mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
KEEP MAIL SAFE ACT
Grace Meng (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-6-27

. Madam , I rise to bring attention the growing mail theft crime in the United States that is known as mail fishing. Mail fishing is the process in which thieves ``fish'' mail out of blue collection boxes. Specifically, criminals use a contraption as simple as a string connected to a sticky substance to ``fish'' out envelopes from these mailboxes, then open the letters to steal people's personal information such as bank, credit card, and Social Security numbers. Tragically, this has resulted in many incidents of identity theft and bank fraud. prgtoken In the last year alone, there were 3,000 incidents of mail fishing in New York City. These criminals also engage in check washing to rewrite the name of the payee and/or the amount. Many of my constituents became victims of bank fraud, some losing thousands of dollars, as a result of having their mail fished. That is why, in 2017, I made the push to have the United States Postal Service retrofit all standard mail collection boxes in Queens, NY. Currently, 77 percent of these mailboxes in Queens have been retrofitted. As a result, mail fishing crimes have significantly decreased in Queens. However, as only some mail collection boxes are retrofitted, mail fishing crime shifts to regions without this security feature. prgtoken Madam , it is unacceptable that our constituents cannot safely leave their mail in the United States Postal Service mail collection boxes. prgtoken This is why I am introducing the ``Keep Mail Safe Act''. This bill would require the Postmaster General to conduct a study on retrofitting all standard mail collection boxes in the United States with narrow mail slots. Retrofitting all mail boxes would deter and prevent incidents of mail fishing, ensure the security of our constituents' mail, and restore their trust in utilizing the United States Postal Service. prgtoken As mail fishing incidents are on the rise, our diligence in protecting our constituent's mail is more important than ever. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and join me in the fight against mail fishing.
MORNING BUSINESS
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2019-6-27

I rise today to discuss the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, my concern about the administration's current approach--a path that I am worried will lead us to war--and my support for the Udall amendment to the NDAA, which will be voted on tomorrow. prgtoken I believe that diplomatic efforts, in concert with our international partners, should be pursued immediately to avoid another unnecessary armed conflict in the Middle East. prgtoken Let me be clear. Iran is a dangerous and destabilizing force in the region. It supports terrorist proxies and meddles in the internal affairs of other states. Iran continues to pursue ballistic missile capabilities in violation of international norms and abuses the rights of its own people. Unfortunately, the administration's chosen course of action with respect to Iran has isolated the United States from the international community and made it more difficult to collectively address these issues. prgtoken The administration's actions and rhetoric related to Iran have created a credibility deficit. This is a fast-changing and dangerous situation, and it is clear that there is not a consensus within the international community with respect to Iran's plans and intentions. prgtoken Given these disconnects, it is imperative for the administration to provide Congress with current, unvarnished intelligence so that we may reach substantiated conclusions. prgtoken Taking a step back, it is important to recount the actions that have precipitated the current state of affairs. Current tensions are an entirely predictable outcome of the administration's ill-conceived approach to Iran. prgtoken Despite then-Candidate 's campaign rhetoric, I and others hoped that he would heed the advice of the advisers with respect to the Iran nuclear agreement, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or the JCPOA. prgtoken For example, despite personal concerns about the JCPOA before it was signed, former Secretary of Defense Mattis told the Armed Services Committee at his confirmation hearing that ``when America gives her word, we have to live up to it and work with our allies.'' prgtoken In October 2017, Secretary Mattis told the Armed Services Committee that he believed it was in our national interest to remain in the JCPOA. General Dunford, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, echoed these sentiments at the time and cautioned that, in his words, ``the U.S. will incur damage vis-a-vis our allies if we unilaterally withdraw from the JCPOA. Our allies will be less likely to cooperate with us on future military action to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and less likely to cooperate with us on countering other destabilizing aspects of Iranian behavior that threaten our collective interests.'' prgtoken The administration should have sought to work with the international community to address the challenges posed by Iran by building upon the found
CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE
Stacey E. Plaskett (Democrat, VI) \u2014 2019-6-27

