mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Eric Swalwell (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-6-28

. Madam , I missed votes Monday, June 24 through Thursday, June 27. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: prgtoken Roll Call Vote Number 399 (Passing H. AMDT. 468 to H.R. 3055 offered by Rep. Peter DeFazio): YES; prgtoken Roll Call Vote Number 400 (Passing H. AMDT. 469 to H.R. 3055 offered by Rep. Jeff Duncan): NO; prgtoken Roll Call Vote Number 401 (Passing H. AMDT. 470 to H.R. 3055 offered by Rep. Jeff Duncan): NO; prgtoken Roll Call Vote Number 402 (Passing H. AMDT. 472 to H.R. 3055 offered by Rep. Glenn Grothman): NO; prgtoken Roll Call Vote Number 403 (Ordering the Previous Question): YES; prgtoken Roll Call Vote Number 404 (Passing H. Res. 460): YES; prgtoken Roll Call Vote Number 405 (Passing H. AMDT. 474 to H.R. 3055 offered by Rep. Jim Banks): NO; prgtoken Roll Call Vote Number 406 (Passing H. AMDT. 477 to H.R. 3055 offered by Rep. Pramila Jayapal): YES; prgtoken Roll Call Vote Number 407 (Agreeing to Motion to Recommit H.R. 3055): NO; prgtoken Roll Call Vote Number 408 (Passing H.R. 3055, the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020): YES; prgtoken Roll Call Vote Number 409 (Ordering the Previous Question): YES; prgtoken Roll Call Vote Number 410 (Passing H. Res. 462): YES; prgtoken Roll Call Vote Number 411 (Passing H. AMDT. 484 to H.R. 3351 offered by Rep. Steve King): NO; prgtoken Roll Call Vote Number 412 (Passing H. AMDT. 485 to H.R. 3055 offered by Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton): YES; prgtoken Roll Call Vote Number 413 (Agreeing to Motion to Recommit H.R. 3401): NO; prgtoken Roll Call Vote Number 414 (Passing H.R. 3401, the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Humanitarian Assistance and Security at the Southern Border Act, 2019): YES; prgtoken Roll Call Vote Number 415 (Passing H. AMDT. 494 to H.R. 3351 offered by Rep. Glenn Grothman): NO; prgtoken Roll Call Vote Number 416 (Passing H. AMDT. 495 to H.R. 3351 offered by Rep. Mike Quigley): YES; prgtoken Roll Cal Vote Number 417 (Passing H. AMDT. 497 to H.R. 3351 offered by Rep. Jim Banks): NO; prgtoken Roll Call Vote Number 418 (Passing H. AMDT. 498 to H.R. 3351 offered by Rep. Tom Suozzi): YES; prgtoken Roll Call Vote Number 419 (Passing H. AMDT. 499 to H.R. 3351 offered by Rep. Susie Lee): YES; prgtoken Roll Call Vote Number 420 (Passing H. AMDT. 500 to H.R. 3351 offered by Rep. Madeline Dean): YES; prgtoken Roll Call Vote Number 421 (Passing H. AMDT. 501 to H.R. 3351 offered by Rep. Andy Kim): YES; prgtoken Roll Call Vote Number 422 (Passing H. AMDT: 502 to H.R. 3351 offered by Rep. Tom Malinowski): YES; prgtoken Roll Call Vote Number 423 (Agreeing to Motion to Recommit H.R. 3351): NO; prgtoken Roll Call Vote Number 424 (Passing H.R. 3401, the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2020): YES; prgtoken Roll Call Vote Number 425 (Agreeing to Consideration of H. Res. 466): YES; prgtoken Roll Call Vote Number 426 (Passing H. Res. 466): NO; prgtoken Roll Call Vote Number 427 (Agreeing to Motion to Recommit H.R
AMENDMENT NO. 883 TO S. 1790, NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020--Continued
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2019-6-28

. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Tennessee (Mrs. Blackburn), the Senator from Missouri (Mr. Blunt), the Senator from Indiana (Mr. Braun), the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Burr), the Senator from North Dakota (Mr. Cramer), the Senator from Oklahoma (Mr. Inhofe), the Senator from Kansas (Mr. Roberts), the Senator from South Dakota (Mr. Rounds), and the Senator from Florida (Mr. Scott). prgtoken Further, if present and voting, the Senator from Oklahoma (Mr. Inhofe) would have voted ``nay'' and the Senator from Florida (Mr. Scott) would have voted ``nay.''
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Mac Thornberry (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-6-28

. Madam , on Thursday, June 27, 2019, I was unable to be prgtoken on the House floor and missed roll call votes No. 426 ``Adoption of H. Res. 466--The rule providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill H.R. 3401--Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Humanitarian Assistance and Security at the Southern Border Act, 2019,'' No. 427 `` Motion to Recommit on H.R. 2722,'' No. 428 ``Passage of H.R. 2722--Securing America's Federal Elections Act,'' No. 429 ``Concurring in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 3401--Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Humanitarian Assistance and Security at the Southern Border Act, 2019,'' No. 430 ``Approval of the Journal.'' Had I been present, I would have voted ``YES, YES, NO, YES, YES,'' respectively.
RECOGNIZING MRS. MARGARET AYERS ON HER 75TH WORK ANNIVERSARY
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-6-28

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Mrs. Margaret Ayers of Lavonia, Georgia, who recently celebrated her 75th work anniversary with Northeast Georgia Bank. prgtoken Since 1944, Margaret has fully devoted herself to serving the citizens of Lavonia through her work at Northeast Georgia Bank and her involvement in countless community organizations. She has long been recognized by the community for her work ethic, civic mindedness and her deep personal commitment to the welfare of the citizens of Lavonia. prgtoken Putting her organizational skills, leadership talents and keen sense of vision to work, Margaret has been actively involved in the Lavonia Chamber of Commerce, Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, Lavonia Lions Club, Lavonia Hospital Authority, Georgia Mountains Regional Commission, Department of Family and Children's Services, A Greater Lavonia Community, Inc Power of Hope, Lavonia Housing Authority, Friends of Lavonia Carnegie Library, Franklin County Habitat for Humanity, Order of the Eastern Star and Lavonia UDC. prgtoken In addition to serving as a dedicated member of the community, Margaret was a beloved wife to the late Mayor Herman Ayers. Together they served the City of Lavonia for over two decades. prgtoken On behalf of the people of the Ninth District of Georgia, I want to congratulate Margaret on this remarkable accomplishment and thank her for her steadfast commitment to our community.
MORNING BUSINESS
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2019-6-28

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 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.
TREATY DOCUMENT 114-1
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-6-28

due to my concerns related to violations of the Fourth Amendment, I will object to any unanimous consent request, motion, or waiver of any rule in relation to Treaty Doc. 114-1. prgtoken I cannot support action that provides for the bulk collection of the financial records of U.S. citizens. The benefits of the treaty agreement should not come at the grave expense of endangering regular foreign investment and violating the constitutionally protected right of every American to be free from unreasonable suspicionless searches. prgtoken Previous tax treaties were more focused on information specific to suspicions of fraud and required serious allegations of tax wrongdoing to be supported by evidence. The new bulk collection provisions, however, demand Americans' records under a vague standard that allows the government to access personal financial information that may be ``relevant'' through information exchanges between the U.S. and foreign governments. This new, lower, and ambiguous threshold would allow government access to bank records for hardly any reason at all. I do not condone tax cheats, but I cannot support an effort that punishes every American in pursuit of those that have actually broken the law. prgtoken Accordingly, I will object to any unanimous consent request, motion, or waiver or any rule in relation to Treaty Doc. 114-1.
HONORING SETH D. APPLETON
Blaine Luetkemeyer (Republican, MO) \u2014 2019-6-28

