mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ORDER OF PROCEDURE
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2019-7-8

we have just heard two colleagues make convincing and compassionate arguments for putting a price on carbon, the central protection from climate crisis. prgtoken A price on carbon like we propose would dramatically lower emissions and put us on a net-zero-by-2050 path, the path necessary to avoid the worst climate chaos. Because it is a price on pollution, we can dial it up or dial it down as climate chaos worsens or abates. Because our proposal is border-adjustable, it would let American industry compete even in countries without a price on carbon. Because our plan is revenue neutral, all the funds go back to the American people in the form of payroll tax credits, Social Security or VA benefits, or grants to States to navigate this transition. prgtoken If our plan is so good, you might think it would already be on its way to becoming law. You might think there would be Senate hearings on it or bipartisan negotiations. Well, none of the above. To understand why that is taking place, you have to look at who is supporting carbon pricing and who is opposed. prgtoken Let's start with the good news. Who is supporting it? Earlier this year, 27 winners of the Nobel Prize in economics--27 Nobel prize- winning economists--15 former Chairs of the President's Council of Economic Advisers, more than half of them marked here in red are s; 4 former Chairs of the Federal Reserve, half of them s; and 2 Treasury Secretaries, including a , in the Wall Street Journal, no less, endorsed a border-adjustable price on carbon with revenues returned to the American people--in other words, a carbon price very like our bill. prgtoken Even the patron saint of conservative economists, Milton Friedman, himself a Nobel Prize winner, made the case that it is proper under conservative economics for government to put a price on pollution. [T]he best way to do it is to impose a tax on the cost of the pollutants . . . and make an incentive for . . . manufacturers and for consumers to keep down the amount of pollution. prgtoken Four former Administrators of the Environmental Protection Agency--for President Nixon, President Reagan, and both President es--advocated for a price on carbon in the New York Times. prgtoken There is burgeoning support in the business community. In May, dozens of companies, with a combined market cap of nearly $2.5 trillion, came to Congress to advocate for a price on carbon. CEOs of 13 major corporations recently announced the formation of the CEO Climate Dialogue to do the same. All these CEOs and corporations may be responding to an explosion of warnings coming from economic regulators here and abroad, national banks here and abroad, government agencies here and abroad, and risk analysts, who do this kind of thing professionally, that we are headed for economic perils if climate change is not addressed with an effective, predictable re
ORDER OF PROCEDURE
Brian Schatz (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2019-7-8

last year, the United States weathered 14 different disasters costing $1 billion or more, including 2 hurricanes that cost more than $25 billion in damages. Just in the past 3 years, the annual average of billion-dollar disasters has doubled compared to what it has been over the long term. These numbers give us a sense of what extreme weather and climate inaction will cost us, but the hundreds of billions of dollars of damages we have seen from extreme weather over the past few years do not capture the full costs. prgtoken An economist named Gary Yohe recently pointed out in a Washington Post article that extreme weather doesn't simply damage or destroy property. These events require people, businesses, and government to take money they would have spent elsewhere and put it toward rebuilding. So instead of promoting growth or investing in business or communities, we are treading water by putting billions of dollars into just rebuilding the status quo. Yohe calculates that if we have similar extreme weather events over the next 10 years, the U.S. GDP will be 3.6 percent lower. So, in 2029, our economy will be $1 trillion poorer because of extreme weather and climate change. This is why actuaries have named climate change the No. 1 risk to North American insurers. This isn't the Conservation Council for Hawai'i. This isn't the Sierra Club. This is not the League of Conservation Voters. These are actuaries. They named climate change the No. 1 risk to North American insurers. That is why insurance executives are warning that the world will be uninsurable if climate change accelerates. prgtoken Risks that come with climate change--extreme fires and droughts, sea rise and hurricanes--threaten economic growth and financial instability across sectors. This is no longer in the future tense. This is no longer hypothetical. Climate change is happening right now and is forcing businesses to change their approach right now. In Europe and the United States, insurance companies have publicly announced they will no longer do business with mining and coal companies. Alliance, Chubb, AXA, Zurich, Swiss Re, and others have all decided they can't insure coal anymore. They can't underwrite or invest in the industry without taking on too much risk. prgtoken This is part of a trend across the private sector and across the world. Farmers, private equity groups, shareholders, and regulators are all looking at the economic risks of climate change and changing their strategies to mitigate these risks. They are worried about the cost of goods, the profitability of businesses, the stability of the market. They are worried about the new and growing risk of droughts, floods, storms, wildfires, and sea level rise because these events reduce the value of assets. They decrease investment income. They increase insured and uninsured losses. In other words, they are disrupting our financial institutions. The health of our fina
FOURTH OF JULY
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-7-8

