mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Attorney General William Barr (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-4-11

well, if anyone wonders whether Attorney General Barr is a straight shooter, this week, we got our answer. prgtoken Yesterday, at the Senate Appropriations Committee, the country saw another disconcerting performance by the Attorney General. In the face of serious questions surrounding the release of the Mueller report, the Attorney General did exactly what President wanted: He dodged questions, peddled a conspiracy theory, and, like the President, lobbed baseless accusations. It is clear that for Mr. Barr, the title he holds is far less important than the boss he serves. prgtoken What he did not say is that Russia attacked our democracy, as all 17 Agencies of our intelligence community have confirmed. What he did not say is that the intelligence community concluded that the Russians infiltrated our democracy to help . What he also didn't say is why he continues to wait on releasing the Mueller report. It took him less than 48 hours to summarize over 300 pages but over 2 weeks, and counting, to release the report itself. prgtoken Instead of giving straight answers, Mr. Barr seems to be nothing more than a spokesperson for the President's campaign. He seems more like the President's Press Secretary than the Attorney General. He is even using the President's own tactics: Admit nothing. Deny everything. Make counteraccusations. prgtoken Many of us tried to give Mr. Barr a chance, but after this week's performance, it is clear as day he and the President are working off the same playbook and planning to withhold crucial facts from the American people. prgtoken What is really important is this: When Attorney General Barr issues his report, his objectivity will be in total doubt. No one will believe, when he redacts large parts of the report, that it was done on the merits; people will believe he redacted parts of the report to help President . How will the American people be able to trust Mr. Barr, and how will the American people be able to believe that his version of the report is the real version when he has been so, so partisan and was willing to peddle FOX News conspiracy theories before the Appropriations Committee yesterday? prgtoken When Mr. Barr was first nominated as Attorney General, the question posed to him was, would he be part of the legal team or an independent agent of the law? I think we have our answer, as we watch him echo President 's statements and enable President 's worst instincts. Whether it is defending the administration's dangerous healthcare lawsuit or perpetuating conspiracy theories, Mr. Barr is acting more like a member of the President's campaign than the independent Attorney General he is supposed to be. prgtoken Mr. Barr is letting down thousands--tens of thousands--of hard- working people at the Justice Department. They are doing their job. When someone is given real information that Russia interfered with our elections, of cou
Nomination of David Bernhardt (Executive Session)
Edward J. Markey (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2019-4-11

under Secretary Bernhardt, the Department of the Interior will come to stand for the Department of Oil Interests, DOI. prgtoken This wheel of Bernhardt's giveaways makes it very clear what the objective of his tenure as the Secretary of Interior will, in fact, entail. prgtoken Bernhardt's nomination is just a continuation of the administration's cartel Cabinet. Only a month ago, a former coal lobbyist was confirmed to head the Environmental Protection Agency. Let me say that again. Just last month, a coal lobbyist was nominated and confirmed to be the head of the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States--unbelievable. But now s want to install a former oil lobbyist to head the Department of the Interior because, in 's administration, it is nothing but foxes guarding the henhouse. prgtoken We need more answers about Mr. Bernhardt's lobbying activities. We need answers on whether Mr. Bernhardt used his position at the Department of the Interior to help former clients. The American people need to see the documents associated with Bernhardt's lobbying activities. Most importantly, we should not confirm a former oil lobbyist to lead the very Agency that is tasked with protecting our public lands from despoliation. prgtoken Let me now point to the wheel of giveaways for more oil--more oil. And that is the goal of his appointment. prgtoken The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is one of our national treasures that is under threat from Big Oil and the administration. This is the wildest place left in America, and it should not be turned into a drilling playground. Yet s here in the Senate voted in 2017 to hand this special place--the Arctic Refuge--over to Big Oil. Now this administration is trying to hit the gas on drilling there, in one of the Earth's most pristine wilderness areas. prgtoken Last year, Mr. Bernhardt said that he would ``expedite'' oil development in the wildlife refuge, and he has worked inside the Department of the Interior to limit environmental review of drilling activities. So let's just imagine gushing oil poisoning the habitat of magnificent creatures like polar bears and caribou, snowy owls and the Arctic fox; rigs and pumps threatening the ancestral homeland of the Gwich'in and Inupiat peoples, which they call ``the sacred place where life begins.'' prgtoken I have spent my career protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for future generations, and today I will not support the nomination of David Bernhardt to undermine the protections we have worked so hard to put in place. We must stand up for the generations yet to come that cannot yet speak to protect our public lands and our oceans. prgtoken At the same time, the administration is trying to roll back the fuel economy standards for the vehicles we drive. In other words, since we put 70 percent of all the oil we consume in our country on a yearly basis into the gas
IN HONOR OF ALPHA OMICRON PI, OMEGA CHAPTER CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
Susan W. Brooks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2019-4-12

