mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
STRENGTHENING AMERICA'S SECURITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST ACT OF 2019
Lamar Alexander (Republican, TN) \u2014 2019-1-29

late in December, I announced that I would not be a candidate for reelection to the U.S. Senate in 2020, and that prompted this cartoon in the Knoxville News Sentinel by Charlie Daniel: He says his name is Alexander. He says he is going to walk across the State. Wonder how far he will go. prgtoken Here is some character wandering across the State in a red and black shirt, which is what I did 40 years ago when I walked across the State running for Governor. prgtoken I would like to return the favor to Charlie Daniel because he announced last week that he is retiring from drawing cartoons in the Knoxville News Sentinel, which is a much more significant event than anything I might do because Charlie Daniel has been a fixture in Tennessee for a long time with his gentle skewering of politicians in the Knoxville newspapers. prgtoken Charlie's cartoons have been the first things I have looked for in the Knoxville newspapers since the year I graduated from Maryville High School in 1958. That is when Charlie first began drawing for the Knoxville Journal. prgtoken Charlie is a self-taught artist who says he has been drawing ever since he ``picked up a pencil.'' After a stint in the Marine Corps, Charlie studied political science at the University of North Carolina, and he started drawing for the school newspaper. He moved to Knoxville, where he started drawing at what was known as the Knoxville Journal in 1958. That is when I first saw Charlie Daniel's cartoons. He worked at the Journal until it closed in 1992 and then moved to the Knoxville News Sentinel, where he has been ever since. Some of his main subjects for his cartoons have been sports, social causes, and, of course, politics. prgtoken Over the years, Charlie has had plenty of opportunity to skewer me, and he has done it with vigor. Actually, it has been honest, usually gentle, and always effective. For example, as I was working on legislation, which became law this past year, to ban the use of cell phones on airplane flights, Charlie drew a cartoon characterizing cell phone yappers on long flights as the ``perfect hell,'' with the Devil asking why he didn't think of that. prgtoken Charlie's drawings are well known not just in Tennessee but all across our country. In 2016, the National Cartoonists Society honored Charlie with a proclamation recognizing his career. He was inducted to the sixth class of the Tennessee Journalism Hall of Fame last year, and the University of Tennessee library has a special collections department with more than 20,000 of these drawings. There are about a dozen that the University of Tennessee doesn't have because I have them in my office or in my home. prgtoken Charlie's contributions have been recognized by Tennesseans for decades. Our former Governor, Bill Haslam, said: ``For as long as I can remember, Charlie has been making us laugh and think.'' Former Senate Majority Leader Howard Baker, Jr also
RECOGNIZING CHIEF JEREMY DESSELLIER FOR HIS LEADERSHIP AND HEROISM
Jack Bergman (Republican, MI) \u2014 2019-1-29

. Madam , it's my honor to recognize Chief Jeremy Dessellier of the Hubbell Fire Department for his leadership and heroism following the 2018 Father's Day flooding in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Through his actions, Chief Dessellier has shown himself to be selfless, courageous, and an indispensable part of Michigan's First District. prgtoken During the 2018 Father's Day weekend, multiple rounds of heavy rain fell across much of the Upper Peninsula. Almost 7 inches of rain came down on the Keweenaw Peninsula overnight, creating flash floods that washed out roads, destroyed homes, and caused massive damage to the area. A state of disaster was declared as the community came together to rescue those in danger and begin recovery efforts. Local first responders joined with state officials, the Red Cross, and hundreds of volunteers to help the region rebuild. prgtoken In the days and weeks following the flooding, the leadership of Chief Dessellier was critical to the success of these efforts. He took calls and meetings with residents, organized supplies, led volunteers, and went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the health and well- being of those in his fire precinct and beyond. Under his leadership, volunteers were able to ensure the safety of community members and move significant amounts of earth and water from local homes and streets. The heroic actions of Chief Dessellier and his volunteers serve as an inspiration for those in Michigan's First District. His devotion to public duty has touched the lives of countless Michiganders, and the impact of his heroism cannot be overstated. prgtoken Madam , it's my honor to recognize Chief Jeremy Dessellier for his exceptional leadership and heroism. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing the First District is home to such a selfless and courageous individual. On behalf of my constituents, I wish Chief Dessellier all the best in his future endeavors.
A PATH FOR PROGRESS IN WAR ON POVERTY
Warren Davidson (Republican, OH) \u2014 2019-1-29

