mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING CAPTAIN AARON HATTABAUGH AND OPERATION SENIOR SURPRISE
Adam Kinzinger (Republican, IL) \u2014 2019-7-30

. Madam , I rise today to recognize my constituent, Aaron Hattabaugh, a retired captain and B-52 navigator, for taking part in the longest combat mission in Air Force history. prgtoken On January 16, 1991, Captain Hattabaugh and fifty-six other airmen aboard seven B-52G aircraft of the 596th Bombardment Squadron took off from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana on Operation Senior Surprise. However, those who took part named their mission Operation Secret Squirrel. prgtoken This was the United States' first move to liberate Kuwait from Saddam Hussein. Using state of the art air launched cruise missiles, these brave airmen had one objective: to destroy Hussein's strategic assets in Iraq and Kuwait. Over the course of this mission, the aircraft destroyed nearly all of the targets and blinded the Iraqi military to our ground forces, in turn saving countless American lives. Incredibly, these aircraft completed four in-air refueling maneuvers and covered 14,000 nautical miles in under 36 hours. prgtoken This year marks the 28th anniversary of ``Operation Secret Squirrel'' and each year, those involved in this historic mission gather to remember their piece of history made. In the longest mission since the Doolittle Raids on Japan, these aviators carried out their mission with honor and bravery. prgtoken Madam , those who served on this mission displayed true endurance and dedication to country in their actions. It is my honor to recognize Captain Hattabaugh and the fifty-six others who took part in this critical mission.
Budget Proposal (Executive Calendar)
Michael B. Enzi (Republican, WY) \u2014 2019-7-30

I rise to talk about the need to fix our broken budget and spending process. prgtoken Picking up efforts we began in the 114th Congress, the Senate Budget Committee has spent the last several months holding hearings and meetings with Members of Congress, State officials, the administration, and stakeholder groups to listen to their budget prgtoken reform priorities. Along the way, we have collected a lot of good ideas. prgtoken Today, I come to the floor to outline the fiscal reform plan that incorporates a lot of the feedback we received. It reflects suggestions from Members on both sides of the aisle and from groups that span the political spectrum. These reforms are not driven by politics but, instead, are rooted in fixing our broken budget and spending process in favor of a system that works for everyone. prgtoken In developing this plan, my focus was on creating a durable system to substantially manage our country's finances, to improve transparency, to improve oversight, to improve accountability in the budget process, and to end the brinksmanship in our fiscal debates. prgtoken I have broken the plan down into four separate discussion drafts, which I am sharing this week with Senate Budget Committee members. Each of the drafts tackles a different aspect of the broken budget and spending process. prgtoken The first proposal is the most ambitious. It would reorient the budget process around long-term planning and shift the Federal Government to a biennial budgeting and spending system. There are 20 States, including my home State of Wyoming, that have some form of biennial budgeting and appropriations. I have long believed that one of the most important reforms we could do at the Federal level would be to move to a biennial process to have the problem only every other year. prgtoken The plan proposes to maintain the budget resolution as a concurrent resolution but with a few important changes. prgtoken First, it would change how we write the budget. Topline discretionary figures would be clearly stated in the resolution, while mandatory spending would continue to be displayed on a portfolio basis. This new approach will allow each individual Member to have more of a say in the budget through the amendment process. prgtoken Second, it would require the budget resolution to include debt-to-GDP targets to focus Congress on creating a path to stabilize our debt levels and sustainably manage our finances. It could even provide an estimate of anticipated revenues. prgtoken Third, the plan would allow for, upon adoption of a concurrent resolution on the budget, the automatic enrollment of a bill that would set discretionary spending caps--something that has taken until right now to get done this year--enforced by both Congress and OMB and increase the debt limit in line with the levels assumed in the resolution. It saves a lot of time. prgtoken The proposal seeks to encourage Congress and the President t
AMERICAN MANUFACTURING LEADERSHIP ACT
Troy Balderson (Republican, OH) \u2014 2019-7-30

