mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
COMMEMORATING THE LEGACY OF ATATIANA JEFFERSON
Marc A. Veasey (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-10-16

one of my favorite pastimes is playing video games with my 13-year-old son, just as Atatiana Jefferson was doing with her 8-year-old nephew when she was murdered by a police officer in front of him in Fort Worth, Texas, this past weekend. prgtoken I rise today to commemorate the legacy of Atatiana, also known as ``Aunt Tay'' by her 8-year-old nephew, and call on our law enforcement to stop these killings now. prgtoken It only took 3 seconds before a police officer fatally shot this woman in front of her 8-year-old nephew while they were playing video games. She didn't even have a chance to show her hands. prgtoken The reality for many Black and Brown people in this country is that this is our America, this is the America that we live in every day. It doesn't matter what neighborhood we live in or how much money we make. This is what we face. prgtoken Until law enforcement reforms their culture of rogue policing that has led prgtoken to the slaughtering of so many people in this country, justice cannot fully be served. prgtoken Nothing is going to bring Atatiana or all of those who have been unjustly killed back, but we have to do better. We have to hold our law enforcement accountable and fix the systematic failures that have brought us here today. Until then, our communities cannot have full confidence in those who are tasked in protecting all of us.
Unanimous Consent Agreement (Executive Calendar)
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2019-10-16

I am delighted to join my colleagues from Maryland and Delaware to support this resolution expressing disapproval of the administration rescinding the Clean Power Plan and replacing it with its so-called affordable clean energy rule, which is a name fanciful enough to make George Orwell blush. prgtoken The first thing to understand about the so-called affordable clean energy rule is that it is a do-nothing rule, exactly as the polluters wish. EPA admits its own rule would do virtually zero to reduce carbon pollution. It requires zero emissions reductions at natural gas-fired powerplants, and it would allow coal-fired powerplants to make minor efficiency improvements and then run for longer hours. That could actually lead to an increase in carbon pollution. prgtoken This rule is designed to fool people into thinking that the administration is obeying the Clean Air Act, but no one should be fooled. prgtoken From the get-go, the administration made clear it didn't care about cutting carbon pollution, fighting climate change, or protecting the environment or public health. It cared about obeying the fossil fuel industry, not the law. prgtoken Within weeks of taking office, 's swampy Cabinet rolled out the red carpet for coal baron Bob Murray, who had an action plan for the administration. Here is Murray with Energy Secretary Perry, and look who is accompanying Murray at the meeting, our EPA Administrator, Andrew Wheeler, then Murray's lobbyist. It looks like a friendly meeting, and why wouldn't it be? Look at that, such a nice big hug. Isn't that sweet? prgtoken Murray was the major financial backer of the administration, and this was his payback time. Individuals associated with Murray Energy were the largest source of donations to 's Presidential campaign, and Murray himself chipped in a cool 300 grand for 's inaugural festivities. Murray was also one of the largest donors to election spending groups associated with disgraced EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, under whose tenure this botched ACE rule began. prgtoken So what was the first item on Bob Murray's action plan? To get rid of the Clean Power Plan. Bob Murray wasn't the only one who wanted to scrap the Clean Power Plan. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers, two of the largest and most powerful trade associations in Washington, also asked the EPA to scrap the Clean Power Plan. That is no surprise. The independent watchdog group InfluenceMap found the chamber and NAM the two worst obstructers of climate action. They will not reveal their donors, but I believe they took lots of money from the fossil fuel industry and became its mouthpiece. They got paid, and this was the play. prgtoken The chamber and NAM were also aligned with shadowy fossil fuel industry front groups like the so-called Utility Air Regulatory Group and the American Council for Clean Coal Ele
LOWER PRESCRIPTION DRUG PRICES
Alma S. Adams (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2019-10-16

