mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING DR. THERESA FLOYD, PH.D.
Bill Posey (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-1-28

. Madam , in honor of Black History Month, I rise today in recognition of Dr. Theresa Floyd, an African American Pioneer and outstanding constituent, who has devoted her life to promoting the importance of faith, family and community in our district. prgtoken As an educator, mentor, dedicated volunteer, wife of 54 years, and a mom to seven kids, Dr. Floyd has worn many important hats in our community. Her strong faith-based foundation can be attributed to her time at Jacksonville Theological Seminary, where she earned her Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral degrees. During her education, she served as a role model and counselor for many students who went on to graduate and give back to our community. prgtoken Dr. Floyd founded the New Hope Pentecostal Church in Orange Park Florida, where she served the church in many capacities such as Executive Administrator, Board Member, Evangelist, Deaconess and even Choir Director. Her leadership in Orange Park was well regarded by her peers, eventually serving as a town councilmember, school counselor, teacher, and canvassing board member. Ultimately, she and her family were recognized as the Most Outstanding Black Family in the Town of Orange Park. prgtoken Currently Dr. Floyd acts as Pastor and Chief Executive of Faith and Deliverance Ministry in Vero Beach. In her role, she provides mentorship and guidance to those suffering from addiction, and helps those who need food and shelter. A true humanitarian, she is always putting others before herself. prgtoken The contributions that Dr. Floyd has made to Indian River County are immeasurable and will be felt for generations to come. We are grateful to her for her spiritual works and unwavering altruism, that have made the Treasure Coast a better place for all families to enjoy. prgtoken On Tuesday, February 18th, 2020, the Indian River County Board of Commissioners will honor Dr. Floyd's service to our community in celebration of Black History Month. The Board is dedicated to celebrating African American pioneers in the community such as Dr. Floyd, who have paved the way for future generations. prgtoken I ask my colleagues of the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Dr. Floyd's service to residents and families across our district, and her continued devotion to making our community a better place.
TRIBUTE TO NATHANIEL JONES
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2020-1-28

I rise to honor the memory of one of our country's great civil rights leaders and judges, the Honorable Nathaniel Jones, who passed away on January 26 at the age of 93. prgtoken Judge Jones was a native of Youngstown in my home State of Ohio, a veteran who served in the Air Force during World War II, and a tireless advocate for justice and equality. After his time in the military, he earned an undergraduate degree and a JD from Youngstown State University. prgtoken For much of the 1960s, Judge Jones was the assistant U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Ohio at the appointment of Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. In 1969, he became the general counsel for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, NAACP, where he argued numerous cases before the Supreme Court. prgtoken In 1979 he moved to the Cincinnati area upon being appointed as an appeals judge for the Sixth Circuit by President Carter, and he served admirably in that role for decades. With all of his experience, and his reputation for integrity and problem-solving, Judge Jones was an active member of the Cincinnati community and widely respected in legal circles. As an example, he was asked to deliver the inaugural Judge A. Leon Higginbotham Distinguished Memorial Lecture at Harvard Law School. prgtoken His work also included helping to end the apartheid regime in South Africa, working to promote a free and independent Namibia, participating in the U.S.-Egypt Judicial Exchange Program, and advocating for human rights within the Soviet Union. Among his many accomplishments, he received the Distinguished Service Citation from the National Conference for Community Justice and the State Department's Millennium International Volunteer Award. For all of his accomplishments, worked in the House of Representatives to write and pass legislation to rename the U.S. courthouse in Youngstown after Judge Jones--the courthouse stands only a few miles down the road from where he was raised as a child. It now bears the name of this proud son of Youngstown. prgtoken Back home in Cincinnati, Judge Jones was just as important a figure in the fight for a more equitable society, having taught law at the University of Cincinnati, among other schools. I was proud to work with him on launching the National Underground Railroad Museum, housed in my hometown of Cincinnati. It is there in large part because of the efforts of Judge Jones, who also served as a co-chair of the board of trustees for the museum. I was honored to work with him over the years to further its mission. Just last fall, the University of Cincinnati College of Law renamed its Center for Race, Gender, and Social Justice in his honor. prgtoken Judge Jones was a model public servant, working to better his community and his fellow man. I will remember him as a friend who brought people together to support racial healing, equality and to improve the community. His legacy of
SUPPORT PROTESTERS IN REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA
Pete Olson (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-1-28

