mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TEMPORARY REAUTHORIZATION AND STUDY OF THE EMERGENCY SCHEDULING OF FENTANYL ANALOGUES ACT
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-1-29

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken I am going speak in support of S. 3201, the Temporary Reauthorization and Study of the Emergency Scheduling of Fentanyl Analogues Act. It is a critical reauthorization. It is imperative to maintaining our Nation's efforts to fix the opioid epidemic. prgtoken In February of 2018, the Drug Enforcement Administration used its authority--not legislative authority, but administrative authority--to place nonscheduled fentanyl-like substances temporarily into schedule I for a period of 2 years. We are now up against that deadline, and it is important that we do not let this authorization lapse, as fentanyl and its analogues are still an imminent threat to Americans. prgtoken The Drug Enforcement Administration testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in June 2019 that: The positive impacts in the 15 months since this administrative scheduling change were significant. Prior to this action, DEA observed a rapid and continuing emergence of new fentanyl-like substances each time it scheduled a fentanyl-like substance into schedule I. prgtoken We really cannot return to that reality. Let me speak a little bit about what that reality is. Someone who is buying what they think is their standard fentanyl product from an illicit Chinese chemist and now buys a fentanyl analogue because it may not be illegal, those additional molecules change the potency of fentanyl so that some of these analogues are significantly more potent than the base molecule. In a country that has suffered with an unprecedented number of drug overdose deaths, that is a significant issue. prgtoken This Friday marks the anniversary of the United States Customs and Border Protection seizure of a record volume of fentanyl and methamphetamine worth almost $4.5 million at the border. These drugs were on their way to our American communities. They were on their way to hurt Americans. prgtoken You know, it is not lost on me the irony that the USMCA was signed today, a bill that could have been signed many, many months ago. Now we are doing this bill as a hurry-up, as prgtoken a suspension. It could have been done many months ago. Congress has been distracted with other activities, and that is incorrect. prgtoken , this is an important bill, and I urge its passage.
OPPOSITION TO IMPEACHMENT TRIAL
Thomas Massie (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-1-29

I rise today in opposition to the marathon impeachment sham trial currently underway and occupying the Senate's valuable time. prgtoken Frankly, the American people tuned out a long time ago. They find the proceeding simply boring, and rightly so. In fact, a recent focus group of said they don't even care about this impeachment trial. They are not interested, and they are ready to move on. prgtoken The truth is that, despite all of the repetitive accusations of coverup, quid pro quo, he said, she said, et cetera, et cetera, this is nothing more than an attempt at a soft coup against President by the people who still can't get over the fact that he beat Hillary Clinton fair and square at the ballot box. prgtoken Just listen to some of the recent rants made by the impeachment managers. As one manager says: ``The President's misconduct cannot be decided at the ballot box, for we cannot be assured that the vote will be fairly won.'' prgtoken What an insult to American voters. If we can't trust the American voters, who can we trust? Does he think they are gullible? Does he think he is better than them? prgtoken Or take the comments of another impeachment manager, a . He said, referring to President : ``He is a dictator. This must not stand, and that is another reason he must be removed from office.'' prgtoken These are insulting to the American public who chose this President over Hillary Clinton. prgtoken But these are the types of comments you would expect in a Third World country in which military coups are a common occurrence, not in the United States of America where we honor the votes and choices of the American people. prgtoken President Zelensky and President both said there was no pressure or coercion, and the call transcripts have been released to the public to prove this. prgtoken But even if there had been pressure, if withholding foreign aid is an impeachable offense, why did threaten to do it? prgtoken As I have stated repeatedly, if the bar of high crimes and misdemeanors has been brought down so low to include President 's so-called abuse of power, then should be charged for his actions in Ukraine. Instead, he gets a pass. prgtoken This impeachment trial is simply a farce. But it is an expensive and time wasting one foisted on the American people by those who do not have our country's best interests at heart. prgtoken Even the of the House, who is a , said, if there is going to be an impeachment trial, if there is going to be impeachment proceedings, it should be bipartisan, it would have to be bipartisan. prgtoken , the only thing bipartisan about this sham is the opposition to it. joined every to vote against it in the House. I expect we are going to see similar results in the Senate, a bipartisan opposition to this partisan sham. prgtoken I look forward to the Senate bringing this farce to a speedy conclus
HONORING THE SERVICE OF CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER DOUGLAS ENGLEN
Mark E. Green (Republican, TN) \u2014 2020-1-29

