mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING PARK AND RECREATION MONTH
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-7-10

this morning, I rise to address a bill that my friends across the aisle, the , are going to bring to the floor next week raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour. prgtoken There was a score this week by the Congressional Budget Office that sheds truth and light on that proposal and what it does, and this government source has indicated it kills jobs. It harms Americans who are today struggling to make ends meet. The average family income will be reduced as a result of this bill. prgtoken , it is estimated by the CBO, the Congressional Budget Office, that 3.7 million jobs will be lost and that 42 percent of families who are currently at the minimum wage will see a net reduction in their family income, taking many of them, maybe for the first time, down into a poverty level of income. prgtoken There is a better way, . In the past, this body passed the Career and Technical Education Reauthorization bill, the Perkins Act. I was proud to work with Mr. Krishnamoorthi from Illinois on that bill as we led it. President signed that into law last July. prgtoken We are seeing this bill restore rungs on the ladder of opportunity. A significant number of jobs--6 million jobs--are open and available today at family-sustaining wages. prgtoken There is a pathway out of minimum wage. Minimum wage should be a starting point. To me, it is not where you start in life, but it is where you end up. We have provided the tools to provide individuals better access to the type of skills-based education to improve their lot in life and to achieve higher wages and greater opportunity, which is what this country promises. prgtoken We work hard; we take risk; and we better ourselves
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2019-7-10

I thank the ranking member for yielding. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I have supported every National Defense Authorization Act since I arrived in Congress 11 years ago. prgtoken Unfortunately, in its current form, I rise in opposition to H.R. 2500, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. prgtoken This bill does a number of good things. Notably, it includes an authorization of 11 ships, it reaffirms congressional support for midlife refueling of the USS John C. Stennis, it robustly supports the merchant marine with the reauthorization of the Maritime Security Program, and it provides for a new tanker security program that our services need. prgtoken In summary, the bill did a good job with the resources that were provided. prgtoken However, due to the decrement of $15 billion from the President's budget request, the bill imposed the limitations on low-yield nuclear weapons, restrictions on the President's request to secure the border, and an entirely avoidable failure to adequately restrict the 9/11 detainees. All of these issues led me to oppose final passage of the NDAA in committee. prgtoken In the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, the reduction of $15 billion will lead to delay in the construction of the next Ford- class aircraft carrier by 1 year, eliminate a replenishment ship, reduce the Navy's innovation by limiting development of unmanned surface vessels, and restrict critical development of anti-mine warfare programs. prgtoken Additionally, this top-line reduction limited our subcommittee's flexibility to address critical shortfalls in amphibious ships and weapons. Simply put, we can do better. prgtoken While I am concerned about the entirety of this current bill, I am not concerned about the bipartisan nature of our subcommittee. I want to specifically thank Chairman Courtney and his team for their extraordinary effort and their leadership toward a bipartisan subcommittee mark. He did extraordinary work reaching across the aisle and getting everybody's thoughts and ideas about what should be in the subcommittee mark, something that should also be part of every continuing effort subsequently. I have no doubt in his support for our national security, and I appreciate his dedication and passion for this effort. prgtoken In the end, I am hopeful that our amendment debate in the following days will serve to make our bill a stronger, bipartisan bill. But in its current form, I urge my colleagues to oppose final passage.
Prescription Drug Costs (Executive Calendar)
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-7-10