. Madam , I have a question. What does Oscar the Grouch from Sesame Street have in common with the republic of Georgia's oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili? What do they have in common? prgtoken Answer: They are both puppets who trash their own home. prgtoken Vladimir Putin's puppet has attacked foreign investment in Georgia and crushed basic human rights. prgtoken A company from Texas, Frontera Resources, has been drilling in Georgia for years and years and years. They have created great jobs in America and great jobs in Georgia. They have created freedom. That was until the government took over all of their operations, all of their equipment. Now, they are drilling zero wells in Georgia. prgtoken Of course, the Napoleon of Siberia, Vladimir Putin, is happy to control Georgia's oil. His puppet, oligarch Ivanishvili, is getting rich off the backs of the Georgian people. prgtoken It is time to wake up. As this photo from Getty shows, the protesters in Georgia need our support. Join me in raising our voices for freedom in Georgia.
RECOGNIZING THE BONNEVILLE HOTEL
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2020-1-28

along with my colleagues Senator James E. Risch and Representative Mike Simpson, I congratulate the city of Idaho Falls and Bonneville County on the preservation of the historic Hotel Bonneville. prgtoken The Bonneville County Heritage Association provided historical background about the area and the original naming and purpose of the hotel that has stood in Idaho Falls for nearly a century. The association notes this remarkable structure was named for Captain Bonneville, who led an expedition from 1832 to 1834 through the vast country between the Missouri and Columbia Rivers. Idaho later became part of the United States through the Oregon Treaty in 1846. Then, on March 4, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed a bill establishing the Idaho Territory, and Idaho became the 43rd State on July 3, 1890. Further, the Bonneville County Heritage Association explained that on February 7, 1911, Governor James Henry Hawley put an end to a fight for county division by signing a bill designating Bonneville County and naming Idaho Falls the county seat. prgtoken The Bonneville County Heritage Association found a May 1927 Times Register article providing an account of the historical significance of the Hotel Bonneville in Idaho Falls at the time of its construction that states the hotel ``is the result of the desire on the part of a number of the people of Idaho Falls, and community, to have the use of a strictly first class hotel, with adequate accommodations and quality of service which would enable Idaho Falls, as a community, to invite public gatherings and conventions and to be prepared to take care of them in a way and manner, which would reflect on the community.'' The name Hotel Bonneville was selected for the original hotel to honor the founder of this part of the country, and the hotel opened its doors for business on June 1, 1927. prgtoken The Bonneville Hotel has recently undergone extensive renovations transforming it into an affordable housing complex that includes retail space. We commend the visionaries and partners who came together to provide a new life for this local landmark. A plaque at the building notes the original Hotel Bonneville was built by 481 citizens. Through the leadership of Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper, the Idaho Falls City Council, the Idaho Falls Redevelopment Agency, and the hard work and vison of many Idahoans, the renewal of this landmark honors the founders of the county and those who worked to build and renovate the hotel and preserves this historic building for generations to come. Congratulations on this local transformation.
TRIAL OF DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-1-28

. Mr. Chief Justice, we will complete the question period over the next 2 days. I remind Senators that their questions must be in writing and will be submitted to the Chief Justice. During the question period of the Clinton trial, Senators were thoughtful and brief with their questions, and the managers and counsel were succinct in their answers. I hope we can follow both of these examples during this time.
SUPPORTING THE RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE OF IRAN TO FREE EXPRESSION
Michael T. McCaul (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-1-28

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , I rise in strong support of the Iranian people and our condemnation of the Iranian regime's crackdown on legitimate protests. prgtoken I want to first thank Congressman Deutch for bringing this important legislation, introducing this resolution. And I am proud to be a cosponsor of it. prgtoken Twice in the past 3 months, the Iranian people have bravely raised their voices to protest the conduct of the despotic Iranian regime. And both times, these peaceful, popular demonstrations have been met with utter violence. prgtoken In November, protestors across Iran voiced their anger at an abrupt increase in gasoline prices. This soon broadened to voicing their anger at the regime as a whole. prgtoken The Islamic Republic of Iran responded with brutal force. Security thugs opened fire on unarmed protestors. The regime cut off the internet in an attempt to silence the voice of the people and suppress the evidence of the security forces' bloodshed. prgtoken Despite the regime's efforts, the world still knows about their cruelty. We have all seen the videos of security forces shooting innocent people on the streets. The regime killed as many as 1,500 people, by far the largest and most violent crackdown since the 1979 revolution. prgtoken Just a few weeks later, the Iranian people were once again furious with their government. This time, it was because the regime shot down a commercial airliner, killing 176 innocent people, many of whom were Iranian. Even worse, the regime did not admit to having done so for 3 days. They intentionally lied to their own people and to the world. prgtoken Once again, security forces fired on peaceful protestors. prgtoken The broad frustration with this cruel, lying regime is evident. An Iranian Olympic medalist announced she was defecting because of ``hypocrisy, lies, injustice, and flattery.'' prgtoken Iran's State TV anchor resigned, saying, ``It was very hard for me to believe the killing of my own countrymen. I apologize for lying to you on television for the last 13 years.'' prgtoken With this resolution, we declare that the House of Representatives stands with the people of Iran demanding accountability from their leaders. prgtoken I thank the President for loudly and clearly supporting the rights of the Iranian people. The President has urged the regime not to use violence against their own people. He has also worked to hold the Iranian regime accountable for its cruelty. prgtoken The administration has actively sought information about the perpetrators of violence through its tip line. Using those tips, the administration has sanctioned those with blood on their hands, such as the IRGC commander who oversaw a massacre in November, killing as many as 148 people. I want to thank the administration for taking concrete action to support the people of Iran. prgtoken This resolution is our opportunity in the Congress to show the sa
TIBETAN POLICY AND SUPPORT ACT OF 2019
Ron Estes (Republican, KS) \u2014 2020-1-28

