mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Japan Trade Deal (Executive Session)
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2020-1-7

I have come to the floor today to start this new year by really encouraging my friends on each side of the aisle to approach this coming legislative session with some optimism because there are some good things we can do. prgtoken We come to the floor and we hear about Iran and we hear about Soleimani. There are differences of opinion there. I am one of those. I represent a major military post, and I know that so many of our men and women in uniform said: You know what, this should have been done long ago. This is a known terrorist who has conducted terrorist attacks on six continents, even tried it here in the United States. They felt like the President was justified. prgtoken We hear about impeachment, and of course we know it has been widely reported that our friends across the aisle and over in the House started 3 years ago trying to find something they could impeach on--just something. It was going to be emoluments, or it was going to be collusion, or it was going to be coercion, or it was going to be Russia, or it was going to be bribery. There had to be something there because, you know what, they just don't like the guy. They don't like him. So they have been at it nonstop. They let that get in the way of some good things that people would like to get done. prgtoken For the next few minutes, I would like to encourage us to think beyond subpoenas and trial and negativity and witness statements and instead focus in on three things that are right in front of us: two successfully negotiated trade deals that will benefit farmers, manufacturers, and small business owners and producers not only in my State of Tennessee but across the entire country. prgtoken In the Volunteer State alone, we have 967 foreign-based businesses, and they have invested $37.3 billion in capital improvements, and currently they employ more than 147,000 Tennesseans. That is good for our State. Trade is important to us in Tennessee, insourcing these jobs. prgtoken Of particular importance to us is maintaining great trade relations with Japan. Do you know what is so amazing? We have so many people who didn't even know that the Japan trade agreement went into effect on January 1. The mainstream media was so busy focused on impeachment and other things that they didn't even realize this was a deal that will do a good job for us. prgtoken Our former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, who is a Tennessean, Ambassador Hagerty, had negotiated this before he left. This recently agreed-to Japan trade deal will support 40,000 jobs that are already provided by Japanese companies. The new deal will also solidify Tennessee's relationships with Japanese partners like Nissan North America, Toyota, Bridgestone, Nidec, and Denso Manufacturing--all with a presence in Tennessee and all employing Tennesseans. prgtoken It is going to create greater market access to Tennessee's agriculture products, specifically pork, cheese, and wine. I
HONORING THE TOWN OF BEEKMANTOWN ON THE BICENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF ITS FORMATION
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2020-1-7

. Madam , I rise today on behalf of the residents of the Town of Beekmantown, New York as they celebrate the Bicentennial anniversary of the town's formation. prgtoken The land that would become Beekmantown was first settled around 1783 and is located five miles north of the City of Plattsburgh, in Clinton County. The town was officially formed in 1820 and was named after one of the original landowners. In 1814, just prior to its formation, the area was the scene of skirmishes between American and British forces at the battle of Culver Hill during the War of 1812. Beekmantown's oldest monument is the Point au Roche Lighthouse which was built in 1858 as commerce through Lake Champlain expanded. Many other historic sites fill this picturesque community, highlighting the rich historical legacy of the North Country. prgtoken To this day, Beekmantown remains a vibrant and beautiful community that exemplifies the best qualities of the North Country and our Nation as a whole. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I want to congratulate the residents of Beekmantown on this momentous occasion. It has been an honor to represent this community and I know that its future looks bright.
RMEMBERING DAVID BLEE
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2020-1-7

I wish to commemorate the life of David Blee, who tragically passed away on December 29, 2019, at the age of 66. David was the founder and president of the United States Nuclear Industry Council, USNIC. During his long and distinguished career in the nuclear industry, David concentrated on nuclear supply chain and reactor technology and actively worked to increase support for nuclear power in the United States and abroad. David also worked with the National Laboratories, including Idaho National Laboratory, often running conferences in conjunction with them. At the time of his passing, David held an appointment to the U.S. Department of Commerce's Civil Nuclear Trade Advisory Committee, CINTAC, an achievement that spoke to his incredible expertise. prgtoken David graduated from Dickinson College in Pennsylvania with a degree in economics, but he soon began working in politics and public service. After managing several political campaigns, David became chief of staff to former Representative and Senator Connie Mack while Mack served in the House of Representatives. David then served as a Deputy Assistant Secretary and, later, Director of Public Affairs for the U.S. Department of Energy during the Reagan administration. He also served as the executive vice president for NAC International, a U.S.-based energy services and technology company, where he directed the company's worldwide consulting group and marketing and business development portfolios. prgtoken One of David's best attributes was his ability to work with people and bring organizations together. Composed of over 80 companies, USNIC represents the ``who's who'' of the nuclear energy supply chain, including technology developers, fuel cycle companies, and others that demonstrate the importance of maintaining the nuclear industry. These companies working in conjunction would not have been possible without the dedicated effort of David Blee. In July of last year, I was honored to be presented with the U.S. Nuclear Energy Distinguished Leadership Award by USNIC. The coalition of groups attending that award ceremony personified the great unifying effect that David had on the nuclear industry. He was a leader and a motivator, and his advocacy for the nuclear industry will be remembered. I am grateful for the work that he completed during his lifetime and his lasting legacy as a respected leader in the nuclear field.
IMPEACHMENT
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-1-7

