mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
EXTENDING TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES PROGRAM AND RELATED PROGRAMS
Jackie Walorski (Republican, IN) \u2014 2019-6-3

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in support of H.R. 2940, to extend the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, program for another 3 months, because families who use these critical benefits should not be penalized for the failures here in Washington. prgtoken We are here for the 39th extension of TANF because we are once again unable to move a longer term extension or a reauthorization of this program. prgtoken I certainly hope ic leaders in the House will allow Chairman Davis and me to work with our colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee in a bipartisan manner to develop a long-term TANF reauthorization that ensures this program focuses on helping individuals prepare for, find, and keep good jobs. prgtoken At a time when we have 7.5 million job openings and growing demand for workers that is driving wages up, we not only want every person to reach their full potential--we need them to. prgtoken We have the opportunity to make economic and social gains in ways not seen in decades so families are better off financially, helping to improve their overall well-being in the near and long term. prgtoken Better wages and stable work bring along a whole host of benefits, most importantly, the positive impact on children who are spared the trauma that comes from unrest in the home. prgtoken At the root of addressing these challenges needs to be a focus on human interaction, engagement, support, encouragement, and belief in the possible, not just assumptions about the probable. prgtoken It is time to focus on solving the root causes rather than pushing complex government ideas that will only address the symptoms. prgtoken That is why I, along with more than 50 of my colleagues, have come forth with a full reauthorization of the TANF program. Our bill, called the JOBS for Success Act, would return the program's focus to families by: prgtoken Expecting universal case management so we can rebuild the human connection and so no one is ignored or left behind in this process; prgtoken Holding States accountable for work outcomes, meaning folks can get and keep a job, and ensuring that dollars go to their families; prgtoken Prioritizing households below 200 percent of the poverty line so they get the services they need to be successful; prgtoken Using funds to support and encourage work over the long term, because we know life is hard, not just when someone is starting a job, but 6 months into the job when the car breaks down or one of life's many challenges happens; and prgtoken Increasing resources available to support childcare to more than $14 billion annually, better utilizing existing funds, and allowing up to half of a State's annual allocation to be used for childcare. prgtoken We all want families to succeed and to achieve their American Dream. The first step on that bridge out of poverty is getting a job, keeping a job, and moving through the ranks to higher pay and mor
HONORING THE LIFE OF DR. JOHN DAVID CHANDLER
Brian Babin (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-6-3

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of my good friend, and fellow dentist, Dr. John David Chandler of Kerrville who passed away on May 15, 2019 in San Antonio. prgtoken Dr. Chandler was born on September 7, 1947 in Victoria, Texas and graduated from Victoria High School in 1965. He earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Sam Houston State in 1969 and a doctorate in dentistry from the University of Texas Dental Branch in 1973. prgtoken Following dental school, Chandler served as an officer in the United States Air Force Dental Corps at Yokoga Air Force Base from 1973 to 1976. For the next year Dr. Chandler served as an Associate Professor at the University of Texas Dental Branch. In 1977, Dr. Chandler moved to Huntsville and started his private dental practice. Chandler practiced for 38 years in Huntsville, Texas from where he was recognized as an outstanding restorative general dentist and was beloved by his patients, friends and his peers. John and his wife, Janie, retired in 2015 and moved to Kerrville, Texas where their love for the outdoors led them to create a backyard sanctuary for birds, butterflies and other wildlife. prgtoken Dr. Chandler had a passion for continued education and teaching and mentoring young dentists. He served in a leadership role in numerous state and national professional organizations such as the Academy of General Dentistry, Texas Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, Brazos Valley District Dental Society, and the Heart of Texas Dental Society. prgtoken Dr. John David Chandler leaves behind his loving wife of forty-nine years and eleven months, nearly half a century. John is also survived by his son Ty Scott Chandler of Austin, son Ryan Todd Chandler of Amarillo, brother and sister-in-law Jay and Ann Garner of Laguna Vista, and sister, Brenda Anderson of Austin. prgtoken Madam , my prayers and condolences are with the family and friends of Dr. Chandler.
RECOGNIZING THE BENJAMIN MILLS CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
John Shimkus (Republican, IL) \u2014 2019-6-3

