mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Mueller Report (Executive Session)
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-5-2

. Thank you, . I rise today to discuss Special Counsel Robert Mueller's recent report, which is titled ``The Report on the Investigation into Russia's Interference in the 2016 Presidential Election.'' prgtoken The Mueller investigation was authorized to ensure a full and thorough investigation of the Russian Government's efforts to interfere in the 2016 Presidential election, as well as any links and/or coordination between the Russian Government and individuals associated with the campaign of . prgtoken Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein said, when appointing the special counsel: [T]he public interest requires me to place this investigation under the authority of a person who exercises a degree of independence from the normal chain of command. . . . I am confident that [Special Counsel Mueller] will follow the facts, apply the law, and reach a just result. prgtoken I encourage all Americans to read the redacted version of the Mueller report and draw their own conclusions. The report lays out in stark detail Russia's attack on our country before and during our 2016 elections. prgtoken The special counsel rightly concluded that the Russian Government interfered in the 2016 Presidential election in a sweeping and systematic fashion. prgtoken In January 2018, I issued a report on behalf of the on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee titled ``Putin's Asymmetric Assault on Democracy in Russia, and Europe: Its Implications on U.S. National Security.'' That report outlines some of the same tactics used by Russia and Europe that the Mueller report identifies were used in our 2016 elections. Mr. Putin has waged war against democracy. prgtoken The Mueller report concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 Presidential election principally through two operations. First, a Russian entity carried out a social media campaign that favored Presidential candidate Donald J. and disparaged Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton; second, a Russian intelligence service conducted computer intrusion operations against entities, employees, and volunteers working on the Clinton campaign and then released stolen documents. prgtoken The investigation also identified numerous links between the Russian Government and the campaign. When discussing the Mueller report, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein recently said: ``There was overwhelming evidence that Russian operatives hacked American computers and defrauded American citizens, and that is only the tip of the iceberg of a comprehensive Russian strategy to influence elections, promote social discord, and undermine America, just like they do in many other countries.'' prgtoken The Director of National Intelligence testified before the Senate in January that ``even as Russia faces a weakening economy, the Kremlin is stepping up its campaign to divide Western political and security institutions and undermine
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-5-2

for his comments in support of NATO and the alliance, one that we share on a bipartisan basis here in the Senate. Remembering Richard Lugar prgtoken , I wish to take a few moments to honor former Senator Richard Lugar, who passed away on April 28. prgtoken Richard Lugar's leadership as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee was a model of statesmanship--someone who put country over party and principle over politics. prgtoken I did not have the privilege of serving as a Senator with Richard Lugar, but I did have an opportunity to see him in action when I served as a Senate staff member, working on national security issues for another great Senator and statesman, Senator Mac Mathias, who also served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken During that time, I witnessed Richard Lugar's work on a bipartisan basis to achieve major foreign policy successes. He had the vision to remain true to American values, and in a complex world, he took the long view of what was best for our country. Those traits produced the landmark law to reduce the threat of nuclear proliferation, known as the Nunn-Lugar Act, after its chief authors. The program has led to the elimination of more than 10,000 nuclear warheads, more than 1,000 ICBMs, and almost 40,000 tons of chemical agents that had been scattered across the former Soviet Union. prgtoken I was especially inspired by Senator Lugar's work to end the racist apartheid regime in South Africa. At the time, the Reagan administration was pursuing a policy of so-called ``constructive engagement'' with that apartheid regime. The Reagan administration was opposed to imposing sanctions on South Africa to help free Nelson Mandela, who was imprisoned, and to bring about an end to apartheid rule. Senator Lugar understood that continued engagement with that regime undermined America's values and our interests. As chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, he led the efforts to pass the legislation to impose sanctions on South Africa, and when President Reagan vetoed that bill, Senator Lugar lead the bipartisan effort to overturn the veto of the President of his own party. That override was successful. Richard Lugar spurned partisanship in order to do the right thing for America. S.J. Res. 7 prgtoken , that brings us to the vote we will have today-- whether or not to override President 's veto of the bipartisan legislation to end U.S. support for Saudi Arabia's brutal actions in the catastrophic war in Yemen. prgtoken I see Senator Murphy, a colleague from Connecticut, on the floor. I thank him for his leadership in this area. prgtoken I urge the Senate to stand up together for American values and for our long-term interests and to vote today to overturn President 's veto. prgtoken Whether it is Saudi Arabia's conduct in the war in Yemen,
Senate Legislative Agenda (Executive Session)
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-5-2

