mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CALIFORNIA HIGH-COST RAIL IS A TERRIBLE IDEA
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2020-3-2

authorizing more money for California's high-speed rail--I call it high-cost rail--is a terrible idea. prgtoken It seems that my House colleagues have quickly forgotten how much of a disaster this project has been. prgtoken This was sold to the voters in 2008 as a $33-billion project. When we finally got the truth out of them--this is a couple of years later--it tripled to $100 billion. Then, they went back and revised and said: Well, we will just downsize it a bit and make it about $65 billion. prgtoken It has since ballooned back to $100 billion and more. It will probably be maybe almost double that by the time it actually gets done 30 years from now. prgtoken It has been a boondoggle since day one. prgtoken The administration, thankfully, canceled just under a $1 billion grant that could have left Congress and D.C. to go toward that project. Instead, let's put it toward something people can actually use, like our highways and our bridges, where we already have a lot of traffic that we have to deal with. prgtoken Regular people can access that. They will never be able to afford a high-speed rail ticket at $300 a head to go from San Francisco to L.A if it actually is ever completed from San Francisco to L.A. Right now, it is just going within the central part of the State, staying between walnut orchards and hayfields. prgtoken It is really a crazy project. We shouldn't send another dollar from D.C. toward that but claw back the dollars that have already been wasted because they haven't upheld the contract to the voters who voted in this thing several years ago.
PEACE CORPS TRIBUTE
Scott R. Tipton (Republican, CO) \u2014 2020-3-2

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the important contributions of the Peace Corps and its necessity to U.S. national security on its 57th Anniversary. prgtoken Over 235,000 volunteers have served in the Peace Corps since its creation in 1961. Of those volunteers, approximately 7,600 have been native Coloradans. All have played a critical role in creating community links that remain the foundation of U.S. security and diplomacy as well as building international personal relationships and living out a mission of service that extends beyond their tenure with the Peace Corps. prgtoken From teaching English, to helping farmers increase crop yields, to advising local business, the projects these volunteers pursue are wide ranging. In these various capacities, they function as the face of America overseas in locations where people have likely never met an American previously. Immersed in the local community through language and cultural immersion, volunteers are trusted by local decision makers. prgtoken As an important part of America's soft power arsenal, the Peace Corps has shown exceptional mission, vision, and outcomes. Its work abroad has resulted in improvements along U.S. borders because of its presence in Mexico, Nicaragua, and Peru, helping to fix conditions that have pushed citizens to leave their homes. In 2017, 121 retired generals and admirals wrote to Congress to convey their support for the Peace Corps because of this work, calling it vital to preventing conflict and reducing the need for military personnel to be put in harm's way. prgtoken Madam , through the dedication of each volunteer, the Peace Corps has become an enduring symbol of our nation's commitment to encouraging partnerships, creating opportunity, and expanding development at the grass-roots level in the developing world. I hope its service inspires other students and professionals from all walks of life.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Billy Long (Republican, MO) \u2014 2020-3-2

. Madam , on Friday, February 28, 2020, I was unable to vote on any legislative measures. Had I been present, I would have voted the following: (Roll no. 76) On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 2819--Gold Star Mothers Families National Monument Extension Act, had I been present I would have voted yes. (Roll no. 77) On Motion to Recommit with Instructions of H.R. 2339--Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act, had I been present I would have voted yes. (Roll no. 78) On Passage of H.R. 2339--Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act, had I been present I would have voted no.
ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-3-2

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m Tuesday, March 3; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; further, that following leader remarks, the Senate resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S. 2657 and that the Senate recess from 12:30 to 2:15 p.m. for the weekly conference meetings; finally, that notwithstanding rule XXII, all time during recess, adjournment, morning business, and leader remarks count postcloture on the motion to proceed to S. 2657.
PROMOTING PUERTO RICO'S STATEHOOD
Jenniffer González-Colón (Republican, PR) \u2014 2020-3-2