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Chief Warrant Officer Douglas Englen for his distinguished career in service to this nation. prgtoken Over the course of more than three decades in the United States Army, Chief Douglas Englen has demonstrated exceptional skill, unwavering bravery, and valor in defense of freedom. As a helicopter pilot with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, the elite unit tasked with helicopter support of special operations forces, Chief Englen has flown over 2,500 combat missions in every major U.S. conflict since Operation Desert Storm. prgtoken Chief Englen's intrepid leadership played a crucial role in many key engagements and operations, most notably Operation Neptune Spear. Englen served first as one of four key planners for this daring nighttime raid to take out Osama bin Laden, America's most wanted terrorist. During the mission, he served as the flight lead for the strike force, for which he prgtoken was awarded his second Silver Star--the U.S. military's third-highest combat decoration. Englen's adept piloting through mountainous terrain enabled the strike force to approach bin Laden's compound undetected and take out the man responsible for the deadliest terrorist attack in human history. prgtoken Englen's exploits in defense of the country have resulted in his admittance into the Army Aviation Association of America Aviation Hall of Fame--an honor he shares with accomplished Army Aviators, including his fellow Night Stalker Michael Durant and numerous Medal of Honor recipients. Prior to retirement, Mr. Englen was noteworthy for being the most decorated Army Aviator on active duty. Doug Englen is a hero to heroes. prgtoken It is altogether fitting that we honor Chief Englen as he concludes a remarkable career marked by his steadfast commitment to duty and country. He leaves the 160th SOAR with two Silver Stars, one Distinguished Service Medal, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Legions of Merit, two Bronze Stars, and eight Air Medals. On behalf of the United States Congress, I wish to commend Chief Englen for his faithful service to our nation, and I congratulate him on the occasion of his retirement from the United States Army.
HONORING JIM LYALL
Kevin Hern (Republican, OK) \u2014 2020-1-29

. Madam , I rise to honor the First District of Oklahoma's January Veteran of the Month, Jim Lyall. prgtoken A sergeant in the United States Army, Mr. Lyall honorably served our country in the Vietnam conflict. Throughout his time in the military, Mr. Lyall earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, an Army Commendation with Valor, the Good Conduct Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and he received a Citation for Valor on September 27, 1968. Mr. Lyall's courageous and valorous service in the name of freedom is truly honorable. prgtoken Following his departure from the military, Jim became a tireless servant for the veterans of northeastern Oklahoma. Currently, he serves as the Veterans Outreach Coordinator for the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, ensuring that those who have served our country have access to meals. Mr. Lyall also currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Coffee Bunker, a Tulsa non-profit, that seeks to meet veterans ``where they are'' and help them transition to family and community life following their service. prgtoken Before his retirement in 2017, Jim served at the Community Service Council beginning in 1980, retiring as the Associate Director. Mr. Lyall helped spearhead many of the programs that help to make the Community Service Council a premier service organization in Oklahoma and, in spite of his retirement, remains active with the Council. He currently serves as a Resource Member for the Community Service Council and is active in their Oklahoma Veteran Alliance program. prgtoken Jim Lyall lives a life of unmatched dedication, sacrifice, and service to our great nation. He answered the call to defend freedom across the globe and sacrificed whatever was necessary in the name of that noble cause. He continues to serve our country, community, and his fellow veterans at a high level on a daily basis. It is my honor to recognize Jim Lyall as the 1st Congressional District of Oklahoma's January Veteran of the Month.
CELEBRATING HICKORY'S 150TH ANNIVERSARY
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2020-1-29

