mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE AND SECURITY AT THE SOUTHERN BORDER ACT, 2019
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-6-26

the issue of immigration is one that is front and center in the minds of most Americans, as it should be. prgtoken For the last 2\1/2\ years, our country has been roiling with immigration controversy. This new President, now 2\1/2\ years into his term, came to office and immediately instituted a travel ban on a majority of Muslim countries. It was controversial. prgtoken In the city of Chicago, people showed up spontaneously at the airport, lawyers, to counsel travelers to try to find some volunteer effort that might respond to their worry and concern about the travel ban imposed by President . prgtoken The case went to court. The court stayed this decision and, in a later adjudication, allowed it to go forward. prgtoken It was the first of many actions taken by President on the issue of immigration--most of them very controversial. prgtoken I remember the repeal of DACA in September of 2017. This is a program I had worked on for years. It started with the DREAM Act, which I introduced with my fellow U.S. Senator as cosponsor. We tried to pass it here in the Senate but were stopped time and again by the rules of the Senate and the filibuster. prgtoken Regardless of that, time passed and President became President, and I appealed to him, with the assistance of Senator Lugar, a Senator of Indiana, asking if he could find some way as President to provide relief to these young people brought to the United States as children, who wanted a chance to earn their way to legal status in America. prgtoken President came up with a program called DACA, and that program said that if you are one of those children, you could come forward, pay a substantial filing fee, go through a criminal background check, and if we established that you are no threat to this country, that you are moving forward with your education and had plans for a job and a career, we would allow you to stay legally in the United States and not be deported for 2 years at a time, renewable--check in and make sure that your status hasn't changed. prgtoken In the end, 790,000--790,000--young people across America took advantage of DACA. Their lives were changed overnight. With DACA, there was no longer a fear of a knock on a door. They could become students and, as students, become teachers. prgtoken They can learn skills to be nurses, engineers, entrepreneurs, even doctors. It was a liberation for these 790,000 given the chance, finally, to be part of America and its future. prgtoken As I have said so many times on the floor, and Senator Menendez was the first to ever say it, and I thought it was such an apt description of these prgtoken young people: They had spent their entire lives pledging allegiance to that flag every morning, believing it was their flag. They learned, at some point, they were not legally here in America. President gave them a chance--790,000. prgtoken In September of 2017, Pre
EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE AND SECURITY AT THE SOUTHERN BORDER ACT, 2019
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2019-6-26

last week, and s on the Senate Appropriations Committee came together and we approved by a vote of 30 to 1 an emergency supplemental to address the most urgent humanitarian needs at our southern border. Some would say that the way the Senate has been led lately, you couldn't get a 30-to-1 vote to say the Sun rises in the east. prgtoken The bill reflects weeks of good-faith negotiations between s and to forge a bipartisan agreement to mitigate what has been an escalating humanitarian crisis--one where infants and toddlers are sleeping on cold cement floors in wire cages and under bridges. Inaction is simply not an option for those who care about alleviating the suffering of desperate children and families seeking refuge in the United States. prgtoken Action in the Senate requires compromise. That is the reality in a body where 60 votes are required to move a bill forward. No one, or , is going to get everything they want--including me, and I am the vice chairman of the Appropriations Committee--but that is the nature of compromise. One thing I am not willing to compromise on is our American values, and this bill reflects that. prgtoken The Senate supplemental protects unaccompanied children, some of our most vulnerable migrants, by securing funds for their safety and their well-being in HHS custody. It includes $109 million to ensure the safety and well-being of those children through post-release wraparound services, legal services, and case management to get children out of cages and put them in loving homes. It puts restrictions on the use of influx facilities. It establishes standards of care to ensure that children are kept in safe, sanitary facilities where they are properly cared for--not cages. prgtoken Our bill will mitigate inhumane conditions faced by migrant families in DHS custody by providing funds to improve conditions in grossly overcrowded facilities and buy food, clothing, and medical services for the people in our care. It provides money to ensure that we have diapers, formula, baby wipes, and other essential supplies for infants and toddlers. prgtoken Like the rest of the country, I read in horror the reports from a border facility in Clint, TX, where the children were unbathed, where sickness was spreading, and where infants were being cared for by other young children in custody barely old enough to care for themselves. No child, no matter where they are from, deserves to live in such conditions. prgtoken Our bill improves due process for migrants by expanding access to legal services and our immigration courts. It provides grants to nonprofit organizations and local jurisdictions that provide critical services in shelters to migrants released from DHS custody. Bolstering border security and treating migrants with humanity are not mutually exclusive goals. Indeed, accomplishing both together is the American way. We
FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020
Kathy Castor (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2019-6-26

