mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO JULIE BROOKER
Deb Fischer (Republican, NE) \u2014 2019-3-5

today I would like to recognize Julie Brooker, my central Nebraska director of constituent services who retired at the end of February. prgtoken Julie Brooker's service in the U.S. Senate began in 1997 and has spanned three U.S. Senators from Nebraska: former Senator Chuck Hagel, former Senator Mike Johanns, and myself. prgtoken Before her longtime work as a Senate staffer, Julie was a committed and hardworking volunteer on a number of political campaigns. prgtoken She was well known as someone willing to haul yard signs all over Nebraska's huge third district. prgtoken You see, a commitment to helping and serving others ran in Julie's family. prgtoken Julie's dad, Gordon, served faithfully as a local volunteer firefighter, and her mom, Doralene, served on both the Buffalo County Board of Supervisors and the Nebraska Public Power District Board. prgtoken Their example instilled in her lessons in treating people with kindness, listening to others' concerns, and lending a helping hand. prgtoken If you were planning a run for office in Nebraska, Julie Brooker was someone you needed to go see. prgtoken When I decided to run for U.S. Senate, Julie was one of the first people I visited with, and she was so very generous with her time and her advice. prgtoken During her Senate career, Julie sacrificed many days, nights, and weekends to serve the people of Nebraska well. prgtoken She was renowned for driving whichever U.S. Senator she was serving at the time all over the third district. prgtoken In every county, Julie had many friends. Her genuine interest in others and friendly, approachable demeanor were always on display. prgtoken Over the years Julie worked in my office, I was always completely confident that she was representing me well and that my constituents in Kearney and throughout the central region of the State were in the very best of hands. prgtoken Whether it was through her tenacity in helping resolve casework, her willingness to meet with any Nebraskan who crossed her path, or her ability to provide tough news in compassionate ways, Julie has always had a servant's heart. prgtoken Serving Nebraskans wasn't a job for Julie, it was a calling. She loves Nebraska, and she loves Nebraskans. prgtoken I want to thank Julie's husband, Jim, for loaning Julie to the people of central Nebraska for so many years. prgtoken I am also so very grateful to Julie's kids and grandkids for sacrificing time with her so that she could put the time and energy she had into this service to the people of Nebraska. prgtoken The city of Kearney, the State of Nebraska, and the U.S. Senate are better because of Julie's wonderful work throughout the years. prgtoken She is a dedicated, committed person who focused on making life better for Nebraskans. prgtoken She is truly one of a kind. prgtoken I congratulate Julie on her remarkable career in public service. I thank her for her many years of service to our State and to our people, an
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF FAITH CHRISTINE BARCROFT
Roger Williams (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-3-5

. Madam , I would like to take this time to honor the life and legacy of my good friend, Jack Barcroft's wife, Faith Christine Barcroft. prgtoken Mrs. Barcroft resided in Gatesville, in the 25th District of Texas that I represent. At the young age of 39, she passed away on February 20, 2019, from glioblastoma. prgtoken Glioblastoma is a very aggressive cancer that can occur in the brain or spinal cord. It is the most common type of brain cancer, and almost 200,000 people die of it each year. Madam , this number is far too high, and it breaks my heart that my dear friend fell victim to it. prgtoken Before and after her diagnosis, Faith was a loving wife, mother, and daughter. She was often described as adventurous, welcoming, and she always put her family's well-being above her own. This family has experienced an immeasurable loss, and the entire Gatesville community and I are praying for them. prgtoken While we cannot bring Faith back, we can continue to raise awareness for glioblastoma and the pain it causes families like the Barcrofts. Unfortunately, there is no known way to prevent this type of cancer, but we must not give up. We must bring attention to this unforgiving diagnosis and pray that one day, research will uncover a cure. prgtoken Please keep this loving family in your prayers. prgtoken May God bless the Barcrofts. prgtoken In God we trust.
The Green New Deal (Executive Session)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-3-5

I would like to make a point about the so-called Green New Deal. It is very obvious it is a reference to Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal in the 1930s. The implication is that what the New Deal did for the Depression should be a model for the environment. prgtoken There is just one great big problem: The New Deal in the 1930s didn't work. It didn't get us out of the Great Depression. The Depression didn't end until we entered World War II. prgtoken Just like the original, the Green New Deal sounds like really bold action, but it is really a jumble of half-cocked policies that will dampen economic growth and will hurt jobs. prgtoken Everything our government ought to be trying to do is to encourage economic growth and to create jobs. prgtoken . prgtoken .
Tribute to Richard C. Shelby (Executive Calendar)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-3-5

