mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Debt Ceiling (Executive Calendar)
Jon Tester (Democrat, MT) \u2014 2019-7-30

as I travel across Montana, I hear from folks who work tirelessly every day to make ends meet. prgtoken Many work long hours for too low wages, and they face ever-rising costs in housing and healthcare and other basic necessities, but folks in Montana are resilient, they are resourceful, they know how to live within their means, and they know how important it is to make the numbers add up at the end of the month. prgtoken I rise because, as usual, Washington, DC, could learn a lot from Montana. This week, we will vote on a bill that swipes Washington's credit card to the tune of about $250 billion over the next 2 years-- dollars that will come out of the pockets of our kids and our grandkids. Now, this $250 billion comes on top of the $1 trillion the United States will add to the national deficit this year because our budget is that far out of whack. The previous year to this year was $800 billion that we added to the national debt. prgtoken So to put that in perspective, that is about $2.2 trillion in just 2 years. If you are sitting at home wondering, $2.2 trillion; how much is that, it is far more than $250 billion. prgtoken With $250 billion, half the students going to college for 4 years would not have to pay anything to go to school in the United States. We are adding $2.2 trillion, and it is going to continue on until we get our budget in line. prgtoken Unfortunately, this sort of reckless spending by both parties has shown a disregard for its impact on the national debt, and it is now the norm in Washington, DC. prgtoken Folks on both sides of the aisle are calling for this agreement, and they are calling it a compromise, but in reality, the only thing it will compromise is our children and our grandchildren's future. prgtoken Montanans expect me to hold Washington, DC, accountable and fight back against irresponsible spending and poor tax policy. This falls on the irresponsible spending side. prgtoken The bipartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget projects that this administration's policies will add $4 trillion to the debt over the next 10 years. I am here to tell you that is too conservative a figure. prgtoken At this point in time, we are going to be adding about $1.2 trillion to the debt every year if things don't change. Our debt is skyrocketing, and guess what. We are not fixing the healthcare problems that need to be fixed; we are not fixing the high cost of education; we are not investing in our infrastructure, but our debt continues to skyrocket because of irresponsible spending and, quite frankly, a tax giveaway for the wealthy at the expense of our kids and our grandkids. prgtoken I have listened to colleagues on both sides of the aisle during my tenure here prgtoken who warned of debt and how our national debt could damage our economy and our national security. prgtoken Two years ago, my colleagues passed a partisan tax giveaway, drafted behind clos
HONORING KENNEDY'S ANGEL GOWNS
Elaine G. Luria (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2019-7-30

. Madam , I rise today to honor Kennedy Milan Wilson. Although she never took a breath of air outside her mother's womb, her memory now brings hope and healing to so many families. On August 17, 2019, we honor her, as we do every day. Kennedy would have been 10 years old this year. However, her legacy lives on and she continues to change lives. prgtoken The ``Kennedy's Angel Gowns'' organization helps bereaved families who have suffered the loss of a child before, during, or shortly after birth. Beautifully handcrafted burial garments made from donated wedding gowns are provided along with other resources at no cost. In addition, the organization provides Cuddle Cots and Caring Cradles to local hospitals in the area. prgtoken Kennedy's Angel Gowns continues to raise awareness of infertility, miscarriage, early neo-natal loss, stillborn, and infant loss. Many people who experience this loss feel very alone and isolated. The organization's mission is to break the silence and offer help. prgtoken This year, Hampton Roads will have its first-ever ``Butterfly Suite,'' which will officially open at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital the week of her 10th Birthday. This dedicated grieving room will be equipped with a Cuddle Cot or Caring Cradle, allowing the family to spend more time with their infant. prgtoken I commend Kennedy's parents for channeling their grief to help others through the healing process by creating this resource.
TRIBUTE TO BETH ANNE MALONEY
Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2019-7-30

