mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO JEREMY WHEELER
Todd Young (Republican, IN) \u2014 2019-12-12

I rise to formally express my appreciation to Mr. Jeremy Wheeler. Jeremy is a congressional relations officer in the Department of Veterans Affairs. However, over the last year, he served as a fellow on my national security and veterans team. prgtoken Jeremy has supported my work helping the veterans of Indiana and the Nation using his exceptional knowledge of the Veterans Affairs system and his experience working with many of the veterans service organizations. A dedicated public servant, Jeremy has spent much of the last two decades serving our Nation. He served in the U.S. Army for 6 years, including two combat tours in Iraq in 2003 and 2005. After 5 years working in Hollywood, he returned to government service at the Department of Veterans Affairs and has spent much of this decade working to improve the quality and access to care for our Nation's heroes, establish deeper relationships with veterans service organizations, and strengthen the VA's outreach and communications capabilities. prgtoken In my office this year, he has provided valuable insight into how the legislation before this Chamber would be implemented and how it would impact the VA's ability to continue serving our veterans. And perhaps most impressively, I am not sure how many offices on Capitol Hill can boast an Emmy-winning staff member. This is just one of the many unique contributions Jeremy has brought to my office. In the last year, I have continually been impressed with Jeremy's work ethic, professionalism, candor, and knowledge. prgtoken Next month, Jeremy will be returning to the VA, where I have no doubt he will continue seeking innovative ways to caring for veterans. I wish him the best in all his endeavors, and I look forward to working with him in the future.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020--CONFERENCE REPORT
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2019-12-12

it is that time of week in which I get to come down to the floor of the U.S. Senate--a great privilege--and talk about a special person in Alaska, somebody who helps to make my State the greatest State in the country, in my opinion. We call this person our Alaskan of the Week. It is one of the best things I get to do all week. I know that the pages really enjoy it as well because they get to hear about Alaska and all of the things that are happening. prgtoken Before I recognize our special Alaskan, let me tell you a little bit about what is going on in Alaska right now. prgtoken We have had some strange weather in Southcentral Alaska--warm by our standards--that being wet and windy, with gusts over 100 miles per hour in some places. In Fairbanks, which is in the interior--I was just up there last week and am going to talk about that, for it is where our special Alaskan of the Week is from--it feels a lot more like winter. It got down to 27 below zero last week, and now it is in the single digits. prgtoken When it comes to Alaska's interior weather, there is some debate as to what the lowest recordbreaking temperature was in Fairbanks. Some say it was 66 below zero in 1934, and others say it was in the negative 70 and 70-below-zero territory. prgtoken The numbers do matter. Take it from Dr. Hugh ``Bud'' Fate, who is our Alaskan of the Week--we call him Bud--who, during the time he was working construction on the North Slope in the early 1950s, once had to walk a mile for shelter after a tractor he was operating froze up. ``When I got to the station, they told me the official temperature was 70 degrees below zero,'' he said. ``I was dressed for it''--Bud is a tough guy--``but my fingers and my toes were getting cold. I don't think I could have made another mile,'' Bud said. prgtoken Bud, we know you could have. We know you could have. prgtoken That is just one of many stories that Bud tells about his 70 years of living in the great State of Alaska. prgtoken So let me talk about Bud Fate--a legend across our State. He just turned 90 years old last week. He has been a rodeo cowboy, a college football player, a roughneck, a soldier, a gold miner, a carpenter, a hunter, a commercial and subsistence fisherman, a dog musher, a bush pilot, a dentist, a businessman, a State representative, an author, an artist, an all-around rabble-rouser, and an Alaskan renaissance man through and through. prgtoken But most importantly, he is a dedicated father, grandfather, husband to his wife, Mary Jane, for 65 years, and a man who has lived his life in service to his country, his State, and his community--very worthy of being our Alaskan of the Week. prgtoken So Bud Fate was born on December 4, 1929--90 years ago last week--and raised in Eastern Oregon--Cowtown, he called it. He began riding a horse when he was just 6 years old, eventually riding on the rodeo circuit, getting bucked off horses all across the American West
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2019-12-12

