senate and deliberate these measures. To argue that I shouldn't be asking to bring it to the floor because it has to go through regular order, the obvious question is: When is Senator McConnell going to pursue regular order on a measure that has been sitting here for 5 months? prgtoken Let me say a word, if I can, while we are on the subject, about the people who are involved. We can talk about Senate procedure and law all we wish, but what we should do is discuss the real people who are involved. prgtoken In 1,000 days in office, this President has issued 11,000 tweets. No surprise, is it? There are 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 a day. He issued one this morning about the young people who are in question here. I would like to read President 's tweet from this morning, as the case was headed to the Supreme Court. Here is what he tweeted: Many of the people in DACA, no longer very young, are far from ``angels.'' Some are very tough, hardened criminals. President said he had no legal right to sign order, but would anyway. If Supreme Court remedies with overturn, a deal will be made with Dems for them to stay! prgtoken May I address one particular aspect of the tweet of the President of the United States on this subject affecting the fate of 780,000 young people living in the United States? Probably the best thing is not to do it generically but to talk about specifics. prgtoken Let me tell you a story about two DACA recipients
DEBORAH SAMPSON ACT
Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Democrat, MP) \u2014 2019-11-12

I rise in support of H.R. 3224, the Deborah Sampson Act, which removes barriers faced by women veterans accessing health care and benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. prgtoken Our country has more than 2 million women veterans who live in every Congressional district, including the Northern Mariana Islands. prgtoken And the number of women veterans seeking VA health care has doubled since 2000. prgtoken While the women veteran population continues to grow, the VA has not kept up in providing the care and services tailored to their unique health care needs. prgtoken The Deborah Sampson Act, which I cosponsored, improves women's care at the VA by requiring at least one designated women's health provider in each VA facility, retrofitting existing medical facilities to improve privacy and environmental care conditions, and expanding access to newborn care. The bill also increases funding for legal and support services to focus on unmet needs among women veterans, like prevention of eviction and foreclosure and child support issues. prgtoken Passage of H.R. 3224 is critical to ensuring the VA has the capacity and resources to meet the current and future needs of women veterans. prgtoken I thank the gentlelady from California, Ms. Brownley, for her leadership on this legislation and urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3224.
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN LEGION
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-11-12

I come to the floor to recognize the accomplishments of an organization that has done great service to communities and veterans across the United States. prgtoken This month marks 100 years since the American Legion received its charter from Congress and formally adopted its constitution. When it was established in Paris in March of 1919, the American Legion stated its aims, in part, ``to perpetuate the principles of justice, freedom, and democracy for which we have fought.'' prgtoken The accomplishments of the American Legion since that time are numerous and profound. They include successfully lobbying for the creation of what was then called the Veterans Bureau, which would later become the VA, the Department of Veterans Affairs. prgtoken The American Legion also conducted pioneering research into PTSD and drafted the original GI bill that helped to educate so many World War II veterans after that war and gave a big boost to the expanding U.S. economy post-World War II. prgtoken American Legion members complete 3.7 million hours of community service each year. I happen to be a member of the Sons of the American Legion. As part of that organization, I am blessed to have had the American Legion make a meaningful impact in my life. prgtoken When I was a young high school student in Iowa, I was proud to participate in Boys State, where I learned the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of citizenship. The American Legion still does that every year in Iowa and I suppose in every State. Iowans are fortunate to have the enduring presence of the American Legion in our communities. prgtoken This August, two Iowans were recognized nationally for their dedication to the American Legion. Bruce Feuerbach of Keystone was elected national vice commander of the American Legion, and Nicole Clapp of Gladbrook was elected national president of the American Legion Auxiliary. prgtoken Many more accomplishments are sure to come from the American Legion's Iowa department. I congratulate the American Legion on its 100th year of service and thank all members for their dedication to Iowa and to our Nation. prgtoken I want to point out that there was a Major General MacNider, Mason City, IA, who was the fourth national commander of the American Legion and probably one of those who was dedicated to establishing this organization early on. prgtoken .
REMEMBERING KAY HAGAN
Johnny Isakson (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-11-12