on this date in 1917, Puerto Ricans became American citizens. Nineteen years after coming under the American flag, the Jones-Shafroth Act established that residents of Puerto Rico at the time, and their descendants, would be citizens of the United States. prgtoken This citizenship has provided us great opportunities for security and progress. As such, we have become an integral part of the national experience, contributing in numerous fields of education, politics, law, science, art, and business; and we have defended this Nation side- by-side with our fellow citizens from other States. prgtoken We value our American citizenship so much that we included in our local constitution that one of our defining values is: Our Citizenship of the United States and the aspiration to continue enriching our democratic heritage individually and collectively in the enjoyment of its rights and prerogatives. prgtoken In votes throughout the years, overwhelming majorities of Puerto Ricans have affirmed the intention to continue being U.S. citizens. prgtoken Yet, we have been denied that aspiration, denied that enrichment of values of American citizenship. prgtoken In 1898, when the U.S. Forces first landed in Puerto Rico, General Miles issued a proclamation promising: ``We have come to . . . bring you protection . . . to promote your prosperity and bestow upon you the immunities and blessings of the . . . institutions of our government.'' prgtoken But instead, what happened was that almost right after achieving citizenship, a Supreme Court decision, Balzac v. Porto Rico, ruled that as residents in an unincorporated territory, we will only have partially those rights. That, contrary to what had been the case of every other territory before, achieving American citizenship did not mean necessarily a road to full equality as a State. prgtoken Since then, our enjoyment of rights shared by our fellow Americans in the States has been only in a limited manner, as the Congress and the courts see fit to grant them. The promise remains unfulfilled. prgtoken Unfulfilled, in spite of how 220,000 Puerto Ricans have worn this country's uniform and fought and bled for our Nation under the orders of a Commander in Chief for whom they cannot vote. prgtoken Unfulfilled, when those living in Puerto Rico do not have full and equal representation in this Congress that decides how they will be ruled, what policies will be applied. As a Representative of almost 3.2 million American citizens, I am not allowed to vote on the passage of legislation that governs their daily lives. prgtoken This allows Puerto Rico to be treated unequally under Federal laws, regulations, and programs involving funding, levels of service, statistics, even being treated as if we were foreign for some purposes. prgtoken But we are Americans. We are born as U.S. citizens, in soil under the American flag, and the largest number of citizens who are disenfranchised. <|p
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2020-3-2

I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Parthasarathy Vasudevan, who passed away on December 31, 2019. Dr. Vasu's 40 years of civic and medical leadership in Phillips County were incredibly transformative for the Arkansas Delta, and his efforts reveal a relentless quest to improve the quality of life for those around him. prgtoken Dr. Vasu was a physician specializing in Urology in Helena, AR, with demand for his services extending beyond Phillips County. His career reflected 62 years of diverse experience spanning India, Boston, and the Natural State. Dr. Vasu grew up in India where he received his medical degree in 1958 and met his wife, Kanaka Rajgopal. She accompanied him to the United States in 1973 for Dr. Vasu's residency at the New England Medical Center in Boston, and upon his completion in 1978, the two embarked on their final move, to Arkansas. prgtoken Dr. Vasu's medical impact was widespread and included philanthropic leadership in addition to his urology practice. He served as executive director of the Helena Health Foundation, a nonprofit organization with a mission to improve the quality of life and healthcare offered in Phillips County through grant funding. During his time in this role, Dr. Vasu was instrumental in developing the Delta Area Health Education Center in Helena, which became the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences East Regional Campus in 2013. The foundation honored Dr. Vasu's sponsorship with a $4 million Wellness Center in his name. prgtoken Dr. Vasu's extensive knowledge, dedicated service, and passionate nature were qualities not only recognized by his patients, but also by the civic institutions in which he participated. Organizations he was active in were the Helena Rotary Club, as well as the Phillips County Chamber of Commerce, among others. In recognition of his philanthropic involvement, Dr. Vasu was awarded the Paul Fellowship recognition by the Rotary Foundation and the Channel 4 Community Service Award. Phillips County also designated August 25, 2004, as ``Dr. P. Vasudevan Day.'' prgtoken Dr. Vasu was a tremendous asset to the Phillips County region, as well as the State of Arkansas. He was not just a doctor, but he was a mentor and a friend who loved politics and the Arkansas Razorbacks. His devoted heart and helping hand touched the lives of many, and his deeply respected legacy will transcend time. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Dr. Vasu's loved ones, his patients, and Phillips County citizens. We pray his remarkable example inspires many future Arkansas leaders.
RECOGNIZING THE GATHERING PLACE
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2020-3-2