I recently received a letter from a gentleman living in Cedar Falls, IA, who suffers from Parkinson's disease. As I speak, he is going without his $1,450-per-month LYRICA prescription in order to keep a roof over his head. That is right, folks. He must choose between making a mortgage payment and getting his prescription. prgtoken Here is another story a woman from Davenport, IA, shared with me. Last October, she was able to get a 3-month supply of blood pressure medication for $17, but when she went to the pharmacy for her refill in late December, she was told the price had nearly tripled to $55. She wrote to me and said: Thinking this was a mistake, I refused the refill and checked online about the change in price and found I couldn't get it cheaper anywhere else. So I went back in ten days and thought I would just have to pay the new cost [which was $55]. In that time . . . the prescription had gone up to $130! prgtoken Whether I am talking to folks back home in my townhalls and other events on my 99 County Tour or in meetings right here in Washington, DC, the cost of prescription drugs is the No. 1 issue I hear about from Iowans. Every day, I hear stories just like these about the outrageous costs associated with their prescription medications. prgtoken For too long, hard-working Iowans have borne the brunt of skyrocketing prescription drug prices. Stories like the man from Cedar Falls and the woman from Davenport have become the norm. We have to change that, and that is exactly what we are doing here in the Senate. prgtoken We have been hard at work in advancing bills to drive down drug prices, increase competition, and close costly loopholes that are being exploited by those bad actors. I am proud to lead on three such bills that were recently approved in committee. prgtoken First, I have teamed up with Senator Cotton on a bill that aims to eliminate an egregious loophole in the patenting process. This loophole allows drug companies to take advantage of the well-intentioned concept of sovereign immunity for Native American Tribes in order to dismiss patent challenges and unfairly stifle competition. prgtoken Our legislation would put an end to this manipulative practice and actually provide Iowans with access to cheaper options for their prescription drugs. That is not all we are doing in the Senate to make more low-cost generic drugs available to folks in Iowa. We have also been working across the aisle on a bipartisan bill that would put a powerful check on drug companies seeking to keep generics off the market. prgtoken The bill would empower the makers of generic drugs to file lawsuits against brand-name manufacturers if they fail to provide required resources, such as drug samples, needed for generics to clear the regulatory process. In turn, we would see cheaper alternatives available for my folks in Iowa. prgtoken I am also working with my fellow Iowa
TRIBUTE TO ROBERT WILLIAMS
Johnny Isakson (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-7-10

today, I am honored to recognize in the Record Mr. Robert M. Williams, Jr who recently retired after almost half a century as editor and publisher of the Blackshear Times in Blackshear, GA. prgtoken While he may be a small-town newspaperman, Robert Williams is known throughout south Georgia and across much of our State because of his work ethic, his devotion to the printed word, and his dedication to the newspaper business and what it means to a community. For more than 48 years, Robert has worked to be accurate, fair, and to provide his readers with the news that affects them and the community they all cherish. He has personally written more than 2,000 columns during his career. prgtoken It is worth mentioning that the newspaper's motto, printed at the top of the front page of the printed publication and online, is one Robert has also claimed as his own: ``Liked by Many, Cussed by Some, Read by Them All.'' With the weekly newspaper also turning 150 years this year under Robert's leadership, both have long been widely read. prgtoken At Just 20 years old, Robert began his career at the Blackshear Times after coming down to the community from the University of Georgia in Athens, GA. He was brought in by two legendary Georgians themselves, Roy Chalker, Sr and Wilkes Williams of Waynesboro, to turn their investment around. Turn it around he did, settling well into the community at the same time. A short 5 years later, Robert purchased the Blackshear Times. Under Robert's leadership during the last 48 years, the newspaper has won hundreds of awards in a variety of categories. prgtoken Robert and his wife Cheryl have both loyally and successfully served not only this publication, but the newspaper industry as a whole. The Blackshear Times is one of five newspapers that Robert and Cheryl have owned as part of their SouthFire Newspapers organization, which also includes the Alma Times, the Charlton County Herald, the Telfair Enterprise, and the Monroe County Reporter in Georgia. Robert and Cheryl have both served as president of the Georgia Press Association, our State's newspaper industry advocacy organization. Robert was also president of the 2,300-member National Newspaper Association in 2014, serving nationally as the voice of small-town newspapers. prgtoken Locally, Robert Williams served two terms on the Blackshear City Council and served as executive director of both the Pierce County Industrial Development Authority and the Pierce County Chamber of Commerce. Robert is also a graduate of the Leadership Georgia program, an organization we both hold dear and that has guided our service to the State. Robert has found countless ways to give back. Whether it was as a member of the Georgia Agriculture Exposition Authority that governs the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry or the local college foundation board, Robert and Cheryl have made an impact well beyond Blackshear both professionally and
TRIBUTE TO RYDER FUHRMAN
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2019-7-10

today I recognize Ryder Fuhrman, an intern in my Aberdeen, SD, office, for all of the hard work he has done for me, my staff, and the State of South Dakota over the past several weeks. prgtoken Ryder is a graduate of Warner High School in Warner, SD. Currently, he is attending Northern State University in Aberdeen, where he is majoring in political science and minoring in economics and legal studies. He is a hard worker who has been dedicated to getting the most out of his internship experience. prgtoken I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Ryder for all of the fine work he has done and wish him continued success in the years to come.
CONGRATULATING ANTHONY CICERO IV AND DAKOTA SNYDER
Lloyd Smucker (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-7-10

