mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
STRENGTHENING AMERICA'S SECURITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST ACT OF 2019
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2019-1-29

we are here to talk about the risks to our New England coastal communities from the climate changes coming our way. prgtoken Despite the really dirty efforts of the fossil fuel industry to keep the truth at bay, the tide of public understanding is turning. A recent survey by Yale and George Mason Universities found that 73 percent of Americans now see global warming happening. That number is up 10 percentage points since 2015. Similarly, the percentage of Americans who consider global warming an important issue rose from 63 percent to 72 percent in the past 10 years. In just the past year, the number of Americans who say they are worried about global warming jumped from 61 to 69 percent. One author of this research explained the results to the New York Times this way: People are beginning to understand that climate change is here in the United States, here in my state, in my community, affecting the people and places I care about, and now. This isn't happening in 50 years, 100 years from now. prgtoken Dr. Katharine Hayhoe of Texas Tech University echoed these sentiments, saying: ``Today, nearly everyone can point to a way that they are personally witnessing and are being personally affected by the impacts of a changing climate in the places where they live.'' prgtoken Perhaps nowhere is this more true than along our coasts, where manmade climate change is already flooding towns, driving fisheries away from traditional fishing grounds, and bringing ashore stronger storms riding on higher seas. prgtoken Last Tuesday, I picked up my home State paper, the Providence Journal, and I saw this headline splashed across the front page regarding climate change: ``Washed Away. . . . Home values lost to rising sea levels.'' prgtoken This is a study I have mentioned before. It was done by the First Street Foundation and researchers at Columbia University and looks at what escalating flood risk is doing to coastal housing markets. That study started in Florida--peer-reviewed work in Florida--and they took that methodology and have been working their way up the gulf coast and the New England coast since then. They just reached my State and Senator Hassan's State, and the report is not pleasant. They found that Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island lost a total of $403 million in expected property value between 2005 and 2017 due to increased tidal flooding risks. Just between 2005 and 2017, Rhode Island coastal properties lost nearly $45 million in expected value. The study called out these particular properties in Warren, RI, that lost over one-third of their value during that timeframe. Rhode Islanders in the town of Warwick lost over $4 million in home values due to the threat of climate change-driven sea level rise. prgtoken Several studies warned how climate change will affect coastal property values. The First Street Foundation study is the first to demonstrate va
COUNTERTERRORISM ADVISORY BOARD ACT OF 2019
Kathleen M. Rice (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-1-29

again, H.R. 769 will authorize within the Department of Homeland Security, the Counterterrorism Advisory Board to coordinate and integrate the Department's intelligence activities and policies as they relate to counterterrorism. prgtoken This Board already plays a central and necessary role within DHS, and H.R. 769 will ensure that the Counterterrorism Advisory Board will remain in place for decades to come. prgtoken , I want to thank my colleague and friend and fellow New Yorker, Congressman Katko. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 769, and
UPCOMING HUNGER CRISIS
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2019-1-29

last Friday, the President, finally, ended the longest government shutdown in our Nation's history. prgtoken For 35 days, activity at several government agencies halted. The wages of hardworking public servants were being used as bargaining chips to push a medieval solution to what should have been a modern discussion on how to protect our borders. prgtoken The President seemed tone deaf to all the devastation that came with the government shutdown. At one point, he said that he would keep our government shut down for ``months or even years.'' In a speech on Friday, he stunningly said that Federal workers were encouraging him to continue the shutdown. prgtoken I would love to know who he was talking to, because that is the opposite of what I was hearing from my constituents and Federal workers all across this country. There aren't many people out there who can afford to work for free, much less people who are willing to forego their paychecks for a stupid, ridiculous campaign promise. No one should be expected to work for weeks without pay. What the President did, by shutting down our government, was disrespectful to our Federal workers. prgtoken If the government shutdown continued for a few more weeks, programs like SNAP and WIC, and child nutrition programs, would have run out of money, putting millions of families at risk of food insecurity. prgtoken Last week, I heard from one of my constituents in Ware, Massachusetts. She is a single mom who is disabled, and she depends on programs like Social Security and SNAP every day to help put food on the table for her two children. She was worried about a lapse in SNAP funding because, for a while now, she has been going without meals so that her kids can eat. She is barely able to provide for herself, but she is making sacrifices that any parent would make to provide for her children. prgtoken If the President decides to shut down the government again in a few weeks, he could provoke a full-blown hunger crisis in this country. prgtoken Low-income families should not have to worry about where their next meal is coming from just because the President wants taxpayers to pay for his wall. In fact, government employees might need SNAP benefits themselves, if their pay is cut off again. prgtoken In the past 4 weeks, I only can say how grateful I have been to the American people who have demonstrated incredible compassion to those impacted by the shutdown. Countless businesses provided free meals and resources to help families through rough times. prgtoken Yesterday, I was at Jose Andres' World Central Kitchen's Chefs for Feds initiative, where he is feeding Federal workers who have not been paid. As of yesterday, they still have not been paid. prgtoken While many families have accepted help, they still took on expenses that couldn't be recovered. Many families went into debt, just to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. Others took on interest, late fees, p
STRENGTHENING AMERICA'S SECURITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST ACT OF 2019
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2019-1-29