I rise today to speak on the alarming rise in prescription drug costs. America is the richest, most developed nation in the world, yet one in four Americans has a hard time affording lifesaving prescriptions. Families are making impossible choices between paying the mortgage, putting food on their tables, or buying lifesaving medications. prgtoken We turned a blind eye to the prescription drug ecosystem, and now the system has become unsustainable. Americans are getting ripped off while other countries pay far less for the same drugs. prgtoken In 2017, the U.S. spent $333 billion on prescription medication, up from $236 billion in 2007, an increase of more than 40 percent over 10 years. That is unacceptable. prgtoken I have listened to my constituents who struggle to afford the prescriptions they need, and they want us to act. This isn't a partisan issue. It is a people issue. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support legislation like H.R. 3 so that the American people no longer are left with false choices.
OPPOSING THE DECISION TO END CERTAIN UNITED STATES EFFORTS TO PREVENT TURKISH MILITARY OPERATIONS AGAINST SYRIAN KURDISH FORCES IN NORTHEAST SYRIA
Brad Sherman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-10-16

I rise in support of the resolution, and I rise in prgtoken opposition to the recent decision of the administration. prgtoken We had a situation in Syria that was stable. We had a modest deployment of American troops. We were successful in limiting American casualties to a very low number. We had defeated the caliphate. Our friends, the Kurds, who had incurred most of the deaths by the many thousands necessary to destroy the ISIS caliphate, were safe. In other words, the situation was stable and favorable to the United States. prgtoken Now we have taken an action in which America is humiliated, the Kurds are subject to slaughter, our word means less in the world, and ISIS stands to be revitalized. This is such an obvious mistake. It is hard to find anyone with any knowledge of foreign policy that regards it as anything other than an unforced error. It is such a great mistake that it makes you wonder whether it was an intentional mistake designed to give Russia territory in northeast Syria, for whatever reason we might want to do that. prgtoken It is time to reevaluate our policies toward Turkey. Since the 1940s, we have safeguarded Turkey through our membership in NATO and theirs. We protected Turkey from subversion in the 1940s and protected it from the Soviet Union for decades. Recently, over the last 20 years, we have had a policy of obsequious humiliation in our approach to Turkey. We have kowtowed to Ankara in failing to recognize the Armenian genocide. prgtoken In doing so, we have taken a foreign policy normally based on truth and honor, and instead, humiliated ourselves through silence and concealment. It is time to recognize the Armenian genocide by an overwhelming vote here in the House. It is time for us to stop dishonor in our relationship with Turkey.
OPPOSING THE DECISION TO END CERTAIN UNITED STATES EFFORTS TO PREVENT TURKISH MILITARY OPERATIONS AGAINST SYRIAN KURDISH FORCES IN NORTHEAST SYRIA
David N. Cicilline (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2019-10-16

I thank the chairman for yielding. prgtoken I rise today with a heavy heart. Ten days ago, President sealed the fate of our Kurdish partners in Syria when he gave President Erdogan of Turkey the green light to invade. prgtoken I believe this callous and reckless decision will go down in history not only for its disregard for human life but for the strategic malpractice of placing American troops in harm's way, allowing thousands of ISIS prisoners to go free, and ceding influence over the region to Russia and the Assad regime. It was truly an unbelievably dangerous and stupid decision that undermines our national security and diminishes our moral authority in the world. prgtoken I am pleased that this resolution has widespread bipartisan support. We need to pass it and get it on the President's desk as quickly as possible. prgtoken But resolutions--and sanctions, when they come--can't bring Kurdish children back to life. They can't reclaim our American military positions and equipment seized by the Russians. They can't restore our credibility, which has been squandered as we have betrayed the trust of our Kurdish allies. prgtoken I am sickened by this administration's actions. We need to do everything we can, as a Congress, to make this right. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan resolution. I thank Mr. McCaul and Mr. Engel for working together, in a bipartisan way, to send a very strong message that the Congress of the United States does not support this horrific decision that betrayed our allies and undermines American leadership in the world.
SENIOR CHIEF PETTY OFFICER SHANNON M. KENT POST OFFICE
Antonio Delgado (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-10-16

