mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE PUBLIC SERVICE OF BOBBY KUMAR KALOTEE
Thomas R. Suozzi (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-11-19

. Madam , I rise today to recognize a constituent dedicated to a life of service, Dr. Bobby Kumar Kalotee. Dr. Kalotee has, for decades, worked tirelessly to serve people in his community, both locally and abroad. Dr. Kalotee has lived the American dream. Born to a poor family in India, Dr. Kalotee came to America at the age of 21. After years of hard work as a bus boy and shoe shiner, Dr. Kalotee was able to save enough money to start his own business and truly embrace his entrepreneurial spirit. Though successful in business, Dr. Kalotee felt unfulfilled without performing service to support those around him. For decades, Dr. Kalotee has promoted health and science on Long Island and has served on the Board of Directors of the Nassau University Medical Center and the Board of the New York Institute of Technology, where he received an honorary doctorate in science in 2001. He also was the Chairman of Spartan Health Science University Saint Lucia, where he received a doctorate in philosophy in 2016. Dr. Kalotee is the International Chairman of Friends for Good Health, a charitable organization with a mission to bring healthcare professionals to places in need all over the world. On a recent mission to El Salvador, he and the Friends for Good Health team served over 5,000 people in 4 different cities. For all his good work, Dr. Kalotee has been recognized or received awards from over 300 organizations. Dr. Kalotee is very active in politics in New York. Dr. Kalotee was Chairman of Nassau County Independence Party, Vice-Chairman of New York State Independence Party and National Executive Director of Independence Party of America. Dr. Kalotee was National Chairman of Reform Party from 2007 to 2010. Dr. Kalotee's commitment to serving others is representative of the Indian-American community at large here in the United States. Throughout my time in public office, I have seen the Indian-American community in my district pull together to raise up everyone around them. In discussions with fellow Members of Congress, such as my friends Raja Krishnamoorthi from Illinois and Carolyn Maloney from New York, we have marveled at the true dedication of people like Dr. Kalotee to make our country a better place for all, and I count myself lucky to have such a man call my district home. Dr. Kalotee has been married to his wife for over 30 years and has 5 children, all of whom inherited the patriotism of their father. I commend Dr. Bobby Kumar Kalotee for everything he has accomplished and wish him well in all his future endeavors.
Pensions (Executive Session)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-11-20

the financial crisis facing the private sector multiemployer pension system calls for comprehensive reform and getting it done soon. prgtoken The crisis is severe and growing worse every day. Would you believe about 125 multiemployer plans are in so-called critical and declining financial status? These plans report that they will become insolvent over the next two decades. There will be a lot of people without a retirement plan if we don't act. prgtoken Several large plans, including the United Mine Workers Pension Fund and the large Central States Pension Fund, predict these plans will become insolvent in the next few years. That is not a very comfortable environment for those retirees. prgtoken This will leave more than 1.3 million participants without the pension benefits they have been promised and, of course, worked for probably throughout their whole lives. prgtoken In just my State of Iowa, the benefits of close to 10,000 participants of multiemployer plans are at risk if the system fails. Ten thousand Iowans being affected by what we do or don't do, obviously, gets my attention. That figure of 10,000 will represent over $70 million in benefits paid out annually that these individuals rely on in retirement. prgtoken More broadly, another large group of multiemployer plans are in critical status. They report that no realistic combination of contribution increases or allowable benefit reductions--options available under the current law prgtoken to address their financial condition--will enable these plans to emerge from their current, poorly funded financial condition. So it is very important that Congress act to save these retirement plans. These plans cover millions more workers and retirees across the Nation, and those workers and retirees face significant benefit cuts under existing law. prgtoken We should also be concerned about the financial health of the Federal insurance system that backs up these retirement benefits. The Federal insurance system goes by the name of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. The PBGC's multiemployer pension program may itself become insolvent if only one or possibly two larger multiemployer plans fail. prgtoken One of these plans, the United Mine Workers, just lost its last large contributing employer to bankruptcy. Without reforms, the Federal guaranty system, the PBGC, reports it will be insolvent no later than 2026. When that happens, the PBGC will not be able to pay either current or future retirees more than a very small fraction of the benefits they have been promised. prgtoken Consequently, substantial reductions in retirement income are a very real possibility for the millions of workers and retirees who depend on benefits from these plans. We need to act very soon to protect the hard-earned pension benefits of the workers who participate in these plans. prgtoken As chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, I am on the floor today to join with Cha
Healthcare (Executive Session)
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2019-11-20

