mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING AERA ENERGY FOR RECEIVING THE BAKERSFIELD COLLEGE FOUNDATION CORPORATE PHILANTHROPIST OF THE YEAR AWARD
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2019-3-21

. Madam , I rise today to honor and recognize Aera Energy, and President and CEO, Christina Sistrunk, as the recipient of the 2019 Bakersfield College Foundation Corporate Philanthropist of the Year Award. prgtoken Industry-leading oil and gas producer Aera Energy has displayed its commitment to California and the communities in which it operates for nearly 100 years. Jointly owned by Shell and ExxonMobil but operated as a stand-alone company with its own board and managers, Aera is proudly based in Bakersfield, California and in Kern County, one of the largest oil-producing regions in the entire country. Innovative approaches to engineering, lean processes, and data quality helped Aera become a titan of industry--Aera produces about 125,000 barrels of oil and 32 million cubic feet of natural gas each day, accounting for nearly one- quarter of California's oil production annually. However, its community involvement and philanthropy are what truly sets them apart. prgtoken Aera actively encourages their employees to participate in events and causes that strengthen communities, recognizing individual employees who go above and beyond in this regard. Through various programs like Partnership A.E.R.A. (Achieving Excellence, Rewarding Academics), the Community Reading Project, and multiple high school programs, Aera employees are heavily involved in the communities where they live and work. In addition to these volunteering and mentoring efforts, Aera donates to over 100 community organizations each year. prgtoken Bakersfield is fortunate to have a premier oil and gas producer like Aera so dedicated to the betterment of its people and community. prgtoken Under Mrs. Sistrunk's leadership, I am sure that this will not be the last time Aera Energy is honored for its corporate philanthropy, generosity, and community involvement. On behalf of California's 23rd Congressional District, I want to thank Aera Energy for its countless contributions to communities throughout the Central Valley.
IN HONOR OF EDWARD STEVER'S 100TH BIRTHDAY
Richard Hudson (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-3-21

. Madam , I rise today to honor Mr. Edward Stever and wish him a very happy 100th birthday. prgtoken The attack on Pearl Harbor was an event that not only shaped the course of our country but the lives of many Americans, including Mr. Stever. After Pearl Harbor was attacked he was one of the many Americans who felt compelled to fight against the Japanese. He then joined the Army Air Corps where he served until 1946. During his career he completed countless dangerous, yet vital, missions delivering bombs and fuel from India to China. He showed endless bravery and courage in his pursuit to serve our country halfway across the world. prgtoken After completing active duty, Mr. Stever returned to his wife and two children and worked for IBM in Binghamton, New York until he was transferred to Charlotte, North Carolina. In 2007, he moved to Fayetteville and unfortunately lost his wife after 69 years of marriage. Despite his loss he still felt compelled to serve our country and he has been volunteering at the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum, since 2011. In fact, he has dedicated over 2,400 hours to the Museum. I know I speak for everyone when I say we are so thankful for him and all of his service to our country and community. prgtoken The U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum had a goal of collecting 100 birthday cards for Mr. Stever's birthday. I am honored to play a small part in recognizing him and all he has accomplished over the last 100 years. prgtoken Madam , please join me today in thanking Mr. Edward Stever for his service and wishing him a Happy 100th birthday.
THANKING DRAKE CEMENT
Paul A. Gosar (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2019-3-21

. Madam , I rise today to recognize an important industry in our nation, and a company in my district that represents the best of corporate America. The company, Drake Cement, has an incredible safety record, and is known for its pursuit of excellence and its proud relationships with its employees and the community. prgtoken The industry at issue is the aggregate industry (sand, gravel, iron, minerals, stone and other aggregates) for use in the manufacturing of cement and concrete. Drake Cement takes raw materials, including limestone, alumina, iron and silica, and blends, heats, crushes and grinds it into the best cement west of the Rockies. The cement Drake Cement produces is used for construction products, including mortar, concrete, and masonry. You will find cement in buildings, dams, bridges, highways, floors, wells, pipes and a host of other necessary products. Without cement you cannot have modem construction and infrastructure. prgtoken Drake Cement was awarded the Sentinel of Safety Mining Award in 2017 and 2015 by the National Mining Association. This prestigious award is given to mines that have the highest and best safety records. In a business that involves dangerous equipment, heavy weight transport and moving parts, maintaining safety is not easy and it requires constant vigilance and high levels of training and awareness. Drake Cement has been awarded this difficult recognition twice and the plant was only built in 2011. prgtoken Outside a small town called Paulden, Arizona, Drake Cement built its new state of the art facility. The company takes seriously its commitment to social responsibility. It recognizes that, as a mine and manufacturer, it has an impact on the environment, but it also recognizes its impact is positive, necessary and undeniably important to our culture, our society and our modern economy. prgtoken I thank Mr. David Chavez, its Vice President, the over 120 employees who do their best every day, and the company for its contribution to Arizona and the country.
THANKING CHIEF BILL JOHN BAKER
Kevin Hern (Republican, OK) \u2014 2019-3-21

