mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Remembering September 11th (Executive Calendar)
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-9-11

18 years ago, on a bright, clear-skied, September morning, without warning, our Nation was attacked. Many of us probably remember where we were on that horrible day. prgtoken I had that morning off. I was at home with my nearly 2-year-old daughter. We didn't have the TV on. We had a couple of gentlemen at the house. I was getting a brandnew furnace on that day. What would normally be a couple-of-hours-long installation turned into an all-day event as those men would take time off from installing our new furnace to run into the other room so we could see what was going on on the television. prgtoken I had two phone calls that morning. The first was early. It was from a neighbor. prgtoken She said: Joni, do you have the TV on? prgtoken I said: Well, no, Wanda. I don't. What's going on? prgtoken She said: Joni, you just need to turn the TV on. prgtoken So I did, and I saw the horrible events unfolding right in front of us. prgtoken The second phone call I got was from my Iowa Army National Guard unit: Captain Ernst, we are doing a 100-percent accountability check. We need you to stay by the phone all day so we know how we can get ahold of you--100 percent accountability. prgtoken It was an experience many of us had never felt before--the terrifying shock of knowing that the country we love and our fellow Americans were under attack. prgtoken Our adversaries sought to tear us apart by their cowardly acts, but, instead, they brought us together as Americans, for in those terrible moments, we also saw the very, very best of our country--the firefighters, the police officers, the first responders, and the ordinary citizens who courageously put their lives on the line to save countless others. prgtoken On that day, as individuals and as a Nation, we came together in a unique way, and we also made a pledge to never forget--to never forget the nearly 3,000 victims and the families they left behind, to never forget the heroism of both our first responders and those everyday men and women who selflessly acted to save lives, and to never forget the importance of defending our homeland and the great democratic principles that we stand for. prgtoken It is a pledge I personally take very seriously, and it is why I have organized this event for my colleagues to come to the floor today and to share their memories and thoughts on today, this eighteenth anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks. prgtoken It is why I work so hard to make sure our Armed Forces have the technology, support, and resources they need to defend our Nation from threats both here at home and abroad. prgtoken It is why I cosponsored and helped to finally get signed into law a permanent reauthorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, keeping our Nation's promise to support the first responders who continue to sacrifice their health and even their lives from their work in the post-9/11 recovery efforts. prgtoken And it is why we
Remembering September 11th (Executive Calendar)
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2019-9-11

I so enjoy listening to my colleagues as they talk about the issues that are important to them and to the States they represent. It is, indeed, one of those privileges that we in this body enjoy, and many times we take it for granted. Yet today is a day of remembrance. It is a day that we look back and say we ought not take it for granted because there are many in this world who would threaten our freedoms and our liberties. prgtoken Earlier this week, I was talking with some of the members of our team, and we were trading stories about where we were on the morning of September 11 and how it affected the way we viewed their place in the world, and their memories, and what their recollections were. Those of us who vividly remember that day still recall an unsettling cascade of emotions. There was shock, confusion, and, finally, dread as we realized we were not, as initially thought, seeing a senseless accident, but that, indeed, we were under attack. As the morning wore on, dread really gave way to fear and panic and, finally, to absolute terror that our loved ones who were in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania and who were in the air, maybe flying home, were among those who were experiencing firsthand what was happening. It was the perfect storm of conflicting media reports and jammed cell service that made it almost impossible to reach out to people and to ask that question, ``Are you OK?'' and to hear their voices. prgtoken Through the smoke and the blood came a moment of awful clarity. Life would never be the same because we would never again experience life without feeling as if we were a target. The events of September 11 introduced a new generation of Americans to the reality that our country is not and will never be immune to the threat of terror. prgtoken Those who were teetering on the edge of adulthood may not have immediately made the connection between global politics and the disaster that was playing out on TV in real time. Yet, by the time terrorists struck that second tower, I think a lot of people really had begun to understand what was happening. Later, they learned that a half a world away, a group of men who referred to themselves as al-Qaida had made it their life's mission to murder Americans. They were doing it to prove a point. Yes, it did leave a mark on this Nation and on our citizens. Younger Americans' memories of that day really are fuzzier, but almost without exception, my staff members remember what they now describe as a sense of national unity rising up in the days following the attacks. prgtoken They remember that every house on the street flew an American flag and that every adult they knew stood in a line to give blood. They saw small town first responders load up those firetrucks and emergency vehicles and head to New York. prgtoken At the time, they really didn't understand geopolitics, but they did understand fear and suffering because they saw that fe
RECOGNIZING ``SISTER'' RUTH (VANHOOSE) WEINKAUF'S 100TH BIRTHDAY
John Shimkus (Republican, IL) \u2014 2019-9-11