I am a proud original cosponsor of Research and Technology Subcommittee Chairwoman Haley Stevens' bill, the American Manufacturing Leadership Act because our nation's economy relies on the manufacturing industry and must prgtoken prioritize policies that strengthen it. In my home state of Ohio, the manufacturing industry accounts for 16.6 percent of total output, and employs 12.5 percent of our workforce, or 690,200 employees. All told, the manufacturing produced $107.95 billion worth of output in Ohio in 2017 and continues to grow each day. prgtoken H.R. 2397 would strengthen our nation's largest investment in advanced manufacturing--the Manufacturing USA Program--which has thrived in the past seven years since its creation and build on that success to strengthen our manufacturing workforce. This bill would reauthorize the successful Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation of 2014 and extend it to all agencies sponsoring centers for manufacturing innovation, allowing more of those that invest in manufacturing to benefit from this program. It would further strengthen the institutes' role in advanced manufacturing workforce development-- something I'm deeply passionate about--along with outreach to and inclusion of small- and medium-sized businesses, which are vital to a prosperous American economy. prgtoken H.R. 2397 also puts important checks, balances, and oversight into place by encouraging the program office to develop pilot programs for the institutes, as well as identify for and disseminate to them best education and workforce training practices. It would also expand Manufacturing USA's authorities to collaborate with other agencies, including to develop network-wide performance goals. In addition, while this bill would authorize agencies to renew institutes for an additional period of funding, allowing those institutes to meet their ultimate goals, this would only be allowed following a rigorous review of the institute's progress toward meeting measurable goals. prgtoken The manufacturing industry is a pillar of the American economy and drives many of the other industries that make up our country's annual GDP. Without the manufacturing industry, the American economy would cease to exist. H.R. 2397 would expand on manufacturing programs with proven success and accelerate our nation's progress in advanced manufacturing. Ultimately, this legislation leverages existing programs across the federal government to help Manufacturing USA Institutes achieve its goals. Finally, as an advocate for small business and workforce development, I'm excited that this bill expands to include more small- and medium-sized manufacturers, since they are the lifeblood of our nation's economy. prgtoken Once again, from Michigan for her leadership on this legislation, and I urge the committee's support of H.R. 2397.
RECOGNIZING CAREY, IDAHO
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2019-7-30

along with my colleagues Senator James Risch and Representative Mike Simpson, I congratulate the city of Carey, ID, on its centennial anniversary. prgtoken In 1884, just a few years after the first settlers arrived in the area, a school was built next to James Carey's Post Office. Homes, roads, and churches soon joined the landscape, demonstrating early on the characteristics that are readily associated with Carey today: selflessness, hard work, and determination to make their slice of Idaho neighborly and productive. By the time the residents of Carey got around to incorporating the town in 1919, a sense of community was already deeply rooted. prgtoken On July 20, 2019, the city of Carey celebrated its 100-year anniversary of its establishment with special events, including a parade, music, rodeo, and other activities. This picturesque community in Blaine County, ID, is in a beautiful area rich in history and extraordinary people. The area has a deep legacy of sheep herding and cattle ranching and has been home to remarkable Idahoans, including pioneers, ranchers, producers, conservationists, writers, and leaders. Among them was the late, former Idaho secretary of state Pete Cenarrusa, a beloved public servant and veteran, who ran a successful sheep operation with his wife of 66 years, Freda. prgtoken Pete is Carey's most famous son. In Idaho, Pete's legendary achievements are well known. He was a member of the 1940 University of Idaho NCAA national champion boxing team, served as a World War II fighter pilot, and he holds the record for Idaho's longest serving elected official at 52 years. One validating experience exemplifying Pete's political will and influence occurred in 1948 when he convinced President Harry Truman to visit his hometown of Carey and dedicate the Carey Airport, which, according to some accounts, was built in a single day--a story that is reflective of a proud and dedicated public servant and committed townspeople. Pete Cenarrusa and Carey, ID, are synonymous among most in Idaho, each possessing their own distinct legacy, despite being deeply-entwined, that has contributed mightily to our State's history and success. prgtoken The residents of Carey have much to celebrate. In addition to building a welcoming community settled in an amazing part of our great State, recreational opportunities abound, including skiing, fishing, hiking, biking, and hunting. Past and present-day Carey residents have developed Carey into a community built on a foundation of resourcefulness and good will with an eye toward how to further grow and make progress for the betterment of its residents. prgtoken Congratulations to the residents of Carey on 100 years of accomplishments, principal among them building a lovely town where people can live full lives. If this is a suitable, primary measure of a successful community, you have more than succeeded. We wish you well for centuries to come.
Senate Accomplishments (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2019-7-30