. Mr. Chair, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has broad authority to protect consumers and is tasked specifically with targeting fraud, deceptive advertising, robocalls, identity theft, and online privacy. prgtoken Hardly a day goes by when personal private or financial data isn't lost to an online data breach or theft. Americans deserve to have greater privacy protections for what they do online. And we need an FTC that has the tools necessary to go after bad actors and hold them accountable. prgtoken I'd like to compliment the Appropriations Committee for providing the FTC with a $40 million increase from FY19. FTC needs more resources to protect our personal online data, but I remain concerned that the FTC will still struggle to fulfill its mission and hold companies accountable for violations of the law, data breaches and particularly our children's online privacy. Every week there is a new report of companies skirting the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act. When the FTC does go after bad actors it is often too late and the penalties are too insignificant. prgtoken On the Energy and Commerce Committee, my colleagues and I are working to improve children's online privacy protections. Recently, as part of that work, FTC Chairman Simons testified that a FTC $5.7 million settlement with a company that illegally collected information on children, in violation of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, was the largest civil penalty in an children's online privacy case. Unfortunately, the penalty was too low to ensure online companies are following the law. prgtoken The video social networking app Musical.ly, now known as TikTok, settled very serious case where TikTok was collecting location data on children that was discernible to people in the neighborhood. TikTok made it very difficult for children and parents to close accounts. TikTok made it practically impossible to complain. And TikTok would not delete profiles after someone did close an account. prgtoken TikTok is now owned by Chinese company Bytedance, which is valued at $75 billion. That means that the FTC's record setting fine was 0.0076 percent of Bytedance's value. No CEO is going to blink an eye at a fine that inconsequential. Companies will just see small FTC fines as a cost of doing business and will continue to elevate profits over privacy, especially when it come to our kids. prgtoken The FTC also has launched a probe of You Tube for potential violations of COPPA and a broad consensus has emerged that many other bad actors violate the law on a regular basis. prgtoken One of the reasons for the lack of enforcement is too few resources focused specifically on children's privacy. Currently the FTC only has 40 full time staff devoted to protecting privacy and data security for the entire country. In comparison, the U.K. which has 1/5th the population of the U.S. has 500 full time staff in its Information Commissioners' office. Ireland, w
TRIBUTE TO MOLLY GRAHAM
James E. Clyburn (Democrat, SC) \u2014 2019-6-26

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to a woman whose bravery and perseverance exemplify a significant American story. It is fitting that during this July 4th, as we celebrate our nation's birthday, citizens of South Carolina and the descendants of Molly Graham will be dedicating a bridge over the Combahee River in Colleton County, South Carolina in her honor. Although seven generations removed, Molly Graham's story is inspiring and instructive for all of us. prgtoken Molly Graham was enslaved on the Cypress Plantation in Green Pond, South Carolina during the Civil War. Her husband and brother were killed during the final months of the war when Confederate soldiers executed male slaves to prevent them from enlisting in the Union Army. Ms. Graham and her daughters escaped after Confederate troops raided their plantation and threatened to burn it to the ground. prgtoken She and her daughters traveled 16 miles on foot to the safety of a Union camp in Beaufort. Along the treacherous journey, they had to crawl across a plank over the Combahee River because the bridge had been destroyed by fire. They hid from Confederate troops during the day and traveled under the cover of darkness at night. Ms. Graham let faith, ``the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen,'' guide her. prgtoken After spending several months in the refuge of the Union camp, Ms. Graham and her daughters returned to Green Pond. The daughters eventually married, and they worked together, pooled their resources and bought several hundred acres of land. The family raised chickens, turkeys and vegetables on the farm and sold their goods at the Walterboro farmers market. prgtoken Ms. Graham also served as a naturopathic herb doctor who treated both former slaves and plantation owners without prejudice or malice. She added rooms to her home to treat patients overnight, that served as the only ``hospital'' to ever exist in Green Pond. Today, she and many of her progeny are buried at the historic Hickory Hill Cemetery close to the banks of the Combahee River. prgtoken Madam , I ask you to join me in celebrating the life of Molly Graham and the contributions of seven generations of her offspring in the Bryant, Pinckney and Singleton families. Theirs is a true story of resilience and triumph that exemplifies the diversity of the American experience. I applaud the descendants' efforts to dedicate the Molly Graham Memorial Bridge that crosses her beloved Combahee River and to continue her legacy of giving back to the community through their family's non-profit foundation.
REMEMBERING REBA JOY HONAKER
Joe Manchin, III (Democrat, WV) \u2014 2019-6-26