I rise today to introduce the Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act of 2019, which is similar to a bill introduced by Representative Pingree in the House. My bill would allow asylum seekers to seek employment 30 days after applying for asylum, provided their applications are not frivolous, their identities have been verified, and their names run through the Federal government's terrorist watch lists. This change would allow asylum applicants to work and contribute to society without being dependent on assistance from local governments while their claims are being adjudicated. prgtoken Under current law, asylum seekers must wait 180 days after filing their applications before they are allowed to work. The 180-day requirement was adopted by the Clinton Administration in 1994 out of concern that some asylum seekers might apply for asylum primarily as a means of getting a work authorization. Clearly, this change has only transferred the burden of care for these asylum seekers onto communities across the Nation. prgtoken One such community is Portland, Maine. Earlier this year, over the span of several weeks, a surge of asylum seekers from the ic Republic of the Congo and Angola arrived in Portland after crossing our southern border. These asylum seekers could have given a much-needed boost to Maine's very tight labor market--our unemployment rate is just 2.8 percent--but the lengthy work-authorization process prevents these asylum seekers from getting jobs even to support themselves. prgtoken Thankfully, the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Humanitarian Assistance and Security at the Southern Border Act of 2019 made funds available to assist local communities dealing with a sudden influx of asylum seekers. The City of Portland and private organizations in southern Maine received $892,586 from that Act. While I am pleased that these funds have been provided to Portland and other communities around our country, it would be a better solution if those seeking asylum were able to join the workforce and achieve self- sufficiency as quickly as possible while awaiting the outcome of their cases. prgtoken It is my hope that the change proposed by my bill will lessen the burden on the budgets of communities hosting asylum seekers while allowing these individuals and their families to support themselves as they want to do, bringing needed skills to the cities and towns in which they settle. I encourage my colleagues to support it.
CELEBRATING NATIONAL GUARD ANNIVERSARY
Ross Spano (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-12-12

. Madam , I rise today to wish a happy birthday to the National Guard and all servicemembers, past and present. prgtoken Established in 1636, our Nation's first militia units organized in the Massachusetts Bay Colony and were referred to as Minutemen during the Revolutionary War. prgtoken Today, the Army and Air National Guard are made up of 184,000 heroes who bravely stepped up to defend our freedom. prgtoken They made history by forming one of the first all-African American units during the Civil War. They contributed 50,000 personnel following the 9/11 attacks. As I speak, they help secure our southern borders. prgtoken More importantly, the National Guard sets itself apart as each member is sworn to uphold two constitutions, both Federal and State. prgtoken Most of us are familiar with Guard units helping communities deal with floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, snowstorms, and other emergencies. But in times of civil unrest, the citizens of a State can rest assured that the Guard will be ready, if needed. prgtoken These incredible Americans deserve to be recognized and celebrated for their long and continued service to our Nation. So on behalf of a grateful Nation, I thank them for their sacrifice and commitment.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020--CONFERENCE REPORT
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-12-12

Johnny Isakson will be a legend in the Senate. His life is marked with such tremendous service. From his time in the Georgia Air National Guard to his service in the Georgia house and senate, and on to the U.S. House and the Senate, Johnny has been making his home State proud every single step of the way. prgtoken As a fellow veteran, I can't tell you how much I especially appreciate Senator Isakson's relentless and dedicated focus on veterans' issues. As chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, he has worked tirelessly to put our veterans first. prgtoken One of the most important pieces of legislation we worked on together was the VA MISSION Act. Veterans in Iowa and in Georgia are oftentimes living in rural areas or are simply homebound. So with the VA MISSION Act, I knew that Johnny would be a great ally and partner to make sure that we prioritized telehealth and ensure that veterans could receive necessary care closer to home, and we did just that. prgtoken Folks, the MISSION Act is truly landmark legislation that is making a difference in the lives of countless veterans across our Nation. It would not have been possible without the hard work and the diligent efforts of our colleague Senator Johnny Isakson. He understands the importance of building relationships and working across the aisle, putting our veterans ahead of politics, and getting his job done. His determination and commitment to veterans is remarkable, and I will forever be grateful for his leadership in this particular area. prgtoken I have been asked many times what I am going to miss about Johnny Isakson. Well, there is quite a lot that I will miss about Johnny, but if I had to narrow it down to just a few things, I would say, first, his joy. Johnny always--always--has a smile on his face. His joy truly is contagious, and it is genuine. He loves serving the people of Georgia, and you can't help but smile when you see Johnny Isakson. prgtoken Second is his passion. There is absolutely no doubt in anyone's mind around here that Senator Johnny Isakson loves his country. You can see it when he speaks on the floor of the Senate and in the way he works with colleagues to fulfill his duties as a Senator. Georgians really should be very proud of him. prgtoken Finally, for me, I would have to say his encouragement. When I see Johnny in the halls or in the cloakroom, always--no matter how quickly I seem to be walking--he smiles. He will stop me, and he will always speak an encouraging and a very kind word. I know he does this not just with his colleagues but also with our ic friends. While you will not see that on TV or in the headlines, it is real, and it is Johnny Isakson. prgtoken That leads me to what I will miss most of all. I will miss Johnny, plain and simple. He has never taken his eye off the ball. He has been committed and he has been focused on serving the people of his home State that he loves so
TRIBUTE TO NANCY WHITWORTH
Tim Scott (Republican, SC) \u2014 2019-12-12

