mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-5-7

today I wish to speak in support of including provisions in any reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act that would ensure Tribal governments can prosecute heinous crimes on their lands. prgtoken When Congress last reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act, also known as VAWA, in 2013, we made historic advancements to address domestic violence on Tribal lands. Those important steps must be preserved, but we must also fix gaps in the law that the last reauthorization left open. These gaps allow crimes against children, the elderly, and law enforcement to essentially go unpunished. prgtoken As I have mentioned before, I support H.R. 1585, the bill passed by the House to reauthorize VAWA. One of the reasons I support that bill is because it addresses those gaps. Tribes should be able to address violent crimes that happen on their lands and to their most vulnerable populations. prgtoken According to a 2016 Justice Department report, ``more than four in five American Indian and Alaska Native women have experienced violence in their lifetime.'' That is disturbing. The report also found that 56 percent have experienced sexual violence; 56 percent have experienced physical violence at the hands of an intimate partner; and 49 percent have been stalked. prgtoken For me, these numbers are even more upsetting because California has the largest Native American population in the United States. There are almost 700,000 Native Americans living in California, which has 107 federally recognized and 50 unrecognized Tribes. prgtoken We must continue to respect Tribal sovereignty, to advance the very core of what sovereignty means: the right of Tribes to exercise dominion and jurisdiction over appalling crimes that occur on Tribal land. For many years, Tribal governments were unable to prosecute crimes committed by non-Indians on Tribal lands. Thankfully, that changed when Congress reauthorized VAWA in 2013. prgtoken The 2013 reauthorization of VAWA allowed Tribes to exercise their sovereign powers to prosecute, convict, and sentence both Indians and non-Indians who assault Indian spouses or dating partners. In other words, Tribes were finally able to prosecute anyone who committed domestic violence against an Indian on Indian land. These measures were not only necessary; they worked. prgtoken In just 5 years, under these new laws, there were 142 arrests, 74 convictions, and 24 more cases pending. These charges were processed through Tribal courts that provided the requisite due process protections under our Constitution. In fact, not a single conviction was overturned because of a lack of due process. We must now build on that success. prgtoken The VAWA reauthorization the House passed is a strong bill. I would note that it passed on a significant bipartisan basis, with a vote of 263-158 and 33 s supporting it. This was even in the face of an active opposition campaign conducted by the National
INTRODUCTION OF THE PREVENT BLOOD LOSS WITH EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT DEVICES ACT OF 2019
Alcee L. Hastings (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2019-5-7

. Madam , I rise today to introduce the Prevent Blood Loss with Emergency Equipment Devices Act of 2019--the Prevent BLEEDing Act--legislation that would expand access to Bleeding Control Kits (BCKs) in public gathering places across the country. I would like to thank my colleague, Dr. Brad Wenstrup, for introducing this legislation with me, which will help to save lives during emergency situations. prgtoken Approximately 214,000 people die every year from traumatic incidents. Motor vehicle crashes, shootings, natural disasters, and workplace accidents, to name just a few, oftentimes result in situations where people suffer traumatic blood loss. Such an injury can lead to death within five minutes, where many of these deaths can be prevented. The Prevent BLEEDing Act will help states to distribute thousands of BCKs to schools, libraries, places of worship, concert venues, shopping malls, and any other place where people gather, while providing staff and volunteers at these facilities with the necessary training to utilize the materials. prgtoken Following the disaster at Sandy Hook in December 2012, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) as well as others in the medical community, the federal government, and the U.S. military, convened the Joint Committee to Create a National Policy to Enhance Survivability from Active Shooter Events and Intentional Mass Casualty. The committee's recommendations are called the Hartford Consensus, and they led to the establishment of the Stop the Bleed Program, a national awareness campaign to train and equip everyday Americans with the skills to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives. To date, Stop the Bleed has trained nearly 125,000 Americans anti blood-loss skills, empowering them to help prevent unnecessary deaths from blood loss. prgtoken This legislation builds on that program's successes by amending the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to make it easier for states to apply for BCKs through the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP). By making these materials more accessible during times of disaster, bystanders with little or no medical training can save lives when confronted with traumatic injury, similar to the use of CPR or automatic defibrillators (AEDs). prgtoken Madam , this bill will help save lives. We can't prevent disasters, but we can help to ensure we are ready to respond to them. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
TAIWAN ASSURANCE ACT OF 2019
Eddie Bernice Johnson (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-5-7

