mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN CELEBRATION OF THE AMERICAN SYRIAN ARAB CULTURAL ASSOCIATION ANNUAL BANQUET
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-10-23

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the American Syrian Arab Cultural Association and celebrate its 2019 Annual Banquet. The association's lasting commitment to supporting our Syrian Arab American community is worthy of commendation. prgtoken The American Syrian Arab Cultural Association (ASACA) is a non-profit and non-sectarian cultural and education organization with a mission to ``acquaint the American public with the rich Arabic culture and heritage through the promotion of lectures, educational seminars and cultural events.'' The association aspires to strengthen ties and promote friendly relations by building bridges between Arabic culture and the American community at large. In addition, ASACA tirelessly strives to preserve and instill Arabic language, culture, and heritage within the youth of the Arab community, ensuring it will be shared with generations to come. prgtoken ASACA's Annual Banquet exemplifies the association's continued commitment to our Arab American community. This year, the banquet will support Syrian Youth Empowerment (SYE), a non-profit initiative that empowers Syrian youth by providing paths to higher education. Established by a group of Syrian refugees who personally experienced the challenges of pursuing higher education both inside and outside Syria, SYE was created to support students in conflict areas and help them navigate the barriers they encounter throughout the college application process. ASACA's important work alongside SYA will generate a greater awareness for the obstacles many Syrians face due to ongoing conflicts, and ASACA's dedicated efforts with help better support students who wish to obtain their college degrees. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the American Syrian Arab Cultural Association as it hosts its annual banquet. ASACA's commitment to empowering Syrian youth truly changes lives, and I am deeply appreciative of the association's remarkable work.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2019-10-23

. Today, I am joined by Senator Van Hollen in reintroducing the Consumer Credit Control Act, which gives consumers greater control over when and how their consumer reports are shared by consumer reporting agencies. prgtoken Our current consumer reporting system is backwards. Consumer reporting agencies collect extensive amounts of personal information on consumers, often without their knowledge, in order to compile consumer reports. These reports are then shared with financial institutions and others, typically without consent. prgtoken Following Equifax's failure in 2017 to secure troves of valuable personally identifiable information it collected on over 145 million Americans, it was evident that this system had to change. Indeed, the National Consumer Law Center's Chi Chi Wu stated in her October 2017 testimony before the House Financial Services Committee that the Equifax breach ``means half of the US population and nearly three- quarters of the consumers with active credit reports are now at risk of identity theft due to one of the worst--if not the worst--breaches of consumer data in American history. These Americans are at risk of having false new credit accounts. phony tax returns, and even spurious medical bills incurred in their good names.'' To make matters worse. the risks of identity fraud may not dissipate over time. As Ed Mierzwinski. U.S. PIRG's federal Consumer Program Director. explains ``unlike credit card numbers. your Social Security Number and Date of Birth don't change and may even grow more valuable over time, like gold in a bank vault. Much worse, they are the keys to ``new account identity theft.' '' prgtoken The Consumer Credit Control Act attempts to address these concerns and fix the current upside down system. Our legislation, at no cost to the consumer, seeks to give Americans greater control over when and how their consumer reports are released when applying for new credit, a loan, or insurance. It also would require consumer reporting agencies to verify a consumer's identity and secure the consumer's permission before releasing consumer reports in instances that are particularly vulnerable to identity theft and fraud. Additionally. our legislation compels every consumer reporting agency to take appropriate steps to prevent unauthorized access to the consumer reports and personal information they maintain. These changes are designed to make it tougher for criminals to fraudulently open new credit or insurance accounts in other peoples names. prgtoken I urge our colleagues to cosponsor this commonsense legislative effort, and I thank Senator Van Hollen, the National Consumer Law Center (on behalf of its low-income clients), U.S. PIRG, Americans for Financial Reform, the Center for Digital Democracy, Consumer Action, the Consumer Federation of America, Consumer Reports, Demos, the NAACP, the National Association of Consumer Advocates, the National Fair Housing Alliance, Public C
STOPPING HARMFUL INTERFERENCE IN ELECTIONS FOR A LASTING DEMOCRACY ACT
James R. Langevin (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2019-10-23

. Madam Chair, the balance of my time to close. prgtoken Madam Chair, to address my colleague's point, again, it is not the FEC that is going to do the study. It is an independent study that will be done, be commissioned to be concluded, and that would be the final product, not the FEC. prgtoken So, with that, Russia's election interference efforts in 2016 were sweeping and damaging, and we know that social media was one of their greatest weapons. As the 2020 elections approach, and for future elections, we must ensure that our citizens are resilient to foreign influence companies by arming them with the skills to be critical consumers of online political content. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support my amendment to study media literacy and its impact on American voters--again, an independent study that will be commissioned. prgtoken Madam Chair, .
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-10-23