today I would like to recognize Ms. Beth Anne Maloney of Hampton, NH, and celebrate her well-deserved retirement after 31 years of service to the students in that community as a school nurse. prgtoken After beginning her nursing career in 1984, Beth joined the staff of Centre Elementary School in Hampton in the fall of 1988. Centre School serves roughly 350 prekindergarten through grade 2 students and has the distinction of being the oldest public school in the State of New Hampshire. Beth was the school's first full-time registered nurse, and she has overseen the modernizing of the school's health services. prgtoken Over the years, Beth connected with thousands of students while carrying out her daily duties of assessing health, conducting vision and hearing screenings, and acting as a first responder. She developed particularly close relationships with students who had chronic conditions that required specialized care and management, including epilepsy, allergies, and asthma. Over time, she gained significant experience assisting students with type 1 diabetes, who often require daily nursing assistance with their diet, blood sugar monitoring, and medication. Beth was actively engaged in developing care plans for these students that would minimize interruptions to their daily schedules, and she continually trained her fellow staff members to prevent and respond to diabetic emergencies. prgtoken In addition to her nursing duties, Beth was a tireless advocate for students in need of health-related services, which could range from immunizations or a new pair of glasses to specialized care for untreated conditions. She maintained numerous relationships with seacoast area health providers willing to help the families of students in need. Beth also took on a number of charitable causes and frequently organized the school's annual Thanksgiving food drive in partnership with the local St. Vincent de Paul Society. prgtoken I thank Beth for her dedication to keeping our young people healthy and her service to the students, parents, and staff, who make up the Centre School community. I know these values will continue to guide her future endeavors. Please join me in honoring an outstanding Granite Stater, Beth Maloney.
INTRODUCTION OF A BILL TO REMOVE THE STATUE OF CONFEDERATE GENERAL ALBERT PIKE
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2019-7-30

. Madam , I rise to introduce a bill to require the removal of a statue of Confederate General Albert Pike from federal land near Judiciary Square in the District of Columbia. This statue was authorized, not by the District, but by Congress in 1898, when the District had no home rule. The statue was constructed using both federal and private funds. The Freemasons, of which Pike was a member, donated the majority of the money needed to build and install the statue in 1901. I oppose tearing down Confederate statues, because I believe they should be moved to more appropriate settings, like museums, to avoid erasing an important part of history from which Americans must continue to learn. prgtoken Pike was a Confederate general who served dishonorably and was forced to resign in disgrace. It was found that soldiers under his command mutilated the bodies of Union soldiers, and Pike was ultimately imprisoned after his fellow officers reported that he misappropriated funds. Adding to the dishonor of taking up arms against the United States, Pike dishonored even his Confederate military service. He certainly has no claim to be memorialized in the nation's capital. Even those who do not want Confederate statues removed will have to justify awarding Pike any honor, considering his history. prgtoken After meeting with the Freemasons, I believe that the best course of action is to remove the statue and find a more appropriate place for it. The Freemasons themselves support the statue's removal, given its divisive nature. The D.C. Mayor and the Council also support the removal of the statue. prgtoken My bill clarifies that no federal funds may be used to remove the Pike statue. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.
America's Transportation Infrastructure Act (Executive Calendar)
Shelley Moore Capito (Republican, WV) \u2014 2019-7-30

yesterday I joined the fellow leaders of the Environment and Public Works Committee to introduce America's Transportation Infrastructure Act, a 5-year reauthorization bill that would deliver resources to repair and maintain critical surface transportation infrastructure. prgtoken Today the committee approved our comprehensive legislation with a strong bipartisan vote of 21 to 0 this morning. prgtoken As the chair of the EPW's Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, I am incredibly proud of this legislation, which is the result of months of serious negotiations with the full committee chairman, Senator Barrasso, and Ranking Member Carper, my subcommittee, and my ranking member, Senator Cardin of Maryland. prgtoken It was not always easy, but I think we have produced a bill that achieves our priorities and secures needed investments in our Nation's infrastructure. First and foremost, the bill provides additional funding for highway investment. How many times do we hear: We don't have enough money to complete this. We can't get it done. prgtoken This also maintains the States' shares through formula dollars. That means a rising tide lifts all boats, whether a State is urban or rural, like my home State of West Virginia. prgtoken The majority of these funds--90 percent--are distributed by the formula to the States, providing maximum flexibility to our State programs, and with a full 5-year reauthorization, State DOTs will have the certainty they need to plan their investments without fear of lapses in their contracting authority. After all, it is the States, not the bureaucrats in Washington, that know their communities' needs the best. prgtoken Our legislation would get rid of some of the obstacles the States face as they work to start and finalize infrastructure plans. They take forever, and they cost so much. The bill incorporates the administration's focus on One Federal Decision. Under that policy, the U.S. Department of Transportation is in charge of leading the regulatory review process--One Federal Decision--and it would consolidate the review of other Federal agencies like the EPA, the Corps of Engineers, and others who weigh in on these projects. That means the States will not end up in a regulatory purgatory, going back and forth from agency to agency seeking endless approvals. prgtoken DOT would also maintain a Federal dashboard system so the States can see where they stand in the process. prgtoken America's Transportation Infrastructure Act directs the Department of Transportation to work to complete its review process within 2 years and to push other agencies to expedite their regulatory reviews. Everything drags on so much, and it makes it so long and expensive. This would push our agencies to expedite their regulatory reviews under its own categorical exclusions. That is a fancy term for when the Department doesn't think a full, costly, and time-consuming permitting proce
Maiden Speech (Executive Calendar)
Martha McSally (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2019-7-30