today I wish to honor a proud West Virginian, a dedicated public servant, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and a dear friend to all who had the pleasure of knowing her. It is a privilege to recognize the life and legacy of Mayor Reba Joy Honaker for her many years of dedicated service to the city of Welch and to our home State. prgtoken A lifelong resident of McDowell County, growing up on Belcher Mountain, Mayor Honaker graduated from Welch High School and Concord College and was also a dedicated member of the Elkhorn Old Regular Baptist Church. Upon graduating from college, she taught home economics at Big Creek High School until the birth of her son. Later she began directing weddings and designing wedding cakes, a skill she taught to others. She was active with the American Association of University Women's McDowell Chapter, where she took the lead on the yearly arts and crafts festival with proceeds benefitting the advancement of women in higher education. In 1984, prgtoken Mayor Honaker opened Flowers by Reba, a small business she owned and operated until 2006. Her volunteerism spanned the community, from helping to start the very successful Coal Camp Creations Company, to volunteering with the McDowell County Chamber of Commerce at various festivals and events. Mayor Honaker truly wanted the very best for McDowell County, helping to recreate events that took place in other areas of the State. She assumed her role as mayor of Welch in 2011 and was able to put her vision for the community to even greater use. Whether working with the Welch Kiwanis Club or the American Legion Post 8 Ladies Auxiliary, she was able to make a tremendous impact on the lives of countless families in the area. Most recently, we celebrated the opening of the Jack Caffrey Arts Center, a project near and dear to Mayor Honaker's heart that serves as a hub for cultural programs in McDowell County. prgtoken Mayor Honaker represented the very best of West Virginia, which is saying quite a lot. In the Mountain State, if you are hungry, you will be fed. If you are lost, someone will not only give you directions but will offer to drive you to your destination. That is just who we are, and that is who Mayor Honaker was. We have lost a shining star in McDowell County, but her impact, vision, and her passion for this special community will last forever. It was an honor to have known her and to call her a friend. prgtoken What is most important is that she lived a full life, surrounded by dear friends and family. It is my hope that her family and friends are able to find peace, strength, and support in one another. I extend my condolences to Charles, her loving husband of 57 years; her children, Darren and Patty, and Joi and Jeremy; her grandchildren, Christopher, Erik, Mason, Wyatt, and Paige; and her numerous extended family members and dear friends with the city of Welch. Again, I extend to you my most sincere condol
FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020
Mike Quigley (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-6-26

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , the amendments included in the en bloc were made in order by the rule, and they have been agreed to by both sides. They improve the bill. prgtoken I appreciate the collaborative approach that my friend from Georgia and I were able to take in constructing this package. I am particularly pleased to see amendments highlighting the important work being done with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, the CDFI fund, and the HIDTA and Model Acts programs at the ONDCP. prgtoken Importantly, the amendment also calls attention to unfortunate delays in placing Harriet Tubman's portrait on the $20 bill. This historic change in American currency would represent the first African American and the first woman featured on paper currency since Martha Washington. prgtoken Another amendment speaks to the importance of combating unwanted robocalls intended to scam seniors. This aligns perfectly with the committee's direction in this bill to the FCC to provide a detailed plan to create a robocall division dedicated to holding prgtoken fraudsters accountable as well as ensuring timely collection of penalties. prgtoken The package also includes an amendment that addresses growing concerns regarding tech companies abusing the privacy of their customers, including the collection of data from children under the age of 13. prgtoken Finally, I couldn't agree more with the importance of including postal delivery in rural areas. This is a priority that I also share and hope to continue having the cooperation of the Postal Service as we continue to rectify issues in my home district in Chicago and throughout the country. prgtoken , .
MUELLER REPORT
Steve Cohen (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2019-6-26