today I would like to remember in the Record former U.S. Senator Kay Hagan of North Carolina. prgtoken Senator Hagan and I served together on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, where she served both North Carolina and the United States well during her years in the Senate. We also worked together closely on housing issues affecting Americans as a result of the 2008 economic downturn and housing crisis. prgtoken Kay and I served as Senate coleaders of the annual Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage to historic sites of the civil rights movement in Alabama in 2013. I was honored to have her by my side along with U.S. Representative John Lewis of Georgia during this moving event, which culminated with an emotional crossing of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, where Congressman Lewis was beaten during the 1965 march he led there. Upon return, Senator Hagan wrote about the moment Montgomery chief of police Kevin Murphy personally apologized to Congressman Lewis on behalf of the Montgomery Police Department for the department's failure to protect the Freedom Riders while removing his police badge and presenting it to Congressman Lewis. She shared how this experience served as an emotional reminder to her of the oath she took to protect and serve the people of North Carolina. prgtoken That was how Kay worked. That trip, along with our legislative efforts together in Washington, cemented the high respect I have had for her and her work on many issues affecting the Southeast. prgtoken I honor of Kay Hagan, I was proud to cosponsor a Senate resolution saluting her life and service. prgtoken I also hope she would have appreciated our vote to advance the Kay Hagan Tick Act in the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. My older sister died at a very young age from the fatal results of a tick bite, and it was tragic to see Senator Hagan succumb to complications of the tickborne Powassan virus. This legislation was named for her to improve research, prevention, diagnostics and treatment for tick-borne diseases. prgtoken I appreciate her service to the country, and my prayers are with Chip, her family and all those who loved her. Her legacy will live on.
Immigration (Executive Session)
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2019-11-12

I would like to articulate the reason for the objection to the legislation that is brought forward by my friend the Senator from Illinois. prgtoken Once again, I found it necessary for the good of the order to object to a unanimous consent request brought by our friends in the minority. Once again, they are attempting to bypass the Senate's rules on behalf of a piece of legislation this body has not had time to debate, to deliberate, or to consider in committee. prgtoken The American Dream and Promise Act passed the House of Representatives by a near party-line vote; unsurprising, considering the bill addresses the contentious issue of immigration law. This bill, supported by the Senator from Illinois, would offer temporary legal status to 2\1/2\ million undocumented immigrants. prgtoken Those affected immigrants have tried to remain in the United States under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or the DACA Program-- a backstop made possible by nothing more than an Executive memo signed by former President . prgtoken I think this is important for us to realize that it was an Executive memo that put this program in place. It is not a Federal law. President ended the DACA Program in 2017, arguing the administration's attempt to subvert immigration law on such a massive scale was unlawful and possibly unconstitutional. Soon after, President offered a path to legalization for DACA recipients, but our friends in the minority refused to take him up on that offer. prgtoken We have to remember this: There was a path to legalization for DACA recipients that was offered by President . Our friends in the minority said: No; no, we do not want that. prgtoken They continued with the issue. I will tell you, every Dreamer in the country should be outraged by the minority's prgtoken refusal to come to the table and negotiate on an offer that was on the table. I encourage my friends on the other side of the aisle to remember that the Supreme Court affirmed a lower court decision to maintain an injunction on the nationwide DAPA Program--a scheme similar to DACA but aimed at parents, as opposed to children. prgtoken Although that decision set no legal precedent, it did open up an opportunity for the new administration--and for each and every one of us in the Senate--to rebuild various fixes in our immigration system without running afoul of existing legal barriers. prgtoken As my friend the Senator from Illinois likes to point out, Senators from both sides of the aisle have been working on this issue--it has been with us for years--and it is imperative we find a consensus solution. prgtoken If the minority wishes to offer peace of mind and a path forward to Dreamers, they should do it in such a way that allows the American people to hold each and every one of us accountable for repercussions. We should do this through regular order. I reiterate my objection to the minorit
BEVERLY HURD, VETERAN OF THE MONTH
Ross Spano (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-11-12

