mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
H.R. 2740
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2019-10-31

I want to say a few words this afternoon about the funding of our military, the support for our troops, and what just happened on the U.S. Senate floor because it is a pretty sad exercise that, unfortunately, happens way too often in this body. I know it can be confusing to the people who are watching in the Gallery and on TV, but I want to explain what just happened because the American people should know what is happening right now in this body. prgtoken Unfortunately, it is deja vu all over again on the Defense appropriations bill. Now, I enjoy my bipartisan work. Some of the best friends I have made here in the Senate have been on the other side of the aisle, but there are also principled disagreements on key issues between some of the parties here. One of them is whether we fully support our military and national defense and if we make that support a priority, not a political football, which is what we just witnessed on the Senate floor. prgtoken Now, I know all of my colleagues are patriotic. I have no doubt about that--all 100. We all love our country. Yet, in our looking at history over the decades and also just in the past few years, it certainly leaves one with the impression and the strong conclusion that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle support our military when it is convenient but have much higher priorities for which they are ready and willing to undermine military funding, readiness, and support for our troops who keep us safe. prgtoken To put this in context, we just voted to get on the Defense appropriations bill, which is the bill that funds our military. We had a budget agreement several months ago that did that. We just took up a previous appropriations bill. The plan in the Senate was to go from the bill on appropriations that we just passed to the Defense bill. That was the plan. Lo and behold, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle said: No. We are going to filibuster the funding for our military. That is what just happened. prgtoken America, media, please understand that this is what just happened. prgtoken As I mentioned with regard to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, this priority for the military isn't always there. I also mentioned decades. If you look at the national Presidential level over the past four decades during which a ic President has been in power--think about it: President Carter, President Clinton, President --what has happened? Defense spending has been cut dramatically every time, and the readiness and morale of our military forces has plummeted. That is a fact. prgtoken I chair the Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support. From 2010 to 2015, defense spending for our military declined by 25 percent, which was President 's second term, and we are still digging out of the hole we dug for our military with regard to readiness. Let me give you a couple of examples. prgtoken In 2015, whe
DIRECTING CERTAIN COMMITTEES TO CONTINUE ONGOING INVESTIGATIONS INTO WHETHER SUFFICIENT GROUNDS EXIST FOR THE IMPEACHMENT OF DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
Joe Neguse (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2019-10-31

. Madam , today is a serious and solemn day for our country. The House's impeachment inquiry has exposed the truth and uncovered significant evidence that the President abused his power. prgtoken To honor the oath to defend the Constitution that each of us took, we must move forward with this impeachment inquiry. As Thomas Jefferson once said hundreds of years ago: ``A sacred respect for the constitutional law is the prgtoken vital principle, the sustaining energy of a free government.'' prgtoken Let us honor the Constitution and defend it today by voting ``yes'' on this resolution.
REMEMBERING KAY HAGAN
Debbie Stabenow (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-10-31

I rise today to pay tribute to a woman who was more than just our colleague. She was our friend, and I am missing my friend today. prgtoken When I think about Senator Kay Hagan, I remember a lot of things. First was her deep dedication to public service. From the moment she woke up until the sun set behind her beloved Blue Ridge Mountains, Kay was focused on serving the people of North Carolina and the State she loved so much. prgtoken It was such an honor working with her, especially on behalf of North Carolina's farmers, small towns, and rural communities that she loved so much. She was passionate about the health of the land and the people who live and work on it. prgtoken Second, Kay was a fighter. We all knew that. Growing up between two brothers probably contributed to that. I have two brothers myself, and I can attest to the fact that it toughens you up. prgtoken We saw that spark every day on the floor of the U.S. Senate. Kay had a deep and abiding sense of justice, and she stood up for North Carolina families every single day, even when it wasn't easy and even when she paid a political price for it. prgtoken She stood up for expanding healthcare and protecting the rights of North Carolina women and families. That same fighting spirit kept her going through her own grueling health challenges. prgtoken I had the chance to visit with her a couple of years ago when she was receiving treatment at a rehabilitation hospital in Georgia. She was working so hard to recover her ability to move and to talk, but one thing hadn't changed--that spark in her eyes. prgtoken I know I speak for all of us when I say that Kay's grace and endurance over the past 3 years were incredibly inspiring. prgtoken Finally, when I think of Kay, I think of kindness. In a city full of sharp words and even sharper elbows, Kay was unfailingly optimistic and an absolute joy to work with. prgtoken I know that even my colleagues would agree with me and join in our sorrow over her loss. prgtoken Kay and I happened to have daughters who were getting married around the same time, and as many of you know, mothers of brides love to talk about wedding plans and to share photos about the big day, and we shared a lot of photos. prgtoken I will never forget the way her face would always light up whenever she talked about her family. She was so proud of each and every one of them, and they were proud of her too. prgtoken In her final floor speech, Kay shared one of her guiding principles, a paraphrase of Luke 12:48: To whom much is given, much is expected. prgtoken This Chamber and this country are better for having known Senator Kay Hagan. She lived by that principle. She gave us so much, and she gave it with her whole heart. prgtoken Knowing Kay was a gift, and I feel so fortunate to have been able to call her my friend. My deepest condolences are with her husband Chip and their children and their extended family and many, many friend
SAN PEDRO PACKAGES FOR PATRIOTS
Nanette Diaz Barragán (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-10-31