I rise today to honor a true American hero, a fallen soldier, Senior Chief Petty Officer Shannon Kent of Pine Plains, New York, who was killed at the age of 35 on January 16 of this year by a suicide bombing in Syria during her fifth combat tour in the Middle East. prgtoken Senior Chief Kent, a Dutchess County native and Stissing Mountain High School graduate, was a wife, the mother of two beautiful children, and a cancer survivor. She spoke five languages, including six dialects of Arabic, and deployed with the Navy SEALs to Iraq and Afghanistan on four different occasions. prgtoken Senior Chief Kent gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country and will be remembered for her courage and determination. She was the recipient of the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, two Joint Service Commendation Medals, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Joint Service Achievement Medal, to name a few. prgtoken In 2016, Senior Chief Kent survived thyroid cancer and, in 2018, commissioned for a special officer program to earn a Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences. prgtoken Because of a flawed DOD policy, she was found medically unfit to pursue this degree and, yet, somehow fit enough to be deployed to Syria. Following this decision, Senior Chief Kent sought a waiver from the Navy to override DOD's finding and, again, was denied. prgtoken Prior to her death, Senior Chief Kent worked tirelessly to change the Navy and DOD policies that resulted in her fifth deployment. Due to her work, the Navy has made positive changes to its waiver policy, in Senior Chief Kent's honor. I remain hopeful the DOD will follow in the Navy's footsteps. prgtoken Today, I urge the House to pass H.R. 2151 to create a memorial for Senior Chief Petty Officer Shannon Kent in Dutchess County and name the post office at 7722 South Main Street in Pine Plains, New York, the Senior Chief Petty Officer Shannon M. Kent Post Office. prgtoken Senior Chief Kent's memory will live on because she defined what true service means. Honoring Senior Chief Kent in this permanent way will serve as a daily reminder of her heroism and sacrifice. prgtoken Senior Chief Kent is survived by her husband, retired Chief Warrant Officer Joseph Kent, and their two young sons. My thoughts remain with her children, husband, and the rest of her family and friends. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to make this bill law to honor her life and legacy.
RECOGNIZING PAMELA WILHOITE STROMAN
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2019-10-16

. Madam , I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the life and work of Pamela Wilhoite Stroman on the occasion of her 100th birthday. prgtoken Stroman was born in Rapidan, Virginia on October 22, 1919. She was the second of three children. In her early teens, she moved to Washington, DC, where she attended Garnett Patterson Jr. High School and Armstrong High School. prgtoken After passing the government worker's entrance exam, Stroman worked for 35 years at the Federal Bureau of Engraving and Printing as a final assembler of paper money. She retired in 1974. prgtoken As an avid sports lover, she calls herself Tiger Wood's grandmother and coaches him, and the Washington football team, from her living room. She wears T-shirts for good luck and knows all the scores, statistics, players and officials by name. prgtoken Stroman is a resident of Ward 5 in the Stronghold community, where she is one of the oldest neighbors. She was one of 15 original residents in the ``White Hat Patrol'', a group of residents who monitored security in the neighborhood. She is the mother of two daughters, Tayloria and India, and the wife of David Stroman. prgtoken Madam , I ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the life and work of Pamela Wilhoite Stroman on the occasion of her 100th birthday.
CLOTURE MOTION
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2019-10-16

I thank Senator Grassley, and we will be working together on this. prgtoken I just want to point out that there was, of course, some mismanagement. As does the Senator, I want to fix some of the structural issues, but time is of the essence. I understand this is not happening today, but time is of the essence with regard to these pensions, especially for the mineworkers. Those for the teamsters are next and for the others in the Central States. As Chairman Grassley knows, it will get worse and worse and worse if we don't get this done this year. prgtoken I do want to emphasize, while there of course is some mismanagement of funds here, the preponderance of the problem is that a bunch of mining companies, construction companies, and transportation companies went out of business with the recession in 2007, 2008, and 2009, taking away the companies paying into these funds. prgtoken The other part of it was Wall Street greed, generally what happened to the stock market. prgtoken That is the preponderance of the problem, but I concur with Senator Grassley that we can work on a lot of this together. Senator Portman and I especially have a responsibility to get this done, to make it happen. prgtoken I thank the chairman. prgtoken .
RECOGNIZING THE 2019 WEEK OF POSITIVE CHANGE, NONVIOLENCE, AND OPPORTUNITIES
Gwen Moore (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2019-10-16