I rise today to share the inspiring story of a World War II veteran from my district. At 102 years young, Beverly Hurd is a unique personification of what heroism is about. prgtoken In 1944, Bev put her teaching career on hold and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. While stationed at Corry Field in Pensacola, Florida, she was able to apply her teaching skills as a ground school instructor. During her time there, she developed critical classified reconnaissance films that were used in troop training. prgtoken Once discharged, Bev used her GI Bill to earn her teaching degree and return to the classroom. She went from serving in uniform to serving at home and, for nearly 40 years, educated generations of great minds. prgtoken Beverly Hurd modeled selflessness and sacrifice at a time when the doors were barely open for females to do so, and she played a critical role, both in protecting democracy and in expanding the role of women in our military service. prgtoken I thank Bev for her service, her sacrifice, and for being a great role model for generations of younger American women.
REDUCING HIGH RISK TO VETERANS AND VETERANS SERVICES ACT
Jack Bergman (Republican, MI) \u2014 2019-11-12

. Madam , basically, when you have three stars, it just means you outlasted a lot of folks. But the point is the honor of being able to serve among marines, sailors, soldiers, airmen, and coastguardsmen is enough to make us all swell with pride because, you know, yesterday was Veteran's Day, and it is a real special day thanking the veterans of all wars for their service to our country. prgtoken I rise today in support of H.R. 4477, as amended, the Reducing High Risk to Veterans and Veterans Services Act, a bill introduced by Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Chris Pappas and co- led by myself. prgtoken Every 2 years, GAO publishes its High-Risk List identifying those activities which are considered high risk due to their vulnerabilities to fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement or their need for transformation. Sometimes things don't always stay the same, and we need to move forward with the change. prgtoken As Ranking Member Roe stated, GAO added managing risks and improving VA healthcare to its list in 2015 and added VA Acquisition Management in 2019. This past May, the Comptroller General of the United States testified before the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, where I am proud to serve as ranking member, concerning the Department's efforts to add GAO recommendations. prgtoken Comptroller General Dodaro testified during the hearing: ``I want to emphasize hardly any area in the high-risk area gets off the list without sustained congressional oversight, as well, and action by the Congress. The engagement by the Congress is absolutely critical to the success of agencies coming off the High-Risk List.'' prgtoken The intent of this bill is to focus VA on its efforts to remove these two programs from GAO's High-Risk List and give Congress the information needed to provide the sustained congressional oversight the Comptroller General said was absolutely necessary and needed to remove programs from the High-Risk List. prgtoken H.R. 4477 was amended in committee to incorporate provisions of H.R. 698, a bill introduced by Representative Banks, which would require VA to report on its efforts to implement GAO's priority recommendations for VA. prgtoken I strongly encourage all Members to support H.R. 4477, as amended.
COMMEMORATING NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK
Glenn Grothman (Republican, WI) \u2014 2019-11-12

as some of our other Members have, I rise to commemorate the observance of National Apprenticeship Week. prgtoken Whether you are talking to people who are manufacturers, whether you are talking to people in the medical community, you know that one of the biggest problems we have in America today is we don't have enough people to fill the vital jobs that are necessary for our economy and necessary for the health of our citizens. prgtoken To a certain extent, this is because the educational system has let people down, allowing them to spend tens of thousands of dollars and go tens of thousands of dollars in debt without getting the skills needed in these two vital areas. prgtoken For too long, we have just focused on a vague 4-year degree path, but we are right now in a position in which we are ruining people's lives or putting them in a very difficult position as they become 30 years old, 35 years old, and still don't have a job commensurate with repaying these loans. prgtoken Apprenticeships are good for employers, good for workers, and good for our country. prgtoken As Members of Congress, people on the Education Committee and others must do more to expand and promote the apprenticeship program.
TRIBUTE TO STAFF SERGEANT DANIEL P. KELLER
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-11-12

