mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Tribute to Lauren Oppenheimer (Executive Session)
Jeff Merkley (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2020-1-9

I want to take a few moments to recognize an individual, Lauren Oppenheimer, who, after nearly 5 years as an invaluable member of my team, has recently moved on to begin the next chapter of her career. We all on Team Merkley are very sad to see her go, but we do feel extraordinarily fortunate that she hasn't gone far-- just over to Senator Jones' office on the other side of the Hart building. So Oregon's loss has been Alabama's gain. prgtoken Lauren joined my team in 2015, back when I was a member of the Banking Committee, to handle that important portfolio. It was a position that she was extremely qualified for, having a wealth of experience working on those issues in both the House and at the Center for American Progress. But then a seat opened on the Foreign Relations Committee, and I had to turn in my credentials for Banking in order to take that Foreign Relations position. prgtoken Well, we knew that that really kind of undermined the vision of why Lauren had come to our team, to really take on that set of banking issues. It would not be an understatement to say it was not a completely thrilling day when I shared this news with her. prgtoken But being the dedicated team member that she is, she willingly and graciously took on a new role within the team and a whole new portfolio of issues to work on--issues like election reform and telecom, judicial nominations, rules reform. It might not have been the job that she signed up for, but she excelled at it nonetheless. She excelled because she is extremely smart and talented and because she is passionate about her work, and she threw herself into this new set of issues. prgtoken I mean it when I say she is passionate. A quick conversation about Fintech can last for hours, as she excitedly informs you about all of the recent developments in that emerging industry--an industry, by the way, that I had hardly heard of before Lauren came to my team. prgtoken Martin Luther King, Jr once said: ``Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable.'' It requires ``the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.'' Well, Lauren is certainly one of those dedicated and passionate individuals, and throughout her time on Team Merkley, she has helped move our country forward in ways large and small. prgtoken For years she has worked on ensuring the implementation of the Volcker rule, a key part of the Dodd-Frank Act, which closed the Wall Street casino by separating old-fashioned banking from high-risk, high- leverage bets on the future prices of stocks and exchange rates and interest rates and commodities--bets that placed our entire banking system and economy at risk. prgtoken Lauren wrote the bipartisan SAFE Banking Act, which had its hearing in the Banking Committee just a couple of months ago, to ensure that legal prgtoken cannabis and hemp businesses have access to the same banking services as any other business. She established the S
CONGRATULATIONS TO COACH MARK ROBERTS
Joe Neguse (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2020-1-9

. Madam , as a source of inspiration and drive for every student who walks onto his track, Colorado's Lyons High School Head Cross Country Coach Mark Roberts is a prime example of the kind of coach we all hope our children have. I am so proud that his many years of tireless work at Lyons High is being honored by his induction into the Colorado High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame this March. Raised in Colorado and a runner himself since high school, Coach Roberts is well-renowned throughout Colorado's running community and has expertly coached countless track and field students to victory. During Coach Roberts tenure, the Lyons boys and girls cross country and track and field teams won a combined 18 state championships and were runners-up an equal number of times. In 2013 alone, the Lyons High boys runners placed first, second and third to record the only perfect team score in state history. This past fall, Lyons also won every possible championship--boys and girls individual titles, as well as boys and girls team titles--joining just one other school as the first to do so since 1995. In addition to his clear talent for coaching students to victory, Coach Roberts has also been the meet director for the St. Vrain Invitational track and St. Vrain Invitational cross country meets. These are two of the largest meets in Colorado and Coach Roberts has added innovative and exciting components to them, to not only inspire the participating athletes, but also to ensure these events are engaging for families and, truly, our entire community. Coach Roberts is clearly an irreplaceable asset to the running and sports communities throughout Colorado and to every student athlete he serves, and his induction into the Colorado High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame is very well earned. Colorado's 2nd Congressional District and our entire state send our congratulations to Couch Roberts and wish him and the Lyons team continued victory on the field.
Recognizing the NSA (Executive Session)
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2020-1-9

I want to extend the thanks of all Members of the U.S. Senate and the American people to the men and women who are serving our Nation at the National Security Agency based at Fort Meade, MD, the Defense Special Missile and Astronautics Center. It has been in existence since 1964. It is a 24/7 operation. I mention that because it was the work done here in the State of Maryland--and I am proud to represent that State--that gave the early warning information that allowed us to get information to our American forces in Iraq and to the Iraqis that, literally, saved lives. prgtoken I want to thank them for their dedicated service. We have the best intelligence information and the best trained people protecting our Nation, and I just wanted to pause for one moment to thank those who are serving at the National Security Agency who are keeping us safe.
PFAS ACTION ACT OF 2019
John Shimkus (Republican, IL) \u2014 2020-1-10

