mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TERMINATION OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY DECLARED BY THE PRESIDENT ON FEBRUARY 15, 2019
Tom McClintock (Republican, CA) \u2014 2019-9-27

for 43 years the President of the United States has had the statutory authority granted by this Congress to declare a national emergency and to reprogram unobligated military construction funds to meet that emergency. Fifty-eight times previous Presidents have invoked this authority to address such matters as civil unrest in Sierra Leone and Burma. prgtoken Only when this President invokes his authority for the 59th time to address the most serious national security crisis in our lifetime--the collapse of our southern border--only then do we hear protests from the left and its disciples in Congress. prgtoken Under our Constitution, the Congress appropriates money but cannot spend it, and the President spends money but cannot appropriate it. He spends it according to laws given to him by this Congress. In this case, Congress appropriated funds and delegated to the President precisely the authority to spend those funds that he is now exercising. Whether Congress should have delegated this authority is a separate question that no one has raised in 43 years. But while that authority exists, the President has both a right and a duty to use it to defend our country. prgtoken We also hear protests that the President's act will divert money from other construction projects. I ask them: What is more important to our Nation's defense than the defense of our own borders? A childcare center in Maryland? Really? prgtoken Our Nation is going to have to have a serious discussion over whether we wish to continue as a sovereign nation with the uniquely American principles and customs that have made us, in Lincoln's words, the last best hope of mankind on this Earth, or whether we will allow the to render our borders meaningless and reduce our once great nation into nothing more than a vast international territory between Canada and Mexico.
TERMINATION OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY DECLARED BY THE PRESIDENT ON FEBRUARY 15, 2019
Andy Biggs (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2019-9-27

. I was at one place, the most remote border entry we have got in the entire country. It is only open 9 to 4. prgtoken We have three customs agents assigned there. We have got one Border Patrol agent who actually lives there in a double-wide mobile home. I won't say what his name is. Let's just say it is Bob. prgtoken The night before I got there, 2 a.m 255 people, cartel-driven-- because there is no place for 30 miles, 40 miles. That is the nearest town. So, 250 people were dropped off, and they all go up and knock on the door of the double-wide. prgtoken They are reading from a paper. They say: ``Bob, we declare asylum.'' prgtoken I talked to an agent. He tells me that he has been exposed, in the last 6 weeks, to hepatitis A, B, and C; measles; mumps; lice; scabies; and he said: ``Don't forget, a skin-eating bacteria that they haven't been able to identify yet.'' prgtoken That is not a border crisis? You don't want to address that? I am telling you, it needs to be addressed. It needs to be addressed today. prgtoken I thank the President for having the courage to do it. You know what? If you want more money, get him more money for the Coast Guard. I will support that.
TERMINATION OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY DECLARED BY THE PRESIDENT ON FEBRUARY 15, 2019
Gregory F. Murphy (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-9-27

I speak this morning on our Nation's security. prgtoken Over 200-plus years ago, brave men and women literally sacrificed their lives to create a nation that was based upon freedom. That has now continued, and we have today a nation of laws. And now we have that nation of laws and the sanctity of that country threatened. prgtoken If you look back on the last several and ic Presidents of the United States who, right from that very seat, spoke about our border crisis, they spoke about what they needed to do to keep the sanctity of our borders, yet nothing was ever done. prgtoken The American people have complained incessantly on how this Congress does not act. It is a stalemate. Now we have a President, bold as he is, who is finally acting on this crisis. We are literally overrun by folks from the southern border. prgtoken Yes, there are drugs. I heard that was mentioned by the gentleman earlier. There are drugs that are coming in. prgtoken But we also talk about human trafficking, that is, the trafficking of young men and women into this country into, essentially, slavery. We now want to open the borders up and have this country, what was previously a nation of laws, now become overrun and say that laws are no longer sanctified in this country. prgtoken Ladies and gentlemen, we have a President who is bold, who has recognized what has not been recognized by previous Presidents, that we do have an emergency, that we do have the need for a physical structure to prevent a physical object from moving from point A to point B. prgtoken We need a sanctified and a secure border, and I wish the s and would get together and recognize that we do need this for our country and it is truly an emergency.
DOUGLAS IRBY EARNS RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT
Pete Olson (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-9-27