. Madam , I rise to recognize Sister Ruth (Vanhoose) Weinkauf on celebrating her 100th birthday. prgtoken Sister Ruth was born September 19, 1919 and was raised in Southern Illinois. She lived in Winkle and Cambria before relocating to East St. Louis. There she married the love of her life, Loyal Weinkauf. Together they were blessed with one daughter, Sherry. prgtoken Ruth and her sister Margaret became the first women to host a 30- minute radio talk show in Southern Illinois titled ``Moments of Comfort''. Additionally, at the young age of 24, Ruth and Margaret founded the Glad Tidings Church of St. Claire County, Illinois. Their legacy lives on 75 years later in Life Church, which has recently relocated to Swansea, Illinois. prgtoken Madam , I congratulate Ruth on her long and successful career of preaching, ministering, and teaching. Ruth continues to be an inspiration to all of us and she is deeply loved by many. I wish her and her family continued health and happiness.
REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11TH
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-9-11

on another entirely different matter, for 18 years today's date has held a tragic meaning. September 11 is a day of mourning, a date stained by the terrorist murderers of so many innocent people in New York, Arlington, and Pennsylvania. With each passing day, the reality is still shocking, and the wounds are still painful. prgtoken Each year we remember the innocent men, women, and children who lost their lives: workers rushing to meetings, vacationers headed home, emergency personnel whose quick response immortalized them as heroes. Each year we honor the memories of the heroes who sacrificed their lives to bring the perpetrators of this evil to justice and to prevent similar attacks. prgtoken Our way of life was changed by 9/11. It changed our approach to security. It awakened us to determined new enemies. prgtoken The dangers of radical Islamic terrorists remain real. Al-Qaida, its enablers, and its allies still plot against America from Afghanistan and Pakistan to Yemen, Somalia, Libya, Mali, and beyond. ISIS persists in Iraq and Syria through an underground network of terrorists who have not yet given up the fight. We cannot walk away from these dangers. We must not leave our work undone. prgtoken Many nations have a stake in defeating the terrorists. NATO allies have been with the United States since the early hours of this fight. Eighteen years ago, this critical alliance invoked article V for the first time. prgtoken Since then, many NATO partners have fought side by side with us in Afghanistan, in Iraq, and in Syria. prgtoken We are not--and need not be--the world's policeman. Winning this long war, like the Cold War, will require sustained efforts and contributions not only from the United States but from our allies and especially from local partners. For example, in Afghanistan the vast majority of the fighting is done by local security forces, but we must always remember the global coalition to defeat the terrorists will not lead itself. prgtoken So, today, as we remember the tragedies of the past, we must renew our commitment to leading the fight for a better future. Today, may the memory of the nearly 3,000 victims who lost their lives on this day in 2001 serve as a lasting reminder of what is at stake in the fight against terrorism and steel our resolve to continue the hard, necessary work of defending our homeland. May we always keep foremost in our thoughts all the U.S. servicemembers, intelligence officers, diplomats, and first responders who have given their lives in pursuit of our Nation's security.
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2019-9-11

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
Remembering September 11th (Executive Calendar)
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2019-9-11