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to the Omega Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority in celebration of its 100th anniversary. As a proud past President of the chapter, who graduated in 1982, it is my high honor to congratulate the Omega Chapter at Miami University in Oxford, prgtoken Ohio in celebration of this special occasion. I, along with my sorority sisters, are forever grateful for the founders of Alpha Omicron Pi's commitment to ensuring young women develop lifelong friendships while enhancing one another's lives through scholarship and service. prgtoken Alpha Omicron Pi (AOII) has been an integral part of college campuses since its founding in 1897 by Stella George Stern Perry, Helen St. Clair Mullan, Elizabeth Heywood Wyman, and Jessie Wallace Hughan at Barnard College of Columbia University in New York City. The organization has seen tremendous growth since its inception as an all female sorority, with over 191,000 initiated members from 144 collegiate chapters. Members can be identified by their ruby pins, the red rose, and the Panda mascot. Each new member receives a pin upon her initiation, known as the AOII badge, where the Greek letters, Alpha, Omicron, and Pi are superimposed one upon the next in order. prgtoken Founded on the ideals of character, dignity, scholarship, and college loyalty, AOII helps young women cultivate values of accountability and ownership, collaboration, engagement, innovation, and open and honest communication skills. AOII's philanthropic values are demonstrated by a dedication to raising money for and spreading awareness of the Arthritis Foundation. By holding annual Strike Out Arthritis events both at the chapter and national levels, AOII has been able to contribute millions of dollars toward education initiatives and assistance for families affected by arthritis. AOII's fundamental hope in fundraising and education is to one day contribute to finding a cure for this disease that impacts millions of Americans. prgtoken The Omega Chapter was founded on January 4, 1919 at Miami University, originating from a local sorority named Kappa Tau Sigma. Founded in scholarship, AOII became the fourth sorority on Miami's campus. Originally holding chapter meetings in various classrooms, AOII eventually obtained a more permanent home in Hamilton Hall and later Richard Hall. Focused on the motto to ``engage in service'', AOII sisters have recently been involved with various philanthropies across the Oxford community, to name a few, including Spring Clean Oxford, Relay for Life, Miles for Smiles 5K, Adopt-a-School, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and the Knolls of Oxford nursing home event where Miami athletic teams and Greek chapters are paired together to complete tasks. During the philanthropy round of recruitment, sisters also decorate t-shirts for stuffed panda bears that are given to patients at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital. From Strike Out Arthritis to the annual Red Rose
CONGRATULATING THE BAYTOWN CHRISTIAN ACADEMY BULLDOGS FOR THEIR STATE CHAMPIONSHIP VICTORIES
Brian Babin (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-4-12

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate the Baytown Christian Academy Bulldogs on winning both the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) football and boys basketball state championships for the 2018-2019 school year. prgtoken On Thursday, December 6, 2018, Baytown Christian Academy captured its second TAPPS 6-Man Division III football State Championship in three years with a 49-34 victory over Weatherford Christian Academy. In the playoffs the Bulldogs defeated Greenville Christian Academy, Fredericksburg Heritage School, and Cedar Park Summit Christian Academy on the way to the title game. The Bulldog football team finished the 2018 season with a perfect 14-0 record. prgtoken On March 1, 2019, the Baytown Christian Academy basketball team won its first TAPPS Class 1A Boys State Championship, beating Tyler Street Christian Academy of Dallas by a score of 63-39. On the way to their historic victory, the Bulldogs defeated Cypress Oaks Adventist Christian School, Fredericksburg Heritage School, Houston Southwest Christian Academy, and San Antonio Legacy Christian Academy. The team finished the 2018-2019 season with a record of 29-3. The entire basketball team was also on the state title winning football team. prgtoken I would like to personally recognize each student and their coaches. Players: Grayson Albarado, Colton Anderson, Jelan Dowdy, Kory Early, Ethan Flukinger, Charles Flynt, Jaden Jefferson, Jaron Jefferson, Aden Lambeth, Jordan Lewis, Jordan Luke, William Morgan, Matthew Pate, Kyron Pitre, Rajean Sheppard, Chance Strange Dave Sun, Richard Washington, Jakob Wheatfall, Treyvian prgtoken Williams, Sebastian Wilson. Football Coach: Jeromey Anderson. Basketball Coach: Kevin Fletcher. Athletic Director: Kevin Jones. Headmaster: James Twardowski. prgtoken I wish each of these young men continued success in the classroom and in athletics. Go Bulldogs
RETIREMENT OF SENIOR COUNSEL HARRY ``HANK'' SAVAGE
Don Young (Republican, AK) \u2014 2019-4-12

