mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
GRAND CANYON CENTENNIAL PROTECTION ACT
Pete Stauber (Republican, MN) \u2014 2019-10-30

. Madam Chair, I rise today with my colleagues in opposition to this harmful legislation. prgtoken Today, the other side of the aisle is kowtowing to the wealthy and elite environmental lobby by ignoring science and facts and legislating over the needs of rural communities. This heavy-handed Federal approach ignores potential revenues generated from State trust lands that would flow to schools and our local communities. prgtoken I feel like we are living in the movie ``Groundhog Day'' sometimes. Time and time again, locals who live on these lands, who work in the area, who raise their families there, who represent these districts are supportive of these projects. Those who often know nothing about the local projects, the economy, or the environment are the ones who are inserting themselves in opposition. prgtoken This illustrates the vast divide between the realities for local communities and the visions of environmentalists. What these visions tend to ignore is that the choice is a binary one. We either get these minerals needed for our everyday life, renewable energy, and national security from right here in the United States, or we import them from places like Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Chinese-owned mines in Africa. prgtoken Do these countries have the same standards in place as we do to protect the environment? Madam Chair, the answer is no. prgtoken Do these foreign mines hire workers with high-wage salaries? Madam Chair, the answer is no. prgtoken Are these mines required to comply with a regulatory agency like the Mine Safety and Health Administration? Madam Chair, the answer is no. prgtoken Do Russia and China have our best national security interests in mind? Madam Chair, the answer is no. prgtoken Therefore, this legislation is baffling. Our enemies abroad could not have written a better bill to benefit their economies and national security goals while simultaneously damaging ours. prgtoken Instead of arbitrarily deciding that mining is wrong, Madam Chair, let's look at the facts. One, it is unsustainable and irresponsible to continue our reliance on foreign adversaries for our minerals. Two, mining and a pristine environment are not mutually exclusive. prgtoken Madam Chair, I encourage anybody in this body to come to northern Minnesota and view our reclaimed mines, which are home to the cleanest drinking water in the State of Minnesota. prgtoken Or, how about visiting the Hermit Mine in Arizona. This was a functional uranium mine in the 1980s. It is now fully reclaimed with a pristine landscape. prgtoken We need these minerals. Let's stand up against antiscience scare tactics and vote against this bill and in support of good jobs, renewable energy, and national security for our country.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY AND THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES...
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2019-10-30

ISIS took a big hit over the weekend when U.S. forces raided ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's compound in Syria. Al-Baghdadi died in the raid after he detonated a suicide vest in a final act of cowardice, killing three children with him. The second in command was confirmed killed in a second military strike hours later, leaving the organization temporarily leaderless. prgtoken Over the past few years, ISIS has spilled a river of blood across the Middle East. Its brutality has set it apart even among other terrorist organizations. Torture, rape, enslavement, crucifixions, beheadings, and the deliberate targeting of whole populations based on their religious beliefs--the list of crimes is long and often nearly unspeakable. prgtoken The world is a safer place today because of al-Baghdadi's death. This impact will only be temporary unless we dedicate ourselves to ensuring that ISIS is permanently defeated. prgtoken The successful raid on al-Baghdadi's compound is a reminder of the fact that our military may be called on at a moment's notice to head halfway around the world to fight evil. The men and women of the U.S. military stand on guard 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, ready to put themselves between us and danger. prgtoken This past weekend, I had the honor of helping to welcome home 112 South Dakota Army National Guard soldiers of the 147th Forward Support Company and Bravo Battery of the 147th Field Artillery Battalion. These citizen soldiers were in Europe for nearly a year working with our NATO allies and increasing unit readiness. prgtoken As Members of Congress, we have no more fundamental responsibility than ensuring that our men and women in uniform are prepared to meet any threat. We do that by providing timely and adequate funding for the current and future needs of our Armed Forces. That means funding the military through regular order appropriation bills--not through temporary funding measures that leave the military in doubt about funding levels and unable to start essential new projects. prgtoken Unfortunately, our efforts to fund the military in a timely fashion have been stymied by who blocked the Senate from passing the Defense appropriations bill in September before the end of the fiscal prgtoken year. We are now a month into the new fiscal year, and are still indicating that they intend to block this year's Defense appropriations bill. prgtoken Let me briefly review what are blocking. They are blocking funding to support a pay increase for our military men and women. They are blocking funding for weapons and equipment that our troops need right now. They are blocking investment in the equipment and technology that our military will need to defeat the threats of the future. They are blocking funding for missile defense, for research and development, for ships, planes, and combat vehicles to update our aging fleets, and they are blocking funding for
CONGRESSIONAL GOLD STAR FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
Kevin Hern (Republican, OK) \u2014 2019-10-30