I hope all of our colleagues had a productive State work period and an enjoyable Fourth of July. prgtoken On Thursday, hundreds of millions of proud Americans joined together all across our country in town squares, parks, and backyards to cohost our Nation's 243rd birthday party. As always, the parades and fireworks and picnics commemorated something serious: our proud national legacy of liberty. It began in Philadelphia in 1776, and we continue working to make it manifest to this day. prgtoken Celebrating our freedoms also means remembering the great sacrifices that so many have given in order to protect and preserve them. It is fitting that here in our Nation's Capital, the fireworks display lights up our war memorials and the tombs of fallen warriors across the river. And, of course, we remember also all the men and women currently serving today. prgtoken We Americans have so much to be proud of. Just yesterday, we were given yet another reason. Instead of taking the weekend off, the U.S. women's national soccer team finished their time in France by winning the World Cup. Earlier last week, the U.S. women commemorated Independence Day early by beating England, and then yesterday, they defeated the Netherlands--two to nothing--to take first place. Through grit, teamwork, and dazzling talent, the American women have now raised the World Cup trophy four times. prgtoken A billion viewers around the world tuned in to watch the tournament. All told, they saw the United States outscore our opponents collectively by 26 to 3 and follow our victory in the prgtoken last tournament in 2015 with a back-to-back win this time as well. prgtoken I know my colleagues join me in offering the Senate's congratulations to the U.S. women's national soccer team for bringing this honor home.
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2019-7-8

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
TRIBUTE TO JOHN FALKENBURY
Richard Burr (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-7-8

today I wish to pay tribute to my constituent and friend, John Falkenbury who is retiring this month as president and COO of the USO of North Carolina. John has served the USO in North Carolina successfully since March 2009. prgtoken In this role, John has been responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the operations of the Sate headquarters, five USO fixed centers, and a mobile center in the areas in and surrounding Jacksonville, Charlotte, Fayetteville, and Raleigh-Durham, NC. These base and airport centers provide a full range of important services including critical resiliency, transition assistance, financial literacy, and children's educational programs; travel assistance at Charlotte Douglas International, Raleigh-Durham, and Fayetteville airports; deployment and homecoming operations; internet and video link access; military and civilian community outreach programs; fallen and Wounded Warrior escort services; holiday feasts; and extensive morale- boosting activities. prgtoken Remarkably, in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, the USO of North Carolina was able to quickly arrange for nearly 1,000 care packages that were airlifted by Blackhawk helicopters to soldiers and civilians in the stricken areas. For 5 days, the mobile center deployed within 24 hours to establish a center in the Guard's primary and austere ``tent city'' near Lumberton and provided basic necessity items, a BBQ dinner, satellite, and internet services to over 400 soldiers. prgtoken I also rise today to thank Mr. Falkenbury for his 20 years of service in the U.S. Army prior to his work for the USO. His military experience included assignments throughout the United States and in Germany, including battalion executive officer, 2nd Armored Division, Fort Hood, TX; chief of operations and later director of public affairs, 56th Field Artillery Command, Germany; director of public affairs, U.S. Army War College and Carlisle Barracks at Carlisle Barracks, PA. prgtoken I am honored to congratulate John Falkenbury on his retirement from a career of distinguished public service and to thank him for his commitment to this great Nation.
CONSTITUENT OUTREACH
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-7-8

. If you are going to have representative government, you have to have dialogue between constituents and those of us elected. prgtoken Last week, I continued my annual 99 county meetings with Q&A's in 12 of our 99 counties. prgtoken No matter the setting, Iowans set the agenda at my meetings. Holding face-to-face meetings is the best way to hear what is on Iowans' minds, but it is not the only way. prgtoken I encourage Iowans to write in or call my office to voice their opinions on any Federal issue. Iowans can also read my speeches and press releases on grassley.senate.gov; follow me on Facebook or on Twitter @chuckgrassley or @senatorchuckgrassley on Instagram. prgtoken I enjoyed my conversations with Iowans last week. prgtoken . prgtoken .
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2019-7-8

