mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
North Korea (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2019-2-26

last night, for the second time in a month, objected to a bill to ban infanticide. prgtoken That statement to me is absolutely chilling, but for the second time in a month, objected to a bill that would do nothing more than state that a living, breathing baby born in an abortion clinic is entitled to the same protection and medical care as a living, breathing baby born in a hospital is entitled to. prgtoken It is a pretty basic bill. It just says that living, breathing, born human beings are entitled to protection even if they are born in an abortion clinic, but apparently that is not something are prepared to say. This is where ' support for abortions has led them--to being unable to condemn infanticide. prgtoken Let's remember why we voted on this bill last night. We voted on this bill because the ic Governor of Virginia implicitly endorsed infanticide--because the ic Governor of Virginia got up and said that you could keep a living, breathing baby comfortable while you decided what to do with it. prgtoken There is only one answer to what you do with a living, breathing baby, and that is to provide it with the care it needs. A baby born alive in an abortion clinic is no less valuable and deserving of protection than a baby born in a delivery room. prgtoken It is horrifying that we are actually having a debate about this. Honestly, it is horrifying that the ic Party can't get up and say that infanticide is wrong. My ic colleagues like to talk about protecting the vulnerable, but how can they claim to care about helping those in need if they harden their hearts toward the most vulnerable among us? If they are willing to deny living, breathing babies basic medical care, do you really stand for the vulnerable if you can't stand up and say that infanticide is wrong? prgtoken It is terrible enough that we have so far betrayed our founding principles as to deny the right to life of living, breathing unborn babies, but we are not even talking about abortion here. We are talking about withholding essential care from babies who are born alive. My ic colleagues can't even bring themselves to say this is wrong. prgtoken I would say to my ic colleagues, do you really want to be the party of Governor Northam? Do you really want to be the party of infanticide? prgtoken The American people don't agree with the ic Party on abortion and on infanticide. Most Americans believe that babies born alive after an abortion should be provided with medical care. Most Americans think there should be at least some limits on abortion. In fact, most countries in the world think there should be some limits on abortion. The United States is just one of a tiny handful of countries that allow elective abortion past 20 weeks of pregnancy. Among the others on that list are China and North Korea--not exactly the company we want to be keepi
S. 311
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-2-26

the Senate had an opportunity yesterday to affirm our commitment to the dignity of human life. We had a chance to state plainly that newborn babies who happen to have survived abortions are entitled to the same legal protections and professional care as other newborns. prgtoken In all honesty, the fact that this legislation even needed to be written is a sad reminder of the degree to which our society is at risk of losing some crucial moral bearings, and the fact that the U.S. Senate could not even vote to advance this bill is beyond dismaying. prgtoken The legislation was silent on the abortion issue. All it would have done is to have affirmed the rights of these newborn babies, but apparently even that was a bridge too far, not just for the far-left fringe--not anymore--but for the vast majority of our ic colleagues right here in the Senate. prgtoken We are no longer dealing with a normal, traditional ic Party; we are looking at a party that has been dragged so far to the left, it would have been unrecognizable to folks just a few years ago. In 1996, Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan condemned partial-birth abortion by comparing it to infanticide. He was a distinguished, mainstream ic Senator from New York about 20 years ago. And today? Ninety- four percent of Senate could not even vote to protect babies after they are born. The only explanations they could offer were bizarre euphemisms and vague references to issues that have no bearing once a child has already been born alive. prgtoken It was a sorry display, but I can say this: This fight isn't over. The s will not let this stunning extremism from our ic colleagues be the last word on this subject.
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Thom Tillis (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-2-26

I have a request for one committee to meet during today's session of the Senate. It has 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 committee is authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs prgtoken The Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, February 26, 2019, at 9:30 a.m to conduct a hearing on the Semiannual Monetary Policy Report to the Congress and the following nominations: Mark Anthony Calabria, of Virginia, to be Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Bimal Patel, of Georgia, to be an Assistant Secretary, and Dino Falasrnetti, of Montana, to be Director, Office of Financial Research, both of the Department of the Treasury, Todd M. Harper, of Virginia, and Rodney Hood, of North Carolina, both to be a Member of the National Credit Union Administration Board, Spencer Bachus III, of Alabama, and Judith DelZoppo Pryor, of Ohio, both to be a Member of the Board of Directors, and Kimberly A. Reed, of West Virginia, to be President, all of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, and Seth Daniel Appleton, of Missouri, and Robert Hunter Kurtz, of Virginia, both to be an Assistant Secretary of Housing and, Urban Development; to be immediately followed by a hearing to examine.
NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ACT
Greg Walden (Republican, OR) \u2014 2019-2-26