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , the Safe Drinking Water Act already makes special priority for what is termed ``disadvantaged communities'' which is based on affordability criteria. prgtoken I wish my colleagues who offered this amendment would have been here last night when we passed an amendment to support rich communities who have already funded their cleanup and are allowing them then to dip back into Federal funds to make the payment. prgtoken So they may have, if they had a chance to be here for that amendment, voted against communities that have already been able to afford to clean up, but we are going to dip into this money at the expense of poor communities. So that is kind of what occurred last night. prgtoken This covers a range of low-income communities that may have trouble paying for infrastructure needs and has been widely supported as an appropriate function of taxpayer support. This amendment creates a broad new category that disproportionately exposes, and which would appear to expand coverage beyond economic factors which may actually undermine the straightforward support for the poor and the disadvantaged already in statute. prgtoken I respect the desire to ensure prioritization to communities that may be particularly hard hit with other economic and environmental issues, but the workability of the new definition has not been closely examined and may complicate the provisions of resources to those communities that need it. A better way to do this would be to require a rulemaking to sort out the best approach to prioritize funding to disadvantaged people. prgtoken In a letter written by the water communities, one paragraph says--and I would hope my colleagues would listen to this--because in every community we have water companies that are supposed to provide safe drinking water to our citizens. So the water companies have written to us about this bill. And that is the American Water Works Association, the Metropolitan Water Agencies, the National Association of Water Companies, the National Water Resources Association, the National Rural Water Association, and Water Environment Federation. prgtoken These are the people who are going to provide clean drinking water to our constituents, and this is what they say about this bill: ``Unfortunately, H.R. 535 would leave municipal water and wastewater system customers subject to financial liability for PFAS cleanup under CERCLA,'' i.e the Superfund, ``even in cases where the system followed all applicable laws and regulations related to prgtoken PFAS disposal. This is in direct contrast to the objective of holding polluters responsible.'' prgtoken I include their letter in the Record. January 8, 2020. Re Opposition to H.R. 535, the PFAS Action Act. Dear Representative: The undersigned organizations representing the nation's drinking w
RECOGNIZING DR. MARTHA HUGHES CANNON
John R. Curtis (Republican, UT) \u2014 2020-1-10

my family tree on both sides is full of prominent women who served in elected office. The most notable of these is my wife's great-grandmother, Dr. Martha Hughes Cannon, a pioneer in both government and heritage. prgtoken 123 years ago, she was sworn into the Utah State Senate, becoming the first woman in the country to hold that office. My wife is quick to remind me that she won that office by defeating her husband. prgtoken Utah is home to some of the most capable and influential female leaders in the Nation, and I am fortunate to have these impressive women help advise me on all issues, and specifically those that impact Utah women. prgtoken Because of the initiative of Martha Hughes Cannon, thousands of women have followed in her footsteps and served in State legislatures and as local and national leaders. prgtoken I am excited and proud to introduce a resolution dedicating January 11, 2020, as National Martha Hughes Cannon Day and honor the path that she paved for the many women who serve today.
RURAL AMERICA NEEDS TO BE ACCOUNTED FOR IN UPCOMING CENSUS
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-1-10

I rise today to call attention to the 2020 Census and to emphasize the importance of ensuring that rural America is accounted for. prgtoken Our once-a-decade counting of all Americans is important for numerous reasons. Most importantly, census data provides us with a roadmap for allocating hundreds of billions of dollars annually in government services. These include investments in things like education, roads, and bridges, and other areas of importance to rural districts like mine. prgtoken I appreciate the U.S. Census Bureau's efforts to streamline government duties by including an online response option this year. However, I am very concerned that rural areas like Kentucky's First Congressional District could get left behind. prgtoken Unfortunately, nearly 30 percent of my district lacks internet access or lacks access to reliable connection. This high number is unacceptable and could have dire consequences, including ensuring that people I serve are accounted for. prgtoken This startling lack of internet access in rural America is a call to action for Congress to step up to the plate. My office has worked tirelessly to address this issue, including funding critical programs in the 2018 farm bill. But we must do more to expand internet connectivity so that our voices will not be undercounted and left behind. prgtoken Without action, small towns across Kentucky and our entire Nation risk being left behind in the upcoming census, an outcome that should be unacceptable to every member of this body.
PFAS ACTION ACT OF 2019
Michael K. Simpson (Republican, ID) \u2014 2020-1-10

for personal reasons, I was unable to vote today. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 5--Prev. Question, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 6--H. Res. 781, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 7--H. Con. Res. 83, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 8--H.R. 5078, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 9--Burgess of Texas Part B Amdt. 2, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 10--Balderson of OH Part B Amdt. 6, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 11--Pappas of NH Part B Amdt. 13, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 12--MTR, and ``nay'' on rollcall No. 13--H.R. 535.
HONORING THE DONUT DOLLIES OF THE VIETNAM CONFLICT
Bill Flores (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-1-10