as a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each month I recognize and celebrate the American entrepreneurial spirit by highlighting the success of a small business in my home State of Idaho. Today I am pleased to honor The Gathering Place located in Bonners Ferry as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for March 2020. prgtoken In 2006, Norv and Sharon Skrivseth founded Sharon's Country Store as a side business in the basement of their home. The store was an immediate success, and it soon burgeoned into a thriving storefront providing local jobs and opportunities to the Bonners Ferry community. Eventually, Sharon's Country Store expanded to include the Bread Basket Bakery in 2014 and the 3-Mile Produce Stand in 2016. As the business grew, friends and customers started referring to the stores as ``The Gathering Place,'' and the Skrivseths happily embraced the new title. prgtoken Today, The Gathering Place continues to be run Norv, Sharon, and their six children. With the motto ``Come, Sit, and Stay Awhile,'' the businesses continues to attract locals and travelers alike with its wide array of homemade products, fresh food, and produce. The Skrivseths' warm hospitality and a commitment to service translates not only into a superior experience for their customers, but also into strong community engagement. Norv and Sharon are considered pillars in the Bonners Ferry community, often donating to various charitable causes and school events throughout the area. Success stories like that of The Gathering Place demonstrate why Idaho is consistently ranked one of the best places in the country to do business. prgtoken Congratulations to Norv, Sharon, and all of the employees of The Gathering Place on being selected as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for March 2020. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.
RECOGNIZING THE ALEXANDER ROBOTICS TEAM
Kevin Cramer (Republican, ND) \u2014 2020-3-2

the students on the robotics team in the small northwestern North Dakota town of Alexander set a goal at the beginning of this school year to win their State competition. Their determination and hard work paid off in February, and now the Alexander High School FIRST Tech Challenge Team #9963 team is preparing to represent North Dakota in the world championship competition. prgtoken FIRST is the acronym for the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology organization, which plans the annual competitions between schools. There, the students build and program robots to perform challenging tasks and then compete with other teams. prgtoken Robotics competition is growing in popularity in schools because it provides an ideal opportunity for young people to apply their knowledge of STEM subjects. It also teaches valuable life skills like communication, creativity, and collaboration and opens up countless doors of opportunity for the future. prgtoken While new to some schools, the Alexander students have participated in the North Dakota championship competition for the past 5 years. Each year, they have brought home a trophy from one of the categories. For this year's competition, these future engineers built and programmed a robot they prgtoken nicknamed ``Spiderbot,'' which competed against other robots, doing tasks like maneuvering under bridges and stacking blocks on a plate. prgtoken This progressive small town of less than 500 residents is preparing its students for 21st century careers by offering robotics as a career and technical education course for credit at the school. The success of this program is due in large part to the support and encouragement from many, including school administrators, teachers, volunteers, and parents. prgtoken To the students on the Alexander Robotics Team, their adviser Cathy White, and all who support them, I send my congratualations on becoming State champions. They are an inspiration to so many with their knowledge and passion. North Dakota will be watching as they compete in the world championships in Detroit in late April. I have a feeling we will be hearing much more from all of them in future careers as successful engineers and entrepreneurs.
ADVANCED GEOTHERMAL INNOVATION LEADERSHIP ACT OF 2019--MOTION TO PROCEED
Ted Cruz (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-3-2

today is Texas Independence Day. One hundred eighty-four years ago today, Texans declared our independence-- declared our independence from Mexico and fired a shot for liberty that was heard around the world. prgtoken As I have a number of years in the past, I am going to read the letter from the Alamo that LTC William Barret Travis wrote calling for help. It is a letter that energized the Texans across our great State, that energized lovers of liberty. It is also a letter that I read the very first time I spoke on this Senate floor, and these are words to inspire everyone. Commandancy of the Alamo Bejar, Feby. 24th, 1836 To the People of Texas & All Americans in the World-- Fellow Citizens & compatriots-- I am besieged, by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna--I have sustained a continual Bombardment & cannonade for 24 hours & have not lost a man. The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise the garrison are to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken--I have answered the demand with a cannon shot, & and our flag still waves proudly from the walls. I shall never surrender or retreat. Then, I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism & everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch--The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily & will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five days. If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country--Victory or Death. William Barrett Travis, Lt. Col. Comdt. P.S. The Lord is on our side--When the enemy appeared in sight we had not three bushels of corn--We have since found in deserted houses 80 or 90 bushels & got into the walls 20 or 30 head of Beeves. Travis prgtoken The brave men and women of the Alamo gave their lives for liberty. But shortly thereafter, in the Battle of San Jacinto, the Texans were victorious, and the Republic of Texas was formed, an independent nation from 1836 to 1845. For 9 years, we were our own nation. Then Texas joined the United States of America. We are proud Americans, but we are proud of the history of the brave Texans. prgtoken .
ADVANCED GEOTHERMAL INNOVATION LEADERSHIP ACT OF 2019--MOTION TO PROCEED
Joe Manchin, III (Democrat, WV) \u2014 2020-3-2