as the top on the Energy and Commerce Committee, I enjoy the relationship and camaraderie I have with the Natural Resources Committee, and I want to thank the gentleman from Utah and my friend Mr. Grijalva, the chairman of the committee for once again bringing this measure forward affecting Crooked River Ranch. prgtoken The Crooked River Ranch Fire Protection Act is essential to saving lives in central Oregon. With another wildfire season just on the horizon, the people of Crooked River Ranch are really deeply concerned that they could become the next Paradise, California, and they are deeply concerned that their community could be turned into ash as wildfire feeds off the dense fuel loads that surround this community of 5,000 people. prgtoken They are there because of a lack of proper management to thin out the fuel loads because this area is in a wilderness study area. What we are doing is moving the boundary back about 800 acres. So at the BLM, it will all stay public. The BLM can come in and use mechanical treatment, literally, to reduce juniper and sagebrush so that the firefighters can come in and fight fire if they do get one. prgtoken We know what happens in this kind of terrain, the tragedy, the loss of life, loss of homes, the loss of community. There are 5,000 people out on a rim, if you will, in a canyon with only one way in and one way out. The fire chief has told me that if fire breaks out and it is the wrong kind with enough wind, he might not put his firefighters in there. So today we are going to save lives, thanks to your work. prgtoken Harry Ward, the fire chief, said this ``has created a dangerous environment and continues to threaten the people that live here.'' prgtoken This legislation will adjust that WSA. The important public safety legislation will give peace of mind to the residents of Crooked River Ranch. prgtoken Last year, a fire only a few miles away burned 2,000 acres. It destroyed two homes in less than a day. The next fire season is not far away. We do not want to see images like this of homes turned to ash and lives destroyed in central Oregon, where we have a real opportunity to prevent that from happening thanks to this bipartisan legislation. prgtoken So I want to thank my Senators who worked on this. I want to thank Mr. Grijalva and Mr. Bishop for their work on this, and I appreciate its being brought in as part of the package of bills that now will go to President , who I am convinced will sign it into law.
Nomination of Eric D. Miller (Executive Calendar)
Ted Cruz (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-2-26

this Saturday, March 2, the great State of prgtoken Texas celebrates the 183rd anniversary of its independence from Mexico. prgtoken Texas became a free republic--for 9 years our own nation--and soon after became one of these United States. prgtoken As is tradition, in commemoration of the brave Texans who fought and died for liberty and the rule of law, let us reflect a moment on the immortal words of Colonel William Travis, the leader of the besieged forces at the Alamo. His clarion call for reinforcements resounded around Texas and still rings with strength today. prgtoken Indeed, it has a special place in my heart because the very first time I spoke on this Senate floor, I read from Travis's letter from the Alamo. It was during Senator Rand Paul's extended filibuster in defense of individual liberty. It fit then, and it fits now. It is a letter that has stood for the ages--written to us today, demanding that we stand with all good and free people against oppression and reminding us that there are some things worth dying for. prgtoken The letter reads as follows: Commandancy of the Alamo, Bexar, February 24th, 1836 To the People of Texas & All Americans in the World: Fellow citizens & compatriots--I am besieged, by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna--I have sustained a continual Bombardment & cannonade for 24 hours & have not lost a man. The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise, the garrison are to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken--I have answered the demand with a cannon shot, & our flag still waves proudly from the walls. I shall never surrender or retreat. Then, I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism & everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch--The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily & will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five days. If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country-- Victory or Death. William Barret Travis Lieutenant Colonel Commandant P.S. The Lord is on our side--When the enemy appeared in sight we had not three bushels of corn--We have since found in deserted houses 80 or 90 bushels & got into the walls 20 or 30 head of Beeves. Travis prgtoken . prgtoken .
RECOGNIZING THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF WELCOMING THE STRANGER
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-2-26

