mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ADVANCED GEOTHERMAL INNOVATION LEADERSHIP ACT OF 2019
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2020-3-4

2 years ago at this time, we were hearing that the internet, as we know it, was going to disappear. On February 27, 2018, Senate sent a tweet warning that Americans would be getting the internet one word at a time. Why? Because the Federal Communications Commission had repealed heavyhanded, -era internet regulation. If we didn't immediately undo the FCC's rules change, warned, the effects on internet access would be catastrophic. prgtoken Well, 2 years later, the internet, as we know it, isn't just still with us, it is flourishing. Broadband access has expanded; Americans are enjoying faster internet speeds; and we are implementing 5G internet technology across the Nation, including in more rural places like South Dakota. prgtoken It turns out the internet doesn't fall apart without the heavy hand of government. In fact, it thrives. That should be an important lesson for us going forward. Historically speaking, the Federal Government has taken a light-touch approach to internet regulation. The government largely stayed out of the internet's way, and innovation and creativity flourished, delivering nearly everything from Netflix to weather apps, to Uber. But in 2014, the administration decided it wanted the Federal Government to start regulating the internet more heavily, and in 2015, the Federal Communications Commission passed the Open Internet Order, which dramatically expanded the Federal Government's power over the internet in the name of net neutrality. prgtoken Now, you might not know it from ' rhetoric, but net neutrality is a concept that enjoys broad support in both parties. I support net neutrality and rules that prevent blocking, throttling, or the paid prioritization of internet traffic. I don't think a major service provider should be able to block a small new startup, and I don't think Netflix should be able to pay to have its search results appear before anyone else's. prgtoken What the FCC did in 2015 went far beyond net neutrality. In the name of keeping the internet open to everyone, the FCC asserted broad new government powers over the internet using rules that were designed for telephone monopolies back during the Great Depression. This opened a whole host of new internet regulations, including price regulations. prgtoken Unsurprisingly, the FCC's move resulted in a decline in broadband investment as companies saw the possibility of burdensome new regulations headed their way. That was bad news for Americans, especially Americans in rural States like my home State of South Dakota. prgtoken Getting broadband to rural communities is already more challenging than installing broadband in cities or suburbs. The possibility of heavier regulations acted as a further disincentive to expanding access. prgtoken Fast forward to 2017, and the Federal Communications Commission, under Chairman Pai, voted to repeal the heavyhanded in
ADVANCED GEOTHERMAL INNOVATION LEADERSHIP ACT OF 2019
Mike Braun (Republican, IN) \u2014 2020-3-4

I think if we continue to make the argument with women's healthcare that it is mutually exclusive to consider that, and you define what we are talking about here--banning abortions where there is pain-felt capability or not trying to preserve the life of a baby born through a botched abortion--adding this as well: not treating the fetal remains with the dignity that they deserve--I think it is increasingly difficult to make the argument that we constantly hear about women's healthcare. They are not mutually exclusive. This is something that shouldn't be put into the category that it would impact any of that by putting this into effect. prgtoken I yield floor.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1140, RIGHTS FOR TRANSPORTATION SECURITY OFFICERS ACT OF 2020; PROVIDING FOR MOTIONS TO SUSPEND THE RULES; AND WAIVING A REQUIREMENT OF CLAUSE 6(A) OF RULE XIII...
Debbie Lesko (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2020-3-4