Oklahoma native, Christopher Horton, is one of the namesakes of H. Res. 107 which passed the House yesterday. prgtoken Army Specialist Christopher Horton served in the Oklahoma National Guard's 1st Battalion, 279th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade. prgtoken Horton grew up in Collinsville, Oklahoma, and was an exceptional sharpshooter. Horton was killed in action on September 9, 2011, in Afghanistan while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom. His bravery and patriotism are remembered today as his legacy is enshrined 8 years later. prgtoken Family members of fallen heroes hold a special place in our society. The program started with this legislation will give family members of our fallen heroes the unique opportunity to experience our government up close with a 12-month fellowship in Congress. A front-row seat to the legislative process is a valuable asset to a person deciding where they want to go in their career. These yearlong fellowships will allow the family members of our fallen veterans to become a part of the same democracy that their loved ones fought to defend. prgtoken , I applaud the passage of this bill and the bipartisan work of my colleagues, Trent Kelly and Mikie Sherrill, as well as the tenacious perseverance of both families of the fallen soldiers.
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, TRANSPORTATION, AND HOUSING AND URBAN...
John Hoeven (Republican, ND) \u2014 2019-10-30

from Arkansas for his work and also my other colleagues, those who have already spoken and the good Senator from Montana, who is going to speak right after. This really has been a bipartisan effort to make a difference, and I appreciate all my colleagues who are here today and who have done so much to advance this work, as well as the Senator from Kansas, who I believe will be speaking here in just a minute. prgtoken I join my colleagues today to discuss our Nation's effort to battle the opioid abuse epidemic that has taken far too many lives and has affected communities both large and small. Our first responders, law enforcement officers, healthcare professionals, and medical facilities are fighting this crisis on the frontlines. That is why we worked to advance a comprehensive approach that assists these key players and empowers States and localities to combat this public health emergency. prgtoken Last year, Congress passed and the President signed into law bipartisan legislation--the SUPPORT Act--to help families and communities impacted by addiction. This law supports prgtoken prevention, treatment, recovery, and law enforcement efforts. prgtoken Additionally, the SUPPORT Act contains language that I was able to cosponsor to prevent the sale and shipment of illicit and dangerous drugs. This aligns with the goals of my Illegal Synthetic Drug Safety Act, which closes a loophole that has enabled bad actors to circumvent the law to distribute synthetic variations of drugs, like the powerful drug fentanyl, by labeling the products as ``not for human consumption.'' While these variations are technically different, they hold the same dangerous risks as the original drug. prgtoken The law also includes the Synthetic Tracking and Overdose Prevention Act, or STOP Act--another measure I cosponsored that requires shipments from foreign countries sent through the U.S. Postal Service to provide electronic data. This enables CBP to better target illegal substances like fentanyl and prevent them from being shipped into our country from places like China and other countries. prgtoken These measures are important steps in keeping deadly drugs like fentanyl out of our communities; nevertheless, there is more to do, and we continue working to combat the opioid abuse epidemic from all sides. Just this week, I co-led a letter with Senator Shaheen encouraging the FAA to work with airlines to get opioid overdose reversal drugs like Naloxone included in the airlines' emergency medical kits. prgtoken As chairman of the Senate Ag-FDA Appropriations Subcommittee, I worked to secure $20 million in our fiscal 2020 funding legislation to support telemedicine grants that will help rural communities to combat opioid abuse as well. prgtoken Additionally, as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I have supported the good work of Senator Blunt, the chair of the Labor- HHS-Education Appropriations Sub
IN RECOGNITION OF JEFFREY KNAUS' CAREER WITH THE PLUMBERS AND STEAMFITTERS UNITED ASSOCIATION LOCAL 400
Mike Gallagher (Republican, WI) \u2014 2019-10-30