. Madam , I rise today to thank Chief Bill John Baker for his many years of service to the Cherokee people and to his community. Chief Baker's service to the Cherokee Nation and the state of Oklahoma has touched the lives of many, whether acting in the capacity of Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, as a Cherokee Tribal Councilor, as PTA President, as President of the Tahlequah Chamber of Commerce, or as the coach of local youth sports teams. prgtoken Personally, my wife Tammy and I can attest to Chief Bill John Baker's dedication to community by our mutual involvement in the Ronald McDonald House Charities. When we first moved to Muskogee Oklahoma, Tammy called Chief Baker to bring his attention to the Cherokee Nation women's use of the Ronald McDonald House--roughly 1/3rd of the House's inhabitants are Cherokee citizens. Without hesitation, Chief Baker stepped up to the plate and asked--how much money does Ronald McDonald House need? prgtoken Chief Baker's accomplishments have been heralded by his colleagues and neighbors alike. The town of Okay is grateful for the Veterans Monument project that Chief Baker spearheaded. People recall the countless times that he expedited housing assistance for disabled and elderly Cherokee citizens. Chief Baker's friends, neighbors, and those who prgtoken may not have had the pleasure of knowing him will benefit for years to come because of the extra first response vehicles that he helped secure for the Fire Department and the drivers education cars that he worked to provide for the local schools. prgtoken All these amazing things that Chief Bill John Baker had a hand in, ultimately help raise awareness of the Cherokee people and their presence in Northeastern Oklahoma. I congratulate Chief Baker on his retirement, as it is well deserved
Midwestern Floods (Executive Session)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-3-25

I come to the floor today to share a message from Iowa's heartland. prgtoken As you know, millions of Americans in the middle of the country are experiencing catastrophic flooding. My home State of Iowa and our neighbors in Nebraska are particularly hard hit, and it will affect others downriver of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. prgtoken I want to thank the administration for its swift response on Saturday to approve the expedited requests for a major disaster declaration made by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds Thursday evening. The flooding has caused tremendous damage, impacting more than two-thirds of Iowa's 99 counties. The Federal disaster proclamation will trigger emergency assistance to 56 of those counties so far. Those would be the counties in blue on the map here. prgtoken Governor Reynolds' team has been in the trenches, working hand in hand with local officials and county emergency coordinators. They estimated damages so far across our entire State to be $1.6 billion. The damages estimated for agriculture are $214 million; damages to homes, $481 million; and levee repairs, $525 million. prgtoken By all accounts and every possible metric, the damages and devastation are overwhelming. Yet, at the very same time, the legendary mythology of America's heartland and its people is rooted in truth. The road to recovery will be long, grueling, and at times gruesome, but I am confident that the grit and resilience of Iowans and their fellow midwesterners will prevail. prgtoken Over the last week, we have heard remarkable stories of neighbor helping neighbor and neighbors helping total strangers. Residents of all ages and differing abilities rubbed elbows to bag sand to save a water treatment facility in their small town. First responders and Good Samaritans rescued people stranded in their homes. Farmers moved their neighbor's grain and livestock to higher ground. Volunteers rolled up their sleeves to serve hot meals and deliver water. Generous Americans across our country opened their wallets to donate money, food, water, hygiene products, and medical supplies. Iowa farmers who were not wiped out by the floods are sending truckloads of much needed hay to livestock producers and ranchers in Nebraska. prgtoken These stories offer a glimmer of sunshine in the darkest hours of the 2019 floods. You might say that we are experiencing an unwelcome twist of March Madness along the Missouri River. Despite being mired in muck and mud, it is reassuring to see the full-court press and gritty resilience of midwesterners. prgtoken Make no mistake--the catastrophic damages to private property, farmland, Main Street businesses, public utilities, and critical infrastructure, including wells, roads, bridges, and railways, have extended beyond the capability of local and State government. prgtoken Aerial footage of our State makes entire communities and farmsteads look like an island surrounded by an ocean.
New Manhattan Project for Clean Energy (Executive Session)
Lamar Alexander (Republican, TN) \u2014 2019-3-25