I want to start my remarks this afternoon by saying congratulations to our friend Senator Richard Shelby, Alabama's longest serving U.S. Senator as of this Sunday. prgtoken Here in Washington, we know him as chairman of the all-powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, which holds the congressional purse strings, but Alabamians, from Huntsville to Gulf Shores, know him as a devoted public servant working for the good of all of his constituents and an invaluable Member of the U.S. Senate. prgtoken Senator Shelby is a man of principles. He believes in smaller government, supports the Second Amendment, and works tirelessly for the military men and women from Alabama. prgtoken There is only one thing he is more proud of than his home State, and that may be the Crimson Tide football team and the number of their national championships. prgtoken I just wanted to start my comments this afternoon by saying congratulations to our friend Senator Richard Shelby for 32 years of serving the people of Alabama.
Nomination of Chad A. Readler (Executive Calendar)
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2019-3-5

I rise to announce my opposition to the nomination of Chad Readler to be a Judge on the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. prgtoken As the Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department's Civil Division, Mr. Readler was both a lead attorney and policy adviser in the Department's decision not to defend the Affordable Care Act, including its provisions protecting individuals with preexisting conditions. prgtoken Rather than defend the law and its protections for individuals with preexisting conditions, such as asthma, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, Mr. Readler's brief in Texas v. United States argued that they should be invalidated. prgtoken I strongly objected to DOJ's position to not defend the law, and it is telling that this position also concerned some other career attorneys in the Department. In fact, three career attorneys withdrew from the case rather than support this position, and one of those attorneys eventually resigned. prgtoken In my view, the Justice Department's severability argument is wrong and implausible. On June 27, 2018, I wrote to Attorney General Sessions and urged the Justice Department to reverse course and to defend the law's critical protections for individuals with preexisting conditions. Even the Justice Department acknowledged that it was ``rare'' for the government to refuse to defend the laws of the United States against constitutional challenges. prgtoken I have continuously stressed the importance of protecting Americans who suffer from preexisting conditions, including 45 percent of Maine's population: 590,000 Mainers. In July 2017, I voted to block several proposals to repeal the ACA, which I feared would reduce protections for individuals with preexisting conditions. In October 2018, I voted to overturn a administration rule that expands the duration of short-term health insurance plans, which could deny coverage to people with preexisting conditions.
THANKING JAMES ``BUCK'' GILCREASE FOR HIS SERVICE TO ALVIN ISD
Pete Olson (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-3-5

. Madam , I rise today to thank James ``Buck'' Gilcrease on his years of dedication and service to the students and faculty of Alvin ISD. prgtoken Since assuming the Superintendent position in 2014, James has overseen the opening of seven new schools in the district. James led the district through multiple successful bond elections which were needed because of unprecedented population growth. During his tenure, seven new schools were opened by Alvin ISD. Even though James is retiring, he plans to continue his legacy advocating for the advancement of our children's education. prgtoken On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, thank you again to James ``Buck'' Gilcrease for his years of dedication and commitment to academic excellence at Alvin ISD. While we are sad to see him leave Alvin ISD, we wish him the best in his future endeavors.
The Economy (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2019-3-5

last week, we learned that the economy grew at a rate of 3.1 percent from the fourth quarter of 2017 to the fourth quarter of 2018. That is the strongest economic growth in over 10 years. Economic growth for the fourth quarter of 2018 smashed market expectations. prgtoken In January, the economy created more than 300,000 jobs. More than 5.3 million jobs have been created since President was elected. Job openings hit a record high of 7.3 million in December, substantially exceeding the number of those looking for work. The Department of Labor reports that the number of job openings has exceeded the number of job seekers for 10 straight months. Unemployment is low. January marked the 11th straight month that unemployment has been at or below 4 percent. That is the longest streak in nearly five decades. prgtoken Wage growth has accelerated. Wages have now been growing at a rate of 3 percent or greater for 6 straight months. The last time wage growth reached this level was in 2009. Median household income is at an alltime high. prgtoken U.S. manufacturing has rebounded. The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday: America's factories are hiring again. After years of job losses, U.S. manufacturing employment has risen for 18 straight months among those holding production or nonsupervisory jobs, the longest stretch of gains since the mid-1990s. prgtoken That is from the Wall Street Journal. prgtoken The list goes on. prgtoken The economic growth we are experiencing is the direct result of policies. Economic growth has accelerated over the past 2 years, thanks to the lifting of the burdensome regulations and a historic reform of our Tax Code. prgtoken Before we passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, our Tax Code was acting as a drag on economic growth. Small businesses faced heavy tax burdens that frequently made it difficult for them to expand and create jobs or even to get their businesses off the ground in the first place. America's global businesses faced the highest corporate tax rate in the developed world, which put them at a competitive disadvantage on the international stage. prgtoken Of course, all of that had real consequences for American workers. A small business owner facing a huge tax bill was highly unlikely to be able to expand her business or to hire a new employee. A larger business was going to find it hard to create jobs or improve benefits for employees while struggling to stay competitive against foreign businesses paying much less in taxes. So we reformed our Tax Code to make it easier for businesses to grow, create jobs, and expand opportunities for American workers. Now we are seeing the results-- economic growth, low unemployment, higher wages, a record-high number of job openings, and more. prgtoken Importantly, the benefits of this growth are being experienced widely. The Wall Street Journal reports: Racial minorities, thos
Nomination of Allison Joan Rushing (Executive Calendar)
Thom Tillis (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-3-5

