mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Roy Blunt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2019-9-10

I have 2 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. prgtoken Pursuant to Rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs prgtoken The Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, September 10, 2019, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. Select Committee on Intelligence prgtoken The Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, September 10, 2019, at 2:30 p.m to conduct a closed briefing.
CONGRATULATING FATHER COLUMBA STEWART
Tom Emmer (Republican, MN) \u2014 2019-9-10

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Minnesota Recovery Connection. September is National Recovery Month, but all year long they strive to support care and provide the resources needed for individuals to find freedom from addiction and remain in long-term recovery. prgtoken Minnesota Recovery Connection's mission is to strengthen the recovery community through peer-to-peer support, public education, and advocacy. They work to eliminate the stigma that prevents treatment, and this month it is important to remind everyone that recovery is possible. prgtoken Every year Minnesota Recovery Connection hosts Walk for Recovery, which is an important event to bring people together from all over the State to celebrate long-term recovery. It is the largest all-recovery gathering in Minnesota. prgtoken Minnesota Recovery Connection, thank you for the work you do to support long-term recovery for individuals struggling with addiction. Thank you for being there for everyone in our community and for bringing people together to celebrate recovery. Recognizing Amanda Lawrence
RECOGNIZING REVITALIZATION EFFORTS IN CLARION, A BLUEPRINT COMMUNITY
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-9-10

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the community development and revitalization efforts of Clarion, Pennsylvania. prgtoken Recently, I was back in my district, touring Clarion's growing downtown region, meeting with small business owners and community leaders, and the progress and growth that I saw were truly exciting. prgtoken In 2015, Clarion was selected as a Blueprint Community, an initiative through the FHLBank Pittsburgh that seeks to revitalize older communities and neighborhoods. One of the shining stars of the Blueprint program is the Clarion River Brewing Company, and I am proud of their continued success as one of the many exciting small businesses in town. prgtoken But Clarion's blueprint included more than new businesses. It also outlines a plan to increase affordable housing options for current and future residents. prgtoken These blueprints don't offer one-size-fits-all plans for community development. Instead, they work with local leaders to better understand the needs of their residents to create custom, homegrown solutions that breathe new life into older communities. prgtoken Madam , I am excited to see what Clarion has in store, and I am rooting for its continued success.
BANK SERVICE COMPANY EXAMINATION COORDINATION ACT OF 2019
Roger Williams (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-9-10

I am proud to support H.R. 241, the Bank Service Company Examination Coordination Act, commonsense legislation that enables State and Federal regulators to better coordinate their examination activities. prgtoken The bill allows for the sharing of supervisory information concerning technology service providers, better known as TSPs, between State and Federal regulators. prgtoken Banks use TSPs in their day-to-day operations for a variety of activities, such as processing payments, taking deposits, or assisting with cybersecurity efforts. As banks are adapting to a more interconnected world, partnerships between financial institutions and TSPs are not only common, but they are necessary. prgtoken State and Federal regulators each have the ability to examine technology vendors for safety and for soundness, but current law prevents them from sharing the results of their independent examinations, a problem that H.R. 241 corrects. prgtoken H.R. 241 helps to harmonize the oversight process without adding risk to their financial system. Sharing the results of regulatory examination results between agencies can reveal the weaknesses of an individual institution as well as the larger banking system as a whole. prgtoken The Financial Stability Oversight Council, which is charged with identifying risks in the U.S. financial system, recommended in their 2017 annual report to enhance coordination between State and Federal regulators. Specifically, the report called on Congress to pass legislation that encourages coordination among the Federal and State regulators in the oversight of third-party service providers. The result would be reducing potentially conflicting and duplicative regulatory oversight, while also promoting more consistent cybersecurity standards. prgtoken Sharing the results of these TSP supervisory exams allows for agencies to more efficiently use their limited resources, while ensuring that private companies are not subject to an avoidable, duplicative review. prgtoken I want to thank Chairwoman Waters. I want to thank Ranking Member McHenry, and especially my friend on the other side of the aisle, Congressman Meeks, and all the staff for their diligent work. prgtoken I am proud of the bipartisan effort in both the 115th and the 116th Congresses that allowed for the passage of H.R. 241 today. I urge all my colleagues to support this legislation.
HONORING THE LIFE OF DONALD FRANCIS WOOD
Jim Banks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2019-9-10