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Jeffrey Knaus of De Pere, Wisconsin on celebrating his retirement from the Plumbers and Steamfitters United Association Local 400. His leadership in Wisconsin's trade industry is an excellent example of dedication to a craft and service to one's community. prgtoken Jeff began his career with Tweet-Garot Mechanical as a steamfitter in 1984 and joined the Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 298 in Green Bay. After completing his apprenticeship, Jeff served on the Steamfitter JAC and as a night school instructor for UA Heritage and Steward Training. prgtoken Jeff's commitment to bettering his skills and the industry led him to advance in leadership. In 2001, he became full-time Business Representative for the NorthEast WI Building and Construction Trades Council and served until January 2005 when he was elected Business Agent for UA Local 400. When Locals 206, 298, 458 and 786 merged in 1998 to become UA Local 400, Jeff was elected local union president from 2002 to 2004. Jeff was then appointed Assistant Business Manager in 2008 and elected Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer in 2012. prgtoken As Business Manager for UA Local 400, Jeff served as chairman of the Education and Health Funds, President of the Fox River Valley Pipe Trades Education Foundation and as a trustee on UA Local 400's DB pension plan and profit sharing/401(k) plan. He has also been assigned by the UA to serve on the Pipe Fabrication Institute and to represent the UA at the last five Metal Trades Department Conferences. prgtoken Throughout his career, Jeff has committed his time and energy to serving his community. He has championed opportunities for veterans within Local 400, and has been a strong proponent of the UA's Veterans In Piping Program. This program provides veterans with 18 weeks of accelerated training in the pipe trades, including 6 weeks of classroom instruction combined with 12 weeks of on-the-job training. Local 400, under Jeff's leadership, has also demonstrated a strong commitment to youth education in our community, most recently being recognized with the Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce's 2019 Business Partner in Education Award. prgtoken Jeff has been a tireless advocate on behalf of UA Local 400. He believed that the development and success of Local 400 went hand prgtoken in hand with that of the community. Jeff worked tirelessly to foster partnerships within the community that have not only advanced the interests of the members of Local 400, but also strengthened the community it serves. prgtoken Madam , I urge all members of this body to join me in thanking Jeff for his service and dedication to Wisconsin's 8th District and its trades industry. I wish Jeff well as he marks the conclusion of his proud career
FULL-SCALE IMPEACHMENT HISTORY
Steve King (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-10-30

it is an honor to be recognized as I address you here on the floor of the House of Representatives, and I appreciate all the eyes and ears that are paying attention here this evening as we take up this most serious business that this Congress has only addressed three previous times in the history of the United States of America. prgtoken As we go back through American antiquity, we will see that there was an impeachment process that was advanced shortly after the Civil War with Andrew Johnson as President. prgtoken Then we sat back for over a century before there was another issue that arose, and that was in 1974 with the impeachment effort of Richard Nixon, who resigned before he faced the judgment of this United States Congress. prgtoken Then, in 1998, I happen to have been here in this city, not an elected Member of Congress, , but I came here into this city as a State senator from Iowa to an allied conference. As I opened up the newspaper, I saw in there that it said that there are impeachment hearings taking place in room 2141 of the Rayburn House Office Building for the dates of December 7, 8, and 9 of 1998. prgtoken I concluded that whatever was going on in that conference wasn't as important as me being seated there in that Judiciary Committee as a spectator to be able to witness the unfolding acts of history as the House of Representatives passed judgment upon then-President Bill Clinton. prgtoken As I listened to the testimony, and, of course, , I had been watching on television many of the other open public hearings that had taken place before the House Judiciary Committee, I was pretty well informed as to the charges that were being brought against Bill Clinton. prgtoken As I listened to that debate in those 3 days, December 7, 8, and 9 of 1998, I watched some other things go on around me that I would not have picked up if I had just been watching the committee hearings on C-SPAN. I remember Representative Barney Frank coming into the room. He wanted to ask questions of the witness and make his statement. They advised him that he had to have a tie on before he could be recognized. Then he went out and borrowed a tie from someone and made a big show out of tying that tie before he was recognized to speak before the Judiciary Committee. prgtoken I recall also that , in particular--in fact exclusively-- didn't appear to be taking it seriously. When they were off the sight of the camera, they were joking, laughing, and cutting up outside the scenes. I thought that that was not the decorum that we should have when we have the most serious of constitutional issues before us, the very impeachment of a President of the United States and the prospect that that impeached President--relatively soon to be impeached President--would be standing trial before the United States Senate to determine whether the acts that he had been accused of, not convicted of, but accused of in the form of an indic
RECOGNIZING KERENSA WING AS THE NATIONAL PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR
Rob Woodall (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-10-30