I come to the floor to thank my colleagues who voted and who will be voting to move forward the nomination of Allison Joan Rushing to be the U.S. Circuit Court judge for the Fourth Circuit. prgtoken Ms. Rushing has a great history in North Carolina. She is actually from East Flat Rock, NC. Both of her parents were educators who taught in the North Carolina public school system. She received her degree with honors from Wake Forest, and she received her law degree from Duke University. She now has over 11 years of experience practicing law and is really considered one of the fast-rising stars of the legal profession. prgtoken I have had the opportunity to get to know Ms. Rushing through the nomination process, and I know she is going to do a great job as a circuit court judge on the Fourth Circuit. prgtoken From the ABA, she has received from a substantial majority a ``qualified'' rating and from a minority a ``well qualified'' rating. She is clearly qualified to do this job. She is young. She is bright. She is a topnotch litigator, and I look forward to casting my vote here in a couple of minutes. Again, I think my colleagues will also be casting a vote in support of confirming this nomination.
CALIFORNIA'S HIGH-SPEED RAIL SYSTEM
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2019-3-5

. Madam , I rise today to highlight some new legislation I am introducing this week, H.R. 1515, the High-Speed Refund Act. prgtoken Simply put, California's proposed high-speed rail system has been a total disaster. It will not meet the legal requirements of true high- speed rail from San Francisco to Los Angeles. The total projected cost has now ballooned to $100 billion, tripling what the voters were told back in 2008. prgtoken The administration has already canceled a $929 million grant, but I think they should take the entire $3.5 billion in Federal dollars that California is wasting under the Stimulus Act of 2009, 10 years ago. That is why my bill, the High-Speed Refund Act, would require California to refund all Federal funding for high-speed rail and repurpose it to highway and transportation projects that would actually benefit people and be economically viable. prgtoken Madam , $5 billion has already been wasted. Let's not make it $100 billion. Undertaking the project was a huge mistake. I think Californians and the other 49 States deserve a refund and to have this money channeled into something that would be more useful for all Americans.
SUPPORT OF S. 47, JOHN D. DINGELL, JR. CONSERVATION, MANAGEMENT, AND RECREATION ACT
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-3-5

. Madam , I rise today in support of S. 47, John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act. This legislation is critical to public lands management, and contains numerous important provisions. prgtoken This legislation protects three historic sites in my home state of Georgia--the Ocmulgee National Monument, Fort Frederica National Monument, and Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield Park. By doing so, the Natural Resources Management Act will provide Georgians with increased opportunities to appreciate our public lands. prgtoken Importantly, the Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act also includes the Open Book on Equal Access to Justice Act--legislation I have been working on for years. prgtoken I introduced the Open Book for Equal Access to Justice Act with my friends Representatives Cohen, , and Peterson, and Senators Barrasso and Coons. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation reinstates needed transparency and accountability requirements to ensure that the Equal Access to Justice Act is helping individuals, retirees, veterans, and small businesses as intended. prgtoken I want to thank my Senate colleagues for including the Open Book on Equal Access to Justice Act in S. 47. prgtoken My legislation requires the Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS) to develop an online searchable database that includes information on the number, nature, and amount of the awards, claims involved in the controversy, and other relevant information. prgtoken Agencies would be required to provide information requested by ACUS for the development and maintenance of the database. prgtoken As made clear in report language in previous years, it is our intent that ACUS take appropriate measures to ensure that individual-specific healthcare information, such as an individual's diagnoses and treatments, is not contained in the database. prgtoken This legislation ensures appropriate protections are in place, while facilitating critical public and Congressional oversight. prgtoken I am encouraged that S. 47 passed the House, and I look forward to its implementation.
OPIOID EPIDEMIC
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2019-3-5