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the life of Mr. Donald Francis Wood; a life marked by grace, humility and patriotism. Don was an accomplished Hoosier, father, businessman, and patriot. prgtoken Born in the Midwest, and a native of Des Moines, Iowa, Don received a degree from Drake University and later an honorary degree from Ivy Tech Community College in Fort Wayne. Don's patriotism inspired him to enlist in the military, which led him overseas where he fought in the Korean War. Don reached the rank of corporal before receiving an honorable discharge. prgtoken After his service in the Army, Don worked in automobile manufacturing, as a journeyman toolmaker and later as a salesman. After several years in auto-manufacturing sales, Don, with his sons, opened their own manufacturing company, 80/20 manufacturing. The largest T- slotted aluminum building system in the United States, the company employs more than 400 workers in my hometown of Columbia City, Indiana. prgtoken Don saw his success as-a blessing, but also a responsibility. He created the Donald F. Wood and Darlene M. Richardson Foundation with his wife, and started the 80/20 Foundation Trust, both dedicated to helping those in need. Don was willing to give his time, as well as his money, to enhance Northeast Indiana's community. A life-long music lover, he was a member of the board of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, as well as the Fluid Power society. prgtoken At his core, Don was a family man. He had three sons and a daughter, two of whom raised families in Fort Wayne. prgtoken Madam , Don was the type of father, and leader, that embodies the values that make the United States and Indiana so special. His death has struck us a great loss; only because he contributed so much in life--to this country, to our state, and to his family.
Recognizing the Eastbank Little League Team (Executive Calendar)
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2019-9-10

I rise today to recognize the Eastbank Little League team from River Ridge, LA, for winning the 2019 Little League World Series. prgtoken Everybody is glad when kids do well, but you are particularly glad when they are your kids, and these are Louisiana's kids. It is the first time in history a Louisiana team has won the Little League tournament, and we are still celebrating. prgtoken Egan, Reece, Marshall, William, Gavin, Jeffrey, Ryan, Derek, Connor, Ryder, Alton, Peyton, Stan, and coaches Scott Frazier, Kevin Johnson, and Donald Abadie, you have made us proud. prgtoken The real story may not be the championship itself but how they won. After losing their first game to Hawaii, the defending world champions, the Louisiana team went on to outscore opponents 44 to 8. They averaged almost as many runs per game as their opponents scored in total during this streak, and that is amazing. prgtoken One of those wins included fending off a comeback in a rematch against Hawaii for the American championship. I commend the Hawaii team for their impressive season, which is after an impressive season last year, but this year it was the Louisiana team's moment. prgtoken After the Hawaii victory, they then went on to shut out the Caribbean team 8 to 0 to bring the world championship home to Louisiana and to the United States. prgtoken Louisianans are known for resiliency. That inborn never-give-up attitude is why these kids are champions. prgtoken These young folks from River Ridge faced adversity they conquered. They demonstrated character and sportsmanship throughout the ups and downs. Their wins should make all Americans proud. They certainly make all of Louisiana proud. prgtoken . prgtoken .
RESTORE TRUTH AND COMPASSION TO IMMIGRATION DEBATE
Thomas R. Suozzi (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-9-11

. Madam , I rise today to speak about immigration in America. prgtoken My father was born in Italy. He came to the United States as a young boy. I am a first-generation American, and I don't like the hateful and divisive rhetoric being used about immigrants today. I am appalled at the way my country is treating the children and families of immigrants. prgtoken My dad came to America in the early 1920s. He was the first of his neighborhood to graduate from college. During World War II, he served as a navigator on a B-24 and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with three oakleaf clusters. He returned home and prgtoken graduated from Harvard Law School on the GI Bill. prgtoken As a young, Harvard-educated lawyer and Italian immigrant, however, my dad couldn't find a job. Italians were not respected, and after Hitler teamed up with Mussolini during the war, Italian Americans were not trusted, either. prgtoken My dad decided to return to Glen Cove, where he teamed up with another Italian lawyer, ran for city court judge, and became the youngest judge in the history of New York State. prgtoken My father achieved many other great successes, and he would always say, ``What a country.'' His life was the very essence of the American Dream. prgtoken Our American Dream, however, is at risk. It may soon be the American nightmare. prgtoken Well, I still believe in my father's American Dream, and I am committed to keeping it alive. prgtoken Immigration has been an issue for decades, yet after all these years, Congress has yet to pass immigration reform. prgtoken President 's cruel, divisive, and simply unworkable positions have made things worse. His policies and rhetoric have exacerbated the problem, permeating a culture of fear that forces many immigrants further into the shadows. prgtoken I have been an advocate for fair and reasonable immigration policies for more than 25 years. As mayor of my hometown of Glen Cove, New York, in 1994, I created the very first shape-up center on the East Coast of the United States of America. It gave newcomers from Central and South America a safe place to get hired and made sure they got paid for the work they did. If they didn't get hired, they could stay and learn English or new job skills. prgtoken As county executive, in 2007, I refused to let ICE work with my Nassau County Police Department because ICE was acting like cowboys, drawing guns and knocking down doors, intimidating children and families who were not even subject to their raids and all of who together presented no risk of violence whatsoever. prgtoken Today, those same guys who gathered on the street corners of Glen Cove now own their own businesses and own their own homes, and their kids attended school with my kids. prgtoken But now, President 's heartless immigration actions are separating parents from their children, and children are being housed in cages. prgtoken I have seen it with my own eyes. This past July,
Background Checks (Executive Calendar)
Kirsten E. Gillibrand (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-9-11