. Madam , I rise today on behalf of Senator Roy Blunt, Congressman Sam Graves, Congressman Billy Long, Congressman Jason Smith, Congresswoman Ann Wagner, Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler, and Congressman William Lacy Clay to congratulate Seth Daniel Appleton on his confirmation to the position of Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. prgtoken While working for two Members of our delegation, myself and Representative Sam Graves, Seth showed an exceptional ability of working across the aisle to achieve bipartisan policy solutions. As a legislative staffer he managed numerous policy areas including housing, banking, defense and agriculture. He excelled in his duties, eventually rising to the position of Chief of Staff in my office. prgtoken It was in this role that Seth truly showed his ability to excel in housing policy. Working for the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance and with fellow Missouri Congressman Emanuel Cleaver as the Ranking Member, they coauthored the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act, which unanimously passed the House and Senate and was signed into law in 2016. Seth was a key part of the passage of this bill, advising me every step of the way. prgtoken Madam , we are pleased that the U.S. Senate has confirmed Seth to be Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research. Housing issues are not only of vital importance to our home state of Missouri, but to the Nation as a whole, and we have no doubt that Seth will find great success in this distinguished role.
HONORING SAINT REGIS MOHAWK TRIBAL CHIEF BEVERLY COOK, SUB-CHIEF KENNETH JOCK, CHIEF JUDGE CARRIE GARROW AND TRAFFIC COURT JUDGE LOIS TERRANCE ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR SWEARING IN CEREMONY
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2019-6-28

. Madam , I rise today on behalf of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe to honor Tribal Chief Beverly Cook, Sub-Chief Kenneth Jock, Chief Judge Carrie Garrow, and Traffic Court Judge Lois Terrance on the occasion of their swearing in ceremony. prgtoken The Saint Regis Tribe originally settled in the area in the mid- 1750s. The settlement, named Akwesasne, sits on the United States and Canadian border along the Saint Lawrence River. prgtoken I have been honored to work with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe during my time in Congress to advance causes of mutual interest. Whether it be honoring veterans of World War II or discussing investments in the Saint Regis community, the Tribe's leadership have been important partners. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I want to congratulate Chief Beverly Cook, Sub-Chief Kenneth Jock, Chief Judge Carrie Garrow, and Traffic Court Judge Lois Terrance on their successful elections. I look forward to our continued cooperation and their future achievements.
IN RECOGNITION OF CPL. JOSE LUIS ``SPEEDY'' ESPERICUETA
Henry Cuellar (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-7-2

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the life and service of Cpl. Jose Luis ``Speedy'' Espericueta. prgtoken Cpl. Espericueta was an 18-year law enforcement veteran, most of which was spent with the City of Mission Police Department. He began his career with the San Benito Police Department where he received several accolades including, Police Officer of the Year. He then joined the Mission Police Department as a patrol officer before he was promoted to patrol corporal. prgtoken During his career, he was noted for saving two young children who were trapped in a car and for apprehending multiple armed suspects during a home invasion. He also received a Meritorious Service Award after he saved an elderly individual from a burning house. In addition, he was featured on A&E's Live PD and National Geographic's Border Wars. prgtoken Cpl. Espericueta is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 21 years, Roberta ``Bobbie'' De Leon Espericueta, and their two children, Brianna and Joaquin. prgtoken It is important to remember that law enforcement officials risk their lives every day for our safety. Cpl. Espericueta's heroic life and career embodies the integrity and servitude of a truly influential community leader and law enforcement official. I am grateful for the opportunity to honor the life of this remarkable and exemplary officer. His legacy will live on through the lives of the many people he helped to protect. prgtoken Madam , I again, recognize Cpl. Espericueta and his heroic service to his community.
IN RECOGNITION OF DEPUTY CHIEF DEAN L. MELANSON
William R. Keating (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2019-7-2