I rise today in support of the Taiwan Assurance Act and to recognize the 40th Anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. Taiwan has made great strides over the past forty years becoming a beacon of democracy and individual freedom. prgtoken The Taiwan Assurance Act reaffirms the United States' strong commitment to Taiwan, and takes necessary steps to ensure that the friendship between the people of the United States and Taiwan continues to grow. Furthermore, this bill recognizes Taiwan's contributions in various areas such as global health and makes it the policy of the United States to advocate for Taiwan's inclusion in the United Nations and other international organizations such as the World Health Assembly. prgtoken It was an honor to travel to Taiwan last month with a few of my colleagues to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act and to witness the opening of the new facility for the American Institute in Taiwan. prgtoken While our relationship remains unofficial, enacted legislation such as the Taiwan Travel Act will allow high level officials from both governments to travel and meet with their counterparts, allowing both parties to foster and strengthen the important relationship we share. prgtoken , in these rapidly changing times across the world, it is important and even more necessary for us to recognize and appreciate our allies who carry a strong belief in democracy and human rights. Taiwan is a prime example of that and I commend them for the progress they have made over the past forty years. I look forward to seeing this relationship continue and strengthen over time.
Mueller Report (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-5-7

I want to thank my colleague from Massachusetts for her statement and for going into depth on the Mueller report and talking about the findings. prgtoken This morning, of course, we heard the leader, Senator McConnell, come to the floor and say something quite different--to quote what he said, the work of the special counsel and the Attorney General ``and how we can finally end this `Groundhog Day' spectacle, stop endlessly relitigating a 2\1/2\-year-old election result, and move forward for the American people.'' prgtoken It is pretty clear the leader would like to say to the American people: Keep on moving, there is nothing to be seen here. But we know better. prgtoken If you take a look at the Mueller report: $26 million spent, 50 attorneys and agents, almost 2 years, scores of indictments that came down and some guilty pleas already and yet even more to follow. This isn't over, and it will not be over soon, nor should it be. prgtoken It is obvious my colleagues want to move on as quickly as possible from talking about how Russia interfered in the 2016 election with the stated intent of helping to elect President. They definitely don't want to talk about the many links between the Russians and the campaign or how, in the words of the Mueller report: ``The campaign expected it would benefit electorally from information stolen and released through Russian efforts.'' prgtoken They certainly don't want to talk about the overwhelming evidence that obstructed justice. prgtoken Today I believe the count was up to 566 former prosecutors, including U.S. attorneys, who believe that, reading the Mueller report, there is ample evidence to go forward with the prosecution on obstruction. prgtoken We know Mueller himself has said in the report that it is an opinion by the Office of Legal Counsel precluding the indictment and prosecution of a President while in office that stopped him short of either charging or exonerating the President on this charge. prgtoken No, my colleagues want to put the Russia investigation in the past, and as quickly as possible. And then in the next breath, of course, at the hearing where Attorney General Barr appeared, we see that they want to return to those thrilling days of yesteryear. They say we need to look at Hillary Clinton's emails all over again. That, to them, is a more compelling issue. I think they are wrong. The interference by a foreign power in the U.S. election is the most compelling issue before us, and it cannot and should not be ignored. prgtoken The work on the Russia investigation is not over. The Mueller report has 14 criminal investigations that have been referred by the special counsel to other Justice Department components. Twelve of those referred investigations are redacted so we don't know their nature. prgtoken There is also the counterintelligence side of the investigation. We ne
NOMINATION OF JANET DHILLON
Cory A. Booker (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-5-7

today I wish to speak on the nomination of Janet Dhillon, who is nominated to be Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The EEOC plays an important role in protecting American workers. I am deeply concerned that Ms. Dhillon will put the interests of corporations over those of employees, which is antithetical to the mission of the EEOC. prgtoken The EEOC is charged with ``enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.'' It also investigates claims of individuals who are retaliated against for complaining about discrimination. Needless to say, the EEOC plays a critical role in protecting American workers and ensuring that our Federal anti- discrimination laws are enforced and not disregarded by unscrupulous employers. prgtoken In choosing someone to sit on the Commission, it is critical that the administration select someone with a history of working to advance civil rights and workers' rights. Ms. Dhillon clearly does not have that background. prgtoken Ms. Dhillon has spent the vast majority of her career working for and representing the interests of large corporations. Notably, while she was employed at JC Penney, the company was harshly criticized for its handling of a garment factory accident in Bangladesh that killed more than 1,000 people. She also worked at the Retail Litigation Center, an entity that works to limit employees' and consumers' access to justice. These experiences stand in direct opposition to the mission of the EEOC. prgtoken Additionally, during her confirmation hearing, she would not commit to maintaining the EEOC's current position that title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects LGBT people from discrimination. As one of the main authors of the Equality Act in the Senate, which clarifies that existing civil rights law forbids discrimination of LGBT people, I am deeply concerned Ms. Dhillon would not make that commitment at her hearing. prgtoken If the United States is going to be a beacon of liberty and freedom, we must not allow discrimination of any kind to continue. The EEOC plays an essential role in fulfilling that promise of eradicating discrimination and creating a workplace that reflects the best of American values: hard work, ingenuity, decency, and respect. prgtoken It is clear to me that Ms. Dhillon is not the right person for the job, and I urge my colleagues to vote against her nomination.
DISASTER RELIEF
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-5-7