in the United States, American foreign policy is not determined by just one person. The Constitution makes that clear. Article I grants Congress the power to declare war, not the President. prgtoken Consistent with that responsibility, and s in this body worked together to pass a bipartisan resolution directing the President to end U.S. support for Saudi-led hostilities in Yemen. I am a proud cosponsor of that bill, which passed both Chambers of Congress in recent months. prgtoken We made it unmistakably clear that our involvement in Yemen is not authorized by Congress, but the President has chosen to sidestep the bipartisan majority by not signing this bill into law. prgtoken In doing so, he is sustaining the crisis through the continuing refueling of Saudi aircraft and other activities. prgtoken The American people are not asking the President for this. Taxpayers, certainly, do not want to pay for it. prgtoken I serve on the Senate Armed Services Committee, and I can assure you that supporting Saudi Arabia's operations in Yemen is nowhere-- nowhere--to be found in our national defense strategy. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to reject continued support for Saudi Arabia's military actions in Yemen. Congress must do its job and vote to override the President's veto. prgtoken We have an opportunity this week to help make the suffering in Yemen come to an end. Let's not forget that 22 million people in Yemen still need humanitarian assistance or protection. More than 8 million people still go hungry every single day. Sixteen million Yemenis still don't have clean water, resulting in pervasive disease outbreaks. Children are still dying every single day. Every 10 minutes, a child under 5 dies in Yemen from a preventable cause, according to the United Nations. prgtoken For many people, their survival is a daily challenge and struggle. Their future hangs, literally, by a thread. prgtoken In addition to disease, starvation, and displacement, the people of Yemen are subjected to indiscriminate bombings led by Saudi Arabia. prgtoken Let me be clear. Bombs will not resolve this conflict. All parties must come together and work toward a peaceful solution that places the dignity of all Yemeni people at the center of those negotiations, and we can help facilitate that. That is what the American people want. prgtoken If you go to Michigan, you can meet with some of the Yemeni Americans who just want the same thing that everybody else does--help for those who are suffering and meaningful steps toward peace. prgtoken American diplomacy can help to resolve this tragedy, and we must make every effort to do so. prgtoken .
CLIMATE ACTION NOW ACT
Kim Schrier (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2019-5-2

I would just like to reiterate that it is so important that we all step up. prgtoken When I hear my colleagues talking about jobs, needing to do other things, waiting, this is too advanced. It is frustrating to see that 2 years passed and we saw absolutely no legislation to protect our climate. Kicking the can down the road further just puts our future in peril, along with the future of our children. prgtoken So I would ask for that step of faith that we will protect jobs. I am happy to say that H.R. 9 specifically notes that, in addressing our changing climate, this will create jobs, clean energy jobs, and you can rest assured that our economy will flourish with addressing our climate. prgtoken , .
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Steve Scalise (Republican, LA) \u2014 2019-5-2

. I hope when we get to that appropriations process that there would be open rules, as we did. prgtoken And I guess the gentleman doesn't have to worry about his majority breaking the record of closed rules, because this week we only had one rule, and, in fact, again, a modified rule, where over 30 of our amendments were shut out. Hopefully, more legislation starts moving through the process. prgtoken When we look at last Congress, we passed over 50 rules last Congress. So far, this Congress, only 34 rules. We actually had 30 bills signed into law at this point in the last Congress, 30 bills signed into law under our majority, only 16 signed into law here. Hopefully, we see more productivity as well as more openness in that process. prgtoken from Maryland.
RECOGNIZING THE 175TH FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY OF MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA
Ted S. Yoho (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-5-2

. Madam , I would like to take this time to commemorate the 175th Anniversary of the founding of Marion County, Florida. prgtoken I have the honor of representing part of this county, alongside Representatives Neal Dunn and Daniel Webster. prgtoken For the past 175 years, Marion County has been at the heart of Florida's rich history and continues to be an important part of Florida today. The county boasts significant economic development and the title of``Horse Capital of the World.'' prgtoken Marion County is constantly growing and is an industry leader in the agriculture, equine and forestry industries. The success of these industries can be attributed to the hard-working and dedicated individuals in the community. prgtoken As we celebrate this significant anniversary, we must reflect on the contributions that Marion County has made to the great state of Florida and the nation. I look forward to the continued success of the Marion County community. Congratulations.
CLIMATE ACTION NOW ACT
John Shimkus (Republican, IL) \u2014 2019-5-2