. Madam , on May 2, Senior Counsel Harry ``Hank'' Atack Savage is retiring from the Office of Legislative Counsel after 33 years. I want to commend Hank for his long and excellent service, and his improvements to the many bills on which he has worked over the years. In addition to working for other Committees, Hank handled maritime, Coast Guard, coastal and ocean and other issues for the now defunct Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, and for the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the Committee on Natural Resources, and the Committee on Armed Services. When I chaired the Committee on Natural Resources and, later, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I was glad to have his support and expertise when drafting complex legislation. prgtoken As the maritime transportation counsel, Hank helped shepherd through Coast Guard authorization bills, including eight in the last nine Congresses, and a Maritime Administration authorization measure in every National Defense Authorization Act since 1995. His work has left a lasting impression on title 14, Coast Guard, and title 46, Shipping, of the prgtoken United States Code. He also has drafted untold numbers of Jones Act waivers covering every imaginable type vessel, ownership scenario, and vessel history. prgtoken On the Natural Resources Committee, I was particularly appreciative of his work on the 1996 update of the National Wildlife Refuge System organic statute during my first term as Chairman. He also worked on the first update of the hydrographic surveying laws in half a century, the Hydrographic reauthorization of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, and multiple Coastal Barrier Resources System Act amendments, including the provision that led to the digitization of the Coastal Barrier Resource system maps. prgtoken Of course, as the Congressman for All Alaska, I appreciate Hank's work on legislation related to numerous Alaska maritime and terrestrial issues, including the environmental restoration and land transfers on the Pribilof Islands. prgtoken Hank is a proud University of Michigan grad, and graduated from Tulane Law School in New Orleans. prgtoken Again, I want to thank Hank for his long and excellent service to Congress, and I am sure I am speaking for a long line of current and former Committee chairmen who share those thanks. I wish Hank and his wife, who is also retiring for Federal Service this spring, a long and happy retirement. I hope that will include a trip to Alaska.
RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN CLASSICAL LEAGUE
Warren Davidson (Republican, OH) \u2014 2019-4-12

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and commemorate the 100th anniversary of the American Classical League (ACL). The ACL is dedicated to supporting and teaching Greek and Latin languages, literatures, and cultures. prgtoken Since 1919, the ACL has grown from a gathering of several Classical advocates to a national community of almost 2,500 educators, teaching grades PreK through college. The organization now offers opportunities for discovery for all ages, boasting more than 44,000 students grades 6-12 worldwide. Additionally, the ACL's program ``Excellence Through Classics'' is celebrating 30 years of service of teachers of the youngest scholars. prgtoken The ACL has illustrated that the value of Latin and Greek all- encompassing cultural education programs in today's society cannot be understated. It continues to enrich the lives of students through imparting an understanding of the foundational aspects of ancient classical civilizations. This education is a priceless gift that lends itself to having a well-rounded education and gives supports to other core subjects by improving English language and literacy skills such as reading, writing and vocabulary development. prgtoken I am amazed by the work the American Classical League does and wish them well as they continue to build bridges from our past into our future for the next 100 years.
HONORING MR. STEVE REYNOLDS FOR HIS REMARKABLE SERVICE TO ARIZONA
Paul A. Gosar (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2019-4-12

. Madam , I rise today to honor First Lieutenant Steve Reynolds, a 40-year member of the Navajo County Hashknife Sheriff's Posse. Reynolds has aided in rescue operations on horseback for decades and has been on 60 annual Hashknife Pony Express rides. This year, the Navajo County Sheriff's Hashknife Posse Board has decided to dedicate the 61st ride to Reynolds. prgtoken Moving to Holbrook, Arizona with his father at a young age taught Reynolds the value of the hard work engrained in ``the cowboy lifestyle.'' He moved out of Holbrook to attend High School in Chandler, Arizona. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and completed two tours in Vietnam before being wounded by an explosion that left him hospitalized for a year. Reynolds returned to Holbrook and became a deputy with Navajo County Sheriff's Office and a member of the Posse, and later a certified police officer with the state of Arizona. prgtoken Reynolds' work with the Posse has led him to aid in rescue operations for decades, working during fires and floods, as well as a part of missing persons search teams. All members of the Posse are required to complete 40 hours of training that cover CPR, first aid, and search and rescue. Reynolds mentions that most mounted Posse organizations have disappeared due to lack of funds; fortunately Navajo County understands the contributions that the Posse has made in the community. The annual Pony Express is one of the biggest fund raisers used to keep the Posse afloat. prgtoken Today Reynolds resides in Prescott, Arizona, where he spends time with his many grandchildren. The people of Arizona, but especially the people of Northern Arizona, will always be grateful for the selfless work of our veterans, especially the work of Steve Reynolds.
VOTE EXPLANATION ON H.R. 1644
David B. McKinley (Republican, WV) \u2014 2019-4-12