. Madam , currently military families who send all-important care packages to their loved ones overseas have to pay some postage. These families are already paying a lot just by enduring the absence of their loved one. That is why I am reintroducing the Military Care Package Program Act which would waive these postal fees for family-sent care packages. prgtoken In this spirit, I would like to take a moment to recognize an organization in my district called San Pedro's Packages for Patriots. Packages for Patriots have been sending care packages, letters, and comfort items to our Armed Forces members overseas since 2008. prgtoken These packages symbolize love and hope. For some soldiers, it truly means the world. This amazing organization was started by San Pedro residents prgtoken Mike Walker and his wife, Shirley Vojkovich. Together, along with their group of dedicated volunteers, Packages for Patriots has shipped over 16,000 care packages with over 200,000 pounds of supplies to American servicemembers deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. prgtoken I am sure every Member of this body would like to join me in applauding their efforts in support of our servicemembers overseas.
NOMINATION OF LAWRENCE VANDYKE
Catherine Cortez Masto (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2019-10-31

I rise today in opposition to the nomination of Lawrence VanDyke to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. prgtoken Mr. VanDyke fits neatly into this administration's pattern of picking Federal judges for our circuit courts of appeal without meaningful input from home State Senators. The President continues to select ideologically extreme nominees like Mr. VanDyke, and the White House is putting forward people without enough experience for the momentous roles they have been chosen to serve. prgtoken Mr. VanDyke has been nominated to fill a Nevada seat on the Ninth Circuit even though he is not a Nevadan. He didn't grow up in my State. He doesn't appear to own property there. He doesn't seem to have family ties. And he was an active member of the Nevada State bar for only 2 years. prgtoken Senator Rosen and I engaged with the White House to put forward highly respected Nevadans with bipartisan support, but our suggestions were summarily ignored because the White House was laser-focused on Mr. VanDyke. prgtoken I want to be clear. The administration did not meaningfully consult about this nomination with Nevada Senators, and the result is a poor nominee. prgtoken First and foremost, I am extremely concerned about the effect that Lawrence VanDyke's lifetime appointment would have on women's reproductive rights in America. As Montana's solicitor general, Mr. VanDyke supported an Arizona abortion ban. In an amicus brief in Horne v. Isaacson, he contended that the constitutional right to choose should be revisited. He also defended a Montana law that made it harder for young women in that State to seek an abortion, and he advocated for letting corporations sidestep their obligations to provide insurance coverage for contraception. prgtoken Based on this record, I fear that, as a Federal judge, Mr. VanDyke would limit women's health choices in Nevada and throughout the country, including their access to birth control. prgtoken His record on LGBTQ rights is also dismal. Mr. VanDyke has ties to two ideologically extreme, anti-LGBTQ groups that the Southern Poverty Law Center has designated as hate groups. Those are the Alliance Defending Freedom and the Family Research Council. These ties are hardly surprising given that Mr. VanDyke has opposed gay rights since law school, when he wrote an article for the Harvard Law Record. This is that article: ``One student's response to `A Response to Glendon.' '' It is dated March 11, 2004, by Lawrence VanDyke. In this article, he promotes the truth that same-sex marriage would hurt families, children, and society. This is that article, and this is his quote-- clearly not only his writing but prgtoken his intent and thoughts behind what we have fought for in this country for LGBTQ rights in America for the last 10 years. What he says is, ``What is quite settled, however, is that children on average fare best in stable, two parent families. This, c
IN HONOR OF FRANCIS W. O'BRIEN, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 90TH BIRTHDAY
Stephen F. Lynch (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2019-10-31