I have come to the floor of the Senate today to talk about the opioid crisis, to talk about what is happening out there in our communities and how some of our Federal legislation is working, and to talk about some good news, which is that there is some improvement in terms of the overdose deaths we have seen in this country, but also a warning that although we are finally making progress on the opioid crisis, we are also seeing other drugs, such as pure crystal meth, coming from Mexico and other drugs beginning to take hold in our communities. prgtoken So let me start, if I could, by talking a little about what the opioid crisis has been and what we are doing to address it. prgtoken You recall that the last data we had, which is for 2017--over 70,000 Americans lost their lives to overdoses. The No. 1 drug, the No. 1 killer, has been fentanyl, which is a synthetic opioid that, about 4 or 5 years ago, hit our communities hard. Year after year, for 7 or 8 years now, we have seen increases every single year in the number of people who die from overdoses, which is one way to measure it. Another way to measure it is just the number of people addicted. That is a harder figure to find, but that has also increased year to year. prgtoken It is devastating communities. The No. 1 cause of death in my home State of Ohio is opioid overdoses. Among Americans under 50, it is now the No. 1 cause of death in America. prgtoken It also has had many impacts on our health system and on our criminal justice system. Go to the emergency rooms. Look at our jails that are filled with people whose crimes somehow relate to opioids. Often, these are property crimes--people doing something to get the money to pay for their drugs. prgtoken Look at the impact it has had on our families. The foster care system is overwhelmed. I was with some juvenile court judges today from Ohio who were telling me that they can't find sponsors, that they can't find foster parents because the system is overrun with kids whose parents are addicted to opioids, and they cannot go home, but they need a loving family. prgtoken It has impacted our economy because so many people are now out of work altogether, aren't even looking for work, and don't even show up in the unemployment numbers. If you look at the labor force participation rate being so low--in other words, the number of people working--the unemployment rate today would not be 4 percent; it would be more like 8 percent if you just went back to a normal level. And a lot of that, based on studies done by the Department of Labor and Brookings and others, shows that the opioid crisis is driving that. prgtoken It has impacted us in so many ways. prgtoken Here is the exciting news: After 7 or 8 years of increases every year in the number of people whose hopes are lost, prgtoken whose lives are lost, we are seeing--at the end of 2017 and into 2018, the initial numbers we have--some improvement. It st
HONORING REPRESENTATIVE WALTER B. JONES, JR.
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-3-5

. Madam , I thank Mr. Tonko for those words. prgtoken Madam , as we sometimes say here to keep from using up time we shouldn't use, I want to associate myself with all the comments made by my colleagues. prgtoken Walter was all of the things that our colleagues have talked about. He had a fantastic Southern charm and a fantastic smile. He was humble; he exhibited acts of kindness; and he was pious, not self-righteous. prgtoken I regret, as others have said, that I didn't take more time to spend with him. But I think even in Walter's death, he has done something we talk about doing here and that is to bring the House together on an issue. prgtoken We are here to honor a very extraordinary man who did what his conscience told him to do, and he sometimes suffered the consequences. But I think tonight exhibits that doing the right things for the right reasons will be honored and has been honored tonight. prgtoken I thank, again, all the Members who came here tonight to speak on Walter's behalf. We all benefited from that. prgtoken I particularly thank the dean of our delegation, David Price, who was a longtime friend of Walter B. Jones, Jr. I thank his assistant, Gloria Nlewedim, for her great assistance in this. General Leave
REMEMBERING REPRESENTATIVE WALTER JONES
Matt Gaetz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-3-5

I come to the floor to remember my good friend and our late colleague Representative Walter Jones. prgtoken Walter Jones was someone who deeply cared about this institution and the constitutional principles that undergird our service. He was a respected member of the Armed Services Committee, where he was a passionate advocate for military families and against endless, senseless wars that seem, too often, to have a small percentage of Americans bear a disproportionate burden for the decisions that are made by this body and others. prgtoken Walter was a deeply caring individual. He was an encourager. When he saw Members on the floor, regardless of your seniority or your status within the institution, he referred to everyone as ``chairman.'' He thought that was a distinction that should be shared and one he used to revere those with whom he served in this body. prgtoken He had friends on the right, on the left, and in the middle, because Walter treated everyone with respect and was the ultimate southern gentleman. prgtoken I will miss his friendship, his guidance, his mentorship, and this institution and this country will miss the principle with which Walter Jones served our great Nation.
Nomination of Allison Jones Rushing (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-3-5

yesterday the Senate voted to advance the nomination of Allison Jones Rushing to serve on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. prgtoken As I noted yesterday, Ms. Rushing comes with significant appellate experience and has filed 47 briefs in the U.S. Supreme Court. It is clear to me, as it was to a majority of our colleagues on the Judiciary Committee, that she would make a fine addition to the Federal bench. So I will support her confirmation later today, and I recommend that each of our colleagues do the same.