earlier today we paused and commemorated those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. prgtoken Eighteen years have passed, but the memory of that day remains as vivid as if it were yesterday. We each have our own recollections of where we were and what we were doing as the horrifying terrorist attacks on our country began to unfold. prgtoken I remember having the television on and watching a report that a plane-- prgtoken originally reported as a small plane--had struck one of the Twin Towers. I then shortly thereafter saw the second aircraft strike the World Trade Center. It was then that I knew our country was under attack. I told my staff to stay away from the Capitol Building because I feared it, too, could be a target. prgtoken Today, we all still share the powerful emotions of shock, anger, and grief. I was worried about not only my staff, those in the buildings, but also staff members who were on their way back from Portland, ME, which turns out to be where some of the terrorists began their journey of death and destruction that day. prgtoken On the evening of that terrible day, Members of Congress gathered together on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. With tears in our eyes and sorrow in our hearts, together we sang ``God Bless America.'' The emotions of shock, anger, and grief were joined by unity, resolve, and patriotism. That sense that swept over us as we sang was a source of strength in the challenges that we faced in the fight against terrorism. prgtoken So many were killed that horrific day. In my State of Maine, we remember Robert and Jackie Norton of Lubec, a devoted retired couple who boarded Flight 11 to celebrate a son's wedding on the west coast. We remember James Roux of Portland, an Army veteran and a devoted father, who was on his way to a business meeting in California. We remember Robert Schlegel of Gray, who was celebrating his recent promotion to the rank of commander in the U.S. Navy and was still settling into his new office at the Pentagon when the plane struck. We remember Stephen Ward of Gorham, who was working on the 101st floor of the North Tower that terrible morning. prgtoken On this solemn anniversary, we join all Americans in remembering the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives that day--lives of accomplishment, contribution, and promise. Each loss leaves a wound in the hearts of families and friends that can never be fully healed. prgtoken We honor the heroes of that day. We are still moved by the selfless courage of the men and women on Flight 93 who wrestled that plane to the ground in Pennsylvania, sacrificing their lives so that others might live. We are inspired by the firefighters, EMS personnel, and police officers at the World Trade Center who continued to climb upward to rescue those who were in peril even as the Twin Towers were tumbling down. The New York City Fire Department alone lost 343 firefighters who responded to the attacks. prgtoken
PROTECTING AND SECURING FLORIDA'S COASTLINE ACT OF 2019
Rob Bishop (Republican, UT) \u2014 2019-9-11

. Madam Chair, I am going to end with the final conclusion, again, that it is a redundancy because it is already being done. prgtoken Why don't you just mandate that everything we are doing in every other department be done at the same time? It would have the same kind of impact, the same kind of effect. It is cute, but it is a waste of our time. prgtoken Madam Chair, .
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-9-11

I have 5 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 Commerce, Science, and Transportation prgtoken The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, September 11, 2019, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Environment and Public Works prgtoken The Committee on Environment and Public Works is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, September 11, 2019, at 10 prgtoken a.m to conduct a hearing on the following nominations: Aurelia Skipwith to be Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Katherine Lemos to be Member and Chairperson of the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board. Committee on the Judiciary prgtoken The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, September 11, 2019, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing on the following nominations: Steven J. Menashi to be United States Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit, Karen S. Marston to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Richard E Myers II to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of North Carolina, and Anuraag Singhal to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida. Committee on the Judiciary prgtoken The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, September 11, 2019, at 2:30 p.m to conduct a hearing. Subcommittee on Energy prgtoken The Subcommittee on Energy of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, September 11, 2019, at 2:30 p.m to conduct a hearing.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2019-9-11

today I have the honor of recognizing Dr. Bardett Fausett, of Missoula County, for his service in providing care and treatment to Montana mothers and babies. prgtoken Early in his career, Dr. Fausett made the decision to serve his country in the U.S. Air Force. After serving his country, he was able to afford to go to medical school and provide for his young family after college. After serving 25 years in the Air Force, Dr. Fausett retired from his military service earned a position at the Missoula Community Medical Center. prgtoken Dr. Fausett went to Missoula with the hope of serving the community and providing care and treatment for mothers and their babies. Fausett took up the challenge of handling mothers with very complicated pregnancies and medical issues. prgtoken As a maternal fetal medicine specialist, he focused on treating babies and mothers while the baby is still in the womb. Pregnant mothers from all over the region with complicated medical issues traveled to see Dr. Fausett with the hope that he could help their families. prgtoken In his 5 years in Missoula, Dr. Fausett has delivered about 1,200 babies. prgtoken His service to our Nation in the U.S. Air Force as well as his dedication to continue his service by providing care to Montana mothers and babies is exemplary of the Montana spirit. He has changed the lives of many families across Montana by giving them personal care through challenging times.
REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11TH
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-9-11

the Chaplain opened our Senate in prayer reminding everybody of what happened 18 years ago today: a disastrous attack on the United States. So referring to that same 18 years, I say our Nation changed forever following an act of cowardice from the enemies of freedom. The events of September 11 have left an indelible mark on American and world history and certainly on the lives of the victims' families. We pray now, as we did then, that God may heal the wounds of those injured and the wounds left by those lost that day, that they may find peace on this solemn day. prgtoken Let us recall the sacrifices made that day to preserve our way of life and honor each day the pledge ``Never forget.'' prgtoken . prgtoken .
IN REMEMBRANCE ON THE 18TH ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11
Peter T. King (Republican, NY) \u2014 2019-9-11