. Madam , I rise to recognize the 2019 Week of Positive Change, Nonviolence and Opportunities which runs from October 12 to October 19, 2019. This week was created to remind us of the toll that violence is taking in our communities but also to remind and reaffirm that we can all help to end the violence. prgtoken During this week, events will take place in communities throughout the nation to discuss solutions and partnerships that will help to protect our communities from violence. I urge my colleagues to learn more about the events in their communities. prgtoken As Congress considers ways to address the deadly gun violence that is plaguing too many of our communities, one of the central themes and solutions to consider are ways to increase resources and training available to community members themselves to help prevent or de- escalate conflict that can help break the deadly cycle that violence has in our communities. prgtoken There is no question that stronger gun laws are an important part of efforts to prevent gun violence. I again urge Senator McConnell to take up the bills the House has already passed that would help strengthen background checks, a move which is broadly supported by the American public, and to close the Charleston loophole that allows gun sales to go through if not completed within three days. prgtoken But just as critical is the need to develop and strengthen community wide resources and tools that can help prevent violence, including gun violence, in the first place. One such way is to increase support so that a broader range of individuals in communities can learn conflict prevention and de-escalation and violence interruption strategies that can help prevent situations from turning violent while helping to connect individuals to community supports. prgtoken Now more than ever we need to explore all the ways to end this epidemic of violence. A study published in the October 2019 issue of Health Affairs shows that the rate at which Americans died from firearm injuries increased sharply starting in 2015. And while high profile mass shootings make up a small portion of these incidences, the vast majority are from the daily violence that too many of our communities continue to endure. prgtoken According to that study, the United States saw a 14 percent rise in the rate of gun-related deaths of all kinds from 2015 to 2017 compared with the rate from 1999 to 2014. prgtoken Like other cities around the country, the city of Milwaukee has experienced multiple forms of violence that have caused significant injury and trauma for individuals, families, and neighborhoods. From 2010 to 2016, there has been a 76 percent increase in firearm-related homicide victims, a 38 percent increase in nonfatal shooting victims, and a 43 percent increase in combined victims. prgtoken During this time of crisis with violence happening around the country, we need to focus on how all elements of our society, governme
TRIBUTE FOR MARIO SR., JOSEPH, MICHAEL, AND ANGELO PETOSA
Max Rose (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-10-16

. Madam , I rise today to ask all of my colleagues to join me in honoring four outstanding Staten Islanders and veterans of the United States Military, prgtoken the Petosa brothers: Mario Sr Joseph, Michael, and Angelo. Mario Sr. served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1947, fighting in the Pacific theater during World War II from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska to Okinawa in Japan. Mario received numerous decorations for his service including two Purple Hearts and six Bronze Battle Stars. Joseph served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946, reaching the rank of Metalsmith Third Class and receiving the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Ribbon and 4 Bronze Battle Stars. Michael served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946 and was awarded the American Service Medal for his actions during the occupation of Japan. Angelo's service in the U.S. Navy began after World War II and he remained in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1972, eventually achieving the rank of Lieutenant. These brothers represent the best among us: a family dedicated to this country. They served America, fighting for our freedom during World War II and during the Cold War. With every day that passes, it becomes more and more important that we all work to recognize their accomplishments and preserve their stories for future generations. Our children and our children's children must know the sacrifices they made so many years ago so that we may be free today. The Petosa brothers are proof not just of the greatness of our community on Staten Island, but of the entire country. They came here as immigrants from Italy, making tremendous sacrifices not just to call this country home, but to put their lives on the line to defend it. This is a testament not only to the character of these men, but to the country they chose to live in and serve. That spirit lives on in the United States military today, in men and women like the ones I served with in Afghanistan who were willing to risk it all first to become an American, and then to protect that right for others. So Madam , during this Italian-American Heritage Month, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in recognizing Mario Sr Joseph, Michael, and Angelo Petosa, four Italian-American heroes who dedicated their lives to serving to this country and who represent the best of Staten Island.
HONORING THE NEW MEMORIAL PARK IN THE TOWN OF SARATOGA DEDICATED TO THE HISTORIC SURRENDER OF BRITISH GENERAL BURGOYNE TO AMERICAN GENERAL GATES ON OCTOBER 17, 1777
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2019-10-17