. Madam , I rise today to recognize a nonprofit organization in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, that is celebrating its 20th year of service helping immigrants settle in the United States. prgtoken Welcoming the Stranger, based in Langhorne, was founded in 1999 by the late Reverend Sturgis Poorman. prgtoken Welcoming the Stranger has provided countless opportunities for immigrants in southeastern Pennsylvania from over 100 countries. prgtoken Welcoming the Stranger offers English language classes and courses in citizenship preparation and computer science. Their programs have been so popular that they often expand to 300 attendees, packing houses of worship and community centers across Bucks County. prgtoken Madam , I applaud the work of Welcoming the Stranger, and I wish the organization all the best as it enters its 20th year of service to our community. prgtoken I would also like to extend my appreciation to Meg Eubank, the executive director of Welcoming the Stranger, for her work and her vision. Honoring Friends of Five Mile Woods
RECOGNIZING OAKWOOD POLICE CHIEF RANDALL MOON'S SERVICE
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-2-26

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Mr. Randall Moon, who is retiring this week after serving as Oakwood City Police Chief for the past 25 years. prgtoken Mr. Moon started with the Oakwood Police Department in 1990 and was quickly promoted to Chief in June of 1994. Over the past 29 years, Mr. Moon has witnessed the police force grow from seven officers to sixteen officers and has been key in assisting the department as they have worked to grow the department with an ever-changing city. Through it all, he is most proud of ``maintaining an excellent workplace, with excellent pay and benefits.'' prgtoken Mr. Moon credits a presentation on bike safety, given to his second- grade class by two Georgia State Patrol troopers, as the catalyst for his desire to work in law enforcement. Ever since, Mr. Moon knew law enforcement was his calling, and he has since served in law enforcement for over 34 years, including 29 years in Oakwood. prgtoken He leaves his successor with a few words of wisdom: be a friend, be a family, as that's what sets Oakwood apart from other police departments. prgtoken The citizens of Northeast Georgia are fortunate to have men like Mr. Moon serving our communities. I thank Mr. Moon for his exemplary service, and I wish him all the best in his retirement.
TERMINATION OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY DECLARED BY THE PRESIDENT ON FEBRUARY 15, 2019
Carol D. Miller (Republican, WV) \u2014 2019-2-26

we need to stop violent gangs like MS-13 from entering our cities and bringing their violence and evil onto our streets. We need to stop the drug smugglers from devastating our communities and flooding our towns with opioids, like heroin and fentanyl. prgtoken My home State of West Virginia has been hit hard by the opioid epidemic and especially from illegal drugs smuggled across the border. Just several weeks ago, Customs and Border Protection seized enough fentanyl to kill every person in West Virginia 32 times over. Imagine how much more is still slipping through the unsecured areas. prgtoken Our country cannot afford inaction any longer. We need to build this wall.
CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF MRS. ELLEN GREANEY JACOBS
Scott Perry (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-2-26

. Madam , today I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Ellen Greaney Jacobs, a resident of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, who is celebrating 100 years young on Monday, April 1, 2019. prgtoken Mrs. Jacobs was born in Bound Brook, New Jersey, and moved to New Bloomfield, Pennsylvania with her mother, brother and two sisters after her father died. Ellen graduated from New Bloomfield High School and the Carlisle Commercial College. She married her husband of 69 years, Cyrus D. Jacobs, in Westminster, Maryland on September 24, 1938. Ellen has three sons, six grandchildren, and twelve great grandchildren. prgtoken Ellen is an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star (Capitol City Chapter), Dauphin Middle Paxton Historical Society, Dauphin Middle Paxton Area Senior Citizens, and still delivers Meals on Wheels on a regular basis. She is a longtime member of Hope United Presbyterian Church in Dauphin, where she enjoys Christian fellowship, Bible study, and making Easter and Christmas candy. She enjoys playing pinochle with her card club, reading, gardening (especially her beloved roses), watching the leaves change in the fall and flowers bloom in the spring, and bird watching. prgtoken I join Ellen's friends and family in extending my best and warmest wishes to her on this special day, and in celebrating her life and contributions to our great Commonwealth and Country. prgtoken On behalf of Pennsylvania's Tenth Congressional District, I extend God's blessings and my heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Ellen Greaney Jacobs on her 100th Birthday.
REASSURING EUROPEAN ALLIES
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2019-2-26

last week I was grateful to join Senator Lindsey Graham on a delegation for the Munich Security Conference. A highlight was Vice President reaffirming America's commitment to the Transatlantic Alliance. prgtoken I then joined the delegation led by Congressmen Gerry Connolly and Rick Larsen for the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. prgtoken House Nancy Pelosi reassured our allies of bipartisan support for NATO's continued success. Congressman Mike Turner ably presided as vice president of the assembly. prgtoken Another highlight in Brussels was to meet with U.S. Ambassador Ronald Gidwitz and his wife, Christina, whose enthusiasm for service is extraordinary. prgtoken The ambassador is promoting the restoration of the Mardasson Memorial, honoring American servicemembers in the Battle of the Bulge. prgtoken In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.J. RES. 46, TERMINATION OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY DECLARED BY THE PRESIDENT ON FEBRUARY 15, 2019
Tom Cole (Republican, OK) \u2014 2019-2-26