. Madam , on Wednesday, I voted against H.R. 1644 because it could open Internet Service Providers (ISP's) in rural areas to burdensome regulations that stifle innovation and slow the deployment of efficient and reliable broadband internet service. I would like to take this opportunity to discuss my vote. prgtoken A free and open internet is critically important, but heavy-handed regulation is not the only way to achieve net neutrality. I support the important concepts of no blocking, no throttling, and no paid prioritization and have cosponsored legislation to support this including: The Promoting Internet Freedom and Innovation Act of 2019 (H.R. 1096), the Open Internet Act of 2019 (H.R. 1006), and ACCESS BROADBAND Act (H.R. 1328.) prgtoken Congress passed the Telecommunications Act of 1996, designating broadband as a Title I Information Service and subjecting it to a ``light touch'' regulatory system. As a result, the internet transformed into one of the most important drivers of economic growth and job creation. prgtoken In 2015, the Administration's Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reclassified the internet as a Title II Telecommunications Service, implementing heavy regulations and reporting requirements originally intended for rotary landline phones. This action led to a $3.6 billion decline in broadband investment; the first period of declining investment in the internet era. In 2017, the FCC reversed the order to return the internet to its original light touch framework. prgtoken H.R. 1644 would bring back the heavy-handed regulation and government control of the internet. The measure would lock in approximately 700 unpublished rules that have not been shared with Members of Congress, some of which would allow the FCC to set rates, impose new taxes, approve the deployment of new technologies, and dictate how internet companies interact with their customers. The internet has thrived without government intervention and should continue to do so. prgtoken Most importantly, I have heard from many small internet service providers in West Virginia that the reclassification forced them to comply with extensive rules. These rules require them to write new policies, take money, and employee time to complete verifications on prioritization that they were not capable of engaging in to begin with. This bureaucracy is not only incredibly burdensome to small businesses, but it drives vital resources away from the deployment of broadband internet service in rural areas that need it most. prgtoken Lacking broadband service is more than an inconvenience, it is a barrier to education, connectivity, and economic growth. It is my hope that we can arrive at a permanent bipartisan solution that protects consumers, encourages innovation, and preserves an open internet. Unfortunately, this bill does not accomplish that. prgtoken I am hopeful that we can come to a bipartisan solution in good faith. The state
TRIBUTE TO PAM HALL
Jim Jordan (Republican, OH) \u2014 2019-4-12

. Madam , I am honored to commend to the House the outstanding service of Pam Hall of Marion, Ohio, President of the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce. Pam is retiring after more than two decades in that role. prgtoken Pam first got involved with the Chamber during her 27-year career at the engineering firm Floyd Browne Associates, where she was the only woman to date to be offered a partnership. When the Chamber presidency became open, she sold her share in the company to take on this new challenge. prgtoken The Marion Chamber has remained strong under Pam's selfless leadership and commitment to the success of the local economy. She has been instrumental in helping area businesses connect and find common ways to solve problems. The community at large has benefited from her tireless work on the Leadership Marion program, which helps local entrepreneurs and others develop leadership skills. prgtoken Pam's work goes far beyond her service with the Chamber. She is a longtime United Way supporter, past president of Marion Noon Kiwanis, and a member of the Rotary Club of Marion. She also serves on the Marion County Foundation Board, the Marion Area Counseling Center Board, the Rushmore Academy Board, the Marion Matters Board, and many others. The Women's Business Council of Marion honored her with its 2017 ATHENA Leadership Award. prgtoken Several years ago, Pam was diagnosed with colon cancer. While she has continued her good work with the Chamber since her diagnosis, she has decided to step down to focus on her health. Throughout her treatment, she has openly shared the details of her diagnosis and treatment regimen so that others might learn and benefit from her experiences. prgtoken Madam , the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce will celebrate Pam's achievements at its annual barbecue on April 27. On behalf of the people of Ohio's Fourth Congressional District, I am proud to join in the accolades to her. She has my very best wishes and my thanks for her decades of service to the people of Marion.