today I wish to honor William J. ``Bill'' prgtoken Strauss, a WWII veteran who served his country with bravery, honor, and distinction and who continues to inspire Arkansans as an active member of his community. prgtoken Bill was born on October 27, 1919. This year, his friends, family, and community have planned a number of events to celebrate his 100th birthday and recognize his endless commitment to serving others. prgtoken Bill has led a life of service. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in January 1942 and assigned to the 73rd Field Artillery of the 9th Armored Division--the ``Phantom Division''--which valiantly helped defeat the Germans at the Battle of the Bulge. prgtoken For his selfless service, Bill earned numerous awards, including the European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with three Bronze Battle Stars. In recent years, he was also awarded the French Legion of Honor. prgtoken When he was honorably discharged in 1945, Bill returned home and married the late Betty Dean Saulsman. The couple raised four children. prgtoken Bill moved to Salem, AR, in 1995 and has been a leader in the community. He is a lifetime member of the VFW and continues to be an active member of VFW Post 9777. He shares the memories of his WWII service and his stories of the Battle of the Bulge at schools and at various community events. prgtoken Like his fellow servicemembers, Bill defined the Greatest Generation. Their sacrifice and dedication changed the course of history. After serving in unimaginable circumstances in Europe, Bill came home and set about creating a stronger nation, something he continues today. I want to thank him for his service and wish him a very happy 100th birthday.
HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF CAPTAIN JASON B. FITCH
Mike Levin (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-7-9

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the retirement of Captain Jason B. Fitch. Captain Fitch has devoted his young adult life to the service of his family and country. Later this year, on December 1, 2019, Captain Fitch will retire from active duty after honorably serving this Nation for 28 years. As he completes his tour of duty in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition, and prepares to hang up his military uniform, we all know that his influence has reached far beyond the strict confines of his rank and previous job titles. prgtoken Captain Fitch's military career began 28 years ago today as a Midshipman when he took the Oath of Office at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. After graduation, he was commissioned as an Ensign into the United States Navy. He served honorably in uniform for nearly three decades with tours of duty across the United States and deployments around the world. He served as the Supply Officer for Naval Special Warfare Center in Coronado, California. He served aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) and the USS Mount Vernon (LSD 39). In 2006, Captain Fitch was recognized as the Navy Fuel Officer of the Year and as the Fuel Director for the Navy Bulk Fuel Terminal of the Year for 2007. He also served as the Naval Aviation Enterprise Officer and Director for the H-60 ``Seahawk'' Integrated Weapons Support Team at Naval Inventory Control Point in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. While assigned to U.S. Special Operations Command, he deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom (2013) in support of the Special Operations Joint Task Force-Afghanistan (SOJTF-A) as the J4 director. prgtoken Captain Fitch was entrusted with command ashore, where he served as the Commanding Officer for Naval Special Warfare Group ONE Logistics Support Unit. During his tenure in command, he deployed to Operation INHERENT RESOLVE (2015) as the J4 director of Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Iraq and received the Bronze Star Medal. He currently serves at the Pentagon as the Director for Outcome Based Logistics and Supply Chain Management, in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Expeditionary Programs and Logistics Management (E&LM). prgtoken In addition, Captain Fitch earned a master's degree in Business Administration with concentrations in Petroleum Management and International Business from the University of Kansas. He earned a Master of Science in National Security and Resource Strategy from the National Defense University's Eisenhower School. Captain Fitch also completed Kellogg's Executive Development Program. prgtoken In honor of his service, I would like to express my gratitude for Captain Jason B. Fitch's dedication to this country and our community. I wish him and his family the best as he retires to San Diego this December.
Remembering Jim Taricani (Executive Calendar)
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2019-7-9

it is a great honor to join my senior colleague, Senator Reed, on the Senate floor to remember someone we both knew very well, Jim Taricani, a prgtoken legendary investigative reporter, whom not only we knew well but so many Rhode Islanders knew well. prgtoken There was a rule in Rhode Island: When Jim called, you answered. He was also tough. He was always fair. He was the founder of WJAR's I- Team, a storied investigative unit for the NBC affiliate in Rhode Island. prgtoken Jim started working as a reporter in the 1970s, when the New England mafia was still active on the streets of Providence. He became known for segments exposing organized crime and for sniffing out public corruption, and, at times, a bit of a combination of both. Jim's news sense and his doggedness were legendary. prgtoken Jim was a Rhode Island icon. In a small State, with more than its share of stories to tell and plenty of larger-than-life characters, investigative journalists have always had a particular prominence. For more than three decades, Jim was among the best of them all. prgtoken He was brave. When a Federal judge ordered Jim to divulge who had provided him with a tape of a bribe being accepted at Providence City Hall, he opted for a prison sentence rather than give up his source. The courage of Jim Taricani made national headlines. He ended up serving 4 months of home confinement and testified before Congress in 2007 in support of a Federal shield law to protect the freedom of the press. prgtoken Rhode Islanders felt a personal connection to Jim for another reason. Jim needed a new heart in the 1990s. After having suffered two heart attacks in his thirties, he shared this health saga on the air, allowing WJAR cameras to follow along as he underwent a heart transplant and navigated his recovery. prgtoken From living rooms and kitchen tables across Rhode Island, Rhode Islanders rooted for Jim. As his health improved, he ultimately returned to the newsroom. The transplant would give him 23 more years, which he called his bonus. prgtoken Jim passed away last month at the age of 69. With the free press under more strain than almost any other point in our Nation's history, Jim's funeral became a really important moment. The photo Senator Reed just showed on the front page of the Providence Journal the next day was a sight to behold. More than 50 journalists showed up to serve as Jim Taricani's honor guard. The honor guard had dozens of reporters from across Rhode Island--not just from WJAR but from all of its competitors too. Journalists came from other parts of the country who had crossed paths with Jim at channel 10 during time they spent in Rhode Island. They had come back to see off a friend, a hero, and a staunch defender of the First Amendment. prgtoken I join Senator Reed today in thinking of Jim's beloved wife, Laurie White, and the many friends of theirs who mourn Jim's passing. He will be missed. prgtoken I yie
IN RECOGNITION OF NANCY HAMOOD FOR HER EXEMPLARY SERVICE
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-7-9