I come to the floor today as the 2020 ic Presidential candidates prepare to debate this evening. We are sure to hear once again about their proposals for massive taxing and spending. At the top of the list is their $34 trillion Medicare for All, which is really a one-size-fits-all healthcare scheme for the people of our country. Here is the key point. will dramatically raise taxes on all Americans. One candidate plans to increase taxes on working families by $26 trillion over the next year-- that is new taxes--new taxes--of $26 trillion. This candidate also proposes an additional $2 trillion on top of the $26 trillion by hiring an army of IRS agents to crack down on hard-working Americans who this one candidate, as a Member of this body, says can actually pay more and are not paying their full share. So Americans will pay $28 trillion more in taxes over a decade. Do not be deceived. These taxes will hit all Americans. prgtoken know they can't win this election on policy. Specifically, they are dangerous ic socialist policies that they are going to be promoting in the debate tonight. So what are they doing? Well, they are counting on their totally partisan impeachment process. We have been hearing all about it now for months--actually, for years. prgtoken have been obsessed with impeaching--impeaching--President since day one, the day he was elected. Then fast forward to his inauguration in 2017. The campaign to impeach President , starting from the day he was elected, really took force the day he was sworn into office. prgtoken want to overturn the last election, and they want to interfere with the upcoming election. Election day 2020 is now less than a year away. Still, ' impeachment obsession continues to burn on. prgtoken This is an unfair, bitterly partisan process. I will tell you, the Americans I talk to at home in Wyoming see right through it. When I talk to my colleagues around the country, their constituents at home see right through it as well. prgtoken Recent polling shows that the public wants the voters--not House and not Pelosi--to make prgtoken their own call on election day. The , meanwhile, seem to prefer impeachment to doing the work of the American people--the work all of us were elected to do. prgtoken s prefer to work on the issues we were elected to address: jobs, the economy, and our Nation's security. We are going to continue to work for the people who elected us.
SHARK FIN SALES ELIMINATION ACT OF 2019
Garret Graves (Republican, LA) \u2014 2019-11-20

. This is part of the overall consideration. Yet this bill attempts to gut legally sustainable shark harvesting that is part of the overall fisheries management process and doesn't take into consideration what impact that will have. prgtoken In closing, this bill is not the right approach. I agree with the objective, but all we are doing here is pushing illegally harvested species to other countries, as opposed to truly stopping the problem. There are successful efforts out there that are demonstrated to work, whereas this simply, again, promotes illegal harvesting.
Remembering Nathan Lane (Executive Calendar)
Cory Gardner (Republican, CO) \u2014 2019-11-20

I rise today to honor a Foreign Service Officer of the United States and a former Pearson Fellow in my office, who was tragically killed in an accident while serving his country abroad. prgtoken After serving in my office for a yearlong fellowship, Nathan Lane was assigned to the Poland desk at the U.S. State Department here in Washington. Sadly, while on temporary duty in Poland, he was involved in a car accident. While he was initially hospitalized, his injuries proved too severe, and, surrounded by his loving family, he passed away on November 2. prgtoken Nathan was a committed public servant who joined the State Department in 2000 and served in nearly every corner of the globe. He and his wife Sara and, later, his son Peter travelled from Mexico, to Russia, to Belarus, to Vietnam, and finally to Kenya. After his assignment in Kenya, he had the ``misfortune'' to be assigned to my office through a Pearson Fellowship. Here, my team and I got to see his diligence and dedication every day firsthand. prgtoken During his time in my office, Nathan proved invaluable. His knowledge and expertise of foreign policy gave him a mastery of the portfolio, as revealed by his exceptionally researched policy papers on important international issues and matters that my team and I tackled in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken Nathan's understanding of the dynamics of foreign relations and his skills at compiling pertinent information allowed him to craft the soon-to-be-released report on China. This product of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and Cybersecurity Policy will be a comprehensive report on the activities of China in the Indo-Pacific region. Absent Nathan's diligence and dedication, this report would not have been possible. prgtoken Additionally, Nathan drafted a resolution urging the formation of an unprecedented treaty alliance between the United States and Indo- Pacific nations to collectively guard against growing cyber threats. The Cyber League of Indo-Pacific States, or CLIPS, was Nathan's brainchild. He was passionate about this idea and rightfully proud of this resolution, and my team and I are honored to carry on this torch. prgtoken Of course, Nathan contributed so much more than just policy expertise. His kind heart and curious nature made him a friend to my staff and me. He would readily help those around him, even with the smallest tasks, without a whisper of complaint and quickly fit in as one of the team. prgtoken Nathan had many passions beyond foreign policy. He loved chess, and every so often, we would catch him pulling up an ongoing game between times of busyness. He loved running, and it wasn't uncommon for him to step away from his desk at a convenient time to go for a quick jog around Capitol Hill. prgtoken Perhaps his greatest passion, though, was baseball. Indeed, one of his most timeless contributions to our office was his membership of Coors & Corn, the
HONG KONG HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY ACT OF 2019
Christopher H. Smith (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2019-11-20