today I would like to take a moment to recognize Ms. Nancy Whitworth of Greenville, SC, for her over 40 years of service to Greenville County. I extend my congratulations to her on her upcoming retirement and wish to reflect on her successful career. prgtoken As the longtime economic developer and deputy city manager for the city of Greenville, Nancy was responsible for commercial and neighborhood revitalization, downtown development, business recruitment and retention, planning and zoning, and building codes. She has also authored articles on Greenville's award-winning downtown and meets frequently with other cities to share Greenville's success story. Last year, she was awarded with the 2018 Local Economic Developer of the Year award. prgtoken Ms. Whitworth is to be commended for her role in spurring the dramatic growth and revitalization Greenville prgtoken has seen in the past decades. Through her leadership and dedication to her community, she has been an invaluable asset to the Upstate of South Carolina. Ms. Whitworth is a shining example of a dedicated public servant and should inspire us all to give our best to our communities. I would like to personally commend and thank Ms. Whitworth for her decades of service that encouraged Greenville's economic prosperity and success.
LOWER DRUG COSTS NOW ACT OF 2019
Ron Wright (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-12-12

I rise today in staunch opposition to H.R. 3. prgtoken I can add to what my colleagues have said with statistics and legalese, but I would rather offer you my personal experience. prgtoken I was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. I was told that the average life expectancy was 16 months. That was 16 months ago. By the grace of Almighty God and American biotech ingenuity, I am still here, and I will get to spend another Christmas with my family. prgtoken I was prescribed a rigorous regimen of chemotherapy and an immunotherapy wonder-drug called Keytruda, which had only just been approved for my regimen in May of 2017. Keytruda's discovery is as a result of significant financial investment by the private sector, not the government. Today, I feel great. My last CAT scan showed nothing in my liver and lymph nodes, and the primary tumor had shrunk to about the size of a raisin. prgtoken Now, 5 years ago, my diagnosis would have been a death sentence. Today, I am beating it. Millions of Americans are diagnosed with life- threatening illnesses every year. And thanks to medical innovation in the United States, miraculous outcomes like mine are not uncommon either. prgtoken If H.R. 3 becomes law, stories like mine would be rare. If these socialist policies had been implemented earlier, I probably would not be here. For too many in this Chamber, this has become part of their political agenda, but for me and millions of Americans, this is a matter of life or death. prgtoken H.R. 3 will not save American lives. It will end them. I urge my colleagues to think of their loved ones who will face deadly diseases in the future. Many cures are on the horizon. We cannot stop. We cannot slow down. We cannot stifle research and development of new cures by onerous government control. Too many lives hang in the balance. prgtoken , I beg my colleagues to support this motion to recommit, and let's take action that will actually save lives.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020--CONFERENCE REPORT
Tom Cotton (Republican, AR) \u2014 2019-12-12

Stephen Carr has been described by friends as a ``gentle giant'' and ``all-American boy.'' He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He played on the offensive line at Southwest Baptist University. prgtoken He came from a law enforcement family. He always knew he wanted to be a police officer, so it was little surprise when Stephen joined the Fayetteville Police Department 2\1/2\ years ago. He served with professionalism and valor in those 2\1/2\ years as a patrol officer in the Dickson Street entertainment district. prgtoken Sadly, Officer Carr was in his patrol car Saturday night when he was ambushed by a gunman looking for an officer to kill. Carr's fellow police heard the gunshots and responded to the scene within seconds. With little regard for their own safety, they pursued the gunman down an alley. When confronted, they met force with force and took him down. The whole incident took just minutes from start to finish. prgtoken Emergency services were on the scene within an instant, but despite their best efforts, they couldn't save Officer Carr. He succumbed to his wounds on the scene, as did his killer. Officer Carr was only 27 years old. prgtoken This tragedy reminds us of the terrible risks officers face every day when they put on the uniform and the badge, not knowing whether they will be alive to take it off that night. Already this year, 118 officers across America have been killed in the line of duty. Some were the victims of random tragedies. Others, like Officer Carr, were targeted by a criminal class that hates what the police represent: law and order. prgtoken Since Officer Carr's killing, two more officers have fallen in the line of duty. Detective Joseph Seals, a 15-year veteran of the Jersey City Police Department, was shot to death while approaching two suspected killers. Sergeant Kaila Sullivan, a 16-year veteran of the Nassau Bay Police Department, was struck and killed by a fleeing suspect in a vehicle. All of these fallen officers will be remembered as heroes. prgtoken In Arkansas, especially, we will remember Officer Carr, whose watch ended on December 7, 2019. May he rest in peace. Honoring Storekeeper 1st Class John William Craig prgtoken , Navy Storekeeper 1st Class John William Craig of Monroe, AR, perished aboard the USS Oklahoma on December 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy. On that day, Imperial Japanese bombers shattered the morning calm at Pearl Harbor, killing Petty Officer Craig and more than 2,000 of his brothers in arms. prgtoken Nearly eight decades later, however, his remains were listed as unknown and interred at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. He was reported as missing in action, but Petty Officer Craig is missing no more. Thanks to the outstanding work of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, his remains were accounted for in 2017, and just last weekend, on the 78th anniversary of the attack on Pearl
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2019-12-12