I was very pleased, and America should be very pleased, that Robert Mueller is responding to a subpoena that was issued through the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Mr. Nadler, and through HPSCI, Mr. Schiff. prgtoken On July 17 Robert Mueller will appear before our two committees for 2 hours of questioning by each committee and let us know more about the Mueller report. prgtoken The Mueller report is the most important book or document in this country. Everyone should look at it, read it, and learn about contacts that the administration and campaign had with the Russian Government and how Russia influenced our elections and will try to do it again. That is what is in the Mueller report. Attempts to obstruct justice that did not exonerate our President and specifically that Mr. Mueller said that if he could say he didn't commit a crime, he would. prgtoken It is important that he testify, and it is important that people learn about the Mueller report and the danger that lurks not only beyond our House and Senate but within our government.
EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE AND SECURITY AT THE SOUTHERN BORDER ACT, 2019
Mazie K. Hirono (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2019-6-26

and the hawks in his administration are fueling a dangerous escalation with Iran, and instead of taking responsibility for this escalation, the President is once again blaming others for a crisis of his own making. prgtoken Adding to the confusion and concern is the President's penchant for using his Twitter account or an outburst from the Oval Office to jump between calling for restraint and embracing a potential war. prgtoken Instead of listening to the President's latest outbursts or dissecting his latest tweet, let's take a hard look at what he has done to bring us to this dangerous moment. prgtoken In May 2018, followed the lead of the hawks in his administration and unilaterally--unilaterally--pulled out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the JCPOA, breaking the agreement and leaving its other signatories, especially our allies in Europe, holding the bag. prgtoken Only a few weeks earlier, Jim Mattis, the President's own Secretary of Defense, told the Senate Armed Services Committee, on which I sit, that the agreement was working as intended and had been written with an assumption that Iran would try to cheat. He went on to note that while the deal was imperfect, it established a strong verification and inspection regime that Iran was complying with the agreement. prgtoken I continue to agree with Secretary Mattis's conclusions. The purpose of the JCPOA was to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon within a 2- to 3-month timeframe. That is the kind of timeframe we were looking at. The JCPOA was not intended to cover Iran's ballistic missile program or its malign activities throughout the region. prgtoken What the JCPOA did accomplish, however, was lengthening Iran's nuclear breakout capacity from 3 months to 1 year. It included strong limitations on enrichment, redesigned and rebuilt the Arak heavy water reactor so it can only be used for peaceful-use research purposes and not for the enrichment of weapons-grade plutonium, and required Iran to ship all spent nuclear fuel out of the country. prgtoken The agreement also included a binding commitment from Iran to never pursue a nuclear weapons program. That is in the very beginning part of the JCPOA document. This commitment necessitated a continuous inspection regime by the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA. prgtoken Further, the agreement included provisions that would see the international community reimpose sanctions automatically--the snapback--if Iran was violating the deal. prgtoken Instead of building upon the JCPOA to address Iran's other malign activities, threw out all the benefits of the deal, took on an enormous risk, and isolated the United States in the process. prgtoken In early April, the President took the unprecedented step of designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the IRGC, a foreign terrorist organization. He designated the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organizati
FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2019-6-26

. Mr. Chair, I can tell my colleagues with great confidence that USDA's proposal to move the Economic Research Service (ERS) and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) outside the National Capital Region is a bad idea. prgtoken We held a hearing on the issue last March, at which four former senior USDA officials with 70 years of combined experience at the two agencies, from both parties, expressed their deep opposition to this proposal. prgtoken Numerous stakeholders have expressed strong opposition, including the National Farmers Union, the Association of American Veterinary Colleges and nearly 1700 other organizations, university officials, and individuals from 47 states. prgtoken We have not received a single letter in support of this proposal. prgtoken USDA violated the Appropriations Committee's statutorily required 30- day waiting period for such proposals when it took action to implement the proposal six days after notifying the Committee. prgtoken It failed utterly to comply with the requirements of the conferees in the 2019 omnibus appropriations report to submit all cost benefits for the move and a detailed analysis of any research benefits of a relocation when it submitted the 2020 budget. prgtoken USDA has also refused numerous requests from Members of the House and Senate that it provide the original cost-benefit analysis developed before the proposal was announced. prgtoken It finally gave us a so-called ``cost-benefit analysis'' after the final site was selected. prgtoken But an independent analysis of this supposed analysis found that ``USDA leadership failed to follow federal guidelines for the benefit cost analysis'' and that ``the move to Kansas City will cost taxpayers between $83 and $182 million dollars, rather than saving them $300 million dollars.'' prgtoken Large numbers of ERS and NIFA employees have left as a result of this proposal. prgtoken I fear that ultimately, these agencies will become mere shadows of their former selves, with the loss of hundreds of years of expertise. prgtoken These agencies' mission is to achieve the best science through research that advances U.S. agriculture and our understanding of the agricultural economy. prgtoken I believe that the Department's proposal puts that mission at great risk. prgtoken I urge a yes vote on the Norton amendment.