the balance of my time. prgtoken , the United States' and the world's response to the Tiananmen Square massacre 30 years ago and the massive crackdown that was unleashed after that, because of that weak response, has enabled unrelenting and pervasive human rights abuses ever since. prgtoken Had we been strong and predictable and said that human rights matter, had we linked it to MFN, most-favored-nation status, and stuck to it, we would have had a different China today that, at least more than it does today, would have respected the rule of law and human rights. prgtoken We cannot recommit that mistake by being weak and vacillating in the face of this terrible, terrible attack on the people of Hong Kong and on their autonomy. prgtoken Remember, what we are asking Xi Jinping, Carrie Lam, and all the other leaders in Hong Kong and in Beijing to do is just honor your promises; you made solemn promises that you are violating now with impunity. prgtoken We have to be very clear that if we enable that, if we look the other way, then we become unwittingly, perhaps, but complicit in this terrible degrading of the human rights situation for the people of Hong Kong. prgtoken , I want to remind my colleagues as well, and I think we all know this, but this bill is the work of so many who deeply care, many Members across the aisle, bipartisanship at a time when that seems to be pretty much a rare commodity, but when it comes to Hong Kong, we are all there joined together arm-in-arm speaking out on behalf of these tremendous leaders who suffer and go to prison and endure tear gas and worse each and every day. prgtoken I want to mention some of the staff members, and there are many. When we had the bill up on the 15th, I mentioned even more. But these members were instrumental in working on the legislation over the past 5 years. Remember, this is the fourth time I introduced it, and I have worked with Marco Rubio and others. This is a bicameral and bipartisan bill. prgtoken , I want to thank former staff directors of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, Paul Protic and Elise Anderson, for their important work on Hong Kong and China. I want to thank Piero Tozzi of my staff for his focus on human rights in China and around the world. I particularly want to mention the contribution made to this legislation by Scott Flipse of the CECC, the Congressional-Executive Commission on China. prgtoken In 2014, Dr. Flipse first convinced me. We had met, and he said that we have a problem in Hong Kong and that we need to address it. I was co-chair of the China Commission. Then we had meetings with Chinese leaders and Hong Kong leaders. We began to see that what was taking place in somewhat slow motion before our eyes was that there was a long-term Beijing plan to undermine Hong Kong's autonomy and that the U.S. needed to focus its efforts on countering that plan. He has been a stalwart advocate for the people
BIG BEAR LAND EXCHANGE ACT
Tom McClintock (Republican, CA) \u2014 2019-11-20

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , H.R. 255, introduced by the gentleman from California (Mr. Cook), authorizes a locally supported equal value land exchange between the Forest Service and San Bernardino County. The county has proposed to convey an inland parcel within the San Bernardino National Forest to the Forest Service in exchange for land further north to be conveyed by the county. prgtoken The land conveyed by the county will allow needed forest management infrastructure to be located closer to the forest and promote road safety by reducing the need to drive forest products down narrow, winding roads. prgtoken H.R. 255 also authorizes cooperation between the county and the Forest Service to relocate a portion of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, if needed, and requires that the trail relocation be completed before the exchange is consummated. prgtoken This legislation is the result of a Congressman who has listened to the voices of his community, an administration sympathetic to the plight of our forest communities, and community members and their local representatives putting forward a reasonable and workable plan that is fair to all parties. prgtoken , I urge adoption of the measure, and .
CONGRATULATING HERMANN HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL TEAM FOR WINNING THE 2019 CLASS II STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Blaine Luetkemeyer (Republican, MO) \u2014 2019-11-20