I rise to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Hickory, North Carolina. prgtoken In 1870, Adolphus Shuford founded Hickory Tavern, which would later become the city of Hickory. Originally, it prgtoken featured seven businesses, seven manufacturing plants, and had a population of 330 people. prgtoken In the 1800s, Hickory was a primary trading center along the Western North Carolina Railroad, and it grew into one of the largest hubs for business manufacturing and textiles in the Southeast United States. prgtoken Today, Hickory is home to more than 40,000 people. It holds data centers operated by the world's largest technology companies, and over 40 percent of the world's fiber optic cable is manufactured there. prgtoken Hickory's history goes even beyond its industrial roots. Some other noteworthy features are: the Hickory Motor Speedway, one of the most legendary short tracks in the history of American stock car racing; the local community college, Catawba Valley Community College, which is providing some of the most excellent education offered anywhere in the country to the citizens of the area; Lenoir-Rhyne University, one of North Carolina's premier schools, which was founded in 1891; a wonderful art center; and a Minor League Baseball team, the Hickory Crawdads, which was founded 25 years ago. prgtoken While the city continues to grow, its historical landmarks still stand as a testament to its rich history. From the Propst House to Maple Grove, Union Square to the Henry River Mill Village, Hickory's legacy as a leader in textiles manufacturing and trading is ever- present. prgtoken Hickory has played a pivotal role in North Carolina's history, and it continues to make a sizeable impact on North Carolina's economy. prgtoken , I am proud to represent Hickory, North Carolina, and I am certain it will continue to prosper and celebrate many more significant milestones in the future.
TWO DEFINITIONS OF PRODUCTIVITY
Daniel Meuser (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-1-29

there are different definitions of productivity at the two ends of Pennsylvania Avenue at this point in time. prgtoken Here at the Capitol, leadership seems to confuse activity with accomplishment, spending years--years--trying to impeach and remove a duly-elected President. prgtoken At the White House, just this week, President delivered two major accomplishments, a Middle East peace plan and the signing of the USMCA. prgtoken The President's two-State peace agreement with Israeli leadership protects Israel's security and ensures Palestine has a prosperous future as long as it too seeks peace. It is the product of compromise and is a promising solution for a long-unstable region. prgtoken The USMCA, just signed earlier today, opens new markets for American goods, levels the playing field for North American trade, and creates jobs nationwide. It is great for our country and it is great for Pennsylvania. prgtoken As was stated very well earlier this week: ``Imagine if all the energy from this impeachment was used to solve the problems of the American people.''
WISHING THE KANSAS CITY CHIEFS LUCK IN THE SUPER BOWL
Roger Marshall (Republican, KS) \u2014 2020-1-29

. Madam , it seems like it was just yesterday when I sat down in my family living room with my dad to watch Super Bowl IV. It was an exciting game, watching Hank Stram strut up and down the sideline, Lenny Dawson completing long passes to Otis Taylor. prgtoken This weekend, after 50 years in the desert, the Chiefs are back at the Super Bowl. On behalf of the entire delegation, I want to wish Coach Reid and MVP Patrick Mahomes a great day, a great game, wishing that they all do their very best and bring back home that Lombardi Trophy.
STUDENT BORROWER CREDIT IMPROVEMENT ACT
Andy Barr (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-1-29

. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 3621, a bill that has been misnamed as the Comprehensive CREDIT Act of 2020. A more appropriate title of the bill would be the ``Incomplete and Inaccurate Credit Act,'' because the bill's core purpose is to remove critically important predictive data from credit reports. prgtoken Even worse, the bill would give unprecedented authority to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to control, micromanage, and politicize the development of credit scoring models. prgtoken This bill and its authors trust in the abilities of unelected Washington bureaucrats to price risk for millions of Americans, which will result in higher cost and fewer choices for consumers and will harm low- and middle-income borrowers who are trying to build a credit profile. prgtoken The accurate pricing of risk is an essential element of a functioning economy. Pricing a loan, underwriting an insurance policy, or tailoring a line of credit for a borrower all require a reliance on risk-based metrics. Credit scores allow for a holistic view of a consumer's history with financial products and allow an institution to understand that consumer's ability to honor his or her obligations. prgtoken This bill would upend our current system of pricing risk by turning over the private sector's creditworthiness models to the government and placing a wildly unrealistic confidence in central planning rather than free enterprise. prgtoken My colleagues continue to believe that a centralized bureaucratic agency is the best and only option to fully protect consumers. The irony is that this bill would result in much less accurate credit scoring and would harm the very people my colleagues purport to help. prgtoken If you think that private credit scoring is flawed and disadvantages the borrowing public, just wait until the government is in charge. We continue to see the CFPB's incompetence on full display, and credit scoring will not be any different. prgtoken We need a credit reporting system that relies on accurate, risk- based, predictive metrics. Our goal should be to allow people with good credit to have access to financial products at a reasonable price and to provide means for people with lower scores to rebuild their credit on a path to a more prosperous future. prgtoken Putting credit reporting metrics in the hands of unelected bureaucrats and boxing out the private sector will make financial products more expensive and less available for all citizens and have detrimental downstream effects on our credit-based economy. Worse, it risks politicizing credit scores instead of assigning scores based on an accurate and fulsome credit history. prgtoken We should not replace the accountability of market forces and free enterprise with the unaccountability of government bureaucracy. This bill will politicize credit reporting by empowering an inherently political agency. prgtoken The question is not whether t
CONGRATULATING THE CAMP HILL LIONS GIRLS SOCCER TEAM
Scott Perry (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-1-29