I always find that the end of the July work period in Washington, DC, is a good time to take stock of the year so far. prgtoken I am looking forward to getting out of DC in the next few days and heading home to South Dakota. I am lucky enough to get to meet with South Dakotans on most weekends, but congressional recesses provide me with unbroken blocks of time to spend in the State and hear about South Dakotans' needs and priorities. prgtoken It has been a busy year here in Washington, DC, so far. In the last 7 months, the Senate has worked to confirm nearly 50 well-qualified judges, has provided funding to address the humanitarian and security crisis at our southern border, has given our military the resources it needs to defend the country, and much more. prgtoken I am proud that in May, by an overwhelming bipartisan margin, the Senate passed my bill to address illegal and abusive robocalls. My legislation would increase the financial penalties for making illegal robocalls, and it would give law enforcement more tools to go after these scammers who prey on vulnerable populations. The TRACED Act, which is my bill to address illegal robocalls, is one of more than 80 pieces of legislation I have introduced or cosponsored this year. My prgtoken robocall bill grew out of the work that I did on the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which I have served on now for 11 years, including having served four of those years as chairman. prgtoken My serving on the Commerce Committee has given me an up-close look at the issue of consumer privacy. Last year, as chairman of that committee, I convened hearings into consumer data privacy and the accessing of millions of Facebook users' personal data by the political intelligence firm Cambridge Analytica. I also led a hearing to discuss the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation and California's new privacy-related law. prgtoken This year, as chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, I have continued to focus on consumer privacy. I recently convened a hearing to look at the use of persuasive technology on internet platforms like Facebook and YouTube and on how these technologies can be and have been abused. I believe that developing bipartisan consumer privacy legislation needs to be a priority, and it is an issue I will continue to focus on here in Congress. prgtoken Another thing on which I have focused on the Commerce Committee is paving the way for 5G technology, which is the next phase of the wireless revolution, and of ensuring that Americans in rural communities have access to the same broadband technology that residents of more urban areas enjoy. prgtoken Last year, the President signed my bipartisan MOBILE NOW Act into law, which I introduced to help secure an adequate spectrum for 5G technology. In June, I reintroduced my STREAMLINE Small Cell Deployment Act in order
RESTRICTIONS PLACED ON HUAWEI BY THE U.S. GOVERNMENT
Bill Flores (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-7-30

. Madam , I rise to bring additional attention to the national security threat that Chinese state-sponsored entities like Huawei pose to our telecommunication networks and national security. prgtoken This past week, I wrote to Secretary Ross at the Department of Commerce to consider Huawei's track record of espionage and intellectual property theft when enforcing restrictions on their trade with U.S. companies. prgtoken With the backing of the Chinese government, Huawei has attempted to weaponize patent claims in U.S. courts and to create vulnerabilities in our communications networks. prgtoken Restrictions placed on Huawei by the U.S. federal government were done to address their pattern of illicit behavior. prgtoken We need to continue to stop this Chinese state-sponsored entity from having access to our networks when they have so brazenly exploited U.S. companies and intellectual property for Chinese espionage and ill- gotten gains.
Venezuela (Executive Session)
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2019-7-30

I reserve the right to object after raising a couple of observations. prgtoken It is important to know that this bill was passed by the House of Representatives Thursday night. We just received the paperwork from the House of Representatives yesterday. This is a bill that did not pass unanimously in the House of Representatives--far from it. There were at least 158 s who voted against it. prgtoken There are a number of my colleagues in the Senate who, like me, would like to see this and many other bills considered but would also like the opportunity to adequately review the legislation as passed and to propose amendments and have those amendments voted on. So passing this bill right now without that opportunity to review it, to propose amendments and have those considered, and just passing this unanimously is not the way we ought to be passing this legislation. prgtoken I am happy to work with my distinguished colleague and my revered friend from Illinois in moving in that direction, but we are not ready to pass this by unanimous consent right now. We have amendments to propose. So on that basis, I object.
ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2019
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-7-30

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 9:30 a.m Wednesday, July 31; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, morning business be closed, and the Senate proceed to executive session and resume consideration of the Pittman nomination under the previous order.
Introductory Statement on S. 2322
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2019-7-30