. Madam , I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Hermann Bearcats volleyball team for winning the 2019 Missouri Class II State Volleyball Championship. prgtoken This is Hermann High School's fourteenth state championship win in the history of their volleyball program. This team and Coach Phil Landolt should be commended for their hard work throughout this past year and for bringing home the state championship to their school and community. prgtoken Madam , I ask you to join me in recognizing the Hermann Bearcats volleyball team for a job well done.
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-11-20

I have 13 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. prgtoken Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs prgtoken The Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, November 20, 2019, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing the following nominations: Mitchell A. Silk, of New York, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, Brian D. Montgomery, of Texas, to be Deputy Secretary, and David Carey Woll, Jr of Connecticut, and John Bobbitt, of Texas, both to be an Assistant Secretary, all of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Peter J. Coniglio, of Virginia, to be Inspector General, Export-Import. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation prgtoken The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, November 20, 2019, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Environment and Public Works prgtoken The Committee on Environment and Public Works is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, November 20, 2019, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing on the nominations of Sean O'Donnell, of Maryland, to be Inspector General, Environmental Protection Agency. Committee on Foreign Relations prgtoken The Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, November 20, 2019, at 10:15 a.m to conduct a hearing on the nomination of Stephen E. Biegun, of Michigan, to be Deputy Secretary of State. Committee on Foreign Relations prgtoken The Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, November 20, 2019, at 2 p.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions prgtoken The Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, November 20, 2019, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing on the nomination of Stephen Hahn, of Texas, to be Commissioner of Food and Drugs, Department of Health and Human Services. Committee on Indian Affairs prgtoken The Committee on Indian Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, November 20, 2019, at 2:30 p.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Indian Affairs prgtoken The Committee on Indian Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, November 20, 2019, at 2:30 p.m to conduct a hearing. Subcommittee on Cybersecurity prgtoken The
RECOGNIZING HOWARD BLACKBURN
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-11-20

. Madam , I rise to recognize the late Howard Blackburn of Hays, North Carolina for his recent induction into the Wilkes County Agricultural Hall of Fame. prgtoken Howard Blackburn epitomized a life of excellence and service. He served in the military during World War Two and the Korean War. Howard Blackburn influenced thousands of lives through his leadership in education and agriculture. Through his work at Wilkes Community College, where he served as director of the life sciences program, Mr. Blackburn helped thousands of students develop farming skills. prgtoken Howard Blackburn is perhaps best known throughout Wilkes Country for his contributions to beekeeping. He helped found the Beekeepers of Wilkes, and personally served as an instructor and mentor for decades. He helped many, many other people understand the importance of bees to our lives. He always maintained the highest standards of meticulous conduct and expected others to strive to the same level of excellence. Howard Blackburn is a shining example of service that we should all seek to emulate
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2019-11-20

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon prgtoken such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
ORDER OF BUSINESS
David Perdue (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-11-20

I ask unanimous consent that at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow, the Chair lay before the Senate the House message to accompany H.R. 3055. I further ask unanimous consent that Senator Paul or his designee be recognized to offer a motion to concur with further amendment, the text of which is at the desk, and following 2 minutes of debate equally divided, Senator Shelby or his designee be recognized to make a motion to table the Paul motion. Further, I ask that following disposition of the Paul motion, the majority leader or his designee be recognized to make a motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment; finally, that notwithstanding rule XXII, if cloture is filed on the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment that the vote on the cloture motion occur immediately and that if cloture is invoked, the postcloture time be yielded back and the Senate vote on the motion to concur with no intervening action or debate.
Pensions (Executive Session)
Richard Burr (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-11-20

. On that basis alone, there is not the sense of urgency that some have come to the floor six times and suggested. I don't disagree with any of my colleagues that this is something we need to do now, but a 2-year temporary bill that doesn't accomplish any of the other reforms when we have had 5 years of bipartisan work--why would we not take this option? Why would we not sit down and find a way for Chairman Alexander's bill--which has many ic initiatives in it--to pass and provide historically Black colleges and universities with permanent funding, provide students with a one-page form to fill out for student aid, provide an expedited way for the notification when their loans have been approved? We are there, but for some reason, some want us to do a 2-year temporary fix. It is wrong. I thank the chairman for objecting. prgtoken .