. Mr. Chair, this is the perfect example of an amendment that, as we move something forward that might be able to be considered by the Senate and signed by the President, I think we would be very interested in dealing with. prgtoken Although, I guess I am a little confused. The amendment says we don't want to be technologically specific, although you mentioned the benefits of carbon capture, sequestration, and utilization, which is an amendment we had in the committee to try to say these are some good technologies we ought to consider. prgtoken A lot of folks on our side have been excited about the energy renaissance, the ability to recover more oil. We know the great stories of Texas and the ability to capture carbon and sequester it with utilization for money to help deal with other issues. prgtoken I think when we move in the direction of a bill that we plan to get through the Senate and the House, we should keep our communications open because I think there are some bipartisan solutions. prgtoken The s have always talked about conservation, innovation, and adaptation. This is part of the innovation package. prgtoken We also have advanced nuclear in that package. We also have pump storage and batteries in that package. I think there are opportunities here. prgtoken We offered, as I said, in the committee, the value of nuclear and advanced nuclear energy, hydropower, carbon capture, and the production and export of natural gas. Part of my portfolio of volunteer activities is in the Eastern European bloc. Obviously, the ability to export natural gas has been a boon to these countries that don't want to be enslaved to Russian natural gas. prgtoken Again, there are things we can do. When we talk about innovation necessary to produce a strong economy, energy security, and lower emissions, we have to focus on the benefits of these technologies. While I can agree with the idea of this amendment, I think it falls short of what is necessary for Congress to assist our priorities. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I encourage a ``no'' vote, but I look forward to working with my colleague in the future, and .
JIM GORMAN RETIREMENT
Troy Balderson (Republican, OH) \u2014 2019-5-2

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the life and achievements of James ``Jim'' Gorman, in honor of his retirement from the Gorman-Rupp Company in Mansfield, Ohio. prgtoken Since its founding in 1933, the Gorman-Rupp Company has been known worldwide for its quality pumps and pump systems. When Jim first joined the board of directors in 1946, he began a journey spanning more than seven decades. For 73 years, Jim has worked tirelessly to uphold the renowned Gorman-Rupp Company reputation and build its global success. prgtoken Jim's service didn't begin in the private sector, however. In 1942, amidst the height of World War II, Jim answered his nation's call and joined the United States Army as a C-47 cargo plane pilot, where he risked life and limb to defend the principle of freedom. His lifelong dedication to service for his country and community didn't end there. After World War II, Jim served in the Air Force Reserves until the Guard unit was opened in June 1948, where he served until 1956. prgtoken After his time in the military, Jim returned home to Mansfield, Ohio to devote himself to the eponymous company his father co-founded. As a salesman, Jim traveled the country selling the pumps and pump systems the Gorman-Rupp Company designs and manufactures. It didn't take long for Jim's staunch work ethic to earn him the respect and admiration of his colleagues. prgtoken As far back as 1948, Jim has repeatedly been quoted as saying he believes in treating his employees as he would like to be treated. This unwavering commitment to his employees remains through this very day and sets an example for job creators everywhere. prgtoken Jim's life and career are marked by decades of profound, yet humbly- and dutifully-carried-out service to others. I'm confident that's Jim's impact will be an enduring one, and that his work will be cherished by generations to come. prgtoken I thank James ``Jim'' Gorman for bringing honor to Mansfield, Ohio, and in turn I honor him for his incredible record of achievements.
TRIBUTE TO DR. JIM WADE
H. Morgan Griffith (Republican, VA) \u2014 2019-5-2

. Madam , I offer these remarks in tribute to Dr. Jim Wade of Abingdon, Virginia, who has used his talents as a surgeon to help needy people around the globe. prgtoken Dr. Wade was born and raised in Princeton, West Virginia. He attended West Virginia University as an undergraduate and then continued at its School of Medicine specializing in otolaryngology. After completing his medical studies, he served as an officer in the U.S. Army for five years, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel. He then had a medical practice in Abingdon from 1978 to 2013. prgtoken In Abingdon, Dr. Wade has been an active member of his community. He attends Abingdon Bible Church, serves on various boards, and provides a home for foreign interns when they are training in the country. prgtoken Dr. Wade's deep faith, compassion for others, and medical skills guided him to the field of medical missions. He began volunteering with the faith-based charity World Medical Mission in May 1996, traveling to Kenya, performing cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries. Working with World Medical Mission and BethanyKids in the years since, Dr. Wade has traveled to Kenya 25 times, South Sudan three times, Egypt twice, South Sudan twice, and Myanmar to perform these surgeries. Frequently operating in areas undergoing political and social unrest and lacking the comforts of home, he conducts an average of four surgeries a day during twelve-hour shifts in the operating room. prgtoken His selfless and humble service to others has been a gift in the lives of many, from the children who benefit from his medical skills to the colleagues inspired by his example. I commend Dr. Wade for his good works and for the generous and caring spirit in which he has done them.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2019-5-2