on another matter, every day that the House refuse to stand behind their historically partisan impeachment, it deepens the embarrassment for the leaders who chose to take our Nation down this road. You can't say we didn't warn them. You can't even say they didn't warn themselves. prgtoken It was less than 1 year ago that Pelosi said: ``Impeachment is so divisive . . . unless there's something so compelling and overwhelming and bipartisan, I don't think we should go down that path.'' That was the a year ago. prgtoken Back during the Clinton impeachment, it was Congressman Jerry Nadler who said: ``An impeachment substantially supported by one of our major political parties and largely opposed by the other . . . will lack legitimacy.'' Chairman Nadler was right 20 years ago. prgtoken At this point, they may wish they had taken their own advice. prgtoken Instead, what the country got was the most rushed, least thorough, and most unfair Presidential impeachment in American history, and now the prosecution seems to have gotten cold feet. Nearly 3 weeks after the rushed vote they claim was so urgent, they are still debating whether or not they even want to see the trial proceed. They voted for it 3 weeks ago. prgtoken The House say they are waiting for some mythical leverage. I have had difficulty figuring out where the leverage is. Apparently, this is their proposition: If the Senate does not agree to break with our own unanimous, bipartisan precedent from 1999 and agree to let Pelosi hand-design a different procedure for this Senate trial, then, they might not ever dump this mess in our lap. prgtoken It is one cynical political game right on top of another. It was not enough for the House to blow through its own norms and precedents and succumb to the partisan temptation of a subjective impeachment that every other House had resisted for 230 years. Now it needs to erode our constitutional order even further. Those in the House want to invent a new, sort of pretrial hostage negotiation wherein the House gets to run the show over here in the Senate. prgtoken Meanwhile, they are creating exactly the kind of unfair and dangerous delay in impeachment that Alexander Hamilton specifically warned against in the Federalist Papers. This is already the longest delay in American history between the impeachment vote and the delivery of the House's impeachment message. It is almost as though this House majority systematically took all of the Framers' warnings about partisan abuses of the impeachment power--took everything the Founders said not to do--and thought: Now, there is an idea. Why don't we try that? prgtoken Impeaching a President is just about the most serious action that any House of Representatives can ever take. How inappropriate and how embarrassing to rush forward on a partisan basis and then treat what you have done like a political toy. How contemptuous of the Ame
LOUISIANA ACT 620 AMICUS BRIEF
Jaime Herrera Beutler (Republican, WA) \u2014 2020-1-7

. Madam , I rise to express my strong support of the pro-life amicus brief filed by 207 of my colleagues with the U.S. Supreme Court relating to June Medical Services, LLC v. Gee. Due to the unusual level of pressing business last month before the House and the Appropriations Committee on which I serve, I did not have the opportunity to thoroughly review the brief prior to the filing deadline. I affirm my full support for the brief. My record shows consistent support for life at all stages, and that has not and will not change.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST--S. CON. RES. 32
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2020-1-7