I rise today to give my maiden speech as the 14th Senator to represent our great State of Arizona. prgtoken It is an honor to be serving Arizona in the United States Senate and humbling to be appointed to serve in the seat held by Senator John McCain. Like most of my life, I didn't take the traditional path, but I am blessed to have been given the opportunity to make a difference for others and stand in this historic Chamber today. prgtoken I love Arizona--the Grand Canyon State--its people, and our spirit. Like many Arizonans, I wasn't born there, so this is a love of choice. Also like many Arizonans, I first came to the State on a military assignment in the summer of 1990 to attend pilot training at Williams Air Force Base, now home to a thriving industrial park called Mesa Gateway. prgtoken I fell in love with Arizona right away and was fortunate to have the majestic view from the sky as a pilot. What a privilege to live in a land of adventure that I had only read about as a kid, home to one of the seven natural wonders of the world in the Grand Canyon and our diverse landscapes, mountains, canyons, lakes, rivers, sunsets, and the powerful desert lightning. prgtoken After an assignment away, I came back to Arizona to fly the A-10 Warthog at Davis Monthan Air Force Base. I can tell you, from experience, there is nothing quite like finishing a demanding training mission on the Barry Goldwater Air Force Range and having a near heavenly view of Arizona's beautiful red sunsets. prgtoken It isn't only our climate and beautiful landscapes that make Arizona a great place to live and work. We Arizonans are known for our fierce independence, resilience, heartiness, hard work, faith, and diversity. It is this legacy of service and patriotism that transcends generations. prgtoken They say the best comes last, and that couldn't be truer when it comes to Arizona. We were the last in the continental United States to become a State in 1912 and have a history of attracting adventurous hard-working people searching to live out their dreams. prgtoken Our State motto is ``Ditat Deus,'' or ``God enriches,'' highlighting the importance of faith in God in our past and our future. prgtoken The original foundation of our economy is known as the five Cs: copper, cattle, cotton, citrus, and climate. Today, we still have Morenci mine, the largest copper producer in North America, which I recently visited. prgtoken Arizona has made history in our own unique way. We are known around the world for the famous town Tombstone and the legendary OK Corral. We gave women the right to vote 8 years before the whole Nation and are the proud home to Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman ever to serve on the Supreme Court. prgtoken Arizona has always proudly hosted and supported our troops and remains crucial for our defense. Our vast open land, beautiful weather, and airspace makes our State a national security treasure, and Arizonans h
NATIONAL WHISTLEBLOWER APPRECIATION DAY
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-7-30

I want to take our Nation and my colleagues back to the Revolutionary War. prgtoken More than 240 years ago, sailors aboard the warship Warren disclosed significant misconduct by the commander of the Continental Navy. The Congress then recognized these brave whistleblowers' valuable contribution to our brandnew Republic because, on this day--today--in 1778, Congress passed this resolution, saying: ``It is the duty of all persons in the service of the United States . . . to give the earliest information to Congress or other proper authority of any misconduct, frauds, or misdemeanors committed by any offices or persons in the service of these states.'' prgtoken That is the beginning of the government recognizing whistleblowers as valuable patriots. prgtoken Following in their footsteps, this Senate has also unanimously agreed to designate today as National Whistleblower Appreciation Day. prgtoken .
VOM JOHNATHAN SHEPHERD
Kevin Hern (Republican, OK) \u2014 2019-7-30

. Madam , I rise to honor the First District of Oklahoma's July Veteran of the Month, Sergeant Johnathon Shepherd. prgtoken Sergeant Shepherd joined the Marines in 1997, where he served for 5 years, deploying to the Mediterranean in 2000. prgtoken Once back in Tulsa, Sergeant Shepherd started his first business after learning about federal opportunities available to veteran-owned businesses. He and his wife, Jessica, built the company in their spare time for 8 years before devoting their full efforts to establish Americom Technologies Group in 2016. prgtoken Also in 2016, Sergeant Shepherd and his wife launched Eagle Ops as an outreach program for veterans and their families. In 2018, they joined with fellow Marine Stacy Hester to create the Eagle Ops Foundation with the focus on community. The Foundation is active in the Tulsa community and works to build relationships for our veterans, their families and patriots in the community. prgtoken Sergeant Shepherd truly is an impressive man of integrity and honor. He makes Oklahoma proud and plays an important role in our community of veterans. I'm glad to have this opportunity to shine a light on his work and give him the recognition he deserves as our July Veteran of the Month.
RECOGNIZING EMPIRE AIRLINES
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2019-7-30