I ask unanimous consent to submit the following letter from U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Robert L. Wilkie, for the Record. prgtoken So Ordered. Hon. Mitch McConnell, Majority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC 20510. Dear Senator McConnell: In accordance with the requirements of section 1703E(f)(2) of title 38, United States Code, enclosed is the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) report on a request for a waiver to allow VA to pilot community partnered collaborations to expand dental care for Veterans. We request that copies of this waiver be provided to the Chair and Ranking Member of applicable standing committees with jurisdiction to report a bill to amend the provision or provisions of law that would be waived by VA, consistent with section 1703E(f)(3). As required by section 1703E(f)(2), the enclosed report describes in detail the specific authorities to be waived under the pilot program; the standard or standards to be used in the pilot program in lieu of the waived authorities; the reasons for such waiver or waivers; a description of the metric or metrics VA will use to determine the effect of the waiver or waivers upon the access to and quality, timeliness, or patient satisfaction of care and services furnished through the pilot program; the anticipated cost savings, if any, of the pilot program; the schedule for interim reports on the pilot program describing the results of the pilot program so far and the feasibility and advisability of continuing the pilot program; the schedule for the termination of the pilot program and the submission of a final report on the pilot program describing the result of the pilot program and the feasibility and advisability of making the pilot program permanent; and the estimated budget of the pilot program. Consistent with section 17.450 of title 38, Code of Federal Regulations, this report also includes the geographic locations for each pilot program, the rationale for those selections, and how VA believes the selected locations will address deficits in care for a defined population; any applicable provision of existing regulations implementing any laws to be waived; and any more specific definitions of terms included in section 17.450(b), as necessitated by the specific provisions of the proposed pilot program. The Office of Management and Budget advises that there is no objection to the submission of this waiver proposal to Congress and that its enactment would be in accord with the program of the President. Thank you for your continuing support of our mission. A similar letter has been sent to other leaders of the Congress and the House and Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs.
RUSSIA INVESTIGATION
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-12-12

the chaos in Washington, DC, precipitated by impeachment mania or our inability to get what should be relatively straightforward work done, like the appropriations process and all the gymnastics over the USMCA, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement--in fact, we are coming down to a deadline on Friday, the 20th of December, when the current continuing resolution runs out. prgtoken Because of everything that is going on, many people may not have been able to pay that much attention--and I think attention is deserved--to the testimony of Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz, who testified in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday. I know there was some news coverage of it, but I wanted to give some reflections on the testimony Mr. Horowitz gave. prgtoken First of all, the Office of Inspector General is a very important one. They are a watchdog to make sure the laws Congress passes and the rules of the various agencies--in this case, the Department of Justice--are complied with. It is really very, very important. prgtoken With everything else going on, it is important to have an impartial inspector general to conduct that kind of investigation and to hold people accountable--something that doesn't happen enough here in Washington, DC. prgtoken Inspector General Horowitz, along with his team, was widely praised for producing an outstanding report this time on the counterintelligence investigation of the administration by the -era Justice Department and the FBI. prgtoken This is a 480-page report. I have a copy of it right here. It is redacted for public release. If you look at it online--you can look at it through the Department of Justice website--you can see that some of it is redacted or black marks are drawn through parts of it to protect certain classified information. prgtoken But there is more than enough information contained in this report to know that the Crossfire Hurricane investigation into the administration by the Justice Department, including Comey and the FBI, was an unmitigated disaster. prgtoken Mr. Horowitz highlighted some of the truly disturbing and alarming facts about how this Russia investigation was conducted--how it was initiated and how it was conducted. There were mistakes made, including some intentional misconduct, which has now been referred to the Justice Department for potential investigation and even charging and prosecution. This was a troubling report, identifying at least 17 different areas of concern. prgtoken The report is full of legal jargon, government acronyms, and a long list of names most Americans probably don't recognize. The bottom line is, beneath all of this is a pattern of concerning behavior that ought to concern everyone who cares about civil liberties. prgtoken At the core of these issues is, under Director Comey, the FBI's abuse of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA. I know people