I rise today to congratulate Anthony Cicero IV and Dakota Snyder of Elizabethtown High School in Lancaster County for their remarkable achievement on winning the Student Angler Federation High School Fishing World Championship last month. prgtoken Their partnership led them to victory over 389 high school teams from around the Nation. prgtoken , these two young gentlemen are no strangers to the water. At their young age, they have been tournament fishing for years and practicing all year round. prgtoken Dakota said: ``As long as there is no ice, I am out there fishing.'' prgtoken It is a trait that runs in the family, as Anthony and Dakota's fathers fished together as a team as well. prgtoken , we are blessed with beautiful and great natural resources in York and Lancaster Counties, which will be celebrated and protected through the passage of my legislation to create the Susquehanna National Heritage Area. prgtoken I am very thankful that these two young men enjoy spending time in nature while using their talents. I wish them both continued success and congratulate them on their championship victory. Honoring Community Leaders Making an Impact Combating the Opioid Epidemic
ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2019
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-7-10

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 9:30 a.m Thursday, July 11; 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, morning business be closed, and the Senate proceed to prgtoken executive session and resume consideration of the King nomination.
FAIRNESS FOR HIGH-SKILLED IMMIGRANTS ACT OF 2019
Ken Buck (Republican, CO) \u2014 2019-7-10

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , today, Congress can create a truly fair and equitable employment-based immigration system. The Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act will fundamentally change our employment-based immigration system for the better by ensuring our employers can hire people based on qualifications and ability to do the job, not the country of origin. prgtoken We must continue working to build the U.S.-based high-skilled workforce, but in the meantime, we simply do not have enough U.S. workers to fill our employment needs. Congress must address the system to ensure that we are prgtoken not welcoming high-skilled workers here and then promptly leaving them in a limbo that may last a lifetime. prgtoken It is time that we fix the system to create a merit-based, first- come-first-served system that is fair for all employment-based immigrants. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation, and .
WELCOMING REVEREND ASRIEL McLAIN
Mike Johnson (Republican, LA) \u2014 2019-7-10

. Madam , it is my great privilege to introduce my friend and Louisiana native, Reverend Asriel G. McLain, as our guest chaplain to lead the opening prayer today. prgtoken Reverend McLain has held leadership positions in numerous churches throughout the United States, including Louisiana, Michigan, and Texas. He has written over a dozen books and frequently gives lectures on equipping Christian education leaders for effective ministry and discipleship. prgtoken Reverend McLain received his bachelor of arts from Bishop College in Dallas, Texas, and his master of divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey. He is the proud father of four children: David, Joseph, Desiree, and Danielle. Some of the family is here today. He is also a lifelong member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. prgtoken In addition to his work behind the pulpit and inside the classroom, Reverend McLain followed in his father's footsteps, becoming a leading voice on advancing the cause of justice and equality for all Americans. Having witnessed and endured the hardships of racism personally, Reverend McLain has devoted much of his life to ensuring that future generations can enjoy equality in all aspects of life. prgtoken It is a great honor to ask God's blessings over us, and I ask my colleagues to help me in welcoming my dear friend, Reverend Asriel McLain.
CHRONIC DISEASE DAY
Kevin Cramer (Republican, ND) \u2014 2019-7-10