. Madam , as Americans begin many of the pastimes of summer that are quintessentially American--baseball, backyard barbeques, family road trips--Caribbean Americans spend the month of June reflecting on their contributions and melded cultures in the United States. prgtoken Congress adopted H. Con. Res. 71 which established the Caribbean American Heritage month, sponsored by Congresswoman Barbara Lee and signed into law by President in 2006. ``Whereas people of Caribbean heritage are found in every State of the Union . . .'' is the first line of the U.S. House of Representatives' resolution to establish a Caribbean American Heritage month. While the Act establishing Caribbean American Heritage month emphasized the present influence of Caribbean Americans, American history would not be complete without the integration and support of Caribbean people. From America's founding to the present, Caribbean people have supported and assisted in the creation of a collective American identify--the articulation of the nation's rightful place in the world, its traditions, its language and cultural style. prgtoken Despite being ostracized and alienated by many of his contemporaries for his Caribbean prgtoken roots--but for Alexander Hamilton's contribution to our military, creation of our banking system and assistance in drafting the Constitution--our country would not be as strong today as it is. From American Revolution Haitian gens de couleur libre (free men of color) fighting troops, slave revolt leader Denmark Vessey to Colin Powell's shock and awe doctrine, the Caribbean emphasis on revolutionary and righteous principles enforced through martial force. prgtoken The Caribbean is a melting pot of different races, cultures, ethnicities, and languages; it is the southern reflection of the American experience. Caribbean Americans like all who come to this country desire to make themselves and this country better.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020--Resumed
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-6-27

as the leader and I announced yesterday, we have an agreement in place to vote on passage of the Defense authorization bill today and then on an amendment to the bill tomorrow, led by Senators Udall, Kaine, Merkley, Murphy, Paul, and Lee, to accommodate all Senators who wish to vote. That is why we are doing it tomorrow. If the Udall amendment is passed, it would be adopted to the Defense authorization bill even though the vote occurs afterward. prgtoken I want to thank the leader for understanding our position that the Senate ought to vote on this important amendment, which in essence would prohibit funds for hostilities with Iran without an affirmative authorization from Congress. Congress gets to approve or disapprove wars, period. It is crucial for the Senate and Congress as a whole to examine potential conflicts and to exercise our authority in matters of war and peace. prgtoken Let's start with the facts. Ever since President withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal, our two countries have been on a path toward conflict. For the past month, we have been locked in a cycle of escalating tensions with Iran. Iran attacked a tanker in the Gulf region and shot down a U.S. surveillance drone. The U.S. Government has responded to both provocations, and the President reportedly considered and then pulled back on a military strike. prgtoken The American people are worried--and rightly so--that even if the President isn't eager for war, he may bumble us into one. Small provocations in the Middle East can often spin out of control. Our country has learned that the hard way. When the President is surrounded by hawkish advisers like John Bolton and Secretary Pompeo, the danger is even more acute. prgtoken So while the majority leader says that ``no one is talking about war,'' that is only true until the folks do start talking about war, and by then, the chance to clarify that this President requires congressional authorization before engaging in major hostilities may have passed us by. prgtoken And this not talking about war? Well, the President said he was 10 minutes away from major provocation, if the reports are correct. It would have been on Iranian soil, three missile bases. And the President at one point said, in effect: We will smash Iran, blow it to smithereens--or something to that effect. People are talking about war. This President is. prgtoken Even though it is plainly written in the Constitution that the legislature alone, not the Executive, has the power to declare war, the administration is already signaling that it doesn't need Congress. The President and his team are playing up links between al- Qaida and Iran, potentially setting the stage for them to claim legal authority under the sweeping 2001 authorization of military force to strike Iran without congressional approval. prgtoken The President himself, asked if he believes he has the authority to initiate military action aga
RECOGNIZING THE 10TH WORLD TAMIL CONFERENCE
Raja Krishnamoorthi (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-6-28

. Madam , today I rise to recognize the International Association of Tamil Research, the Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America, and the Chicago Tamil Sangam on the occasion of the 10th World Tamil Conference, commencing on July 4, 2019 in Schaumburg, Illinois. prgtoken Since the first World Tamil Conference in 1966, various cities around the world have hosted this important gathering of scholars and the Tamil community. The oldest sangam in the United States, Chicago Tamil Sangam is honored to observe its Golden Jubilee 50th Anniversary in concert with the four-day World Tamil Conference, its important scholarly presentations on Tamil language and history, and its celebration of the rich heritage of Tamil culture and art. prgtoken This year's research conference theme is ``New Historicist, Scientific and Comparative Study of the Antiquity of the Tamils, Tamil Language, Literature, Culture and Civilization.'' In addition to this scholarly focus, the World Tamil Conference will feature a host of cultural programs, the International Conference Seminar on Tamil Studies, a Global Tamil Entrepreneurs meeting, and a festive parade and banquet. Above all, the conference is a celebration of the vibrant Tamil community and preserves and shares the rich history and culture of Tamil people worldwide. prgtoken The 2019 World Tamil Conference also will recognize the passing of the late Dr. V.C. Kulandaisamy, former Vice Chancellor of Anna University and Vice Chairman of the International Association of Tamil Research. In addition to his outstanding contributions to the science of hydrology, Dr. Kulandaisamy was instrumental in bringing the International Association of Tamil Research conference to the United States, and was honored for his contributions to science, engineering and education by the nation of India with the prestigious national Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards. prgtoken Madam , I would like to recognize the World Tamil Conference and the Chicago Tamil Sangam, International Association of Tamil Research, and Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America for their tireless efforts to bring together proud Tamils from around the world, for their commitment to preserving one of the world's oldest languages and civilizations, and for their many years of service to the Tamil diaspora in the United States.
FOREIGN ELECTION INTERFERENCE
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2019-6-28