on disaster, last week, the city of Davenport in Iowa became the site of the latest national disaster to wreak havoc on our homeland. It has been 8 weeks since the Midwest began battling major flooding, 6 months since the last major wildfire in California, 12 months since a volcano erupted in Hawaii, and over a year and a half since Hurricanes Irma and Maria devastated the island of Puerto Rico. But because the President has stubbornly and inexplicably opposed aid to Puerto Rico, a comprehensive disaster package has failed to get the necessary support of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, of a majority in the House, and has languished in the Congress. prgtoken Unfortunately, the President continues to belittle Puerto Rico and tell flat-out mistruths about the level of support they are receiving. Just yesterday, the President said the people of Puerto Rico ``should be very happy'' with what he has done for them so far. Well, don't ask me. Ask the Governor of Puerto Rico--hardly a left-wing, partisan ; ask the mayor of San Juan; ask the people of Puerto Rico if they are happy. Don't put words in their mouths. Ask them if they are happy with the support they have received from this administration. Ask them if they are happy with HUD's missing its own deadline to advance the release of $8 billion in disaster mitigation funding last week. Ask them, and you will get a much different answer. No one in the Puerto Rican community is happy with the way this President has treated the island and its 3 million American citizens. He has treated them with contempt. It needs to stop. prgtoken So, President , if you want to help the farmers in the Midwest, be fair to everyone. You can't pick and choose. prgtoken Some of them say: Oh, but Puerto Rico isn't spending its aid well. I heard that when we wanted Sandy money for New York. You can say that about any region. In an emergency, no government program will be perfect, but that is not a reason to hold back the money. Instead, send the money and have some oversight, but help the people. They need it. You can't pick and choose which Americans to help. prgtoken I would say this to President : As our President, you must represent all Americans, not just the ones who voted for you. prgtoken .
RECOGNIZING FIRST RESPONDERS
Bradley Scott Schneider (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-5-7

I rise today to offer appreciation to the incredible first responders in my congressional district. prgtoken Twice in as many weeks, our firefighters, police, and paramedics have been called to respond to serious emergencies in Lake County. prgtoken On Thursday, April 25, a massive spill of anhydrous ammonia outside of Beach Park sent 37 individuals to the hospital, including 11 firefighters who sustained injuries from the toxic fumes while containing the site. prgtoken In particular, the quick action of two Lake County sheriff deputies-- Sergeant Kyle Brown and Deputy Marcus Bernardy--and four Beach Park firefighters--Lieutenant Thomas Stahl and firefighter paramedics Pablo Ramirez, Matthew Baran, and Ben Newman--helped save the lives of five individuals trapped at the site and struggling to breathe. prgtoken Just days later, on Friday, May 3, a catastrophic explosion erupted at a silicone plant in Waukegan, tragically claiming three lives. A search continues for one missing individual. I offer my condolences to the loved ones of Jeff Cummings, Byron Biehn, and Allen Stevens. prgtoken While we are still gathering details, it is clear the prompt response of emergency professionals helped save others and extinguish the fires. In both situations, local responders rushed selflessly into danger to save others. prgtoken These events exemplify the incredible professionalism and bravery of our first responders who put their lives on the line day in and day out to protect our communities. We are all incredibly grateful for their service.
RECOGNIZING THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBANY
Paul Tonko (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-5-7