I am pleased to join my colleague from Michigan, Senator Peters, in introducing the Animal Freedom from Testing, Experiments, and Research Act, known as the AFTER Act, to promote the adoption or retirement of animals used for research at Federal agencies. I would also like to thank Senators Shaheen and McSally who are original cosponsors of this legislation. prgtoken In fiscal year 2018, the Federal government experimented on approximately 50,000 animals for research purposes. The experiments occurred across twelve different Federal agencies and the animals used were mainly cats, dogs, monkeys, and rabbits. While tracking these animals following experimentation is challenging, once animals are no longer needed for research, they are often killed, since many agencies lack formal retirement or adoption policies. With that said, recent studies indicate that research animals who are adopted often thrive in their new environments. prgtoken In 2013, led by Senators Harkin, Alexander, Cantwell and myself, the Senate passed the CHIMP Act, which allowed for the retirement of hundreds of primates that were formerly being used in National Institute of Health (NIH) experiments. In addition, the Departments of Defense, Veteran Affairs, and NIH recently enacted successful animal retirement policies. While I am encouraged by the Senate's past work on primates and the recent policies developed by a few agencies; there are still many Federal agencies, including the Departments of Agriculture, Interior, Commerce, NASA, the Environmental Protection Agency that lack formal policies for animals that have been used in experiments. prgtoken The AFTER Act builds on successful policies at DOD, VA, and NIH by directing all Federal agencies to promulgate regulations that would facilitate the retirement of laboratory animals. The bill provides flexibility for each agency to devise its own policy, with the goal of ensuring that such animals, whenever possible, are retired and not killed. Additionally, the AFTER Act requires animals to be evaluated by a licensed veterinarian and pronounced both mentally and physically healthy before leaving an agency. This will help ensure a smooth transition to a new environment. prgtoken Our legislation also encourages Federal agencies to work with non- profit organizations to ensure retired animals are distributid to sanctuaries and shelters across the Nation, not just those closest to the research facility. This would allow a State like Maine, which does not have Federal research labs that use animals, to play a role in retiring these animals and providing homes for them. prgtoken , there is no reason animals that are suitable for adoption or retirement should be killed by our Federal government. The AFTER Act would provide the necessary direction Federal agencies need in order to move forward with developing retirement policies. I urge all of my colleagues to join in suppo
HONORING DIANE VANDERKOOY FOR BEING SELECTED TO BE PART OF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN AT THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD GAMES
Darin LaHood (Republican, IL) \u2014 2019-7-30

. Madam , I rise to honor Diane VanderKooy, of Chatham, Illinois, for participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run at the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi. prgtoken Diane began her involvement with the Special Olympics in 1990. Since then, Diane has put her heart and soul into the games. VanderKooy plays a major role in coordinating the Gillespie to Bloomington leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run in Illinois. This was Diane's first time at the World Games, as she joined a team of 112 members who took part in the torch run throughout the United Arab Emirates. prgtoken Diane has dedicated her life to ensuring that people have a fun and safe environment to participate in whichever sport they desire. Not only is VanderKooy deeply involved with the Special Olympics, but she is also the Athletic Director for the Chatham Chargers. Diane was recently recognized by the Village of Chatham for her service to the village and community with an honorary designation of a local roadway as ``Diane VanderKooy Volunteer Drive.'' Diane's work proves that athletics can have a positive and meaningful impact on people from all walks of life. prgtoken Again, I would like to commend Diane VanderKooy for her continued service in the community, and for participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run at the Special Olympics World Games.
LIFE AND MEMORY OF KATHY TEAL
Ken Buck (Republican, CO) \u2014 2019-7-30

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the life and memory of Kathy Teal. prgtoken Kathy was born in Newark, NJ and grew up in the Chicago suburb of Wheaton, IL. A certified midwife, she devoted herself to serving unwed mothers and children. Kathy was a founding member of both Birthright of Greeley and the Genesis Project of Northern Colorado, organizations dedicated to helping single mothers and their children. She spent her life advocating for policies that protected expectant mothers in Colorado and continually supported organizations that protect the sanctity of life, including the Weld County Right to Life. prgtoken Madam , it is an honor to recognize Kathy Teal for always fighting to protect those unable to protect themselves. On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Colorado, I extend my condolences to the Teal family and my gratitude to Kathy for her life of service.
RECOGNIZING THE CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER FOR THEIR INVALUABLE SERVICE
Matt Gaetz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-7-30

. Madam , today I rise to recognize the Center for Independent Living Disability Resource Center (CILDRC). That is committed as epitomized in their mission statement, ``to assist individuals with disabilities achieve their goals of independence''. prgtoken The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), passed July 26, 1990, put into law the ideal that Americans with disabilities should not be discriminated against when going about their daily life. This includes, equal employment, opportunity, public building access areas, and prgtoken other accommodating services. Expanding upon these, CILDRC assists those with disabilities in asserting their freedoms to become independent. prgtoken The CILDRC assists, both, our communities and individuals with disabilities by offering work experience programs to receive the knowledge required to go into the workforce and to contribute to businesses and organizations across Northwest Florida. prgtoken This year is the 29th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The CILDRC luncheon is celebrating the importance of the ADA and reaffirms that the ADA is vital in protecting those in our communities with disabilities. prgtoken Madam , on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to congratulate the Center for Independent Living Disability Resource Center (CILDRC) on their efforts to make an impact with and on behalf of people with disabilities in our communities.