I thank the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Woodall), my good friend, for yielding. prgtoken , I rise today in support of the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. If we defeat the previous question, we will bring up the text of this important piece of legislation to defend life. prgtoken Frankly, , I am mystified as to why the majority is loath to actually make this vote. Indeed, they have been doing backflips to avoid allowing the House to actually go on record on this important issue. prgtoken This bill is a commonsense approach to protecting our Nation's most vulnerable. It amends the Federal Criminal Code simply to require that any doctor present when a child is born alive following an abortion or attempted abortion must provide the child with the same degree of care as he or she would provide any other child. The bill also requires that any such child is immediately admitted to a hospital. prgtoken , as we have seen in recent weeks, many people in elected positions do not appear to appreciate the need to provide for protections for our most vulnerable Americans newly born, but it is clear that current law fails to provide adequate protections for newborns who survive an abortion attempt. This bill draws a sorely needed bright line of protection around abortion survivors and requires that they be given the same level of care as any other premature infant. prgtoken As stewards of the law of this country, , protecting the most vulnerable, including the unborn, should be one of Congress' basic responsibilities. prgtoken Since entering Congress, I have made the protection of life one of my highest priorities. I believe that all Members should have that same priority. Today, we can take a step toward making this a reality by defeating the previous question and bringing up the Born-Alive Survivors Protection Act for a vote. prgtoken , I urge opposition to the previous question.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.J. RES. 46, TERMINATION OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY DECLARED BY THE PRESIDENT ON FEBRUARY 15, 2019
Mo Brooks (Republican, AL) \u2014 2019-2-26

in fiscal year 2018, more than 2,000 illegal aliens were apprehended by Federal agents for homicides committed on American soil. Worse yet, roughly 31,000 Americans die each year from heroin and cocaine overdoses, 90 percent of which floods across America's porous southern border. Hence, we can expect at least 33,000 dead Americans each year until America secures our porous southern border. prgtoken For perspective, the 9/11 terrorist attacks killed roughly 3,000 people. In response, America invaded Iraq and Afghanistan at a cost of trillions of dollars and, roughly, 7,000 lost military personnel lives. prgtoken Saving Americans should be a bipartisan issue, yet here we are. s seek to prevent another 33,000 dead Americans this year, while partisan seek to embarrass and stop President from securing America's porous southern border and saving American lives. prgtoken For emphasis, no national emergency in history has been prompted by more dead Americans than President 's national emergency declaration. As such, I support President 's national emergency declaration and will vote accordingly. prgtoken , how many dead Americans does it take for open border advocates to support border security? How much American blood must be on guilty hands before Congress recognizes the national emergency we face at America's southern border? America's military protects the borders of, and lives in, South Korea, Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, many other countries, and Europe. prgtoken I thank President , as Commander in Chief, for understanding that America, and Americans, deserve no less protection. prgtoken , let me conclude by noting that dead Americans, Americans killed by illegal aliens as a consequence of porous borders, had dreams, too. We, as a Congress, should remember and honor those dreams and act accordingly and protect this national emergency to protect American lives by securing our porous southern border.
RECOGNIZING NATIONAL DEBT AS THREAT TO NATIONAL SECURITY
Ted S. Yoho (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-2-26

. Madam , I appreciate the gentleman yielding, because I came here and they said: Well, don't worry about this, because this will balance in 5 years or this will balance in 10 years. prgtoken And I laugh, but I shouldn't be laughing. We should be crying, because here I am, 7 years, and guess what: It will balance in 10 years. prgtoken It will not balance. And, again, it is up to us, the Members of the House and the Senate, because we control the purse strings. But we have done a terrible job at it, and it goes back to leadership on both sides. prgtoken This is something that should not be a partisan issue. This is something that should be an American issue, because America is at stake here. It is not a Party or a ic Party. We don't serve a party is what I tell people in my district, and I am sure you do the same thing. I serve a Nation, and that Nation is the greatest Nation on Earth. If we don't get our prgtoken fiscal house in order, this Nation will not be the Nation it is. prgtoken So, again, I don't think it will balance in 10 years. It won't balance in 20 years unless we change the dynamics, and they need to change now.