. Madam , third, some benefits currently available to the screener workforce under ATSA would not be possible if this bill were to become law. prgtoken The bill does not fix the morale problem. prgtoken The bill does not guarantee additional pay or benefits for TSOs. It may actually make situations worse. The bill eliminates the authority TSA has to pay TSOs more than other Federal employees under title 5. prgtoken It also eliminates several benefits, such as the broadest application of veterans' hiring preference in the Federal Government, meaning that veterans may not get the same preference that they do now; shift trades between employees; voluntary leave transfers; partial overtime pay as compensation for schedule changes; and career progression bonuses of up to 5 percent of a screener's salary. prgtoken Fourth, we have yet to receive a CBO score. However, TSA estimates the bill will cost $1.2 billion over the next 5 years. To cover the cost, funding for security priorities would be reduced. The bill does not even have a specific authorization of appropriations or means of paying for moving these employees under title 5. prgtoken The fifth reason I have a concern on this bill, H.R. 1140, amounts to a forced unionization of the TSA workforce and a forced designation of the union that will represent that same workforce. It does not allow for an intervening election for TSA screeners to choose their labor representation. prgtoken As such, this bill benefits one specific union, the American Federation of Government Employees. The bill does not provide for an intervening election to give screeners the right to choose which union they want to represent them. prgtoken In 2011, AFGE was recognized by the administration to represent the screener workforce after two elections. Approximately 8,900 screeners voted for the union. However, today, there are approximately 45,000 screeners subject to this bill. While TSA employees did select AFGE as their bargaining agent in 2011, it is remarkable that this bill specifically dictates which union will be representing TSA employees without a more recent vote or all employees voting. prgtoken Sixth, this bill, once again, is a partisan messaging bill that will not become law. We know that because I highly doubt the Senate is going to hear this bill. Yet again, the majority refuses to work with the minority to move viable legislation to address real problems. prgtoken Madam , I urge opposition to the rule, and .
CONGRATULATING THE WEST VALLEY GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2020-3-4

this past Saturday, the West Valley girls basketball team had a come-from-behind win to win the Northern Section Division IV championship in northern California. prgtoken After going 23-8 in the regular season, West Valley shut out their opponent in the fourth quarter to pull out a 29-26 victory. prgtoken After trailing 24-17 in the third quarter, Hannah Wayne scored seven of the next eight points for the Eagles, creating a momentum that allowed the Eagles to keep the lead for good. prgtoken Madalynn Bassett scored eight points, along with Hannah Wayne, for lead scorer of the game. prgtoken Congratulations on the win to the West Valley Eagles, and head coach, Lenny Ehn. Good luck in the play-offs for the State championship, we will be rooting for you.
RECOGNIZING EASTERN HANCOCK HIGH SCHOOL LIVESTOCK JUDGING
Greg Pence (Republican, IN) \u2014 2020-3-4

I rise today to congratulate Marlin Kohlmeier, who was named the 2019 Volunteer of the Year by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement and the Indiana Hunter Education Association. prgtoken Mr. Kohlmeier has been a teacher at South Ripley schools for over 40 years and volunteers his time to teach hunter safety to all the students at South Ripley. prgtoken According to his colleagues, Mr. Kohlmeier has a heart of gold, and there is no one more deserving of this honor. prgtoken As an avid hunter myself, I want to thank Mr. Kohlmeier for his work educating kids, and extend my congratulations for receiving this award. Recognizing Railroad Day
HONORING THE LIFE OF JOHN NIEDERMAN
Jim Banks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2020-3-4

. Madam , I rise to honor the life and career of John Niederman. Since 1985, John has poured his heart and soul into the outstanding work conducted by Pathfinder Services. prgtoken Though born in New York, Indiana is proud to claim John as one of our own. A graduate of Fort Wayne's own University of Saint Francis, he has spent over three decades working in Huntington with Pathfinder Services to help those who need it most. prgtoken John embodies the purest form of Hoosier hospitality in his work, helping countless others on their way to realizing greater economic, physical and developmental independence. He has been active is creating an environment that values inclusion and fairness, giving those whom he encounters the best chance possible to succeed and Jive out the American Dream. prgtoken As John prepares to step down from a position he has loved and excelled at, I have no doubt that he will continue to be a leader in his community and a shining example to those who seek him out. Huntington County, and all of Indiana, are blessed to continue to count John and his family as their own.
CORONAVIRUS PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020
Harold Rogers (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-3-4