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Douglas Irby of Pearland, Texas for earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Eagle Scout is the highest honor a Boy Scout can achieve. prgtoken Only a small percentage of Boy Scouts reach the rank of Eagle Scout. This honor requires years of effort to develop the necessary leadership, service and outdoor skills. To earn it, Douglas planned, built and organized a library for First Nation students of Ojibway Heritage School near Winnipeg, Canada. Douglas became aware of the need for a library and reading facility during his canoe trip with Troop 55 during the summer of 2016. Douglas tackled this project with passion and determination, and provided a library for the students of Ojibway Heritage School. This dedication has prepared him to be a leader in his future career. The leadership skills he learned through Boy Scouts are already benefiting communities across the world, just as the contributions of Boy Scouts continue to benefit our local communities in countless ways. prgtoken On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Douglas Irby for becoming an Eagle Scout. We are proud of his continued success and thank him for his dedication to making our community a better place.
RECOGNIZING INTERNATIONAL AUTOMAKERS IN U.S.
Charles J. "Chuck" Fleischmann (Republican, TN) \u2014 2019-9-27

I rise today to celebrate the positive impact international automakers' investments have made in the United States and, specifically, in my home State of Tennessee. prgtoken Today, international automakers operate 30 manufacturing facilities across 12 States and build more than 60 different vehicle models in America. Volkswagen is a huge part of that presence in the Third District of Tennessee. prgtoken Tennessee is also home to the Infiniti Decherd Powertrain Plant; the Nissan Decherd Powertrain Plant; the Nissan Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant; the Nissan Smyrna Battery Plant; Toyota-Bodine Aluminum, Inc.; and the headquarters of both INFINITI Americas and Nissan North America. prgtoken In January, Volkswagen announced an additional investment of $800 million for its Chattanooga facility to build two electric vehicles, with the groundbreaking taking place in November. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the important role of international automakers in the United States.
HONORING SPECIALIST FOURTH CLASS JOHN WESLEY DAHR
Scott Perry (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-9-27

. Madam , I rise today on behalf of the Tenth District of Pennsylvania and a grateful Nation to honor the memory of Specialist Fourth Class John Wesley Dahr of Dillsburgh, Pennsylvania who earned the Distinguished Service Cross for his exceptional bravery in combat during the Vietnam War. Specialist Dahr made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States of America and for his fellow soldiers. prgtoken On January 8, 1967, Specialist Dahr was participating in search and destroy missions near Cu Chi with elements of the 25th Infantry Division when his company was pinned down by Viet Cong and received heavy incoming fire. He willingly exposed himself to enemy fire and waded through waist-deep water to aid a wounded comrade. After carrying that soldier one hundred meters to safety, he repeated his heroic actions, rescuing two more soldiers before returning to the center of the battlefield to combat the enemy. prgtoken As he fired upon the Viet Cong, he saw another wounded soldier and ran to his aid. Despite extreme risk to his own life, he stood up in the open to hold the injured man above water while he sought assistance to carry him to safety. Dahr was mortally wounded during his attempt to rescue a fourth soldier. prgtoken Specialist Dahr has America's undying gratitude for his extraordinary heroism. His courage and sacrifice demonstrate the best of our military's tradition of service to our Nation.
RECOGNIZING BEDFORD COUNTY SHERIFF MIKE BROWN AND DR. JANET BROWN
Ben Cline (Republican, VA) \u2014 2019-9-27

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Bedford County Sheriff Mike Brown and his wife, Liberty University professor, Dr. Janet Brown, for their tireless efforts to combat human trafficking and human sexual slavery throughout the world. prgtoken The Browns founded the Safe Surfin' Foundation in 1998 with the mission to educate youth and teens about the dangers of the internet and social media. In May the Browns were invited to present a program they developed called Cyber Safety While Accessing Technology, or Cyber S.W.A.T to the Global Sustainability Network at the Vatican. prgtoken Cyber S.W.A.T. utilizes the social cognitive theory, a means of education, where students learn by observing and imitating the behavior of their peers. This program was first launched at Jefferson Forest High School in Lynchburg, Virginia, where students received training and designed presentations for their classmates about online threats. The response was outstanding, and since then the program has been implemented in eight other high schools across the country. prgtoken Cyber S.W.A.T. has the potential not only to save lives in the United States, but around the world. prgtoken I want to thank the Browns for their efforts to protect the next generation by teaching them proper internet safety, and I look forward to watching the continued success of the Cyber S.W.A.T. program.
HONORING THE SERVICE OF JEFFREY JEWELL
Mark DeSaulnier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-10-1