. Madam , I rise today to honor the new memorial park in the town of Saratoga dedicated to the historic surrender of British General Burgoyne to American General Gates on October 17, 1777. prgtoken 242 Years ago, the first and second battles of Saratoga marked a crucial turning point in the American Revolutionary War. The courage and effectiveness of American troops during the battles broke the British Army's air of invincibility and led to the Franco-American alliance that proved crucial to winning the war. Today, that famous battle is memorialized in the rotunda of the Capitol with the famous painting by John Trumbull depicting General Burgoyne surrendering his sword to General Gates. That image was used to create a bronze relief that is displayed at the new memorial park. Many historians rank The Battle of Saratoga as one of the most consequential battles in history and I am glad to see this recognition for the heroism and sacrifices made that day. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I want to thank The Friends of Saratoga Battlefield, Open Space Institute, the Hudson- Hoosic Partnership and Saratoga National Historical Park for their hard work making this memorial a reality. It is crucial that we honor the achievements and sacrifices of those Americans who came before us as we chart our path forward. I look forward to this memorial serving as a space for all Americans to come and reflect on our history while we contemplate the future.
WARREN COUNTY BICENTENNIAL
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-10-17

I rise today to recognize Warren County, Pennsylvania's recent bicentennial. prgtoken In March of 1819, the Pennsylvania General Assembly approved legislation to establish Warren County. On October 1, later that year, the legislation became official, and Warren County became a part of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. prgtoken This occasion was celebrated earlier this month at the Warren County Courthouse, with local leaders and live entertainment, including the Youngsville High School band. In addition to the remarks and performances, a time capsule was buried on the grounds. prgtoken As an avid outdoorsman, I am proud to call Warren County a part of my district, particularly for its beautiful natural landscapes. Home to a portion of the Allegheny National Forest, Warren County has beautiful outdoor spaces that rival much of the Commonwealth. prgtoken This bicentennial is an exciting occasion, and I would like to congratulate Warren County on this milestone. I wish them continued success in the next 200 years.
HONORING LYLE ENDICOTT
Mike Bost (Republican, IL) \u2014 2019-10-17

. Madam , I rise today to honor Lyle Endicott of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, for his selfless service to our country during World War II and for his upcoming 98th birthday. Mr. Endicott served his country with honor, started multiple successful businesses, and is a staple in his community. prgtoken Mr. Endicott was born in Mt. Vernon on December 7, 1921. Twenty years later, when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the United States Navy and became a fighter pilot. As a naval aviator, Mr. Endicott deployed to the Pacific on the Steamer Bay Aircraft Carrier, where he supported the invasions of Iwo Jima and the Okinawa Islands. After his honorable discharge, he married Elizabeth ``Annie'' Piercy and started a family. Upon settling in Woodlawn, Illinois, the two opened a grocery store and Endicott Interiors, a furniture business that still operates today. Mr. Endicott later became the head pilot for Self Oil Company in Mt. Vernon and was renowned as one of Southern Illinois' finest aviators. Those who know Mr. Endicott say that he is fun-loving and fearless in his approach to life. As a father, grandfather, and now great-grandfather, he is a true family man who has touched countless lives. prgtoken Madam , please join me in honoring Lyle Endicott for his unwavering patriotism and celebrate his birthday. On behalf of Southern Illinois, happy 98th.