. Madam , I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. prgtoken Madam , I rise today in support of this bill, H.R. 6074. This coronavirus emergency supplemental, as has been said, provides $7.8 billion in additional appropriations for the U.S. response to coronavirus. prgtoken Within the total, more than $2 billion is included for the Centers for Disease Control, and $1 billion is for State and local preparedness. The bill also provides more than $4 billion for research and development of vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics. prgtoken As ranking member of the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee, I would also highlight the $1.25 billion in the bill for the State Department and the United States Agency for International Development, AID. These funds will help protect Americans abroad and support efforts to contain the virus worldwide. Specifically, it includes: $264 million to maintain consular operations, pay for evacuation expenses, and address other emergency preparedness needs at our embassies and consulates around the world; $435 million in global health funds, including $200 million for the emergency reserve fund that we established in 2017 to address emerging health threats abroad; $300 million of international disaster assistance funding to respond to humanitarian needs related to the virus; $250 million for economic and security needs in countries facing instability because of the virus; and $1 million for the USAID inspector general to perform oversight of coronavirus response activities. prgtoken The bill also requires a comprehensive strategy to respond to the coronavirus overseas and regular reporting on the use of the funds so that we know how the moneys are being spent. prgtoken Madam , this is a good bill. The resources are needed urgently, and I urge our colleagues to vote ``aye.''
RIGHTS FOR TRANSPORTATION SECURITY OFFICERS ACT OF 2020
Mike Rogers (Republican, AL) \u2014 2020-3-4

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , in response to my friend and colleague from Mississippi, who, in his last statements, emphasized that the employees at TSA would have the right to elect their union representation, I would refer him to page 9, line 24 of his bill, ``Exclusive Representative--The labor organization certified by the Federal Labor Relations Authority on June 29, 2011, or successor labor organization shall be treated as the exclusive representative of full- and part-time nonsupervisory TSA personnel carrying out screening functions under section 44901`` et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. prgtoken This bill does pick winners and losers and, in this case, AFGE is the winner. I am just saying, I don't think that is right. prgtoken , .
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2020-3-4

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.
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Tom Cotton (Republican, AR) \u2014 2020-3-4

I have 14 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 Wednesday, March 4, 2020, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Armed Services prgtoken The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, at 2:30 p.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation prgtoken The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. 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 Wednesday, March 4, 2020, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs prgtoken The Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, at 2:30 p.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Indian Affairs prgtoken The Committee on Indian Affairs is authorized to meet during the session prgtoken of the Senate on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, at 2:30 p.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on the Judiciary prgtoken The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing on the following nominations: John Peter Cronan, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York, Thomas T. Cullen, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Virginia, and Jennifer P. Togliatti, to be United States District Judge for the District of Nevada. Committee on Veterans' Affairs prgtoken The Committee on Veterans' Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. Select Committee on Intelligence prgtoken The Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, at 2 p.m to conduct a closed roundtable. Subcommittee on Seapower prgtoken The Subcommittee on Seapower of the Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. Subcommittee on Aviation and Space prgtoken
CORONAVIRUS PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020
Fred Upton (Republican, MI) \u2014 2020-3-4

. Madam , this legislation is how this place is supposed to work--real substance, forget the politics. prgtoken We have an emergency. We really do. And I thank the leadership on both sides of the aisle for bringing this bill to the floor so quickly. prgtoken The bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus met for an hour just yesterday at the White House to promise to work together, not only with the administration, but with s and , House and Senate. Many of us, the last couple of weeks, have met with the HHS Secretary, CDC, FDA, NIH, as well as with our health leaders in our States. prgtoken This money is not only going to help our health officials on the front lines; it is going to help our families in virtually every community. It is also going to help develop the vaccine and the therapeutics to save perhaps tens of thousands of lives. prgtoken The 21st Century Cures legislation that most of us supported 3 years ago has laid the foundation to expedite the cures for so many illnesses, including this one. This is a moment in time when we need to step up for the safety of our families, our communities, and our Nation. prgtoken Madam , I urge all of my colleagues to support this money that is so desperately needed and get it to the President as quickly as we can.
RIGHTS FOR TRANSPORTATION SECURITY OFFICERS ACT OF 2020
Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2020-3-5

this amendment will ensure that the TSA Administrator works in coordination with the Directors of the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to ensure that TSA employees are provided the proper guidance regarding prevention and protections against coronavirus, including appropriate resources. prgtoken TSA employees are on the front lines of strengthening the safety of our transportation systems while ensuring the freedom of movement for people and commerce, which is why this underlying legislation is so important. prgtoken As part of their mission, TSA employees constantly come in close contact with countless people every day from across the country and from around the world. This means that their potential risk and exposure to the virus is heightened. prgtoken Our TSA employees work every day to protect us as we travel. In turn, we must do all we can to protect them while they are on the job. prgtoken , I urge support of this amendment and underlying bill, and .
BIPARTISAN CORONAVIRUS LEGISLATION
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2020-3-5