. Madam , I rise today in memory of all the lost lives and families of 9/11, on the 18th anniversary with a poetic tribute penned by Albert Carey Caswell. Sadly, we are living daily with the second wave on 9/11 with the loss of all those magnificent responders who stayed on to help recover our lost loved ones. Our prayers go out to them and their families on this day. And on this day . . . We gather and pray, forgetting not all those who've paid . . . But, with their most precious lives on that day, and continue to in every way . . . With the price so grave . . . And for all of their loved ones living and the lost, who now lie in such cold quiet graves the cost . . . And the ones whose precious bodies we could not bury nor save . . . Oh how the tears come our way, wishing somehow to each heart remorse convey . . . Our thoughts and prayers go with them in their pain each day . . . As we add new names to this list that which evil gave . . . With more and more Heroes going to their graves . . . All in the aftermath of 9/11 and in its second wave . . . Were all those heroes who dug in deep, to find our most precious loved ones while in the midst this evil speaks . . . All so their loved ones could find solace, and bury their loved ones in the earth deep down beneath . . . On this day to stop and pray to these hearts which speak . . . And give thanks and remembrance for all and each . . . The families who can not be repaid . . . God Is Good and God Is Great, all in such magnificent heroes he creates . . . For such selflessness there can be no greater gift then this . . . Then, all of those Gotham Hearts who stood so courageously on that day we miss . . . And laid down their lives illuminating our souls in the light of hope's golden rays . . . With rays of hope and faith and courage and glory to our children we must convey . . . And now all of the new battles which lie ahead, for all of those who stayed on the site who too now blood must shed . . . Trying to give closure to the families, so their loved ones could be lowered into such solemn graves . . . As its for them and all of their loved ones in this new battle pray . . . And for all those innocents who died just because they went to work that day . . . We Can Not and Will Never Forget . . . As like them too we must face each new day . . . With the determination and grit and courage as they . . . To live our lives but For The Greater Good each day . . . As we have built in their honor this magnificent shrine upon hearts which stays . . . Which rises out of the ashes of hate in its light up towards
PROTECTING AND SECURING FLORIDA'S COASTLINE ACT OF 2019
Mike Johnson (Republican, LA) \u2014 2019-9-11

. Madam Chairwoman, I thank the gentleman from Utah for yielding. prgtoken I rise in opposition to this bill and my colleagues' efforts to impede the rapid growth of American energy exploration. This bill is flawed in a number of ways, as we have recounted here already during this debate. prgtoken First and foremost, it is clear that banning energy exploration will increase the prices that families pay at the pump and the prices they pay to power their homes. prgtoken Unfortunately, the tax on our Nation's energy producers aren't new. We know what happens when government intervenes by imposing burdensome regulations and senseless moratoriums like we are seeing today. prgtoken For years, New England States have pushed restrictive energy policies, and what we are considering here on the floor is no exception. prgtoken A handful of Governors and State legislatures are narrowly focused on hindering the exploration and development of critical energy resources. What those policies have resulted in are increased prices for consumers, and they have done nothing to reduce demands for fossil fuels. prgtoken In fact, as Congressman Duncan recounted just a few moments ago, last year, those policies culminated in a Russian tanker delivering natural gas to the Boston Harbor. Why? Because there weren't enough pipelines available to bring it from nearby Pennsylvania. You heard it right. prgtoken Despite being just a few hundred miles from the Marcellus Shale, one of the largest natural gas reserves in the country, our New England States were forced to import natural gas from Vladimir Putin. Nobody on this floor--the advocates of this bill--seem to have a problem with that. prgtoken Now my colleagues want to implement these policies on a Federal level with moratoriums on drilling. The event in Boston shows us that the legislation before us would have no impact on reducing demand for fossil fuels. We would simply have to import more from our adversaries. That is not good policy. prgtoken As has been explained, to add to the madness, the bill is completely irreconcilable with the Land and Water Conservation Fund, one of the biggest priorities of the Natural Resources Committee in this Congress. prgtoken The LWCF receives its funding from oil revenues generated off the coast of States like Louisiana, my home State. On the very same day that the Natural Resources Committee marked up these bills to ban offshore oil and gas exploration, the committee marked up another bill to permanently fund the LWCF. The majority wants to see mandatory spending of $900 million per year out of the LWCF, but at the same time, it wants to eliminate completely its funding source. That is just simply nonsense. prgtoken Our country is blessed with an abundance of natural resources. We have the right to use those God-given resources to create jobs, foster economic growth, and pave the way to an era of American energy dominance. Oppressive policies like the one