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken , no matter how many times the gentleman from Louisiana, the whip, says that these are unfair hearings, or that they are secret hearings, or that s can't participate, no matter how many times he says that, it will not be true. prgtoken He talks about secret hearings. I will show you the front page of The Washington Post about the hearing yesterday. It is on the front page. prgtoken Now, I know your Members can read. There are over 105 Members, 40 or so of your Members, who are authorized to sit in the committee. prgtoken The President, , called the s, and he has tweeted about how they need to be tougher. prgtoken What I want to ask, , is: When are they going to focus on defending the Constitution of the United States? prgtoken I ask the gentleman: Does he believe that the President is above the law?
FIND AGREEMENT ON USMCA
Cynthia Axne (Democrat, IA) \u2014 2019-10-23

. Madam , I rise today to urge my colleagues to continue to work with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to find agreement on the USMCA soon. prgtoken I visit each of the 16 counties in my district every month, and whether it is touring manufacturers, visiting with farmers, or stopping into small businesses, everywhere I go the message is loud and clear: Uncertainty is hurting our bottom line. prgtoken Agriculture is the backbone of Iowa's economy. One out of every $5 is produced from Iowa agriculture in our State. Supporting farmers is neither a partisan nor a political issue; it is simply the right thing to do. prgtoken Between devastating weather events, ongoing trade wars, and the EPA's unprecedented abuse of biofuel waivers, our farmers have been put through enough. They are asking for our help. As elected Representatives, we owe them the right answer. We must answer their call and get this deal done right and without unnecessary delay. prgtoken Madam , s for the work they have done, and I urge them to expedite negotiations and finalize this agreement soon to make sure that we can make lives whole for the people suffering in the State of Iowa and across this country.
SENATE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-10-24

this anniversary also reminds us of how many urgent issues are crying out for substantive, bipartisan, bicameral cooperation for the good of the American people. prgtoken I am talking about funding our Armed Forces and the Department of Defense, just as both sides agreed to do back in the summer when we signed on to a bipartisan, bicameral budget agreement that have lately sort of wandered away from--just wandered right away from it. prgtoken I am talking about passing the USMCA, the most consequential update to North American trade policy in a generation, which Pelosi has put on ice in order to move ' impeachment obsession to the front burner, despite the fact that there are 176,000 new American jobs on the line if we pass the USMCA. prgtoken The needs of the American people have not been put on pause just because Washington have decided it doesn't suit them to get along with the White House. prgtoken My friends in ic leadership insist over and over that their focus on undoing the 2016 election will not keep them from the substantive legislation that American families need. Well, our Armed Forces are still waiting for their funding; our workers and small businesses are still waiting on their new trade agreement. prgtoken Our Senate ic colleagues have enough time to push partisan resolutions, such as their effort yesterday to enact a new tax cut-- listen to this--their effort yesterday to enact a new tax cut for wealthy people in blue States, like New York and New Jersey, at the expense of working families everywhere else. prgtoken But so far we have seen little--little--indication that they are really ready to put our differences aside and come to the table on significant bipartisan subjects that can actually become law. prgtoken I worry that something like the landmark opioid package that we are celebrating today would not have moved through the Congress today, just one year later. I worry it would have been another victim of ' decision to avoid working with s and the White House on basically anything, to keep all of their focus trained on impeachment. prgtoken I hope I am mistaken. I hope we make real progress soon. The American people are waiting on us.
RECOGNIZING THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION'S BUS INDUSTRY SAFETY COUNCIL
Sam Graves (Republican, MO) \u2014 2019-10-24