I rise today to recognize members of the Greatest Generation who courageously helped to defeat the German Army at the Battle of the Bulge and who dealt a critical blow to the Nazi regime. prgtoken On this day 75 years ago, American soldiers continued the resilience they had demonstrated for 4 weeks. On December 16, 1944, in the Ardennes Forest of the Luxembourg and Belgium area, American soldiers were unexpectedly attacked by the Germans. Allied forces were unprepared. They were outnumbered and facing record-low temperatures and dwindling supplies, but, still, the men on the frontlines dug in to defend against the enemy. prgtoken Arkansan Bill Strauss was one of the brave men who faced the bitter cold and dire conditions. With lack of sleep and shortage of food, he and his fellow troops endured this extreme test of will and resolve. prgtoken I met with Bill in 2019 to help him celebrate his 100th birthday and thanked him for his service and continued commitment to sharing his experiences with others. It has been 75 years, but Bill's recollection of the details of the unimaginable circumstances he faced was still very clear. He talks about his memories as part of the Battle of the Bulge in order to honor his fellow soldiers who weren't so fortunate, as well as to teach succeeding generations about the realities of war and the remarkable perseverance of American troops. prgtoken The 6-week battle demonstrated the commitment, courage, and resilience of Bill and all the American soldiers. It was the largest battle ever fought by the U.S. Army. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill called it ``the greatest American battle of the war.'' It came at a considerable cost. More than 89,000 American soldiers were casualties, including 19,000 soldiers who were killed, 47,500 who were wounded, and 23,000 who were captured or missing in action. prgtoken The people of Belgium and Luxembourg have a close place in their hearts for American soldiers who sacrificed their lives on foreign soil. They continue to display that gratitude today. prgtoken A couple of weeks ago, I led a group of my fellow Senators to both countries to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. We experienced how the town of Bastogne, Belgium, observes this anniversary. The tremendous community support was welcoming of American veterans whom fate had brought together in 1944 there in the town and in the nearby forest to defend Bastogne and hold off the German advance. prgtoken I was honored to visit with American veterans who fought in the battle and were returning to the land they had defended. There are fewer and fewer who are able to join, but that doesn't diminish what they did there or the steadfast way they fought and sacrificed in the name of freedom. prgtoken My colleagues and I also had the unique opportunity to witness the ceremony by the 101st Airborne Division among the foxholes in Belgium. These foxholes, onc
RECOGNIZING THE USS ``PITTSBURGH''
Patrick J. Toomey (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-1-7

I wish to recognize the service of the USS Pittsburgh and her crew for our country since the ship's commissioning on November 23, 1985. prgtoken A Los Angeles-class, fast-attack nuclear submarine, the Pittsburgh served for 35 years as an anti-submarine, strike, and anti-surface ship warfare vessel that also specialized in surveillance and reconnaissance. The Pittsburgh deployed during Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and again during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2002, conducting Tomahawk missile strikes in both campaigns. While most of the vessel's missions remain classified, the Pittsburgh logged over 1,000 dives all over the world, including in the Arctic, Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans. prgtoken The Pittsburgh was the U.S. Navy's fourth ship to be named after the Steel City and during its time in service retained a number of connections to its namesake. Over the years, multiple civic organizations have used the ship for outreach efforts, fundraisers, and crew visits to increase the public's appreciation for the Navy and the submarine service. Local groups, such as the Pittsburgh Council of the Navy League and the Leetsdale, PA, chapter of the U.S. Submarine Veterans Incorporated, have kept in regular contact with the ship's crew. Another local organization, called the Pittsburgh Foundation, even administers a scholarship fund for the Pittsburgh's crew and their families. prgtoken The vessel's motto, ``Heart of Steel,'' paid homage to the city's cultural and industrial roots. The slogan is apt given that researchers at the Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory in West Mifflin, PA, just outside of Pittsburgh, are credited with designing portions of the nuclear technology outfitted on nuclear-propelled Navy vessels, including the Pittsburgh. prgtoken On February 25, 2019, the submarine completed her final deployment, during which she traveled over 39,000 nautical miles and conducted three foreign port visits. Subsequently, the Pittsburgh departed Groton, CT, for Bremerton, WA, for her final homeport change. On this final voyage, she became the first submarine of her variant to complete an arctic transit. She is now undergoing the months-long decommissioning and inactivation process that will culminate in a ceremony on January 17, 2020. I send everyone involved in the ceremony the best of wishes. prgtoken After 35 years of distinguished service, I commend the USS Pittsburgh and her crew for their sustained commitment to upholding our Nation's defense. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in recognition of the USS Pittsburgh upon her inactivation from the Navy.
FASTEST GROWING CITY IN AMERICA, SUGAR LAND, TEXAS
Pete Olson (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-1-7

my hometown of Sugar Land, Texas, keeps setting records and leaving all the others in the dust. Today, we found out we are the fourth fastest growing city in America, growing 49.3 percent over the last decade. prgtoken That growth would not have happened without Philip Savko. Philip ran Sugar Land Regional Airport for nearly 21 years. Under his leadership, his two decades of leadership, our airport went from flying Cessna 152's and crop dusters to being the go-to airport in the Houston region for Fortune 500 corporate jets. One hundred of these jets use our airport on a regular basis. prgtoken Philip delivered these birds by arranging to have on-call U.S. Customs service at our airport. Philip brought 692 jobs to Sugar Land, with the impact of $93 million. prgtoken Philip took his last flight from our airport. He flew up to heaven over the holidays. We imagine Philip, on approach, God in the control tower, saying: ``Philip, you are on course, on glide slope. You are cleared to land. Welcome home, dear man.'' prgtoken Rest in peace, Philip, with our many, many thanks.
HONORING THE SERVICE OF MASTER SERGEANT DOUGLAS WONACOTT
Mark E. Green (Republican, TN) \u2014 2020-1-7