Idaho's entrepreneurs are passionate individuals who consistently innovate and provide high- quality products and services. As a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, it is my distinct privilege to recognize Empire Airlines as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for August 2019. Located in Hayden, Empire Airlines is an international air carrier and heavy maintenance repair station with decades of experience and a history of success. prgtoken In 1977, Nick Chenoweth and Vic Walters founded Clearwater Flying Service, which later became Empire Airlines. Neither Chenoweth nor Walters were pilots, nor had they any experience running an airline. A third partner, Mel Spelde, joined the company just 2 months later as flight instructor and manager. Early jobs for the business included fire patrol, air ambulance, charters, flight instruction, transporting backcountry hunters and anglers, and cloud seeding in Libya. The business quickly adopted a ``go anywhere, do anything'' attitude, which is reflected in its motto, ``We Can Do That.'' As the business grew, they eventually changed the name to Empire Airlines. Now run by president and CEO, Tim Komberec, Empire Airlines focuses on cargo, maintenance, and airline startups. prgtoken Over the years, Empire steadily grew but never lost the try-anything, go-anywhere spirit embodied in its motto. Empire now has an aerospace division to provide state-of-the-art maintenance for aircraft, as well as an unmanned division, which provides drone services to help clients solve problems and reach goals. Empire Airlines also provides consulting services to help others jump-start their airline operation. prgtoken Empire Airlines strives to be a valued member of the community, supporting various charities and causes, including drug-free high school graduation parties in the area and numerous other events. What might be most impressive is the way Empire celebrates the many employees who have reached 25 years with the company by giving them a place in the timeline of the company's history posted publicly on its website. prgtoken Empire Airlines' success is a prime example of Idaho's entrepreneurial spirit: Dare to dream, look at things differently, never give up, and when opportunity calls, answer with ``We can do that.'' The State of Idaho is proud to be home to innovative, hard- working entrepreneurs like Nick, Vic, Mel, and all of those at Empire Airlines. The entire Empire family shows how one big idea and a dedication to hard work can lead to small business success. I would like to congratulate Tim Komberec and all of the employees at Empire Airlines on being named the ``Idaho Small Business of the Month'' for August 2019. I look forward to watching your continued growth and success.
Healthcare (Executive Calendar)
Lamar Alexander (Republican, TN) \u2014 2019-7-30

I often recommend to Tennesseans that they look at the U.S. Congress as if it were a split-screen television set. prgtoken Here is what I mean by that. During the last month, on one side of the screen you saw the usual Washington, DC, turmoil-- versus the squad, Mueller testifying, impeachment votes, battle over the border, Presidential candidates posturing, and of course the daily tweets. prgtoken On the other side of the screen was the President and congressional leaders agreeing to a 2-year budget that will strengthen our military, help our veterans, fund research for medical miracles, fund research for our National Laboratories, support our national parks, and save taxpayers a boatload of money by providing stability in funding. prgtoken I might add that this part of the budget--31 percent of the budget-- is not the part of the budget that is creating the budget deficit. This part of the budget that we will be voting on tomorrow has gone up at about the rate of inflation for the last 10 years and is projected by the Congressional Budget Office to go up at about the rate of inflation for the next 10 years. prgtoken It is the entitlement part of the budget that is the problem, which is why I am voting for what the President and the congressional leaders have recommended, but then also on that side of the screen, away from the Washington, DC, turmoil, there was another story, which is the story I want to talk about today. prgtoken During that last same month, three Senate committees, by my count, made more than 80 bipartisan proposals, sponsored by at least 75 U.S. Senators of both political parties, to reduce the cost of healthcare that Americans pay for out of their own pockets. prgtoken On June 26, after 17 hearings, 6 months of work, recommendations from 400 experts, our Health Committee, which I chair and of which Senator Patty Murray, the from Washington State, is the ranking member, voted 20 to 3 to recommend to the full Senate 55 proposals from 65 Senators that would end surprise medical billing, increase transparency so you can know the cost of your medical care--you can't lower your healthcare costs if you don't know your healthcare actually costs--and increase competition to reduce the cost of prescription drugs. prgtoken The next day after our Health Committee reported that legislation, the Judiciary Committee, headed by Senator Graham and Senator Feinstein, reported out 4 proposals from 19 Senators that would reduce prescription drug costs by banning anticompetitive behaviors by drug manufacturers and helping the Federal Trade Commission to block those who game the citizen petition process to delay generic drugs and biosimiliars. prgtoken Then, last Thursday, the Finance Committee--this one headed by Senator Grassley and Senator Wyden--by a vote of 19 to 9, reported more than two dozen additional bipartisan proposals also aimed at reducing the cost of prescription drug