I rise today to praise my House colleagues for their swift and decisive action to attack the corona threat yesterday. prgtoken Members of both parties recognized that this disease is a national and public health crisis, that it will affect all Americans, regardless of political party. We came together to approve $7.8 billion to protect the safety and well-being of all Americans. The Founding Fathers created this Chamber for exactly that reason. prgtoken In the spirit of bipartisan cooperation, I would like to discuss the Affordable Care Act. Like our coronavirus bill yesterday, the ACA attacked a public health crisis. It improved the health and security of millions of Americans, especially those with preexisting conditions. It has saved money for American workers, and it has helped millions of American families provide care for their children. prgtoken If these attacks on the ACA are successful, at least 25 million Americans will be uninsured. We do not want them to avoid screenings for coronavirus or future viruses because they cannot afford it.
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF OFFICER DAVID KELLYWOOD
Tom O’Halleran (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2020-3-5

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Officer David Kellywood. Officer Kellywood was a White Mountain Apache Police Officer who was killed in the line of duty last month. prgtoken David Kellywood grew up in the White Mountain Apache community in rural Arizona. prgtoken He bravely protected and served his community for four years as a corrections officer, a detention officer, and then a police officer. prgtoken He was dedicated and hardworking, and those who knew and loved him appreciated his bright sense of humor and kind heart. prgtoken He gave the ultimate sacrifice at age 26 to protect the community he loved, and leaves behind two young sons. prgtoken As a former law enforcement officer, I know firsthand the dangerous, ever-changing circumstances law enforcement officers face every day, and the stress their loved ones endure. prgtoken My heart breaks for Officer Kellywood's wife and two sons. prgtoken Pat and I are keeping Officer Kellywood's family, friends, and the entire White Mountain Apache community in our thoughts as we continue to mourn his passing.
IN RECOGNITION OF MATT BURNETT, MONSIGNOR WILLIAM FARREL DIVISION OF THE ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS' MAN OF THE YEAR
Matt Cartwright (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2020-3-5

. Madam , I rise today to honor Matt Burnett who will be named the Man of the Year by the Monsignor William Farrell Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Matt will be honored at their annual gathering on Saturday, March 7, 2020. prgtoken Matt is the son of Francis P. Burnett and Zita Lavelle Burnett. He is a member of Saint Rose Parish where he volunteers his time with the Altar and Rose Society. For the past several years, Matt has bravely battled Huntington's chorea, a rare, debilitating condition that affects the nerve cells in the brain causing a deterioration of motor skills, cognitive abilities, and speech. His grandfather and mother also suffered from this inherited disease. Despite his diagnosis, he has worked tirelessly to remain positive and active in his local community. prgtoken Enthusiastic about volunteer firefighting, Matt was often found at the fire headquarters on Main Street in Carbondale. In addition to responding to calls, he spent long hours at the scene of a fire cleaning and packing gear to be prepared for the next call. He was always willing to lend a hand to any volunteer company that needed additional assistance. prgtoken In 2006, prior to the onset of his illness, Matt and two fellow firefighters were honored for bravely entering a burning building to quell a fire which quickly turned into a heroic rescue mission. Their vision clouded with smoke, the three men advanced across the room, but the floor felt hot and spongy, threatening to give away at any moment. In their efforts to retreat, one of the firefighters fill to the basement as the floor between him and the exit collapsed. Alerted by their endangered partner tugging on the fire hose, Matt and his other partner went back into the building to pull him to safety. prgtoken Matt does not let his illness stop him from pursuing his passions, including volunteer firefighting. When a fire broke out earlier this year, Matt, undeterred by his physical limitations, responded in full gear, doing everything he could to assist his fellow volunteers. prgtoken It is an honor to join with the Monsignor William Farrell Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians to recognize Matt Burnett as Man of the Year. Throughout his life, he has embodied the virtues of friendship, unity, and Christian charity and has been selflessly dedicated to others through the volunteer fire service. I wish him all the best on this St. Patrick's Day.