I want to start by thanking my colleague, Senator Whitehouse from Rhode Island, not only for his remarks today but for his leadership on this issue. I rise today to join him in highlighting the toll climate change is taking on coastal communities throughout New England. Senator Whitehouse has been a fierce advocate, and he is dedicated to and continues to push our colleagues to address the dire reality of climate change. I am here to join him in that effort. prgtoken In New Hampshire's Seacoast region, our State's beautiful coastline helps propel our economy forward, supporting industries such as tourism and commercial fishing and contributing to our high quality of life. Just as proximity to the ocean provides vital opportunities, our communities are finding that as climate change intensifies, these communities are increasingly at risk. prgtoken As you can see from this photo that was taken last year in Rye, NH, stronger storms and rising sea levels are leading to increased flooding in our coastal areas. As Senator Whitehouse mentioned, our communities are already feeling the direct economic impacts of rising sea levels. prgtoken According to the First Street Foundation and Columbia University, the increased risk of flooding and damage is hurting property values throughout New England. That report states that New Hampshire has already seen a $15 million loss in property value, particularly in areas such as Hampton, Exeter, Dover, and Portsmouth. Combined with the rest of the New England States, coastal properties have experienced approximately $400 million in property value losses just between 2005 and 2017. prgtoken The extent of those losses is just the beginning of the damage. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association has estimated that New Hampshire's sea levels are expected to rise between 0.6 and 2 feet by 2050 and between 1.6 and 6.6 feet by 2100. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, rising seas could threaten more than 5,000 homes on the seacoast of New Hampshire by the end of the century. prgtoken Our climate is changing. Sea levels are rising. This is undebatable. Climate change and sea level rise are not threats to some distant time in the future; these threats--this damage--are here. These threats are taking their toll now. The people of New Hampshire know this. We are witnessing climate change in our communities in real time as storms get more intense and the floodwaters go higher. prgtoken It is our responsibility to help our communities adapt to these changes. This starts with focusing on planning for resiliency to help vulnerable communities prepare and on improving our infrastructure and developing strategies to help plan ahead for storms and extreme weather events. prgtoken At the local level, Granite Staters on the seacoast are already being proactive on this front. Community members have formed advocacy groups, and local governments have focused on address
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2019-1-29