since LBJ launched the War on Poverty, the percentage of Americans living below the poverty line has remained persistently static. prgtoken As reform efforts in Congress continue to falter, American's poverty reduction efforts continue to fall short of their objectives. We need a different approach to help millions of Americans escape poverty. prgtoken Today, I am introducing the People Centered Assistance Reform Effort Act, or the People CARE Act. This legislation creates a bipartisan commission in order to empower caseworkers to treat each person holistically, rather than simply administer programs; realign the 90- plus, often duplicative, poverty programs; remove benefit cliffs; and more. prgtoken It encourages employment, marriage, and education, activities identified by the Brookings Institution and others as effective means to end poverty. prgtoken The commission cannot launch new programs, nor directly cut spending. Upon receiving the commission's recommendation, Congress would have to vote to approve or disapprove. prgtoken People CARE offers a path for progress in the War on Poverty. Mr I encourage all of my colleagues to cosponsor the People CARE Act.
THE PEOPLE'S NIGHT
Gary J. Palmer (Republican, AL) \u2014 2019-1-29

I thank the gentleman. The gentleman just acknowledged that I have no social life, but that is fine. prgtoken I want to talk a little bit about healthcare. Here is a fact that my ic colleagues were desperately trying to keep from the public. Not only do the s support providing health insurance coverage for those with preexisting conditions, but we actually passed legislation that did just that with the American Health Care Act of 2017. prgtoken It included an amendment that Representative David Schweikert of Arizona and I introduced that ensured that anyone with a preexisting condition could purchase health insurance. The Palmer-Schweikert amendment established a risk-sharing plan that would allow any individual with a preexisting condition to purchase insurance at the same price as a healthy individual. prgtoken It was actually modeled after a successful State-based program in the State of Maine. Instead of billions of dollars being paid out by the Federal Government in bailouts for health insurance companies, our plan, funded by having the majority of the premiums paid for those with preexisting conditions, transferred into a fund, a risk-sharing fund. prgtoken This represents an alternative approach to Care's guaranteed issue provision, which priced everyone as sick, resulting in far higher premiums. As a matter of fact, the premiums got so high that insurance companies literally began pulling out of whole States. prgtoken What our amendment did was, if someone had a preexisting condition, they would come to an insurance company, fill out a health survey, mark down if they had had a heart attack or cancer. The insurance company would sell them insurance at the same price as anybody else. But when they paid their premiums, 90 percent of the premiums would go into this risk-sharing agreement. prgtoken The insurance company would only keep 10 percent. Now, if the person, the individual became very sick, if it became very expensive, the insurance company would pay the first $7,500 and then 10 percent of the next $25,000, so the most that they were out was $10,000. The risk- sharing plan would pick up the balance and reimburse the providers at the same rate as Medicare. prgtoken The way this worked was not only did the premiums go into the risk- sharing plan, 90 percent of the premiums, but the rest of us would pay anywhere from $5 to $10 a month on our premiums. That would go into the risk-sharing plan, and our amendment was backed up with $38 billion. prgtoken What this allowed us to do was create a situation where the actuaries could actually be more predictive in what the cost would be; and, as a result, it lowered premiums for everyone. So not only did it cover people with preexisting conditions, but everyone else's premiums came down. prgtoken As a matter of fact, in that 20- to 30-year-old age group, it came down 41 percent; 30 to 40 years old came down 33 percent; 40 to 50, 25 per
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2019-1-29

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
SECURE THE SOUTHERN BORDER
H. Morgan Griffith (Republican, VA) \u2014 2019-1-29