. Madam , I rise to recognize the Benjamin Mills Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. prgtoken During the Revolutionary War, Benjamin Mills served as a private and then as a 2nd lieutenant in the Maryland troops. His wife, Elizabeth, was also a patriot, having sewn shirts for the soldiers. After the war, the Mills family left Maryland to live in Pennsylvania. The family moved west, settling in Paris, Kentucky where Benjamin, Sr. died in 1822. Son Andrew and his family then migrated to Illinois in 1827 and settled in the southern part of Bond County, where hundreds of their descendants still populate the area. prgtoken On June 16, 2019, the Benjamin Mills Chapter, in coordination with the Illinois State Regent, Gloria Perkins Flathom, will dedicate two official NSDAR plaques in honor of Camp Ground Cumberland Presbyterian Church and Old Camp Ground Cemetery. prgtoken The Old Camp Ground Cemetery was established around 1830. Buried there are Revolutionary War soldier Joseph McAdams, Mary Trotter Mills, daughter of Revolutionary War prgtoken soldier Joseph Trotter, as well as veterans from the following conflicts: 1812, Black Hawk, Indian, Mexican, Civil, Spanish, WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. prgtoken The Camp Ground Cumberland Presbyterian Church began as a revival meeting of local families, and eventually led to the founding of the church at the site circa 1826. The original church building held worship services furnished with only the bare necessities, a dirt floor and a pulpit. prgtoken Madam , it is an honor to recognize the Benjamin Mills Chapter of the NSDAR as it dedicates these two plaques. The Chapter has been active in the Bond County area for over 100 years, and I wish it the best as it embarks on the next 100 years of promoting the Daughters of the American Revolution motto: God, Home, and Country.
CELEBRATING AMAZON'S 20TH YEAR OF OPERATIONS AT THE SDF1 FULFILLMENT CENTER
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-6-3

. Madam , I rise today to join my constituents in Campbellsville, Kentucky, who are celebrating Amazon's 20th year of operations at the SDF1 Fulfillment Center. prgtoken Amazon has been a tremendous contributor to Taylor County and the surrounding areas since opening SDF1 as one of the first five fulfillment centers in North America. Over the past two decades, Amazon has grown tremendously and SDF1 remains one of the largest employers in Taylor County and the region. prgtoken As evidence of the company's commitment to bettering the communities in which they operate, and in commemoration of their 20th year in Campbellsville, Amazon is donating more than $10,000 in STEM-related supplies to the Taylor County Public Library. This donation will enhance the library's current STEM-themed programs by fostering and promoting the pursuit of STEM education, while also developing students with real-world, marketable skills. prgtoken For two decades, Amazon has been proud to call Kentucky home and I am grateful for their continued investment in our commonwealth. I am proud of the economic prosperity and industrial development their presence has brought to Taylor County, and I join with all those whose lives they have bettered in celebrating their generosity to the community.
SETTING FORTH THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET FOR THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020 AND SETTING FORTH THE APPROPRIATE BUDGETARY LEVELS FOR FISCAL YEARS 2021 THROUGH 2029--MOTION TO PROCEED
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-6-3

during the last week, I spent some time traveling through Texas, meeting with constituents, and talking about some of the legislation we have been working on here in Washington and, perhaps most importantly, spent a little time listening to what was on their minds. prgtoken One of the things we talked about was the fact that in 2017, more than 70,000 Americans died of drug overdoses. That is according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The opioid epidemic, which contributed mightily to that number, has affected every State, every city, and every community. My constituents, like all of our constituents, are in search of real solutions to try to support those leading the fight on the ground. prgtoken I had the chance to spend a little bit of time in Tyler, TX, which is in East Texas, which we affectionately call ``behind the Pine Curtain.'' I learned from some of the folks in Tyler about how substance abuse has affected that area and what we can do better to serve the people who are impacted. I heard from pharmacists, healthcare providers, law enforcements officers, community leaders, and other experts about their efforts. We talked about the need for a holistic approach that focused on reducing supply and also reducing demand, helping those with substance abuse problems, and preventing drug abuse from occurring and spreading into the future. prgtoken We talked about some of the legislation we have passed here in Congress to try to help equip them with the tools they would need in order to fight this fight--a bill we call the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act. This legislation provides critical tools to those communities in the fight against substance abuse. It reauthorizes programs to reduce demand for narcotics and provides tools for pharmacists, prescribers, and law enforcement so that prgtoken they can work together more seamlessly to combat opioid addiction. It also provides support for those recovering from substance abuse disorders by providing expanded treatment options and recovery services. It takes unprecedented steps to combat the opioid crisis, and it received overwhelming bipartisan support in both Chambers. prgtoken Now, I don't blame people who may listen to this and say: Well, I never heard about that before. That is what happens when we pass overwhelmingly bipartisan legislation here in Congress. If there is not a big fight about it, if it is not on the cable news, if it is not on social media, then it happens without people paying much notice. Yet it is important work that happens every day here in Washington, DC-- s and working together, trying to solve problems, trying to equip those on the frontlines with the tools they need in order to fight that fight. prgtoken Folks in East Texas told me about how the new grants under the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act may help to strengthen their efforts and help ease the pain of the o
RECOGNIZING ROYAL FURNITURE AND DESIGN
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-6-3

as chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, it is my pleasure to recognize a service-minded small business. Small businesses fulfill important needs in our communities, not only through their valuable products and services, but also in their ability to connect with and assist their fellow neighbors in times of need. It is my distinct pleasure to name Royal Furniture and Design of the Florida Keys as the Senate Small Business of the Week. prgtoken Founded in 1984, Royal Furniture and Design has grown from a single retail store in Marathon, FL, to a full service home design and remodeling company with three Keys showrooms and a warehouse in Florida City. Owned and operated by the Elwell family, Ross and Janice own the company, while their sons Chris and Ryan help to manage the Key West and Marathon stores. Today, Royal Furniture and Design employs 40 full- time workers. The Elwell family has long-standing, generational ties with the Keys community as their family has been small business owners in Marathon since 1959. prgtoken For decades, the Elwell's have been incredible philanthropists. Following prgtoken the devastation of Hurricane Irma, Royal Furniture and Design set up tents in their parking lot and fed members of the community every day for a month. Immediately following the hurricane, they donated space in their former Marathon location to the American Legion to store emergency relief and water supplies. In collaboration with other local organizations, they helped 48 families who were severely impacted by the storm with free, brand-new furniture. prgtoken Royal Furniture and Design is an outstanding example of the charitable services that small businesses offer our communities throughout Florida. They continue to host charity cooking events throughout the Keys in addition to their Mardi Gras masquerade ball to benefit the Fishermen's Community Hospital. In 2018, Royal Furniture and Design was recognized as both the Best Family Owned Business and Best Business by Marathon Rotary Club and the Marathon Weekly Newspaper. Members of the Marathon community voted on these awards and ultimately chose Royal Furniture and Design for their dedication to customer service. prgtoken Royal Furniture and Design and the entire Elwell family are an outstanding example of the American entrepreneurial spirit. They continue to go above and beyond to serve the Keys community while treating each customer like family. It is my pleasure to be able to recognize the Elwell family and the entire team at Royal Furniture and Design as the Senate Small Business of the Week. prgtoken Congratulations, thank you for your service to Floridians, and I look forward to watching your continued service and success.
ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2019
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-6-3

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m Tuesday, June 4; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, morning business be closed, and the Senate proceed to executive session and resume consideration of the Saul nomination. I further ask unanimous consent that the Senate recess from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly conference meetings; and finally, that all time during recess, adjournment, morning business, and leader remarks count postcloture on the Saul nomination.
CLOTURE MOTION
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2019-6-3

. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Tennessee (Mr. Alexander), the Senator from West Virginia (Mrs. Capito), the Senator from Mississippi (Mrs. Hyde-Smith), the Senator from Kansas (Mr. Moran), and the Senator from Georgia (Mr. Perdue). prgtoken Further, if present and voting, the Senator from Tennessee (Mr. Alexander) would have voted ``yea'' and the Senator from West Virginia (Mrs. Capito) would have voted ``yea.''
EXTENDING TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES PROGRAM AND RELATED PROGRAMS
Ron Estes (Republican, KS) \u2014 2019-6-3