today I want to discuss Russia's sustained campaign of attacks on our democracy and how the President's inability to take these threats seriously harms our national security and the integrity of our elections. prgtoken In the run up to his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week at the G20 Summit, the President showed no signs that he planned to warn Russia against interfering in our democratic elections in 2020. In press interviews, he said that he ``may'' ask Putin not interfere in 2020 and told another group of reporters, ``I will have a very good conversation with him . . . what I say is none of your business.'' prgtoken Following today's meeting with Putin, an autocrat who continues to conduct hybrid warfare operations against our democracy, President made light of this threat in a joking manner. In response to a reporter's question, he apparently grinned as he told Putin, ``don't meddle in our election.'' prgtoken This is not a joke. This is about deterring the Kremlin from continuing to attack our democracy. He should be using every tool at his disposal to direct a whole of government and whole of society effort to counter these attacks, not emboldening Putin to escalate his aggression. It is exactly the business of the American people to know that our elections are free from interference and that we can trust the President of the United States to deliver tough messages to deter foreign adversaries. prgtoken Relatedly the President can't seem to grasp what's wrong with accepting ``dirt'' on his political opponents from foreign adversaries. In a recent interview with ABC News, the President made it clear that he sees nothing wrong with compromising our national security if it advances his own political interests. When asked if his campaign would accept information on his opponents from Russia, China, or other countries during the 2020 campaign, the President responded: ``I think you might want to listen . . . there's nothing wrong with listening.'' prgtoken He denied that this type of assistance from a foreign adversary was interference, adding: ``They have information. I think I'd take it.'' It was only after being heavily criticized that President reversed course, telling Fox and Friends ``Of course, you give it to the FBI or report it to the attorney general or somebody like that . . . You couldn't have that happen in our country.'' But, of course, it already happened. President 's inability or unwillingness to recognize it is both completely wrong-headed and dangerous. prgtoken The President's response belies the undeniable fact that Russia attacked our democracy in the 2016 election with an information warfare campaign, and tried to do it again in the 2018 midterms. prgtoken initially made Russia's interference sound like run of the mill, opposition research--``oppo research'' he called it--and claimed everyone does it, but this is not about polit
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2019-6-28

today, I wish to discuss the importance of strengthening the defense industrial base, particularly as it relates to shipbuilding. prgtoken On July 21, 2017, the President signed Executive Order 13806, directing the Department of Defense to lead a whole of government assessment of the health of the manufacturing and defense industrial base of the United States. The report was released on October 5, 2018, and outlines current risks in the defense industrial base. prgtoken Within the military shipbuilding sector, concerns range from an overreliance on single and sole source suppliers, to a capacity shortfall for maintenance and modernization work, to insufficient competition and unstable demand. prgtoken The DoD report said: ``Industries involved in the manufacturing of shipbuilding components were among the hardest hit by the global shift in the industrial base over the last 20 years. Of the top ten highest grossing industries in Navy shipbuilding, six are in the manufacturing sector. Since 2000, these industries experienced a combined decline of over 20,500 establishments.'' prgtoken We cannot afford to shrink our military shipbuilding industry any further. prgtoken These issues are particularly acute in my State of Virginia. Not only is Virginia home to Newport News Shipbuilding and Norfolk Naval Shipyard, we have hundreds of military shipbuilder suppliers, a number of which are considered by the Department of Defense to be fragile. These companies are essentially national treasures, from Hunt Valve out of Roanoke to Jo-Kell in Chesapeake, KITCO Fiber Optics in Virginia Beach, and Hampton Machine Shop in Newport News. prgtoken These companies want stability and predictability in funding; they want to be certain our Nation is serious about a 355-ship Navy. prgtoken These are issues that our committee has been working on for some time. In testimony last fall before the Seapower Subcommittee, the Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition, James Geurts, told our committee that ``advanced funding and anything we can do to help the supplier base will drastically reduce risks going forward. What we are seeing in most of our construction programs as a key risk is supplier fragility, either single sources or single producers where we have to ramp up production.'' prgtoken Chairman Inhofe has paid close attention to those concerns, and I very much appreciate how far this bill goes to address the issues outlined in the industrial base report. prgtoken This bill authorizes funds for the third year for the submarine supplier base initiative, which is helping critical suppliers across the Nation; authorizes additional funding along with incremental funding authority for both LPD 31 and LHA 9; accelerates the acquisition of LHA 9; adds funding for advance procurement for the DDG program; and requires DoD to assess the savings a multiyear procurement would yield in the LPD program, and the sa
FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020
John Lewis (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2019-6-28

. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3351, the fiscal year 2020 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act. prgtoken Let me begin by thanking Chairman Quigley and Chairwoman Lowey for their leadership on this important bill. I would also like to recognize their staff for reaching out and listening our concerns and priorities in this bill. prgtoken The Federal Government shutdown, changes to the tax code, and difficulty accessing experts increases IRS casework in many District Offices, including my own. As the chair of the Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee, I believe it is critically important that Congress restore desperately needed funding for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). prgtoken For many years, the National Taxpayer Advocate underscored the necessity of providing the agency with the resources, staff, and tools it needs in order to improve taxpayer services. Although Congress needs to restore the agency's funding to at least $12.3 billion, I believe that this bill finally moves the agency in the right direction. prgtoken I would also like to reiterate my appreciation for the Appropriations Committee's support when the House considered the Taxpayer First Act. As you know the Taxpayer First Act, which the House and Senate adopted earlier this year, is the most important improvement to taxpayer services in a generation. We worked hard to correct misinformation that our bill would tie the hands of the IRS and hurt taxpayers' options. During a time when there is so much tension and rush to judgment, our coalition remained thoughtful and fair. prgtoken As you know, Mr. Chair, the Taxpayer First Act resulted from years of bipartisan hearings, roundtables, and a public comment period on the draft bill. This legislation authorizes $30 million dollars in matching grants for the popular Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, which helps low and moderate-income taxpayers complete and file their taxes. The Taxpayer First Act also protects certain low-income taxpayers from the private debt collection program, and authorizes desperately needed new initiatives to protect and serve taxpayers, who are victims of identity theft. I hope that this bipartisan, bicameral bill will become public law in the near future. prgtoken In closing, I would also like to recognize the Chairman's hard work to remove problematic policy riders from the FY20 House bill. I know that it was not easy, and I thank him and his staff for taking the time to consider our concerns. I offer my strong support and commitment to continue working with the Chairman and the Subcommittee so that this critical agency receives the funding and guidance so that the IRS may provide the highest quality, timely and secure taxpayer experience.
RECOGNIZING THE LEGACY OF JAMES BOGGS
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-6-28

. Madam , it is with great pride and respect that I recognize the legacy of James Boggs, a worker and activist, who played a pivotal role in labor organizing and the civil rights movement in the city of Detroit. prgtoken James Boggs was born in Alabama in 1919. He eventually moved to Detroit, where he became an auto worker. Active in his workers union, Mr. Boggs was passionate about the political issues facing workers and African Americans. His experiences and increasing interest in far-left philosophies inspired him to pen The American Revolution: Pages from a Negro Worker's Notebook, his most well-known work. prgtoken Mr. Boggs married Grace Lee in 1953. Their influence as a couple and individually had a tremendous impact on the organizing community, drawing influence from global history and observations of the everyday struggles of people. Together the Boggs's grassroots efforts to uplift voices of community members resulted in their founding of a summer leadership program. That legacy and program lives on in the James and Grace Lee Boggs School in Detroit. prgtoken I am proud to acknowledge and uplift Mr. Boggs's many achievements as we celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of his birthday.
CONGRATULATING THE VANDERBILT BASEBALL TEAM
Steve Cohen (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2019-6-28

. Madam , I rise to congratulate and celebrate the accomplishments of the Vanderbilt Baseball Team and their College World Series Championship victory. Vanderbilt University won the College World Series on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 for the second time in school history. I also want to commend head coach Tim Corbin for leading the team to a record-setting 59 victories this season. They showed tremendous perseverance through the season, but most especially when they came back once again in Game 3 to beat Michigan 8-2 and clinch the Championship. The team's season was also saved by a remarkable pitching effort, led by Kumar Rocker, who pitched a no-hitter against Duke during the Super Regional. The Commodores represented Vanderbilt University and the state of Tennessee with distinction and did so while remembering their fallen teammate, Donny Everett. As the Vanderbilt fight song states: ``if vict'ry's won, when battle's done, Then Vandy's name will rise in fame; Dynamite; Dynamite.'' I'd like to once again congratulate the 2019 Vanderbilt Baseball team for their College World Series Championship and dynamite season.