public schools play a vital role in every community across the Nation. They play a central role in our democracy--educating the next generation, serving as polling places for our elections, hosting community meetings and events, and so much more. When there is a natural disaster or an emergency, people often gather at their public schools for shelter, information, and resources. They are essential facilities and must be included in any new major federal investment in infrastructure. That is why I am proud to partner with Chairman Scott in the House of Representatives in introducing the Rebuild America's Schools Act to fix our schools. I would like to thank my Senate colleagues who are joining in this effort, including Senators Brown, Cortez Masto, Hassan, Warren, Whitehouse, Casey, Cardin, Duckworth, Merkley, , Hirono, Gillibrand, Van Hollen, Rosen, Blumenthal, and Sanders. prgtoken Safe, healthy, modern, well-equipped schools are essential for advancing student achievement and ensuring that the next generation is prepared to meet the economic, social, environmental, and global challenges our nation faces. Yet, too many of the over 50 million students and six million staff who learn and work in our public schools spend their days in facilities that fail to make the grade. A 2014 Department of Education study estimated that it would cost $197 billion to bring all public schools into ``good'' condition. Nationally, there is also a $38 billion funding gap in annual capital construction and new facility funding, as reported in the 2016 State of Our Schools report. Despite the benefits and need, however, Federal funding accounts for 0.2% of the total current capital investment in our schools. prgtoken State and local communities cannot bridge this gap alone. Last November, prgtoken Rhode Island voters approved a general obligation bond of $250 million dollars--the largest statewide bond ever--to upgrade our public school facilities. However, the State had identified over $2.2 billion in needed improvements to school infrastructure. Rhode Island is not the only State facing a school infrastructure crisis. In fact, the American Society of Civil Engineers gave public school buildings across the country an overall grade of D+ in their 2017 report card. The scope of the school infrastructure crisis is more than many, States or communities can address on their own. The Federal government can and should be a partner in upgrading our public school facilities. prgtoken Addressing this need is not only the right thing to do for our students; it will also give a needed boost to our economy, putting people to work in family sustaining jobs. According to an analysis by the Economic Policy Institute, every $1 billion spent on construction generates 17,785 jobs. prgtoken The Rebuild America's Schools Act of 2019 will create Federal-State partnership for school infrastructure. It will provide, over ten year
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF SHERI BOHIGIAN
Jim Costa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-1-29

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the life of Sheri Bohigian, who passed away on December 20, 2018 at the age of 72. Sheri will be remembered as a loving wife, mother and dedicated member of our community. It is both fitting and appropriate that we honor Sheri for her dedication to our Valley. prgtoken Sheri was born on November 11, 1946 in Fresno, California to Kent and Nikki Bowlan. Her father was a Colonel in the United States Air Force, which required the family to move frequently. They traveled to Scotland, the Marshall Islands, Alaska, Illinois, Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Traveling became one of Sheri's favorite things to do. Sheri's parents gave her the motivation she needed to help her believe in herself. Her mother's outgoing personality and father's humble traits shaped her into a selfless, eating young lady. These traits went along with her everywhere she went. prgtoken Sheri attended the University of Missouri, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. She then met the love of her life Tom Bohigian. They were blessed with one son, Stephen. Throughout their marriage Sheri and Tom shared many memorable moments, traveling and camping at Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, and Kings Canyon National Park and exploring parts of Europe together. Sheri also enjoyed the company of her many dear friends, frequently hosting dinners and gatherings in her home. prgtoken Sheri served her community in a number of ways. She was on the Board of Directors and volunteered for the San Joaquin River Parkway. Sheri retired from the San Joaquin Valley Air District after nine years of service. She cared about the world around her and hoped to leave it a better place for generations to come. prgtoken Sheri is survived by her husband Tom, son Stephen, and many wonderful friends. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Sheri Bohigian. Sheri leaves behind a remarkable legacy of love and selflessness. It is my honor to stand with Sheri's family in celebration of her great life.
STRENGTHENING AMERICA'S SECURITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST ACT OF 2019--MOTION TO PROCEED--Continued
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-1-29