before my colleague leaves, I want to thank the Senator from Alaska, my chairman, for all the hard work, because it has been a labor that both of us have worked on together. It is something our country needs very desperately, and it is something that we have been working on for some 12 or 13 years. So the time has come. prgtoken With that, I am pleased that we are starting the process of turning to the American Energy Innovation Act, which last year Senator Murkowski and I kicked off in the 116th Congress with a hearing on the outlook of energy innovation. prgtoken Over the course of the last 14 months, we have heard from experts who have come before the committee to testify on the importance of advancing a broad range of technologies. Where we stand today, we have no silver bullet to solve the problems that we face--namely, maintaining our affordable, reliable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while also making sure that hard-working families and communities are not left behind. prgtoken It is for this reason that I say we need to innovate, not eliminate. I repeat that--innovate, not eliminate. There is a misconception that all these emissions are coming from just the power industry, just one source. It is all we hear about. It is not true. prgtoken The facts are these: In 2017, the power sector was responsible for 27.5 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. The power industry-- coal-fired powerplants and natural gas plants now are determined--was responsible for 27\1/2\ percent. Twenty-nine percent of our emissions come from transportation. How we come to work and what we use in everyday life--29 percent comes from that. Twenty-two percent comes from industry--the jobs that we do, the industries we have that we need, jobs that are provided, and the products they produce. Then 11\1/ 2\ percent was commercial and residential sectors--the buildings we are in, commercial and residential, but basically a lot of government buildings. prgtoken With that in mind, we focused on an ``all of the above'' approach. We didn't leave any rock unturned. Our bill will help reduce emissions in all of these sectors, except for agriculture. Agriculture represents about 9 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions, and that was not in our jurisdiction. prgtoken Innovation is a critical step to help us reliably meet tomorrow's energy needs while reducing emissions, not just in our energy sector but also in industry, buildings, and vehicles. We all know greenhouse gas emissions are a global issue, and investing now in these technologies will position the United States as a global leader and maintain our competitive edge. prgtoken It is time to seek practical solutions to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and find ways to ensure that our energy sector, the environment, and workers can all benefit. Once we vote to proceed to S. 2657, we will be laying down the American Energy Innovation Act of 2020 as a
CELEBRATING ADVENTIST HEALTH WHITE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL'S MALCOLM BALDRIGE NATIONAL QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE EXCELLENCE AWARD
Jimmy Gomez (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-3-2

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Adventist Health White Memorial Hospital as a recipient of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. The Boyle Heights hospital is the first organization in Los Angeles, the only hospital in Los Angeles County, and the twelfth hospital in the nation to receive this prestigious award. prgtoken The Baldrige Award is the highest level of national recognition for performance excellence an organization in the United States can receive. Since 1987, the award has been given to organizations and businesses in that have demonstrated visionary leadership, operational excellence, and drive for providing innovative solutions to complex challenges. It is the dedication, hard work, and outstanding achievements of White Memorial Hospital's associates, physicians, and partners in delivering quality healthcare that caught the attention of the Baldrige Award examiners. prgtoken Founded in 1913, the White Memorial Hospital has since become one of the region's leading nonprofit, faith-based hospitals, providing a full range of inpatient, outpatient, emergency and diagnostic services to the medically underserved communities in and near downtown Los Angeles. As a major teaching hospital, White Memorial also plays a vital role in training future physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals. prgtoken It is fitting White Memorial Hospital's mission is ``living God's love by inspiring health, wholeness, and hope'' because the hospital's volunteers and staff demonstrate daily, their commitment and service to improving the physical, mental, and spiritual health of the community. This award only underscores this exemplary level of excellence and dedication and I have no doubt, the important role White Memorial Hospital will continue to have in the community. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Adventist Health White Memorial Hospital on receiving the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.