I appreciate all who have been here today giving speeches. prgtoken The government shutdown is now over, but the crisis continues on the border. About 10 days ago, I was down on the border, and I saw firsthand what was happening down there and talked to people who were down there. prgtoken So, hopefully, during this time period, because the said repeatedly that if we reopen the government they would negotiate, hopefully we can negotiate and come to a bipartisan resolution that will help us to secure our southern border and continue to work on other ways that we can improve our immigration process.
STRENGTHENING AMERICA'S SECURITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST ACT OF 2019--MOTION TO PROCEED--Resumed
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2019-1-29

for weeks, repeated the same refrain: Open the government, and we will negotiate on border security. prgtoken On Friday, the government was reopened. Now it is time for to honor their promise and work with s to provide adequate funding to address the security and humanitarian crisis at our border. The next 3 weeks will be a test of ' seriousness about legislating. Do they really want to work with s and the President on solutions? Are they willing to actually negotiate, which involves both sides making compromises, or are they more interested in obstruction? That is the question before the House. prgtoken Are they in Congress because they actually want to find solutions to challenges facing our country or are they here to score political points and oppose everything the President says or does? The answers should become pretty clear over the next 3 weeks. If meant what they said about negotiating on border security, we could produce a bill that will fulfill our responsibility to protect our borders. Make no mistake, it is a responsibility. Perhaps our greatest obligation as Members of Congress is to provide the funding and resources necessary to keep our Nation secure. No nation can be safe if it doesn't know who is coming across its borders. prgtoken Right now, we are facing a security crisis at our Nation's border. Tens of thousands of individuals try to cross our southern border illegally every single month. Illegal drugs flow into this country through ports of entry and unsecured areas of the border. The holes in our border security leave us susceptible to illegal entry by gang members, human traffickers, drug dealers, terrorists, weapons traffickers, and more. The flood of illegal immigration has also created a humanitarian crisis. Individuals attempting the journey to come here illegally are vulnerable to exploitation, illness, and abuse. Approximately, one out of every three women attempting the journey to the United States is sexually assaulted. Roughly, 70 percent of individuals become victims of violence along their way. Illness and other medical issues are also a serious problem. By failing to discourage illegal immigration, we are perpetuating this humanitarian crisis. prgtoken I hope, over the next 3 weeks, will honor their promise and come to the table on border security legislation in a real way, ready to engage in genuine negotiation and compromise so we can really address this crisis at our border.
PATHWAYS TO IMPROVING HOMELAND SECURITY AT THE LOCAL LEVEL ACT
Clay Higgins (Republican, LA) \u2014 2019-1-29

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , it is part of DHS' statutory mission to support State and local law enforcement, and the Office of State and Local Law Enforcement has the responsibility of proactively identifying ways in which the Department can support these important stakeholders. prgtoken The Pathways to Improving Homeland Security at the Local Level Act, sponsored by the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Demings), will ensure that State and local law enforcement receive vital information on available DHS resources and programs. prgtoken Under the bill, the Office of State and Local Law Enforcement will annually produce and disseminate a catalog that details the Department of Homeland Security training, publications, programs, and services available to non-Federal law enforcement agencies. The office must disseminate the catalog within 30 days of production to State and local law enforcement entities. prgtoken This catalog is currently being produced by the office, and the bill requires them to continue its production. prgtoken DHS also is required to share the catalog through the Homeland Security Information Network. Using this existing information-sharing platform will expand, hopefully, the number of State and local law enforcement partners who receive it. prgtoken This bill is intended to increase awareness of DHS tools and resources available to assist State and local law enforcement. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense measure, and .
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-1-29