a vote earlier this month on the administration's decision to ease sanctions on a Russian oligarch puts the Senate on record on where its Members stand in terms of holding Russia accountable for its continued actions against the United States. prgtoken We need to be clear about what we are facing. Not only did Russia conduct what I believe to be a cyber act of war against the United States during the 2016 election cycle, it continues to do so with the President and his administration, apparently, indifferent. prgtoken Make no mistake. Russia tried to interfere in the recent midterm elections, and it continues to do so against our democratic allies in Europe. What has been the response of this body--the U.S. Senate--sworn to uphold the Constitution, to protect against enemies, foreign and domestic? Other than the belated passage of a Russia sanctions bill in the last Congress--a bill whose sanction provisions this administration has been slow or unwilling to enforce--we have done almost nothing. prgtoken Let's start in 2016 when top officials from the administration's national security and intelligence community came and warned congressional leadership of Russia's ongoing and serious attack on our election--this was during the election campaign--rightly asking for a bipartisan statement to tell Russian dictator Putin to stop. prgtoken What was Senate Majority Leader McConnell's response to this request to protect our Nation? prgtoken No thanks; not going to do it. prgtoken History will no doubt look back with amazement at that decision. prgtoken What about the Senate Foreign Relations Committee--a historically celebrated body with jurisdiction over this Russian attack on the United States? It did not even conduct an investigation into Russia's actions in the last Congress. To date, I have heard no plans to do so in this Congress. That is incredible. prgtoken We have stunning reports--reports that normally would bring this city to a halt--of an FBI counterintelligence investigation opened on President --whether the President called for the destruction of notes after meetings with Russian leaders . . . something unheard of in the history of that office . . . and that has been asking about how the United States could possibly withdraw from the NATO alliance. prgtoken These are stunning developments, and they are not alone. For anyone paying attention, they shouldn't be surprised that our President is, in fact, pursuing policies the Russians could only dream of. They include the weakening of our democratic institutions; the weakening of our Western security alliance; the withdrawing of U.S. leadership on the global stage and ceding influence to Russia, Iran, and China; silence when Russia attacked Ukrainian naval ships; entertaining the idea of turning over an American ambassador to Russia for an absurd line of questioning; cozying up to global dictators and ignoring American values of democra
FEDERAL INFORMATION RESOURCE TO STRENGTHEN TIES WITH STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2017
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-1-29

. It is no secret that the threat landscape of today is constantly evolving. What we have learned from this challenge is there must be proactive measures in place at all levels of the government to track the growth of and reflect upon our capabilities to combat crime and terror. prgtoken State and local law enforcement provide tireless work to investigate and apprehend individuals of heinous crime. It is our duty to ensure that they are able to do their very best work in collaboration with their Federal partners and keep our communities safe. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to support this very important legislation, and I also ask for prayers not only for those shot last night, but the injured officers in my district who were injured on Christmas Eve, one severely burned--that is two officers, Officer Daily and Officer Reid. We continue to pray for Officer Daily, who suffered burns all over his body. prgtoken , I rise in support of H.R. 495, the ``FIRST State and Local Law Enforcement Act.'' prgtoken . I want to take this time to acknowledge the Houston police officers injured. prgtoken My thoughts and prayers are with the wounded officers and the members of the Houston Police Department. prgtoken The senseless shooting of four of Houston's finest and bravest last evening, while they were serving a warrant, is a tragedy and another reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers who risk their lives to keep their communities safe. One officer injured his knee. Totaling 5 officers hurt. prgtoken Thanks to the swift and professional police work of the Houston Police Department, two of the persons perpetrating this heinous crime have been stopped. prgtoken I hope the families of the victims take comfort in the knowledge that everyone in our community is praying for speedy and complete recovery of each of the officers wounded in this tragedy. prgtoken , I reintroduced H.R. 495 to require the Department of Homeland Security's Office for State and Local Law Enforcement to report annually on its activities. prgtoken As we all know, after the September 11th terrorist attacks our Nation learned that the inability of the Federal, State, local, tribal and territorial partners to share information was a critical failure in our national security apparatus. prgtoken Today, I am proud to say that there's been real progress in closing this once prominent information sharing gap. prgtoken It is now common practice within the Federal government to support policies that empower and include our State and local partners. prgtoken To keep DHS on that path, H.R. 495 requires the Assistant Director of DHS' Office in charge of coordinating, liaising, and advocating for state and local law enforcement to submit an annual report to Congress on its work. prgtoken Requiring this report would not only provide metrics to assess the effectiveness of the office's current work, but it would include comprehensive information on existing progra
NEGOTIATE BORDER SECURITY
Andy Levin (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-1-29

. Madam , while the longest government shutdown in our country's history finally ended over the weekend, its effects continue to plague working families. prgtoken For 35 days the President held hostage the paychecks, financial security, and health and wellbeing of hundreds of thousands of Federal workers, including 5,200 from Michigan. prgtoken The President's stunt did nothing to advance real border security discussions and resulted in a colossal waste of time and resources. He cost the American economy $11 billion; ironically, nearly twice as much as he wanted for an ineffective border wall. prgtoken As the President threatens another shutdown, I rise today to demand that he never again use this cruel tactic, and to, instead, come to the table, the negotiating table in good faith. prgtoken support effective border security solutions, and we are here to talk so long as working families are not used as pawns in the political process.