. Madam , I rise today in honor of Norfolk County Commissioner Francis W. O'Brien, in recognition of his over sixty-five years of dedicated public service, on behalf of the Town of Dedham and Norfolk County. prgtoken The son of Annie and John O'Brien, Fran is the youngest of seven children. A true son of East Dedham, Fran was born in 1929 and spent his entire childhood and young adult life at 236 Bussey Street in East Dedham. Fran attended the Avery Elementary School and graduated from Dedham High School in 1949. While in high school, Fran excelled in football, baseball and was the captain of the hockey team. He went on to play semi-pro football for the Canton Town Club and St. Mary's of Brookline. In 1951, Fran enlisted in the United States Navy during the Korean War era and served honorably until he was discharged in 1953. prgtoken On January 20, 1951, Fran had the tremendous good fortune to marry his longtime high school sweetheart and classmate, Nancy Kennedy, at St. Mary's Church in Dedham. They were blessed with four children, Francis M Marlene, Jacqueline, and Cynthia as well as seven grandchildren: David, William, Jeffrey, Gregory, Amanda, and twins Patrick and Sean. He is also the proud greatgrandfather to Annabelle, Sophia, Evan and Aiden. prgtoken Fran began his career in public service at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds in Dedham as a photostat operator, soon after being discharged from the Navy. From 1953 to 1958, he was employed by Whiting's Milk Company as a milkman. Fran served his community as a Dedham firefighter, joining the department in 1958. During this time, Fran also owned and operated O'Bie's Variety store in East Dedham. Always one to help those in need, there were countless times Fran allowed customers to purchase necessary items such as bread or milk on credit, knowing full well they would be unable to pay him back. prgtoken Madam , Fran ran for public office becoming the first firefighter in the Town of Dedham to serve on its Board of Selectman. Fran proudly served as a Selectman from 1962 to 1976; he also served the Town of Dedham as a Town Meeting member, a member of the Board of Recreation and a member of the Board of Assessors. He instantly connected with the citizens of Dedham and continued to serve as Selectman for more than twelve years. Subsequently, he was hired at the M.B.T.A. as Liaison of Governmental Affairs. His compassion and understanding have earned him the deep and abiding respect of the residents in the cities and towns all over the state. prgtoken Fran continued with the M.B.T.A. until his retirement in 1993. In 2002, he was appointed, then elected, as a Norfolk County Commissioner, serving on a threeperson board. In prgtoken subsequent years, he has been elected to serve as Chairman by his fellow commissioners. Through his friendship and professional relationships with judges, clerk magistrates and clerks of court throughout Norfolk County, Fran helped
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, TRANSPORTATION, AND HOUSING AND URBAN...
Doug Jones (Democrat, AL) \u2014 2019-10-31

I rise in support of the amendment offered by myself and my friend from Arizona, Senator McSally. prgtoken This amendment would permanently block an impending $1.2 billion in cuts to the Federal public transportation investment. These cuts will affect every one of our States--every one--including 7 million in my home State of Alabama. prgtoken Without this legislation to block what is known as the ``Rostenkowski Test,'' every public transit agency will suffer a 12-percent across- the-board cut to transit formula grants this year. For many transit agencies, particularly these smaller transit agencies that serve rural States such as mine, these cuts could be devastating. These cuts would reduce services that are so important to the community, for instance, services for low-income people and services to those who have disabilities. prgtoken These cuts would reduce funds for important bus and rail efforts to modernize our transportation.
REMEMBERING KAY HAGAN
Martin Heinrich (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2019-10-31

it is with deep sadness that I remember and recognize the life of former U.S. Senator Kay Hagan of North Carolina. prgtoken I am grateful that I had the privilege to serve with Senator Hagan here in the United States Senate. Her approach to her job was something we would all do well to learn from. Kay was a model of civility, optimism, and selfless service to the State she loved. prgtoken Early in her life, Kay served as a Capitol Hill intern for her uncle, Senator Lawton Chiles of Florida. Her duties included operating the Senators-only elevator. In time, she would go on to prove that she belonged on that elevator, too. prgtoken After 10 years in the North Carolina Senate, she won election to the United States Senate and served her home State with dignity. Even in the face of one of the most expensive and challenging election campaigns in this body's history, Senator Hagan remained focused first and foremost on how to find common ground in this Chamber and the ways she could deliver for her constituents in North Carolina. prgtoken I am particularly grateful for the model that Senator Hagan set as the cochair of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus. In that role, she worked hard to forge bipartisan consensus around a comprehensive package of bills to increase public access for hunting and fishing and to extend important fish and wildlife conservation programs. prgtoken Julie and I are keeping her husband, Chip; their three children, Jeanette, Tilden, and Carrie; and all of their grandchildren in our hearts. We will all miss Kay.
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, TRANSPORTATION, AND HOUSING AND URBAN...
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2019-10-31