I rise today to honor the 627 brave civilian women who served as Donut Dollies for the Red Cross' Supplemental Recreational Activities Overseas Program during the Vietnam conflict between 1965 and 1972. prgtoken The name Donut Dollies was coined during World War II to describe the Red Cross volunteers who passed out hot coffee and donuts from the backs of military vehicles. While the women who volunteered in Vietnam did so much more than hand out donuts and coffee, the name Donuts Dollies was applied to them. prgtoken The young women of the Donut Dollies were stationed throughout Vietnam, from Saigon up to Quang Tri. They lived in tents and abandoned villas. They endured incoming fire, and they flew over enemy territory just like our military personnel. prgtoken These brave women quickly became to be known as angels in a combat zone for their bright smiles and powder blue uniforms that lifted the spirits at every base they toured. prgtoken The Donut Dollies hosted daily recreational events at large bases, such as pool tournaments, fashion shows, and various contests to provide fun and relaxation for off-duty military personnel. They helped serve food in chow lines, and they brought Kool-Aid to the night sentries working in perimeter towers. prgtoken Others were assigned to the Clubmobile program, which toured more remote bases, often requiring helicopter transport to reach them. They would gather the troops, usually beside a bunker or tank, to play competitive audience participation games. prgtoken For the hour or so that they were there, the Donut Dollies brought laughter and a sense of lightheartedness that was deeply missed in the war zone. Because death was so close, the laughter was healing, funny things were funnier, and their laughter helped join everyone together. One soldier once said it was the miracle of making the war disappear for a little while. prgtoken The approximately 1,500 visits of the Clubmobile program logged over 2.1 million air miles. Their primary goal on these visits and at the events at larger bases was to boost morale and to provide the men with a sense of home before going out in the field. prgtoken , the contributions of the Donut Dollies represented a changing role of women to serve their country at a time when women had previously been limited to noncombat roles. Their patriotism helped bring warmth, light, and laughter to the darkness of wartime. prgtoken My wife, Gina, and I are honored to recognize the women of the Donut Dollies and to thank them for their important and sacrificial contributions that they made for our country during the Vietnam conflict. prgtoken As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our country, for our military men and women who protect us, and for our first responders who keep us safe at home. Honoring Chris and Peggy Osborne of Bryan-College Station, Texas
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Steve Scalise (Republican, LA) \u2014 2020-1-10

let's be clear. Probable cause is not the standard in the Constitution. prgtoken To remove a sitting President, the Constitution is very specific: treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors, not probable cause. That would be in the Constitution if that is what the Framers intended for impeachment to be used for, but that is not what impeachment is to be used for. prgtoken There were witnesses called, multiple witnesses. prgtoken There were tryouts, by the way, in secret that Chairman Schiff had prior to asking the President at the last minute, after all of this innuendo and you would hear leaks and leaks and this is going to happen, and then they would have a secret hearing where witnesses were sworn in, but none of us could find out what was happening in those secret hearings. prgtoken And as we talked to Members that were there, all of the leaks and innuendos turned out to be disproven. We couldn't find that out, because the chairman closed those hearings to the public, closed those hearings to most Members of Congress. prgtoken But ultimately the Senate's job is to try the case that was made in the House, weak or strong. And clearly it was weak, because the urgency that was talked about, it would already be going on if it was a strong case. But even if it is a weak case, it is not the Senate's job to mop up that mess. prgtoken It is the Senate's job to go and hear the case that was made in the House with one side presenting their witnesses. prgtoken And, again, the majority got to have that opportunity. We didn't have the opportunity to present witnesses we wanted to bring forward. And there were witnesses. They were sworn in. I don't know if you would call them something different, but that is what they were. They were there to present facts. prgtoken Many gave innuendo, but when asked under oath, Can you name the crime? prgtoken No. prgtoken Was there bribery? prgtoken No. prgtoken But let the Senate do their job, and hopefully they get that next week. I would encourage that the House get that done next week. It should have been done a while back. prgtoken , if he has anything else.
HONORING THE LIFE OF EDITH CUNNANE
Ann Wagner (Republican, MO) \u2014 2020-1-10