I rise to join my colleagues in discussing our country's horrific gun violence epidemic. I have risen to speak of this problem many times over the years, and to be honest it is exasperating to have to do it over and over again. prgtoken El Paso, Dayton, Gilroy, Odessa, Midland, Brownsville in New York-- the list goes on and on--city after city, community after community, devastated by gun violence. We witness these tragedies. We watch heartbreaking and nightmarish footage on our televisions. We offer our thoughts and prayers. We have heavy hearts, deep disappointment and horror, and still nothing. The Senate has still not passed any meaningful legislation to address the problem. prgtoken So here we are once again in this Chamber. are speaking out on behalf of the American people, on behalf of the citizens who are protesting and demanding action, and on behalf of our constituents who call and write and tweet to us every single day for commonsense legislation to help end this gun violence that plagues our communities. prgtoken We aren't just speaking out on behalf of because gun violence doesn't ask what political party you support. It touches the lives of everyone in this country. The majority of the American people--, Independents, and s--all want action. They want their schools to be safe. They want a place to go and worship and be safe. They want to go and buy their back-to-school supplies and be safe. prgtoken Let's be really clear about the root of this inaction. It is greed. It is corruption. It is the rot at the heart of Washington. The NRA is no different. The NRA cares more about gun sales than they do about the people of this country. They care more about the gun manufacturers than they do our communities. Too many of my colleagues just don't have the guts to stand up to the NRA. prgtoken There are three effective solutions sitting right in front of us, all of which are bipartisan, all of which have been voted on before, getting lots of bipartisan support. I reject the false argument that because these commonsense proposals may not stop every single instance of gun violence that it is not worth doing them. We should do these. It makes no sense to stop doing the commonsense things just because it doesn't stop every gun crime because the truth is, it is time to do something. prgtoken We can and should ban assault weapons and large magazines. No civilian needs access to weapons of war. Those weapons are designed solely to kill large numbers of people very quickly, in minutes and seconds, and our military train heavily to be able to use those weapons well. prgtoken We can and should pass my legislation to criminalize gun trafficking. It will help slow the tide of illegal guns into cities like New York and Chicago and across the country where guns that are illegal are sold directly out of the back of a truck to a gang member or a criminal. It is one of t
COASTAL AND MARINE ECONOMIES PROTECTION ACT
Salud O. Carbajal (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-9-11

. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 1941, the Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act, to ensure we safeguard our environment against the threats of offshore oil drilling. I am proud to have worked with Chairman Grijalva, Chairman Lowenthal, and Representative Cunningham to make sure that this measure also includes my legislation, H.R. 279, the California Clean Coast Act. This would make certain that there is no future offshore oil and gas leasing off California's coast and put the interests of the American people first. prgtoken We cannot put corporate profits of Big Oil above protecting our environment. My constituents in the central coast have seen firsthand the damage oil spills inflicted on our communities and our local economies. During the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill, over 100,000 barrels of crude oil spilled into the Santa Barbara Channel. This was the largest oil spill in California's history. It fundamentally harmed Santa Barbara's unique marine ecosystem and wildlife, recreational interests, and commercial fishing.
COASTAL AND MARINE ECONOMIES PROTECTION ACT
Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2019-9-11

I would like to thank my colleague, Mr. Levin, for his leadership on this amendment. prgtoken I have been invested in this issue throughout my time in Congress, and earlier this year my colleague, Chris Smith, and I introduced the Atlantic Seismic Airgun Protection Act, a standalone bill that would amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit oil, gas, and methane hydrate-related seismic activities in the North Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, and Straits of Florida. This amendment would do just that. prgtoken Our coastal economy relies on healthy ocean ecosystems that generate $95 billion in gross domestic product every year and support nearly 1.4 million jobs every year. prgtoken Seismic blasting poses a major threat to marine life, including the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, which is on the verge of extinction. Because they are extremely loud, these dynamite-like blasts are likely to have significant, long-lasting, widespread impacts on the behavior and survival of fish and marine mammal populations. If these are impacted, it is a serious danger to our coastal economies. prgtoken This amendment will protect our marine life and our coastal economies, and I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this amendment.
Background Checks (Executive Calendar)
Robert P. Casey, Jr. (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2019-9-11