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Nancy Hamood for her exemplary service with the Dearborn Police Department. Her years of dedicated work are worthy of commendation. prgtoken A lifelong resident of Dearborn, Nancy Hamood dedicated her life to serving her community. Ms. Hamood was hired by the Dearborn Police Department in 1979, initially working with the department's operations division. After a brief period in that position, Ms. Hamood became the Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Police, where she served under Dearborn's past five police chiefs. In her role, she helped coordinate important community events as well as meetings with Heads of State, Federal Government Officials, and State leaders. Ms. Hamood's efforts ensured that the department ran efficiently and effectively during her tenure. After forty years of service to the Dearborn community, Nancy Hamood retired from the Dearborn Police in June of this year. prgtoken Throughout her decorated career, Ms. Hamood has served with distinction. Called the ``ultimate professional'' by coworkers, Nancy Hamood was highly respected during her extended career. She often undertook tasks and responsibilities beyond the normal purview of her position, highlighting her dedication to service. We thank Nancy Hamood for her commitment to professional excellence and we congratulate her on her retirement. Her dedicated leadership will be missed, but we wish her good health and every happiness in her retirement years. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Nancy Hamood for her four decades of service with the Dearborn Police Department. Her work has had a profound impact on the police department and on the larger Dearborn community.
NOMINATIONS
Robert P. Casey, Jr. (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2019-7-9

I rise this evening to talk about judicial nominations and, in my view, the state of play, where we are. I want to highlight some of the very real impacts these nominations have on Americans across the board. prgtoken We have had a number of opportunities this year to come together and have agreement on some judicial nominations, but, frankly, this year-- the last several years--this issue has been the subject of conflict and sometimes rancor and division on the Senate floor and in the committee, the committee of jurisdiction, the Judiciary Committee. prgtoken I have raised concerns about the willingness of Senate s to dismantle longstanding Senate rules but also Senate norms, all in a rush to pack the bench with nominees who are often both ideological and also, in some cases--not in all but in some cases--both too ideological and often unqualified. prgtoken Early this afternoon, the Senate voted to confirm Daniel Aaron Bress to a Ninth Circuit seat in California. I will talk about his nomination just by way of example, not by way of argument before a confirmation vote because that has passed. prgtoken I think his nomination and confirmation are another example of the decline of the Senate's once-proud traditions relating to judicial nominations. prgtoken He was opposed by both of his home State Senators. Both Senator Feinstein and Senator did not return a blue slip for Daniel Aaron Bress. prgtoken The blue slip, as many people know, is literally a single piece of paper where Senators sign their name and then check off whether they support or oppose, as a way to have consensus between Senators from their home State, and it has always been accorded respect and deference in this Chamber, but that has all changed now. prgtoken In this case, you had a California nomination--I will get to that part of it in a moment--where, as I said, both Senators did not return blue slips. In this case, in particular, I think it is particularly offensive because Senator Feinstein is the ranking member of the committee. prgtoken For those who don't pay attention to all this terminology, ``ranking member'' is the top person in one party who is not the chairman or chairwoman, as the case may be. prgtoken So as the top , the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, her opposition to Judge Bress should be an important factor in his nomination and confirmation. prgtoken Prior to this administration, the Judiciary Committee had never held a hearing for a nominee from the ranking member's home State without his or her support. Again, that has all changed just recently. prgtoken Prior rules and norms have not stopped s in the Senate from pushing extreme and sometimes corporate nominees through this process, especially at the circuit court level. prgtoken In a recent press release, Senator Feinstein and Senator explained that they opposed Judge Bress in part because he had so few c