. Madam , I rise today with Congressmen Mike Thompson, Jerry McNerney, John Garamendi, and Eric Swalwell to recognize the service of long-time community advocate and veteran, Jeffrey Jewell. prgtoken Jeffs commitment to service was apparent throughout his life and career. Upon graduating high school, Jeff enlisted in the Air Force. While stationed in Japan, he taught English to Japanese businessmen and volunteered for Big Brothers, Scouting Leadership, and the Suicide Hotline. After his service, Jeff earned his bachelor's degree in human relations and Master's in Public Administration from Golden Gate University in San Francisco. He also later received a Master's in Psychology from Chapman University. prgtoken Jeff applied his education and experience in the armed services to aid veterans in the Bay Area. In 1991, he started as a volunteer with veteran organizations in Contra Costa and Solano Counties. Jeff was the past commander in Vacaville of the Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, United Veterans Memorial Association, and past chairman of the Vacaville Veterans Building Association. prgtoken In 2001, Jeff began working for the Department of Veterans Affairs Concord Veterans Center as a therapist for combat veterans and for families that lost loved ones in Iraq and Afghanistan. Jeff also served on the Department of Veterans Affairs National Homeless Veterans Working Group and helped veterans find housing and integrate back into society. Jeff became the Director of the Sacramento Veterans Center in March 2010 and returned to the Concord Vet Center a few years later to serve as Director. prgtoken Jeff has given so much back to veterans across the country and in Contra Costa County--something our community is incredibly grateful for. I join with Congressman Mike Thompson, Jerry McNerney, John Garamendi, and Eric Swalwell in thanking Jeff for his sacrifices for our nation and wishing him great luck and joy in retirement.
CONGRATULATING HENRY S. BARBOSA ON RECEIVING THE ORANGE COUNTY CONSERVATION CORP'S LEGACY AWARD
Katie Porter (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-10-1

. Madam , I am honored to recognize Mr. Henry S. Barbosa as the recipient of the Legacy Award, which will be presented during the 25th Anniversary Celebration of Orange County Conservation Corps (OCCC). prgtoken Mr. Barbosa has served for seven years on the Board of OCCC, which is a voluntary work and learn program that provides an opportunity for at- risk and disadvantaged youths, age 18 to 25. Corpsmembers have a chance to earn a living while learning valuable employment skills through job training and attending an on-site charter school. prgtoken Mr. Barbosa's long and distinguished record of service to his community stretches well beyond his time with OCCC. His legal career began as a Deputy District Attorney for Los Angeles County and continued over 27 years in private practice, primarily representing cities and other public agencies throughout California. Mr. Barbosa also acted as Assistant General Counsel to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. prgtoken In recognition of his community leadership, Mr. Barbosa was designated as a member of the Los Angeles Board of Police Commission's Blue Ribbon Panel to analyze the causes of and response to the Rampart area police corruption scandal. He was an elected public official for 10 years, serving as the President and a Director of the Three Valleys Municipal Water District representing Rowland Heights and as a member of the Board for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Mr. Barbosa was appointed to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee that developed statewide regulations for landfills management. prgtoken Mr. Barbosa continues to advocate for inclusion in our communities. He has served for 10 years as Vice-Chair of the National Hispanic Media Coalition, a nation-wide advocacy group for greater access by minorities in film and broadcast media. prgtoken I thank Mr. Barbosa for his leadership and commitment to service and congratulate him on this well-deserved award.
INTRODUCTION OF PROTECTING FEDERAL AGENCIES AND EMPLOYEES FROM POLITICAL INTERFERENCE ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2019-10-1

. Madam , today, I rise to introduce the Protecting Federal Agencies and Employees from Political Interference Act, which would require an act of Congress before any federal agency headquarters may be moved out of the National Capital Region (NCR). My bill would require that the headquarters of any agency located in the NCR on the date of the introduction of this bill remain in the NCR absent subsequent legislation. This bill is cosponsored by Representatives Anthony Brown and Jamie Raskin. prgtoken The administration has already begun moving agencies out of the NCR to the detriment of federal employees, their families and the work of these agencies. Employees who work in agency headquarters fulfill the indispensable role of keeping Congress and the president informed of agency activities. Congress cannot do its work to write laws and engage in vital oversight without the unvarnished facts that nonpartisan agencies provide. In fact, we have already seen the negative impacts of these relocation efforts. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced that it will be moving its headquarters staff to Grand Junction, Colorado, where agency staff will share office space with a Chevron corporate office, a state oil and gas association and an independent natural gas exploration company. prgtoken As for the Department of Agriculture's relocation efforts, two-thirds of impacted highly specialized employees will not relocate to Kansas City, retiring early or quitting instead. Preliminary reports suggest similarly low retention rates for BLM staffers asked to relocate west. While agency leadership touts these moves as cost effective, the work of the agency suffers when experienced personnel leave and relocation efforts appear to favor special interests. prgtoken Unless measures like the Protecting Federal Agencies and Employees from Political Interference Act are taken to stop agencies from relocating, the federal government will lose more employees and agencies will be unable to perform critical tasks, like assisting Congress in vital oversight. prgtoken I strongly urge my colleagues to support this bill.
WELCOME GRACE MARGUERITE MARTIN
Haley M. Stevens (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-10-1