I rise to speak about the same issue my colleague from New York just spoke to, and I know others have preceded her on the floor. I am grateful to be a part of this discussion today. prgtoken What I could do--but I know I don't have to because it is so well known now--is go through the three or four most recent mass shootings which are the ones that get most attention, but I don't have to do that because we know so well now what happened just in the last number of weeks. prgtoken One way to remember them, of course, is by the names of the communities: El Paso, Dayton, Midland, Odessa--names like that where everyone in the country knows exactly what we are talking about because of what happened there. What we don't talk about enough, of course, are the places where there is daily gun violence and horror and tragedy and death and grievous injury because it doesn't get the same attention. prgtoken Tragically, another way to go through a list of tragedies that are connected to this awful epidemic of gun violence--this uniquely American problem of gun violence--is to use numbers. These numbers are now emblazoned on the communities that were so tragically destroyed, in large measure, by these events. In El Paso it was 22, in Dayton it was 9, and in Midland and Odessa it was 7. So doing the math, that is 38. That is the number of people killed in just three places. Of course, there are a lot of other deaths between those tragic events which aren't getting the same attention. That is another way to measure--38 killed between August 3 and August 31. Another number is the number of injured. I think the number now is just about 76, just in those three tragedies. So there were 38 killed and 76 injured in three American communities. prgtoken One of the most disturbing realities after the fact is what happened in Dayton in just such a short timeframe. I know that timeframe. We could probably cite the other tragedies as well, but we know that in about 32 seconds in Dayton, 9 people were killed and 27 were injured. Law enforcement, the folks we often call the good guys--good guys not just with guns but good guys with a lot of training and a heroic willingness and heroic commitment to get to a place of danger to try to apprehend a criminal and to try to save people. In Dayton, law enforcement officials got there faster than Superman could get there, and it wasn't fast enough because in 32 seconds 9 were gone and 27 were injured. prgtoken We know that in Midland and Odessa, TX, the authorities reported that the gunman was prohibited from purchasing a firearm at one point, but he was able to avoid a background check because he purchased his assault-style weapon through a private sale. This is further evidence of why we need a background check bill that is rigorous--not just a background check bill that makes a nice headline but is rigorous enough to stop the guy in Texas who brought such horror to that community,
COASTAL AND MARINE ECONOMIES PROTECTION ACT
Andy Levin (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-9-11

my bipartisan amendment establishes a moratorium on seismic testing in the Atlantic Ocean. prgtoken I would like to begin by thanking my friends, Chairman Lowenthal, Chairman Grijalva, and Congressman Cunningham, for leading this bill and for working with me on this provision. I also thank my cosponsors, Congressmen Smith, Beyer, and Van Drew, for prgtoken their partnership and for their longstanding commitments to leading on this issue. prgtoken During seismic testing, ships pull giant airguns through the ocean that release loud, pressurized blasts of air into the seafloor in search of oil and gas. The best evidence from scientists tells us that noise from these airguns can disturb, injure, or kill marine animals from zooplankton, the base of the food web, all the way up to large whales. In addition, airgun noise can reduce catch rates for fish and disrupt essential behaviors in marine mammals, including dolphins and whales. prgtoken I believe we need to be building a clean energy future, but seismic airgun blasts lay the groundwork for more dangerous fossil fuel extraction that is bad for our economy and for the environment. prgtoken I am proud to support H.R. 1941, the Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act, because I share the concerns of so many of my own constituents who have reached out to me urging Congress to reject proposals that open our waters and coastlines to expanded offshore drilling. prgtoken In the 7 years following the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon disaster, the U.S. oil and gas industry experienced more than 4,000 explosions, collisions, and related incidents, including 34 oil spills of more than 2,000 gallons each. prgtoken This bill will help us end these disasters once and for all, and I thank my friend Congressman Cunningham for his leadership here. My bipartisan amendment takes an extra step to make this legislation stronger yet. prgtoken Even if we ban offshore drilling, the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, BOEM, could still issue permits for seismic testing in the Atlantic. We know, for example, that BOEM is currently reviewing applications from seismic testing companies looking for oil and gas beneath the Atlantic Ocean floor. prgtoken A legal prohibition on seismic testing, which my amendment includes, is the surest way to prevent such testing in the Atlantic, protecting our environment, marine life, and the health, safety, and livelihoods of millions of people involved in tourism, recreation, fishing, and associated sectors. My bipartisan amendment is about saving the whales for sure, but it is also about saving people, saving our economy, and saving our planet. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and .