I want to recognize the accomplishments of SSgt Daniel P. Keller for his heroic actions while in combat in Afghanistan. On 16 August 2017, while assigned as a joint terminal attack controller for Combined Joint Special Operations Air Component Afghanistan, Staff Sergeant Keller performed his duty to his country and his teammates with fierce determination and unquestionable courage. prgtoken While on a mission, his assault force struck an improvised explosive device and came under heavy fire from the enemy. Despite being wounded, Staff Sergeant Keller used his most potent weapon, the ability to call in airpower, to strike enemy positions while simultaneously returning fire with his personal weapon. Most admirably, Staff Sergeant Keller took direct action to ensure the successful evacuation of 13 critically wounded casualties while under continuous enemy fire. Upon saving his wounded comrades, Staff Sergeant Keller continued to engage the enemy and guaranteed follow-on forces were well prepared to continue the fight. prgtoken For his valiant service, Staff Sergeant Keller received the Air Force Cross, our Nation's second highest medal for combat valor. His citation for this award stated that ``his personal courage, quick actions and tactical expertise whilst under fire directly contributed to the survival of the 130 members of his assault force, including 31 wounded in action.'' prgtoken I would like to offer my most profound appreciation to Staff Sergeant Keller for his willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure his mission while saving American lives. His courage and dedication should serve as an example to us all and remind us of our solemn duty to the men and women who volunteer to defend our great Nation.
Nomination of Chad F. Wolf (Executive Session)
Ron Johnson (Republican, WI) \u2014 2019-11-12

I rise today to ask the Senate to confirm Mr. Chad Wolf to be the Under Secretary of the Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans at the Department of Homeland Security. prgtoken The Under Secretary of the Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans leads an office of over 150 employees with an annual budget of over $37 million to develop and implement DHS policy, long-term goals, and strategic plans. Chad Wolf has extensive experience in homeland security policy, starting in 2002 working as the chief of staff helping to stand up the new Transportation Security Administration after 9/11 and then as the Assistant Administrator for that agency. prgtoken He left government and spent over a decade working on homeland security policy issues as a consultant in the private sector. Mr. Wolf returned to public service and the Department of Homeland Security in 2017, serving as chief of staff at TSA, chief of staff to the Secretary, and now as the Assistant Secretary of Strategy, Plans, Analysis & Risk. Since February of this year, he has been the senior official performing the duties of the Under Secretary of the Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans, the office for which we are now considering his nomination. prgtoken The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs approved his nomination on a bipartisan basis on July 24. As we all know, the Department has a number of Senate-confirmed leadership positions vacant. Currently, 7 of the 18 DHS offices requiring Senate confirmation are vacant. Three of those vacant positions have nominees that have been languishing on the Senate floor for months after being approved by my committee with bipartisan support. prgtoken Mr. Wolf's nomination has been pending in the Senate for almost 9 months. Troy Edgar, the nominee to be the Department's Chief Financial Officer, has been pending in the Senate for 8 months, and William Bryan, the nominee to be Under Secretary for Science and Technology, has been pending for over 4 months. All three nominees were approved by my committee with bipartisan support. We are holding a hearing to consider Mr. Peter Gaynor as the President's nominee to head FEMA this week. prgtoken Dedicated Americans serving at DHS in acting positions are doing admirable jobs under oftentimes difficult circumstances. I trust that Chad Wolf will do the same if he is asked to step aside from his role as Under Secretary to serve temporarily as Acting Secretary upon Kevin McAleenan's departure. prgtoken I fully expect and I call upon the President to nominate a permanent Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security. When he does, my committee will consider the nominee expeditiously. We need confirmed leadership at DHS to help direct the Department as it works to keep Americans safe. prgtoken We need confirmed leadership at DHS to help direct the Department as it works to keep Americans safe. I am grateful to Chad Wolf for his willingness to se