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of the retirement of Deputy Chief Dean L. Melanson, after over three decades of service with the Hyannis Fire Department. prgtoken Deputy Chief Melanson's 44 years in the line of duty began in 1975 at the Acton Fire's Auxiliary Department. Later, he joined the Hyannis Fire Department in 1985 as a Fire Prevention Officer and quickly came to assume positions of leadership. prgtoken Deputy Chief Melanson is widely recognized as an expert on fire prevention, and over the course of his career, Hyannis transitioned from a small vacation community to a much larger, more urbanized municipality. It was with his knowledge and expertise that greater public work projects were undertaken and completed to accommodate the town's growing population. prgtoken Further, as an instructor at the Massachusetts Fire Academy, Barnstable County Fire Academy and in the Fire Sciences Division at Cape Cod Community College, Deputy Chief Melanson helped to shape the training and readiness of the next generation of public servants. prgtoken Deputy Chief Melanson has dedicated his life to serving his community, and I wish him many years of well-deserved happiness and more with his family in retirement. prgtoken Madam , I am proud to honor Dean L. Melanson, Deputy Chief of the Hyannis Fire Department, and I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing his years of dedication to his community.
HONORING ANDRES PONCE ``ANDY'' RUIZ, JR.
Vicente Gonzalez (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-7-2

. Madam , I rise today to honor Mr. Andres Ponce ``Andy'' Ruiz, Jr the first Mexican-American boxer to win the heavyweight title. prgtoken Andy Ruiz, Jr. was born and raised in Imperial, California, a city roughly 18 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. Andy began boxing at the age of six with the support of his father, Andres Ruiz, Sr. Despite his skill and resilience, Andy was often judged based on his appearance. He did not let this deter him and quickly became an early standout, achieving a remarkable amateur boxing record of 105-5. prgtoken Andy started his professional career at 19 years of age on March 28, 2009, at the Plaza de Toros in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. Andy had his first opportunity to become the world boxing heavyweight champion in 2016, against Joseph Parker. Unfortunately, he lost the fight by decision, but the loss only furthered his ambitions to continue striving in the world of boxing. On June 1, 2019, Andy learned he could compete for the world heavyweight champion for a second time. prgtoken Andy stunned the world by upsetting the previously undefeated heavyweight champion of the world, Anthony Joshua, by technical knockout (TKO) after seven rounds at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. This victory made history, declaring Andy to be the first heavyweight champion of Mexican descent and winning the WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO heavyweight titles. As of June 6, 2019, Andy Ruiz, Jr has won a staggering 33 fights with only one loss. prgtoken Madam , Mr. Andy Ruiz, Jr. has worked tirelessly to prove that with hard work, determination, and dedication, we can accomplish anything we set ourselves to do. He has reminded the world that one should not judge a person by their appearance nor judge a book by its cover. It is an honor to recognize a dedicated, ambitious individual who has greatly impacted the world of boxing. Andy has made history, giving young people across our country the hope to achieve anything they set their mind to and for that I stand here today to recognize him.
IN RECOGNITION OF CYNTHIA CANTY FOR HER EXEMPLARY SERVICE
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-7-2

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Cynthia Canty for her exemplary service as a radio and TV host. Her continued dedication to journalism is worthy of commendation. prgtoken A lifelong resident of Detroit, Cynthia Canty is the host of Michigan Radio's Stateside talk show and has dedicated her life to journalism in a career spanning over 40 years. Prior to working at Michigan Radio, she was a television news anchor, producer, and radio host in the Detroit area. In her various roles, she has interviewed numerous influential figures including governors, authors, musicians, and experts in a variety of fields. Mrs. Canty has received several awards for her work, including an Emmy Award and honors from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, the Associated Press, and the Detroit Press Club. After her many years of service, Cynthia Canty will retire from Michigan Radio at the end of 2019. prgtoken Throughout her decorated career, Mrs. Canty has explored critical issues impacting the residents of Michigan. Her talent for encouraging thought-provoking dialogue has been crucial in dissecting these important topics. Beyond her work in journalism, Mrs. Canty has dedicated numerous hours to supporting healthcare and cancer treatment in partnership with the American Cancer Society, the Karmanos Cancer Center, and the Henry Ford Health System. We thank Cynthia Canty for her commitment to journalistic excellence and we congratulate her on her retirement. Her dedicated leadership will be missed, but we wish her good health and every happiness in her retirement years. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Cynthia Canty for her expertise in the realm of TV and radio journalism. Her work discussing art, culture, politics, and lifestyle has had a profound impact on the people of Michigan.
RECOGNIZING THE 10TH WORLD TAMIL CONFERENCE
Raja Krishnamoorthi (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-7-2