I ask that my colleagues join me and Senator Collins in supporting this amendment. prgtoken I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the staff members who actually made this Transportation, Housing and Urban Development-- T-HUD--bill possible. They did extraordinary work. We all recognize that it is their efforts that make these difficult and complicated legislative initiatives possible. On the majority staff, I thank Clare Doherty, Jason Woolwine, Rajat Mathur, Gus Maples, Courtney Young, and LaShawnda Smith. On my staff, I particularly want to thank Dabney Hegg, Christina Monroe, Jessi Axe, and Elisabeth Coats. prgtoken I think I speak for all of my colleagues when I salute all the staff members who make this legislation possible. prgtoken .
DIRECTING CERTAIN COMMITTEES TO CONTINUE ONGOING INVESTIGATIONS INTO WHETHER SUFFICIENT GROUNDS EXIST FOR THE IMPEACHMENT OF DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-10-31

. Madam , I support this resolution because it is the solemn duty of the Congress to investigate the serious allegations against the President. prgtoken I support this resolution because it is indefensible for any official to demand an ally--one depending on our support in an existential struggle with Russia--investigate his or her political adversaries. prgtoken I support this resolution because no person, or , should be permitted to jeopardize America's security and reputation for self-serving political purposes. prgtoken I support this resolution because if, after a fair and thorough inquiry, the allegations against President are found to be true, they would represent a profound offense against the Constitution and the people of this country. prgtoken I support this resolution because I believe it is the duty of this House to vindicate the Constitution and to make it crystal clear to future Presidents that such conduct, if proven, is an affront to the great public trust placed in him or her. prgtoken I support this resolution, not because I want the allegations to be true--they sadden me deeply--but because, if they are true, the Constitution demands that we take action. prgtoken I support this resolution because it lays the groundwork for open hearings. The House and the American public must see all of the evidence for themselves. prgtoken I support this resolution because I know we must overcome this difficult moment for the Nation. This resolution is necessary to ensure that our constitutional order remains intact for future generations. prgtoken I support this resolution because we have no choice.
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, TRANSPORTATION, AND HOUSING AND URBAN...
Jon Tester (Democrat, MT) \u2014 2019-10-31

I have a number of things I want to talk about today. On Monday of this week, we lost a fine lady in Kay Hagan. It is very difficult for me to put into words my admiration for the Senator from North Carolina, but the fact is, Kay was the kind of person who, the first time you met her, had the ability to calm the situation down. prgtoken When she was running in 2008, I went to North Carolina, and she had an event at a farm. I think it was a hog operation, if my memory serves me correctly. I had a chance to meet her for the first time. She was somebody who you knew, if she were able to get into this body, would be successful. prgtoken Well, in 2008, she won that election. She came here, and she made a difference. She made a difference for working families, small businesses, and family farm agriculture. prgtoken I just want to express my condolences to her husband Chip, her kids and grandkids, and let them know she was very loved by all in this body. Healthcare prgtoken , I also want to rise today and speak on behalf of the thousands of Montanans who have preexisting conditions or struggle with the cost of prescription drugs. prgtoken Even with the Affordable Care Act's protections, many of these folks struggle to afford their medical bills, their copays at the pharmacy counter and prgtoken the local doctors' offices. Instead of working to fix these problems, this administration--the administration--has issued a rule that brings us back to the dark ages by letting insurance companies discriminate against working families across Montana and this country. prgtoken The Affordable Care Act guaranteed health coverage for all Americans. It required health insurance companies to issue policies to folks regardless of whether they had preexisting conditions. The administration is chipping away at these laws, and they are tossing these protections out the window so that big insurance can make big bucks. prgtoken Health insurance companies across this country are flooding the market with junk plans. They are called junk plans because they are cheap insurance that are junk. When you think you have health insurance and you get sick, it is not there. prgtoken Trust me, I know firsthand how this works. When I was 9 years old, I lost three fingers in a meat grinder, and my folks thought they had insurance. They didn't because they had bought a junk plan. They ended up paying every dime for the surgeries related to my left hand out of their pockets--money they didn't have. prgtoken These plans tell folks they have insurance, but, truthfully, they don't. They have less coverage, and they don't even cover the most essential health benefits. prgtoken Need prescription drugs? You can get them, but it's going to cost you. Maternity care? Sorry, the plan doesn't cover that. Mental health? You would not get that coverage in your wildest dreams. These insurers will t