I appreciate you making some time in the day today. It is not very often that one of us gets named the very best in our field. Such a recognition is very powerful. And today, Mr you can't see it from where you are standing, but I have a list of the three finalists in the National Association of Secondary School Principals Principal of the Year program. prgtoken , I want to congratulate each and every one of them. They are: Joey Jones from Robert Frost Middle School right around the corner in Rockville, Maryland; Lindsa McIntyre from Jeremiah E. Burke High School in Dorchester, Massachusetts; and Kerensa Wing from Collins Hill High School in Suwanee, Georgia. prgtoken , we cannot succeed in our communities without dedicated public servants like these, and it will come as no surprise to you, since I am down here on the floor today congratulating these three finalists, that the national association named as the Principal of the Year from my very own district, from the Gwinnett County school system, Kerensa Wing at Collins Hill High School. prgtoken , to meet Kerensa Wing, the first thing you will notice is that charisma that she has that connects her with her students and with her parents. That partnership that she develops with her administrators and with her teachers, that is the partnership that we strive for here and the one that is recognizing Kerensa Wing out of 90,000 principals across the country. prgtoken , Ms. Wing has spent her entire career in service to my community back home. I only represent two counties. She lives in one, makes that her family's home. She works in the other, having spent 30 years in the Gwinnett County school system. These pictures reflect her work in her last 5 years as principal at Collins Hill High School. She has also served at Shiloh High School as a teacher. She helped to open our brand-new Lanier High School, and then returned to Collins Hill. prgtoken , the passion that is at the center of her decisionmaking is that love of students, a teacher at heart. This work, as you know, is not a work done for a salary. It is not a work done for even national recognition. It is a work done out of a sense of opportunity to be transformative in the lives of the young people around us. prgtoken Whether you sit on the far left or the far right, , whatever your politics of the day are, if there is one thing that is worth celebrating, it is those men and women back home who make differences for the young people in our lives. prgtoken Principal Kerensa Wing is such a person, and it is with no small amount of pride that I congratulate her today. prgtoken She was actually here in town, , with her family, and if only the House had been in session, I would have been here to congratulate her. We were back home working that week, so I missed that opportunity to be with her here in this Chamber. But I am not going to miss the opportunity today in this Chamber to tell her how much we ap
COLORADO OUTDOOR RECREATION AND ECONOMY ACT
Scott R. Tipton (Republican, CO) \u2014 2019-10-30

we often hear the comment on this floor on public lands bills: These lands belong to all Americans. I appreciate and I do respect the support for the CORE Act in terms of the individual communities, but I think it belies the lifestyle on the western slope of Colorado, in particular. The people that traverse, work within different counties, feel the impacts on their businesses, have the impact of water flowing through those communities coming from another county, those are the issues that I think, unfortunately, are not taken into consideration by this bill. prgtoken I urge support of this amendment. It is a good piece of work to be able to make sure that we are dealing with good forest management. prgtoken , .
ADDRESSING THE BROKEN REFUGEE SYSTEM
Steve Stivers (Republican, OH) \u2014 2019-10-30

I rise today to address our broken refugee system and its very real effect on families in my hometown of Columbus, Ohio. prgtoken Our Nation has always been a beacon of hope and light for those who face violence, persecution, and oppression, but in recent years we have not been living up to that standard. And our failure has a severe impact on good, hardworking people that would make our Nation stronger. prgtoken Take, for example, Bashiya, who currently lives in Columbus, Ohio. Bashiya, in many ways, embodies what we know to be American. She is the wife of a man who served our military. She loves her family. She is hardworking. And she has built a life for herself and her family in Ohio. In many ways her story is much like ours. prgtoken Unfortunately, one piece of her story is missing. Her husband, Hamad, lives on the other side of the world in Australia. Hamad served alongside the U.S. Army as an interpreter in Iraq, and the repayment for his bravery was repeated and sustained threats against him, Bashiya, and their two young children. The danger they faced ultimately drove the young family apart. prgtoken The refugee process, and particularly the Special Immigrant Visa process that was designed to protect people like Hamad failed him. The application and vetting process was dragging on with no end in sight, and the continued threats convinced Hamad that he needed to flee for his life, so he fled to Australia. That was in 2012. prgtoken Bashiya and the two children continued to wait for approval of the Special Immigrant Visa program, and finally, in 2016, 7 years after they applied, they got the news they were waiting for. They were approved. Now, it has been 7 years since Bashiya has seen her husband and since he has seen his children. The system has torn the family apart. Bashiya's story is not uncommon. There are others. prgtoken Jackie, a dedicated and compassionate social worker from Uganda, is the mother of two sons. Jackie has not seen her oldest son, Arinda, since 2014, when she fled Nairobi, Kenya and came to the United States. Arinda will turn 8 years old on November 13. And on November 21, his case to join his mother will have been pending for 2 years. For 2 years this family has been in bureaucratic limbo, and it has taken its toll. Jackie is seriously considering having her son adopted by a family in Canada so she at least will be separated by less time and geography. prgtoken Our system is broken. We are forcing refugees to other countries like Australia and Canada, and we are not living up to the standards of the shining beacon for people facing persecution and violence. We are a Nation of immigrants. We are a Nation of opportunity, and we need to act like it. We will continue to encourage the administration to increase the refugee caps to make the vetting process under the State Department more efficient and to ensure resources are available to give refugees the certainty that they need.