I rise today to offer my heartfelt congratulations to the Camp Hill Lions Girls Soccer Team for their victory at the PIAA Class A State Soccer Championship, and for their excellence throughout their undefeated 2019 season. prgtoken Led by Coach Jared Latchford--who, to no one's surprise, was just named the Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association Girls Class A Coach of the Year--the Lions dominated the season, achieving a stunning overall record of 25 wins, zero ties, and zero losses. prgtoken This is the Lions' second appearance at the state championship in the last 3 years. They took an early lead in their contest against Shady Side Academy and held it throughout the game. prgtoken Aggressive and selfless offense, vigilant defense, and stellar goalkeeping earned the Lions a 2-0 victory and their first State championship trophy in school history. prgtoken These amazing athletes are the epitome of remarkable dedication and discipline, outstanding skill, exceptional sportsmanship, and an unyielding team spirit. Their dedication to excellence, to say the least, earned them this championship. prgtoken On behalf of Pennsylvania's 10th Congressional District, I congratulate the Camp Hill Lions for their incredible performance. We are proud of you.
RECOGNIZING LISA WILLIAMS OF COLLEYVILLE, TEXAS FOR HER OUTSTANDING WORK
Kenny Marchant (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-1-29

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Lisa Williams for her tireless devotion to helping victims of human trafficking overcome the many challenges they face. As a distinguished leader in the non-profit community, Lisa has been working to counter the tragic effects of child abuse and sexual exploitation since she founded Circle of Friends: Celebrating Life, Inc. in 1999. prgtoken From the outset, Circle of Friends has collaborated with various stakeholders to fundraise and create awareness about the systemic issues that human trafficking presents to communities across the country. Under Lisa's guidance, other programs were established to further this goal, such as Living Water for Women, Living Water for Girls and the Living Water Learning Resource Center. Through these channels, Lisa has focused on providing services that are based on proven intervention and rehabilitative strategies, such as creating spaces for safe refuge, delivering therapeutic treatments, and facilitating educational and career opportunities for victims of sex trafficking. prgtoken For over twenty years, Lisa's work has enabled women and children to heal by way of an extensive network of support services. Her efforts will continue through the Circle of Friends Impact Legacy Scholarship Fund, a dollar-for-dollar, matched endowment that is administered by the Century Challenge at Boston University. The Circle of Friends scholarship fund will empower survivors of adverse sexual experiences to pursue an education and achieve self-sufficiency. prgtoken Ms. Williams's philanthropic endeavors have undoubtedly served as a beacon of hope to many. Madam , it is a pleasure to recognize the remarkable work that Lisa has produced in support of human trafficking victims. I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in recognizing Lisa Williams for her distinguished years of service.
STUDENT BORROWER CREDIT IMPROVEMENT ACT
Roger Williams (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-1-29

I rise today in opposition to H.R. 3621. prgtoken As a business owner and lender, I know firsthand the value that complete and accurate credit reports have in making sound business decisions. prgtoken For any business that relies on financing, risk-based pricing is essential in order to offer each customer the lowest rate possible. Every time a deal is broken, the cost gets passed along to the next customer. prgtoken Your handshake is worth something. When you are trying to get a loan, people need to know that your signature is worth something as well. prgtoken In Texas, a deal is a deal, and you must always live up to your end of the bargain. For those customers who have been financially responsible and always paid their debts on time, they are rewarded with lower rates. For those borrowers who have not paid their debts on time, financial institutions are forced to price in this inherent risk. prgtoken Whether a person is buying a car, a private jet, or a cow, the lender needs to be paid back in order to be able to continue offering lines of credit to responsible people in their community. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I am concerned that this bill would take us down a path where lenders are receiving incomplete credit reports that have been scrubbed of all negative information. In other words, hiding information results in greater risk for the lender. This would make borrowing money more expensive for all customers since financial institutions will have a worse picture about who will be able to repay their debts and who will not. prgtoken Again, I remind you we say and always should remember: A deal is a deal. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this bill.