I have 9 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. prgtoken Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Committee on Armed Services prgtoken The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing on China and Russia. Committee on Environment and Public Works prgtoken The Committee on Environment and Public Works is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing on the nomination of Nicole R. Nason, of New York, to be Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration, Department of Transportation. Committee on Finance prgtoken The Committee on Finance is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at 10:15 a.m to conduct a hearing entitled ``Drug Pricing in America: A Prescription for Change, Part I''. Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions prgtoken The Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing entitled ``Access to Care: Health Centers and Providers in Underserved Communities''. Committee on Indian Affairs prgtoken The Committee on Indian Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at 2:30 p.m to conduct an organizational and business meeting. Committee on the Judiciary prgtoken The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at 10 a.m to conduct a business meeting. Select Committee on Intelligence prgtoken The Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at 9:30 a.m to conduct a hearing entitled ``Open Hearing on Worldwide Threats''. Select Committee on Intelligence prgtoken The Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at 1 p.m to conduct a closed hearing. Subcommittee on Cybersecurity prgtoken The Subcommittee on Cybersecurity of the Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at 2:30 p.m to conduct a hearing entitled ``Examining Department of Defense enterprise-wide cybersecurity policies and architecture.''
JANUARY IS NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-1-29

I rise today to recognize the incredible role mentors play in the lives of young people. prgtoken January is National Mentoring Month, which brings national attention to the need for mentors. Individuals, businesses, government agencies, schools, faith communities, and nonprofits can all engage their constituents to become mentors for the next generation of leaders. prgtoken When children have strong role models in their lives, they grow up to be good neighbors and good citizens. As a co-chairman of the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus, I know firsthand how essential mentors are for students seeking a career in technical education. prgtoken From agriculture to the arts, from marketing to manufacturing, CTE programs work to develop America's most valuable resources: its people. CTE has established itself as a path that many high-achieving students choose in pursuit of industry certification and hands-on skills that they can use right out of high school, in skills-based education programs or in our colleges. prgtoken Many CTE instructors are mentors who inspire students to reach their full potential and follow their dreams wherever they may lead. prgtoken , I thank every mentor in America for providing students the guidance and confidence that they need to find success.
COMMEMORATING THE FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BOND LAWYERS
Steve Stivers (Republican, OH) \u2014 2019-1-29

. Madam , I rise today on behalf of the people of Ohio's Fifteenth Congressional District and join with my colleague, Mr. Ruppersberger, to commemorate the fortieth anniversary of the National Association of Bond Lawyers. prgtoken Since its inception in 1979, the National Association of Bond Lawyers has worked diligently to advance the integrity and knowledge of the municipal market. Through the education of its members and other public finance stakeholders, the Association has aided countless communities in finding creative financing opportunities to reach their goals. prgtoken As Co-Chairs of the House of Representatives Municipal Finance Caucus, we appreciate the Association's continued commitment to education and the expertise its Members are able to provide relating to legislation, regulations, and rulings affecting tax-exempt bonds and taxable bonds, as well as court and administrative proceedings. These bonds are a crucial funding source for the critical infrastructure that spans our nation, delivering essential services and uniting millions of Americans. prgtoken United by a common goal and working for the public good, the Association has been an important partner for Congress, industry partners, and federal regulators. Never straying from its core mission, education, the forum the Association provides has led to advancements in the field of public finance for the past four decades. prgtoken We wish to congratulate President Dee Wisor and the entire Executive Board, and the dedicated Members across the country, as they commemorate this milestone on February 5, 2019, and encourage our colleagues to join us in wishing the National Association of Bond Lawyers many more years of success.
THE PEOPLE'S NIGHT
Mark Walker (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-1-29

I thank Mr. Whip, Representative Steve Scalise, for his example and courage in standing up for what is right and true. prgtoken Many Members whom I have run across in this House are studious in their work, but I don't know of any more than Representative Gary Palmer. prgtoken In this town, there is probably a dinner every night somewhere. Mr. Palmer chooses to take his time going back to his office, preparing for the next day, constantly reading and staying informed. prgtoken I was born in the State that he represents. I lived there only 6 months. We have a mutual love for the Crimson Tide. It is my privilege to acknowledge and yield to Representative Gary Palmer from Alabama.