. Madam , today I wish to recognize the American Bus Association (ABA) and its Bus Industry Safety Council or ``BISC.'' This year BISC will be celebrating its 20th anniversary as the only private motorcoach safety organization in North America. In 2000, ABA had the foresight and dedication to establish BISC for the sole purpose of enhancing the safety of commercial passenger-carrying motor vehicle operations. Initially, the group was made up of 30 passionate and dedicated bus industry safety directors but has since grown into a vital network of highway safety advocates, including members of the motorcoach industry, federal and local safety oversight and enforcement officials, research entities, and international organizations. I would like to congratulate ABA and the Bus Industry Safety Council on this auspicious occasion and recognize BISC's 20 years of commitment to improving bus and motorcoach safety. prgtoken In response to the horrific events of a bus crash that claimed 23 lives just outside New Orleans on May 10, 1999, Mother's Day, and a year that saw a high-water mark of 32 motorcoach passenger fatalities, ABA supported the formation of BISC. The founding goal of the Council was, and remains today, to continually raise the level of safety in the intercity bus and motorcoach industry through collaborative efforts with industry, government officials, and other safety professionals in a workshop and educational environment. To its credit, BISC has and continues to successfully meet this goal. prgtoken Through BISC's education and outreach efforts, onboard motorcoach passenger fatalities have continued to decrease since its establishment, annually providing nearly 600 million passengers with safe transportation. The BISC has played a critical role in assisting the industry to adopt safety technology and practices. Growing from that initial core of 30 founding members, BISC now counts over 400 individuals among its membership, representing every aspect of the motorcoach industry. BISC members provide expertise in areas such as security, mechanical, safety, and operational and maintenance responsibilities, with leadership from across the entire North American motorcoach industry. The group meets regularly to discuss issues and innovations in areas of safety, regulatory compliance, mechanics, technology, and passenger security, to address the transportation safety needs not only of today but for the future of the national transportation system. prgtoken I would like to join with ABA and the entire motorcoach industry in saluting this safety organization. We recognize the many contributions BISC has made to highway safety and the success in bringing the traveling public safely to their destinations. Congratulations to the Bus Industry Safety Council on 20 years of dedication and commitment to bus and motorcoach safety. Keep up the good work, as we look forward to the next 20 years.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST--H.R. 549
Rick Scott (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-10-24

in reserving the right to object, I appreciate the opportunity to work with my colleague from Maryland, and I look forward to working with him again in the future. It would be great if we could work together to try to figure out how to provide temporary protected status for Venezuelans and also to fix the program so it continues to work not just for Venezuelans but for people all over the world. prgtoken The know their proposal cannot become law. It lacks support in the Senate, which is why I proposed an amendment that has support and that can actually become law immediately. prgtoken My amendment grants TPS to Venezuelans for 18 months. It requires congressional approval for TPS extensions of no more than 18 months at a time. My amendment limits the ability of illegal aliens who have no connection to the TPS designation to benefit from TPS. It ensures that human rights violators who are identified under the Magnitsky Act are not eligible for TPS status. It includes provisions to distinguish that TPS status does not count as an admission for purposes of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Under my amendment, TPS recipients cannot return to the TPS country during the period of designation. Finally, the amendment requires that current TPS designations come up for congressional review 2 years after the enactment of this amendment. prgtoken My amendment is the only way to help the Venezuelan people. It is the only proposal that can become law. There is no path forward for the ' plan, and, unfortunately, they know it. prgtoken It is clear, now more than ever, that, unfortunately, the don't want to get anything done on this issue. That is why they are standing in our way. All Senators have signed off on this. Unfortunately, the have decided to use the Venezuelan community as a political prop instead of working with us to find a solution. prgtoken We cannot lose sight of the fact that Nicolas Maduro is killing his citizens. It is a genocide. Who will we be if we turn our backs on a genocide right here in our hemisphere? We cannot. We must help Venezuelan families. prgtoken It is also time to reform TPS in this country. Temporary protected status was never meant to be endless. It was meant to help families in need. So let's get the program to work. prgtoken I look forward to working with my colleague from Maryland and with all of my colleagues to help the families in Venezuela and to finally create a long-term solution to TPS. I will not rest until we do. prgtoken My colleague Senator Rand Paul asked that I object to the Senate ' proposal. On behalf of Senator Paul, I object.
RECOGNIZING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL
G. K. Butterfield (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2019-10-24

. Madam , I rise today to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the first college football game ever played on November 6, 1869, and to recognize the importance of college football in our country today. Since the initial game 150 years ago, more than 5.33 million Americans have played college football and millions more have become devoted fans of the game. Over the past 150 years, college football has become woven into the fabric of our society and the lives of countless Americans. prgtoken Many Americans have had the joy and privilege to participate in college football, including many of our nation's greatest leaders-- representing all different backgrounds--who often cite their experiences as college football players as critical factors in their development and their long-term success. College football players have become U.S. Presidents, Rhodes Scholars, actors, activists, chief executives of major businesses, successful entrepreneurs, academics and elected officials. The game promotes camaraderie among players which has translated into lifelong friendships for so many and has grown throughout the years with almost 80,000 student-athletes taking to the field every fall. prgtoken In North Carolina's First Congressional District, I represent a number of schools across several divisions within the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA): the Duke University Blue Devils, the East Carolina University (ECU) Pirates, the North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Eagles, the Chowan University Hawks, and the Barton College Bulldogs who will field a team in 2020. prgtoken College football allows us, as participants and spectators, to put our differences aside and celebrate a game, that in many ways, embodies the spirit of what makes us great as a country--our diversity. It brings together a diverse pool of participants with different backgrounds, experiences, and creeds. On November 6, 2019, we celebrate college football for the stories and memories that it has helped create over these last 150 years. prgtoken Madam , college football is special to so many, and I am honored to recognize such a significant milestone and achievement in the history of this game.
COMMEMORATING THE LIFE OF PRIVATE WILLIAM BLOUNT
Adriano Espaillat (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-10-24