. Madam , today I rise to recognize the International Association of Tamil Research, the Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America, and the Chicago Tamil Sangam on the occasion of the 10th World Tamil Conference, commencing on July 4, 2019 in Schaumburg, Illinois. prgtoken Since the first World Tamil Conference in 1966, various cities around the world have hosted this important gathering of scholars and the Tamil community. The oldest sangam in the United States, Chicago Tamil Sangam is honored to observe its Golden Jubilee 50th Anniversary in concert with the four-day World Tamil Conference, its important scholarly presentations on Tamil language and history, and its celebration of the rich heritage of Tamil culture and art. prgtoken This year's research conference theme is ``New Historicist, Scientific and Comparative Study of the Antiquity of the Tamils, Tamil Language, Literature, Culture and Civilization.'' In addition to this scholarly focus, the World Tamil Conference will feature a host of cultural programs, the International Conference Seminar on Tamil Studies, a Global Tamil Entrepreneurs meeting, and a festive parade and banquet. Above all, the conference is a celebration of the vibrant Tamil community and preserves and shares the rich history and culture of Tamil people worldwide. prgtoken The 2019 World Tamil Conference also will recognize the passing of the late Dr. V.C. Kulandaiswamy, former Vice Chancellor of Anna University and Vice Chairman of the International Association of Tamil Research. In addition to his outstanding contributions to the science of hydrology, Dr. Kulandaiswamy was instrumental in bringing the International Association of Tamil Research conference to the United States, and was honored for his contributions to science, engineering and education by the nation of India with the prestigious national Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards. prgtoken Madam , I would like to recognize the World Tamil Conference and the Chicago Tamil Sangam, International Association of Tamil Research, and Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America for their tireless efforts to bring together proud Tamils from around the world, for their commitment to preserving one of the world's oldest languages and civilizations, and for their many years of service to the Tamil diaspora in the United States.
HONORING D-DAY VETERAN LLOYD DAVIS CARTER
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-7-2

. Madam , I rise today to honor a remarkable man from Northeast Georgia who courageously fought on the front lines in Normandy on June 6, 1944. prgtoken Mr. Lloyd Davis Carter was raised to be a farmer in Hull, Georgia, but, after the attack at Pearl Harbor, he courageously decided to join the Armed Forces. He began training with the United States Army at the young age of 19. His first assignment out of training was the amphibious assault of North Africa followed by the mission to daringly invade Sicily--led by General Omar Bradley and General George Patton. After returning to England for seven months of intense combat training, Carter eventually became one of the brave men who stormed Omaha beach in Normandy with the 16th Infantry. prgtoken Mr. Carter barely survived being killed by Nazi fire, escaping with the bones in his right forearm shattered. He made it back to America with little more than his life and a small copy of the New Testament that he kept in his pocket throughout the fight. Carter accredits his survival to the Lord looking after him, reflecting on his favorite Bible verse, Psalm 23. prgtoken To honor his bravery and valor, Mr. Carter was awarded a Purple Heart, Silver Star and Presidential Citation. His heroism on that day changed the course of history as he fought to protect not only our country's freedom, but the freedom of the world. prgtoken As we reflect upon his bravery, we are reminded to never take for granted the freedom we hold so dear. Because of Mr. Carter and the many other D-Day veterans, the free world exists today. prgtoken Because of those brave patriots, our country remains the strongest force of freedom the world has ever witnessed. On behalf of the people of the Ninth District of Georgia, I salute Mr. Carter--alongside the thousands of other men who fought that day--for his incredible service to our country.