. Madam , I am happy to congratulate Amanda Martin and James Martin of Royal Oak, Michigan, on the birth of their new baby girl, Grace Marguerite Martin. Grace Marguerite Martin was born on September 16, 2019, at Ascension St. John Hospital in Detroit, Michigan at 10:54 a.m. Grace weighed eight pounds and six ounces and measured 20 and 8/10 inches long. prgtoken I would also like to congratulate Grace's grandparents, Kathryn and Mark Higgins of Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, Heather and Matthew Martin of Wilmington, North Carolina, Barbara Kortas of Warren, Michigan, and John Ponczocha of Wyandotte, Michigan, as well as her great grandmother, Marguerite Gore, of Grosse Point Woods, Michigan. Congratulations to the entire family as they welcome their newest addition of pure pride and joy.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE HONORABLE JUDGE HOWARD F. SACHS
Emanuel Cleaver (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2019-10-1

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Honorable Judge Howard F. Sachs' service and commitment to justice throughout his forty years on the bench. Judge Sachs has spent his entire career advancing the cause of justice in his hometown of Kansas City, Missouri and throughout Missouri's Fifth Congressional District. prgtoken A lifelong Kansas Citian, Judge Sachs was born in 1925 to Alex and Rose Sachs. Judge Sachs attended Southwest High School in Kansas City's Brookside neighborhood before serving the country in the Pacific Theatre as a Naval Electrical Technician's Mate aboard the U.S.S. South Dakota. While he was anchored in Tokyo Bay on Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz's Flag Ship, the Japanese signed the terms of surrender, ending World War II. Judge Sachs was there, serving his country, during this significant moment in history. Upon discharge from the military, Judge Sachs attended Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, where he received his bachelor's degree and graduated valedictorian of his class in 1947. In 1950, Judge Sachs received his Juris Doctor with honors from Harvard Law School. prgtoken After completing law school, Judge Sachs returned to his hometown of Kansas City and was a law clerk for the Honorable Albert A. Ridge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri from 1950 to 1951. While clerking for Judge Ridge, Judge Sachs was assigned the well-known Swope Park Swimming Pool case, which challenged the constitutionality of segregated municipal pools in Kansas City. He contributed to the opinion siding with the argument made by the NAACP's chief attorney at the time, Thurgood Marshall, that segregated public swimming pools violated the constitution of the United States. Though this case was profoundly significant, the work of Judge Sachs was only beginning. During his private practice in the 1950s, a tumultuous time for race relations in America, Judge Sachs served as Chairman of the Board of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City and helped orchestrate the admission of women and African American lawyers into the Kansas City Bar Association. In 1962, Judge Sachs drafted the ordinance that finally ended segregated public accommodations in Kansas City, Missouri. Judge Sachs also was a force for change via the significant leadership positions he held within the community, serving as a member of the Kansas City Commission on Human Relations and as President of the Jewish Community Relations Bureau. prgtoken After thirty years in private practice, Judge Sachs was nominated for his position on the recommendation of Senator Thomas F. Eagleton, appointed by President Jimmy Carter, and took office in October 1979, making him the first native-born Kansas Citian to serve in the Western District of Missouri. When Judge Sachs was confirmed, he was the first Jewish district judge to sit within the Eighth Circuit in nearly one hundred years. In 1990, Judge Sachs served as chief jud
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Brenda L. Lawrence (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-10-1

. Madam , unfortunately, on September 27, 2019, I was not able to cast my votes during the vote series due to personal matters in Michigan. Had I been in attendance, I would have voted: ``aye'' on Roll Call No. 555: H. Res. 603--Raising a question of the privileges of the House; ``yea'' on Roll Call No. 554: H.R. 3722--the Joint Task Force to Combat Opioid Trafficking Act; and ``yea'' on Roll Call No. 553: S.J. Res. 54--A joint resolution relating to a national emergency declared by the President on February 15, 2019.
IN RECOGNITION OF DEBBIE JONES
Richard E. Neal (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2019-10-1

. Madam , I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Ms. Debbie Jones as she ends her thirty-four-year term of having served as a Financial Counselor with the House Chief Administrative office. She began her career in the House in May 1985, and over the years has done a remarkable job of ensuring the integrity of House payment transactions. She proved herself to be a strong and thoughtful leader for the Chief Administrative office. prgtoken Debbie graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1979 and retires as a Financial Counselor, where she was responsible for reconciling and processing often complex equipment and supply payments for House offices. Debbie had a fine record of public service as she previously served House Clerk Benjamin Guthrie then transitioned to be a Lead Vendor Management Counselor and later Assistant Manager. prgtoken I would like to recognize Debbie for being an invaluable asset to the CAO organization, providing excellent customer service to House offices. Her good work ethic, eye for detail, and sense of humor have endeared her to many colleagues and friends. prgtoken Once again, Madam , I am proud of Debbie Jones and all she has accomplished for Massachusetts and beyond. I wish her well in all her future endeavors, following her successful career with the Chief Administrative Office.