. Madam , I rise deeply saddened by the loss of a wonderful friend and mentor and integral member of the St. Louis community. Today, in Missouri's Second Congressional District, Mrs. Edith Cunnane is being laid to rest following an incredible and selfless life of service. prgtoken Along with her beloved husband, Jim Cunnane, Edith made St. Louis her home and worked to improve the lives of the most vulnerable. She was a fixture of the St. Louis philanthropic community for decades as a community volunteer and activist, civic leader, and supporter of social services. She had an endless desire, willingness, and ability to help others. With this boundless passion, Edith founded the St. Patrick Center in 1982. The first of its kind in the region, the St. Patrick Center is a multifaceted social service agency that serves the homeless and at-risk individuals. prgtoken Over her nearly forty-year tenure at the Center, Edith sought to expand its services to unprecedented heights. Under her leadership, the St. Patrick Center opened the Shamrock Club, the first day treatment program for individuals suffering from behavioral health issues in the entire nation. Additionally, Edith spearheaded the St. Patrick Center's Casserole Program, an initiative where groups of volunteers bake, freeze, and deliver casseroles to the needy. Since its inception thirty-five years ago, this program has served over five and a half million hot meals across the Greater St. Louis area. prgtoken Edith's efforts have been an inspiration to countless individuals. During her tenure, Edith mobilized over three thousand volunteers to help their fellow citizens, turning the St. Patrick Center into a beacon for homeless assistance and social services providers. Last year alone, the Center provided nearly sixty thousand services to over three thousand people and served close to one hundred and fifty thousand hot meals. prgtoken Edith's drive to help others involved many forms of public service. A former staff member for Congressman Jim Talent, Edith went on to become a member of the St. Louis County Council in 1998. She used this experience to work with institutions and organizations throughout the region to continue improving the lives of others. She served on the board of directors for the St. Louis County Library as well as the Today and Tomorrow Education Foundation, which strives to provide educational opportunities for children in need. prgtoken For her years of generosity and hard work, Edith has been recognized locally, nationally, and globally. At the local level, she received numerous awards, most notably the St. Louis Women of Achievement Award and the St. Louis Community Leader Award. Nationally, President George H.W. bestowed upon Edith the Thousand Points of Light Award in 1991. At the international level, she was awarded the United Nations Human Rights Award. I believe it is not only appropriate, but necessary, to honor Edith's incre
CELEBRATING NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2020-1-10

since 2002, January has been recognized as National Mentoring Month. We all should recognize the positive impacts that mentoring has on young people. prgtoken From our servicemembers stationed at Cherry Point to the volunteers of the Greensboro United Way, the students and staff of Wake Forest University to the Journeymen of Asheville, North Carolinians remain actively engaged in mentoring opportunities across my State. prgtoken According to mentoring.org, at-risk youth who were paired with a mentor are 55 percent more likely to enroll in college, 78 percent more likely to volunteer regularly in their communities, and 130 percent more likely to hold leadership positions in their careers. prgtoken , the numbers speak for themselves. Mentoring is a cornerstone of the growth and development of young people across our country. I commend the individuals involved in being mentors.
OUR MORAL OBLIGATION TO ERADICATE HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Pete Stauber (Republican, MN) \u2014 2020-1-10

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, so I rise today to renew my resolve to eradicate the horrific injustice that is human trafficking. prgtoken Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery, as it strips individuals of their freedom and dignity. It has absolutely no place in our society. prgtoken In my part of Minnesota, many of the women and children preyed upon by human traffickers are Native American. In fact, Minnesota currently ranks ninth in the Nation for missing and murdered indigenous women. prgtoken As a Member of Congress, I believe we have a moral obligation and legislative duty to protect the most vulnerable. That is why I proudly support Savanna's Act, a bill that will empower Tribal law enforcement to address this devastating issue. prgtoken I will also ensure that the recently created Federal task force on missing and murdered Native American women coordinates with State, local, and Tribal officials to more effectively solve unresolved cases and prevent similar violence. prgtoken While these are steps in the right direction, our work is far from done. As a father, a former law enforcement officer, and a Member of Congress, I will not stop until human trafficking is eliminated and the criminals who have chosen to exploit others have been brought to justice.
RECOGNIZING LIEUTENANT COLONEL DANIEL DAUBE
Neal P. Dunn (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-1-10

I rise today to recognize an extraordinary three-war veteran, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Daube. prgtoken Colonel Daube is a highly decorated veteran, having served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, amassing over 5,000 flight-hours between the Navy and the Air Force. He flew the P-51 Mustang, multiple fighter jets, and heavy metal. He even served in the space program. His name is enshrined on the Wall of Honor in the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. prgtoken Colonel Daube's record of service is emblematic of why we all revere the Greatest Generation. Now, at 95 years old, he is still the cheerful warrior. He lives in Callaway, Florida, near his son, Dr. Skip Daube, who has been my friend for over 25 years. prgtoken I was honored to serve them both Thanksgiving dinner at Tyndall Air Force Base this year, and it was a time of great comradery. prgtoken , please join me in saluting a living hero from our father's generation, Colonel Daniel Daube.