. Madam , I rise to mark the 175th anniversary of the founding of the University at Albany on the principles ``wisdom both for its own sake and for the sake of teaching'' sapientia et sua et docendi causa. prgtoken The University at Albany was founded by the New York State Legislature on May 7, 1844 as the New York State Normal School, dedicated to ensuring that New York's next generation of teachers would be highly trained. Through the 19th century, the New York State Normal School educated teachers and school administrators and provided opportunities for social and economic mobility. prgtoken Between 1890 and 1905, the school was transformed from a two-year teacher training school into a four-year liberal arts college, granting its first bachelor's degree in 1893. In 1914, the school was renamed the New York State College for Teachers, and by the 1950s started offering a Ph.D. program in education. prgtoken In the early 1960s, the college broadened from its focus on teaching to a university with a more comprehensive scope. In 1962, a major expansion of the broader SUNY system heralded the University at Albany's first class of undergraduate students in liberal arts programs without required study in teacher education. The University at Albany continued its evolution into a leading research university in the decades that followed. prgtoken Today, the University at Albany is a nationally respected Research 1 university and a major employer and economic driver of the surrounding economy with a $1 billion annual impact on New York's Capital Region. The school maintains 18 NCAA Division I athletic teams that share in the school's legacy of excellence; in 2018, the University at Albany Men's Lacrosse team became the first State University of New York Division I team to be ranked No. 1 in the nation. And with an enrollment level of nearly 18,000 students today, the University at Albany has earned national recognition for supporting students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds on college campuses. prgtoken The University at Albany continues to build on its strong tradition as one of our nation's leading and most diverse research institutions. I am incredibly proud of the students, faculty, staff and alumni who have made the University at Albany what it is today. May they carry their success forward for another 175 years and beyond.
Mueller Report (Executive Session)
Elizabeth Warren (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2019-5-7

a little while ago, the majority leader stood on this floor to speak about the investigation into the 2016 Presidential election. He triumphantly declared ``case closed''--``case closed.'' Wishing will not make it so. prgtoken I read the Mueller report. I read it cover to cover, every page. I read late into the evening on the day it was released and into the next morning. I didn't start reading by expecting to make a statement about it, but I was shaken by the evidence that the special counsel had gathered and by the conclusions that he drew. prgtoken The majority leader would have us believe that scrutinizing this evidence is a matter of refusing ``to make peace with the American people's choice.'' He wants to portray this as just an ``outrage industrial complex'' because some people don't like that President won. Again, wishing will not make it so. prgtoken Sure, there is plenty to be outraged about in the special counsel's report, but no one here is pitching a fit that didn't win the election. No, what is at stake here is the Constitution of the United States of America. Will Congress do its job and fulfill its constitutional duty to serve as a check on the President? The answer from the majority leader and his colleagues is no--``case closed.'' ``Case closed,'' they cry. prgtoken Instead of reading the words of the special counsel's report, they just want to circle the wagons around this President. Instead of protecting the Constitution, they want to protect the President. This is a huge difference. prgtoken At the core of the Constitution is the principle that no one is above the law, not even the President of the United States. My oath of office is the same as Mitch McConnell's. I swore and he swore to uphold the Constitution of the United States. Our Constitution is built on the principle of separation of powers precisely to prevent a dictator, an autocrat, from taking control of our government. This separation of powers is part of the brilliance of our Constitution, and it has served us well for centuries. prgtoken Yes, I took an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States, and so did everybody in the Senate and the House, including the majority leader. Now we must act to fulfill that oath. There is no ``political inconvenience'' exception to the U.S. Constitution. If any other human being in this country had done what is documented in the Mueller report, they would be arrested and put in jail. prgtoken The majority leader doesn't want us to consider the mountain of evidence against the President. That is wrong. He and his colleagues have moved to protect the President instead of defending the Constitution. Maybe my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are confused or maybe they just didn't read the report. Well, I did, and there prgtoken were some passages that stuck out to me. prgtoken Since the majority leader has pronounced his judgment
INTRODUCTION OF THE PREPARING LOCALITIES FOR AN AUTONOMOUS AND CONNECTED ENVIRONMENT ACT
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2019-5-7

. Madam , today I introduced the Preparing Localities for an Autonomous and Connected Environment (PLACE) Act. This legislation would create a federally funded highly automated vehicle clearinghouse to examine the secondary influences of autonomous vehicles on land use, real estate, transportation, municipal budgets, urban design, the environment, and social equity. prgtoken The transportation sector is changing at a faster pace than ever before. New mobility options like transportation network companies, bikeshare, scooters, and more have already disrupted how Americans get around. And with more than 300 companies and partnerships working toward bringing semi- or fully-autonomous vehicles to market in the near future, the landscape is set to change even faster. While Congress has started to debate autonomous vehicle legislation, little attention has been paid to the secondary influences of autonomous vehicles once they are deployed onto the roads. Done right, autonomous vehicles can solve some of the country's most vexing transportation problems while improving mobility for all. Done wrong, autonomous vehicles can exacerbate transportation's negative externalities, leaving communities struggling to make sense of an ever-changing landscape. prgtoken The PLACE Act will help communities better prepare for rapidly- changing environments while providing policymakers with the tools and research they need to make great places. I look forward to working with my colleague and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to enacting this bill.