. Madam , I rise today to honor the service of Master Sergeant Douglas Wonacott of the U.S. Army's 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). MSG Wonacott enlisted in the United States Army in 2000 and he has served with great honor and distinction in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) throughout his entire career. As a special operations flight medic with the famed Night Stalkers, MSG Wonacott provided life-saving medical treatment for scores of U.S. soldiers who were wounded in combat operations. Time and again he demonstrated peerless courage under enemy fire as he sought to provide emergency care for the wounded--even when a helicopter he was providing medical care on was shot down by enemy fire in Iraq. MSG Wonacott served with distinction and valor in the War on Terror, with over a dozen deployments to Iraq in a decade of conflict, as well two deployments to Afghanistan in Operation Enduring Freedom. In the course of his deployments, MSG Wonacott took part in Operation Red Dawn, a crucial mission which culminated in the capture of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. In 2013, MSG Wonacott was named the Regiment Operation Assessment Element flight medic, and in 2016 he was selected as the Regiment Senior Medic. As the senior medic of the 160th SOAR, he supervised the regiment's special operations flight medics, medical officers, and physicians' assistants, and he has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure that the soldiers of the unit have access to the physical and mental care that they need. His merit and courage bring great credit to the United States Army, and I am honored to have served alongside him. Among his many awards and citations, MSG Wonacott has received two Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Bronze Star Medal, a Purple Heart, a Meritorious Service Medal, and two Air Medals. On behalf of the United States Congress, I commend MSG Wonacott for his faithful and patriotic service to our nation, and I congratulate him on the occasion of his well-earned retirement from active duty.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST--S. CON. RES. 32
James M. Inhofe (Republican, OK) \u2014 2020-1-7

5 days ago, President made the boldest defensive policy decision of his Presidency to date. He authorized the airstrike against the leader of Iran's Quds Force, Soleimani, in accordance with his authorities as Commander in Chief of the United States under article II of the Constitution. prgtoken Let's remember who Soleimani was. He was a terrorist. He was responsible for training and funding militias across the Middle East-- the very militias that have targeted American personnel, our facilities, and our partners for decades. He was behind the plot to assassinate the Saudi Ambassador in Washington. That was back in 2011. He has been doing this for a long time now. He was responsible for the brutal repression of democratic protests within Iran. The terrorist groups he armed and trained attacked our partners, including Israel. prgtoken Some of the people out there are more focused on criticizing President for taking out Soleimani than they are on protecting American diplomats and American troops, conveniently forgetting that Soleimani is the architect of Iran's terrorism and is responsible for over 600 American deaths during the Iraqi war. When you stop and think about how bad he is, it just doesn't get any worse than that. prgtoken We hear a lot recently about getting--I am very happy this President was able to put together something and take out al-Baghdadi, but this guy was worse than al-Baghdadi--you can argue, even worse than bin Laden. prgtoken Their justification for criticizing the President for killing a terrorist who wanted to destroy America--stated it many times--they think it was reckless and represents a rush to war. Nothing could be further from the truth. Just remember how we got where we are today. prgtoken Remember the apology tour? I remember it well. When he first came into office, he went around talking about--all around to our adversaries and our friends alike talking about how bad America was. We remember that, and it was a game changer for our behavior throughout the world at that time. prgtoken First, American credibility hit an all-time low under the administration. President set a redline in Syria. We all remember that redline in Syria. That was because Syria was using weapons of mass destruction, and President said: If you continue to do that, we will, you know, take you out--words to that effect. Well, then the redline occurred when Syria started dropping weapons of mass destruction on its own people there. Now, that kind of, I think, changed the thinking of does America mean what they say? prgtoken To make matters worse, signed a deal with Iran that didn't address Iran's support for terrorism at all. It gave Iran over $100 billion, including $1.7 billion in cash. That was a John Kerry thing. That was when John Kerry was the Secretary of State and President was the President. At that time, $1.7 billion was given to this