. Madam , I rise to commemorate the life of Private William Blount, a resident of New York's 13th Congressional district who recently passed away. Private Blount grew up in the neighborhoods of Manhattan and proudly answered the call of his country, when he was drafted into the United States Army on February 14, 1968, and was assigned to the HHD 523rd Signal Battalion. Private Blount was deployed to fight in Vietnam for 11 months with his combat tour ending on April 10, 1969. prgtoken For his 11-month deployment and combat in Vietnam, Private Blount was awarded the National Defensive Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Parachutist Badge, and for his marksmanship, a Sharpshooter Badge for the M-14 Rifle. While Private Blount was overseas, he was given orders to join another unit. However, record of this order and Private Blount's transfer was lost or unaccounted for in the midst of the Vietnam War. Like many soldiers, Private Blount was designated as ``AWOL'' for nearly 75 days by the U.S. Army. This inaccurate representation of Private Blount's service, like many other Vietnam War veterans, is an error both President Ford and President Carter recognized, and both submitted Amnesty of Pardons for Vietnam veterans under AWOL or Deserter Status. prgtoken Private Blount's record was never cleared and was discharged Under Conditions Other Than Honorable. While this design permitted Private Blount to receive health care services through the VA, he and his family had been prevented from receiving many veterans' benefits while he was alive. It is with great sadness that Private Blount passed away late last month on September 29, 2019, and due to his designation was not permitted to receive a military burial. Private Blount's circumstance is not abnormal from other Vietnam veterans whose discharge from active service on ambiguous grounds and have been denied the benefits and dignity they deserve. prgtoken Private Blount's death is a reminder of the sacrifices required to defend our country. But to recognize Private Blount only from his passing is a diminution of his life and career following his active service. Private Blount was an active member of the United States Army Garrison Ft Hamilton's Equal Opportunity Program and has countless volunteer hours logged. He received numerous Garrison Commander's Certificate of Appreciation for outstanding service and dedication to the Equal Opportunity Program. prgtoken Private Blount's unwavering patriotism, invaluable knowledge of military tactics as a combatant and lifelong student, and ardent representation of combat as a tireless sacrifice prgtoken for his brothers in arms, inspired four of his nephews to enlist in active service as well as his niece, Ret. Sergeant First Class Ramona Gamble who is a proud 26-year veteran of the U.S. Army. prgtoken His story highlights our obligation to honor the veterans who secure the freedoms we all enjoy. Privat
VOTE EXPLANATION
Kamala D. Harris (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-10-24

I was absent, but had I been present, I would have voted no on rollcall vote No. 332, the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar No. 457, Justin Reed Walker, to be U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Kentucky. prgtoken I was absent, but had I been present, I would have voted no on rollcall No. 333 the confirmation of Executive Calendar No. 457, Justin Reed Walker, to be U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Kentucky.
HONORING THE GALWAY PUBLIC LIBRARY ON THE OPENING OF ITS NEW FACILITY
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2019-10-28

. Madam , I rise today to honor The Galway Public Library on the opening of its new facility. prgtoken Over the past decade, the entire community of Galway has been contributing to the effort to construct the new library. This new facility is more than three times the size of the old one, which was founded in 1997, and will act as a holistic community center. It will offer venue space and technology resources for all the residents of Galway to use and benefit from in addition to the collection of books and other media. The library has been supported not only by tax dollars but also by private donations, grants and bonds approved by the voters. Further, the move from the old library was supported by over one hundred volunteers who worked hundreds of hours ensure that the transition was successful. This level of civic involvement highlights everything that makes the North Country so vibrant and makes me proud to be its representative in Congress. prgtoken On Behalf on New York's 21st Congressional District, I want to congratulate the residents of the Town of Galway on this amazing accomplishment. I look forward to the success of the new Galway Public Library as a centerpiece of the community long into the future.