today I wish to recognize July 10 as Chronic Disease Day and to call attention to the unique healthcare needs of patients from this diverse community. This date is significant due to the fact that it represents the 7 out of 10 Americans who will succumb to some form of chronic illness. Governors and State legislatures across the country will be prgtoken working with local chronic disease patient advocates on July 10 to highlight contemporary challenges and opportunities, and I encourage my colleagues to join in this effort. prgtoken Chronic illness includes cancers, cardiovascular disease, and many other conditions, some very rare. Some chronic illnesses can be preventable, and Chronic Disease Day is an opportunity to feature healthy lifestyles, the importance of regular health screenings, and proper self-care. In this regard, awareness and education can go a long way towards improving patient outcomes, preventing the progression of disease, and lowering healthcare costs. prgtoken Many chronic illnesses are unavoidable though and have genetic components or are simply idiopathic with an unknown origin. These include rare and life-threatening conditions that require near constant access to life-sustaining care or therapies. These patient occasionally rely on voluntary charitable assistance programs to maintain this access when they have no other options. prgtoken July 10 is a time to promote the importance of preventing chronic disease while reflecting on opportunities to better serve individuals and families facing serious chronic illness. I call on my colleagues to please join me in recognizing Chronic Disease Day.
RECOGNIZING THE COLUMBUS POLICE DEPARTMENT
Greg Pence (Republican, IN) \u2014 2019-7-10

I rise to recognize the Columbus Police Department for its support of National Guard and military Reserve employees. prgtoken The Columbus Police Department recently received the Above and Beyond Award for its dedication to its officers who are also members of the National Guard and military Reserves. This award goes to organizations that go above and beyond when it comes to employees who also serve in our Nation's Armed Forces. prgtoken The Columbus Police Department currently has 11 officers who also serve in the National Guard or military Reserve roles. In fact, 33 percent of its employees are either currently serving or are veterans of our Armed Forces. prgtoken I thank the Columbus Police Department for caring for our veterans and for those currently serving our country. Recognizing IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020
Lee M. Zeldin (Republican, NY) \u2014 2019-7-10

. Madam Chair, I stand in opposition to the amendment offered by my dear colleague, Mrs. Torres, that prohibits the President from removing any items listed in categories 1, 2, and 3 of the U.S. Munitions List. prgtoken One of the first Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearings this year was a review of a large interagency process to modernize the United States Munitions List to ensure the State Department retained oversight over only the most critical defense articles with military end-use. prgtoken The decision to transfer certain defense articles and services from State to Commerce had strong, bipartisan support but got caught up in a debate that had nothing to do with export control reform. prgtoken The process to move certain defense articles has already begun. In fact, here are just some of the categories of weapons that have already moved to Commerce licensing controls: launch vehicles and missiles, explosives, military aircraft, submersible vessels, tanks, and the list goes on. Once again, these defense articles have already moved to Commerce control. prgtoken This rule change should be finalized. After years of input from both sides of the aisle to make the change from State to Commerce, there is no reason this decision, which started in the last administration, needs to be delayed any longer. prgtoken Madam Chair, .
GUN VIOLENCE IS A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY
Wm. Lacy Clay (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2019-7-10

. Madam , I rise today to urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3435, the Local Public Health and Safety Protection Act. prgtoken Across this Nation, we are faced with an ugly, obscene, inescapable truth: gun violence is a public health emergency. prgtoken My bill would, for the first time via Federal legislation, prohibit any State that wants to compete for grant funding from the Department of Justice from restricting the ability of a local government to enact tougher gun laws. My hope is that we can finally give local governments the freedom to protect innocent citizens and first responders while making our neighborhoods safer, regardless of what their State legislature thinks. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to cosponsor and support this vital public safety legislation.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020
Norma J. Torres (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-7-10

. Madam Chair, it is true that parts and components for military equipment have been moved to the CCL. However, none of the items previously transferred from the USML to the CCL were complete weapons that would allow a soldier to aim and fire on a target. prgtoken The administration did not move, or even propose to move, firearms and ammunition. They saw what happened at Newtown and knew that we needed to be cautious about these weapons. prgtoken If the administration's proposal goes through, it would be the first time that the Commerce Department was put in charge of licensing for lethal weapons designed to kill people. This is not business as usual. prgtoken Voting ``yes'' on this amendment will prevent this administration from going beyond what the administration chose to do by ensuring that exports of firearms and ammunition remain under the jurisdiction of the State Department, with congressional oversight. prgtoken Madam Chair, .