. Madam , I was not present for Roll Call vote No. 25 on Ordering the Previous Question, as Amended, Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3621) Student Borrower Credit Improvement Act, and providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 550) Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' prgtoken Madam , I was not present for Roll Call vote No. 26 on Agreeing to the Resolution, as Amended, Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3621) Student Borrower Credit Improvement Act, and providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 550) Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' prgtoken Madam , I was not present for Roll Call vote No. 27 on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended. Tibetan Policy and Support Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''
CONGRATULATING 2020 CALIFORNIA DISTINGUISHED SCHOOLS
Gilbert Ray Cisneros, Jr. (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-1-28

. Madam , it is with great pride that I rise today to honor and congratulate 13 elementary schools in California's 39th District for their selection as 2020 California Distinguished Schools. prgtoken The 39th District elementary schools awarded this distinction include: Acacia, Blandford, Buena Terra, Charles G. Emery, Golden, Hidden Trails, Killian, Laguna Road, Laurel Elementary Magnet School of Innovation and Career Exploration, Mesa Robles, Robert C. Fisler, Wedgeworth, and Ybarra Academy of Arts and Technology. prgtoken Our students' success is a testament not only to their dedication but also to the tireless efforts made by educators, administrators, staff, and parents. prgtoken Madam , I ask that you and my honorable colleagues join me in congratulating these 13 California distinguished schools for their tremendous educational achievements.
STATE OF THE ECONOMY
Haley M. Stevens (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2020-1-28

. Madam , I rise to discuss the impact of our economy on our American workers and on our American manufacturers. prgtoken The headlines are real. We are in a technical manufacturing recession, as measured by productivity and output. prgtoken As we know, and as it has been stated many times tonight, the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 was a permanent tax giveaway for the wealthiest corporations, not our suppliers, not our workers, but the wealthiest among us, at the expense of everyday Americans. prgtoken We have the benefit of hindsight to point out what many experts at the time cautioned; that this would ultimately not lead to significant job gains or raise workers' wages. $1.5 trillion added to our deficit. The levels are alarming. The facts are out today. prgtoken Madam , it is clear. We must do better. We must continue to work for the people.
H. CON. RES. 83
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2020-1-28

H. Con. Res. 83 directs the President to terminate the use of U.S. Armed Forces to engage in hostilities against Iran, unless Congress has authorized the use of military force against Iran or such use is necessary to defend against an imminent armed attack. H. Con. Res. 83 was agreed to in the House of Representatives on January 9, 2020 and received in the Senate and referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on January 13, 2020. prgtoken The War Powers Resolution, PL 93-148, has special procedures underscoring the privileged nature of a concurrent resolution like H. Con. Res. 83. Section 1546(c) of the War Powers Resolution requires that once a privileged concurrent resolution such as H. Con. Res. 83 has been passed by the House, it must be referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and ``shall be reported out by such committee together with its recommendations within fifteen calendar days.'' Fifteen calendar prgtoken days from January 13 is today, January 28, 2020. Under the law, the concurrent resolution may be reported out with a favorable or unfavorable recommendation, or no recommendation at all, but it must be reported out. prgtoken Unfortunately, it appears that the Senate Foreign Relations Committee majority leadership has decided to allow the 15 calendar days to lapse without taking action on H. Con. Res. 83. This failure to act leaves a statutory obligation unfulfilled. prgtoken I understand that the chairman is basing this inaction primarily on the contention that a concurrent resolution under 50 U.S.C. 1544(c) may be privileged only if it uses the word ``remove'' or the phrase ``removal of United States Armed Forces engaged in hostilities,'' rather than ``terminate'' or ``terminate the use of United States Armed Forces to engage in hostilities'' as used in H. Con. Res. 83. The argument appears to be that the use of ``removed'' in 1544(c) of the War Powers Resolution eliminates the possibility of privilege if any other terminology is used, regardless of functional equivalency. This argument suggests that ``removal'' is a term of art required for privilege. prgtoken The approach is unjustifiably restrictive. Treating ``removal'' as a term of art required for privilege is inconsistent with the overarching purpose of the War Powers Resolution and without support in either the statutory framework or legislative history. It also undermines Senate and congressional prerogatives. prgtoken The purpose of the War Powers Resolution was for Congress to reconfirm and reassert its constitutional powers over ``undeclared'' wars. The availability of a privileged and binding resolution to force a President to stop using U.S. Armed Forces in hostilities is central to that purpose. Limiting such privilege to a single phrase or word is inconsistent with this reassertion of congressional powers and is neither a feature of the statute nor its legislative history. prgtoken The statutor
REMEMBERING CARMELLA WOOD
Jacky Rosen (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2020-1-28