today we begin to consider S.J. Res. 7, which is a joint resolution that directs--and I quote from the resolution--``removal of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in Yemen.'' prgtoken This is the second time, of course, that we have considered this. We passed it, the House passed it, and the President has vetoed it, and it is now in front of us, under our constitutional responsibilities, to consider whether the resolution becomes law, notwithstanding the President's signature. prgtoken I am going to urge a ``no'' vote on this, that it does not become law, and we sustain the veto the President has made. prgtoken As I have stated before, the premise of this resolution is fundamentally flawed and I believe a mischaracterization of the actual facts on the ground today in Yemen. prgtoken I want to start basically by, once again, making it absolutely clear what is and, more importantly, what is not happening with respect to U.S. engagement in Yemen. prgtoken What isn't happening is the injection of U.S. troops into active hostilities in the Yemen civil war. To put it simply, our troops are not cobelligerents in this conflict. prgtoken What we are doing, however, is providing limited noncombat support to the Saudi-led coalition, including intelligence sharing and practices that have been developed to minimize civilian casualties--I am sure a goal everybody in this body supports. prgtoken This support is very narrow in focus, it is advisory in nature, and helps defend the territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which both face a very real threat from the Iranian-backed Houthis and from Iran itself. Our limited support is intended to prevent the conflict in Yemen from escalating. prgtoken Iran's support for the Houthis, notably the transfer of missiles and other weaponry, threatens to undermine our partners' territorial integrity, imperils key shipping routes, and puts U.S. interests at risk, including thousands of U.S. personnel and citizens currently within range of the Iranian-made missile systems under Houthi control. This, of course, includes the airport in Saudi Arabia, which many Members of this body have used from time to time when they go to codels in Saudi Arabia. prgtoken Many of us have been, for a long time, proponents of resolving the war in Yemen, and it could be resolved if the Iran regime will simply turn their back and walk away. Unfortunately, that is not likely. When I say many of us have been longtime proponents, I would certainly include the Presiding Officer in that and commend him for his long and hard work in that regard. He has been dedicated to this for a long time and has been a leader on this, for which he is to be commended. prgtoken Like many of us here today, I am dissatisfied with the state of the U.S.-Saudi relationship. Indeed, while Saudi Arabia has long been a bulwark of our Middle East policy, there is a growing gap in U.S.-Saudi relations. prgtoken Frankly, aspe
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2019-5-2

over the past few months, the Members of this body and the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives resoundingly have voted in favor of S.J. Res. 7, which would remove U.S. Armed Forces from Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen. This unconstitutional, unjustified, and ultimately immoral war has repeatedly come up over the last year, and thankfully America's elected lawmakers in Washington have taken a stand against it. prgtoken The President has vetoed our resolution, but today we have the opportunity--and I believe we have the absolute constitutional duty--to once again take a stand on this important matter. Today, we have the opportunity to override the veto in pursuit of justice, prudence, and upholding the constitutionally mandated separation of powers. This is one of the most important, fundamental features of our constitutional system. Congress and Congress alone may declare war. This is in direct contrast to the way our old national government--the one in London-- worked. Under that system, the chief executive could take the country to war, but not in America, not under our system, not in the U.S. Constitution. In fact, it is one of the distinguishing characteristics pointed out in Federalist 69. prgtoken As we have already heard, the humanitarian crisis in Yemen is dire, and estimates show that the crisis is even worse than we had previously thought. The Yemen war has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people, including a whole lot of innocent civilians in attacks that can only be described as horrific. It is believed that from 2016 to 2018, over 60,000 combatants and civilians were killed in direct violence attached to this war, but the full scale of suffering from starvation, poverty, and disease is even more staggering than the stark numbers that I have just quoted involving direct combat or direct violence. prgtoken Over half of the population of Yemen is considered currently to be in the crisis stage of famine. An estimated 3.3 million children are malnourished, and over 84,000 children have died just between the start of the war in 2015 and October of 2018. Poor water and sanitation conditions have also led to the largest cholera outbreak in history, with more than 1.3 million suspected cases and over 2,600 related deaths since the April 2017 outbreak. prgtoken Contrary to the claims of some of our critics, the United States has, in fact, been aiding and abetting the horrors of this war. Indeed, these critics claim that we have somehow not been involved in a war in Yemen. But in March of 2015, shortly after Saudi Arabia launched its war against the Houthi rebels, the administration authorized U.S. military forces to provide ``logistical and intelligence support'' to the Saudi coalition. The prgtoken administration provided this authorization without any kind of approval from Congress. Since then, we have helped the Saudis with surveillance, reconnaissance and infor