the balance of my time. prgtoken , I rise today as Congress debates another extension of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, or TANF. prgtoken While TANF remains a vital program to millions of Americans, and I support an extension, I am disappointed in my colleagues across the aisle for not taking the opportunity to discuss much-needed reforms to TANF, which are long overdue. In fact, since the program began in 1996, TANF has had only one true reauthorization and has been simply extended 38 times, including four times in the last 2 years since I have been in Congress. prgtoken Today, we debate another extension until September 30. However, another extension does not allow us to discuss proposals to reform TANF to help Americans get jobs needed for an independent and prosperous life. prgtoken Unlike my colleagues, s have put forth such a proposal called the JOBS for Success Act. The bill expands services to connect people receiving TANF with tailored skills training and jobs. It also allows States to fund apprenticeships and on-the-job training programs, and it expands funding for work-related transportation costs and childcare. In return, the JOBS for Success Act strengthens accountability for securing a job and maintaining it. prgtoken These commonsense reforms are needed now more than ever. Under our new Tax Code, our booming economy has more jobs than workers for the first time in history: 7.5 million job openings versus 5.8 million unemployed, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Now is the time for people to get the support and training they need to take part in this historic economic recovery. prgtoken Reforming TANF in Congress should be a great first step toward this goal. I know this because I have seen how reforms to TANF can help those in need. prgtoken In my home State of Kansas, we allowed TANF dollars to go to the JAG program, which helps at-risk high school students graduate and get a successful career path. In Kansas, JAG has a 91 percent graduation rate and 80 percent employment rate, both above the national average for JAG students. prgtoken This one statewide reform is an example of the potential that exists if we come together to look at potential national reforms to TANF and to help families in need and give them the support they need. prgtoken Unfortunately, it appears that my colleagues across the aisle are okay with simply kicking the TANF can down the road for the 39th time without discussing the JOBS for Success Act or offering any sort of reform proposal. prgtoken As we debate this extension bill, I continue to call on my colleagues to work with us on reforming TANF and developing a full reauthorization bill, not just continuing to kick the can down the road. prgtoken , .
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2019-6-3

in the early morning hours of June 6, 1944, 75,000 members of the U.S. Armed Forces and 75,000 of their counterparts in the Allied Expeditionary Force launched Operation Overlord when they stormed ashore five landing areas on the beaches of Normandy, France, to break the Nazi stranglehold on Western Europe. This courageous fight to seize the beaches of Normandy changed the trajectory of history. prgtoken This week we commemorate the 75th anniversary of this historic operation and express our gratitude and appreciation to the members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including those from Arkansas who participated in this undertaking. prgtoken Let us also reflect on the courage, heroism, and sacrifice that these selfless Allied heroes demonstrated in the face of evil. While fully aware of the dangers and the perils that were before them, they bravely accomplished their mission to defend our country, ideals, and allies. prgtoken During an interview for the Veterans History Project, Wallace Cunningham of Little Rock described the scene he saw while in Oxford, England, as the Allies were readying the D-Day invasion. ``Aircraft from one end of the horizon to the other,'' he said. He was overwhelmed by the number of aircraft in the sky, a testament to the power and force that the Allies were marshaling for this strategically vital endeavor. The sight below was similar, with boats carrying GIs across the English Channel bound for France. prgtoken Arkansans like Cecil Blair remember the rigorous training he and his fellow soldiers underwent in England in early 1944. They didn't know at the time, but they were preparing for D-Day. Blair's boat was hit before landing in France, forcing the crew to pull back and make the trek again 3 days later. prgtoken The bravery exhibited during this battle will never be forgotten. Allied forces were in German crosshairs, and they willingly faced their fears head-on. The magnitude of their actions continues to be felt and recognized to this day. prgtoken Now, 19-year old Jesse Beazley of Kentucky was on one of the ships bound for Normandy in June 1944. In an interview for the Veterans History Project nearly 60 years later, he recalled thinking in the moments leading up to the operation about how likely he was to survive, saying he probably didn't have much of a chance to live because he knew what was ahead of him and his fellow soldiers. prgtoken The other troops in his transport boat were his age, and he remembered their looks and collective feeling. He said: ``All at once it got completely silent, and young men looked like old men.'' prgtoken They endured great hardships getting to the beach. Beazley's boat was blown up far from shore. He was thrown into the icy water where he was forced to dump most of his gear before swimming to safety, all while German bullets were piercing the air inches away from him. He described the devastation as ``a nightmare.'' prgtoken Approximately