I rise today to pay tribute to a great Nevadan, American, and member of the Greatest Generation, Carmella Wood, who passed away on January 26, 2020 at the age of 97 in Las Vegas, the city she called home in the Silver State since 2003. prgtoken Carmella, like many others of her generation, answered her country's call during World War II, volunteering to serve in the fight against tyranny. When the U.S. Army would not take her because of her 4-foot 11-inch height, she joined the war effort, working in a factory on the east coast building Corsair Bombers. Carmella's dedication to serving her country is reflected in the fact that even though the factory she was assigned to was 20 miles from her home, she never missed a day, sometimes having to walk in the snow the rest of the way to work when the bus she rode on could not completely reach the factory. She and the women she worked with day in and day out kept our troops in the fight, and these women would eventually come to be collectively and affectionately known as Rosie the Riveters. Rosies like Carmella produced over 297,000 airplanes, 102,000 tanks, 88,000 warships, and countless other pieces of wartime equipment which helped American and Allied troops defeat enemy forces both in the European and Pacific Theaters, winning the war and bringing an end to the terror Nazi Germany and Japan had inflicted upon countless countries. prgtoken After the war Carmella, like many other Rosies and members of the ``greatest generation'', returned to living their lives. They married, had kids of their own, and worked outside the home. However, Carmella never forgot her time as a Rosie. Over 20 years ago, she started attending national Rosie the Riveter Association reunions and other events where she was able to share her experiences and teach current generations about how these dedicated women kept America fighting in the war so their sacrifices and work are not forgotten or overlooked. prgtoken , please join me in honoring and remembering Carmella Wood, one of our legendary Rosie the Riveters of World War II, a true Nevadan and American patriot who answered her Nation's call to service, someone who reflects the high ideals of this country. Her spirit, perseverance, and dedication are an inspiration to all Americans, and she will be truly missed.
TRIBUTE TO CARL ADRIAN
Maria Cantwell (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2020-1-28

I rise today to recognize the career and service of Carl Adrian, who is retiring this month after more than 16 years as the president of the Tri-Cities Economic Development Council in my home State of Washington. prgtoken Carl has devoted his career to making the Tri-Cities an economic powerhouse, and throughout his time as the longest serving president of TRIDEC, Carl Adrian accomplished so many important things for the region. Thanks in part to his work, the Tri-Cities of today is very different from the Tri-Cities of 16 years ago. prgtoken Under Carl's leadership, more than 1,300 businesses set up shop in the Tri-Cities and more than 35,000 new jobs were created. These business leaders weren't drawn to the Tri-Cities just because of the weather or the excellent Washington wine; they came because Carl helped create new opportunities and supported significant investments for employers in the region. prgtoken I have been so pleased to partner with Carl and TRIDEC on so many endeavors over the years. When it comes to Hanford, Carl saw the site as history that should be celebrated and remembered. We worked together to establish the Manhattan Project Historical Park in Richland, which honors the more than 51,000 Hanford workers who helped drive our country's nuclear program and remembers those whose lands were taken when the facilities were built. The site is helping to educate new generations and bringing new visitors to the Tri-Cities. More than 10,000 people visit every year from all 50 States and more than 80 countries. prgtoken Carl also knows how important it is that we get Hanford cleaned up. He has been a stalwart advocate for the funding we need to clean up the site. And I share his strong belief that the Federal Government has a moral obligation to the Tri-Cities and our State to make sure the Hanford cleanup and its workers receive Federal funding they need. prgtoken Throughout his time at TRIDEC, Carl has worked on so many other projects of importance to the Tri-Cities. He has been one of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's strongest supporters, working tirelessly to make sure Congress and the Department of Energy recognize the importance of the lab to our region and country. As a result of his advocacy, the lab has experienced significant growth, particularly in energy innovation including grid security, battery storage and clean energy technologies. prgtoken I was also proud to work with Carl and TRIDEC to expand the Tri-City Regional Airport. His leadership enabled the airport to bring non-stop daily flights from San Francisco, Minneapolis, and Chicago to the region, along with many other destinations. These flights have helped grow the attractiveness of southeastern Washington and allowed many more people to see what the Tri-Cities have to offer. prgtoken For more than 16 years, Carl Adrian's leadership of the Tri-Cities Economic Development Council has made an impact through