I believe climate change is real. I believe that human emissions of greenhouse gases are a major cause of climate change, and I believe the ic plan for climate change, which the Senator from Texas just spoke about--the Green New Deal--is so far out in left field that not many are going to take it seriously. prgtoken So as one , I am here today to propose this response to climate change, which is that the United States should launch a New Manhattan Project for Clean Energy, a 5-year project with 10 grand challenges that will use American research and technology to put our country and our world firmly on the path for cleaner, cheaper energy. prgtoken Meeting these grand challenges would create breakthroughs in advanced nuclear reactors, natural gas, carbon recapture, better batteries, greener buildings, electric vehicles, cheaper solar power, and fusion. To provide the tools to create these breakthroughs, the Federal Government should double its funding for energy research and keep the United States No. 1 in advanced computing. This strategy takes advantage of the United States' secret weapon--our extraordinary capacity for basic research and especially in our 17 National Laboratories. It will strengthen our economy. It will raise family incomes. prgtoken This strategy also recognizes that when it comes to climate change, China, India, and other developing countries are the problem. American innovation is the answer. According to the Global Carbon Project, over the last 13 years the United States has reduced production of greenhouse gases more than any other major country. Let me say that again. According to the Global Carbon Project, over the last 13 years the United States has reduced production of greenhouse gases more than any other major country. But over the last 5 years, China and its carbon emissions have risen. The U.S. reduction is largely thanks to conservation and switching from coal to natural gas in the production of electricity. prgtoken This is the way a California physicist explains it: Our mothers told us as children to clean our plates because children in India were starving. Now, cleaning our plates was a good thing for us to do, but it didn't do much for starving children in India. In the same way, reducing carbon emissions in the United States is a good thing to do, but it doesn't do much to address climate change because most of the increase in greenhouse gases is in developing countries. If we want to do something about climate change, we should use American research and technology to provide the rest of the world with tools to create low- cost energy that emits fewer greenhouse gases. prgtoken The purpose of the original Manhattan Project during World War II was to find a way to split the atom and build a bomb before Germany could. The New York Times described this as the ``most concentrated intellectual effort in history.'' Instead of ending a war, the
SOCIALISTS' BIG LIE PROPAGANDA EXPOSED
Mo Brooks (Republican, AL) \u2014 2019-3-25

a ``big lie'' is a political propaganda technique made famous by Germany's National Socialist German Workers' Party. But more on that later. prgtoken For more than 2 years, Socialist and their fake news media allies, CNN, MSNBC, The New York Times, Washington Post, and countless others, have perpetrated the biggest political lie, con, scam, and fraud in American history. prgtoken Attorney General Barr's executive summary of Mueller's report has publicly confirmed what many of us have known for a long time. The accusations of collusion between President and Russia in the 2016 elections are nothing but a big lie. prgtoken The Mueller investigation was massive. It ``employed 19 lawyers who were assisted by a team of approximately 40 FBI agents, intelligence forensic accountants, and other professional staff. The special counsel issued more than 2,800 subpoenas, executed nearly 500 search warrants, obtained more than 230 orders for communication records . . . and interviewed approximately 500 witnesses.'' prgtoken After tens of millions of wasted American tax dollars, the finding is succinct: ``The report does not recommend any further indictments, nor did the special counsel obtain any sealed indictments that have yet to be made public. . . .'' prgtoken The investigation ``did not establish that members of the campaign conspired or coordinated with the Russian Government in its election interference activities.'' prgtoken The Mueller report vindicates President and his 2016 campaign from the Socialists' baseless, reckless, and false big lie charges of Russian election collusion. prgtoken Equally important, there is a converse to President 's vindication. prgtoken Mueller's report confirms that Socialist and their fake news media allies made up nonexistent allegations and engaged in the most sordid of fake news, big lie propaganda, scam, fraud, and smear campaign in American history. prgtoken Socialist and their fake news media allies were shameless, shameless in their big lie scam that has inspired hatred against President and violence against Americans who support America's foundational principles. prgtoken If Socialists and the fake news media had any honor, they would cleanse their souls and atone for their sins by uttering mea culpas and apologizing to the American people for the fraud and scam committed. prgtoken More likely, however, they will double down and propagate even more big lies, because doubling down is essential to big lie theory. In that vein, I quote from another Socialist who mastered big lie propaganda to a maximum and deadly effect. ``In the big lie, there is always a certain force of credibility; because the broad masses of a nation are always more easily corrupted in the deeper strata of their emotional nature than consciously or voluntarily; and thus in the primitive simplicity of their minds they more readily fall victims to the bi
Climate Change (Executive Session)
Johnny Isakson (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-3-25

. Thank you, . I rise for a moment to talk about a vote we will have tomorrow in this Chamber on a motion to adopt an amendment to the supplemental appropriations passed by the House, and it is a disaster amendment dealing with the States that have been afflicted by disasters over the last 2 years--most of them southern States, but not all. Some include the Territory of Puerto Rico. prgtoken I am going to go over the details in a second, but first of all, some of you may see floating around this memorandum from the chairman of the Appropriations Committee in the House and the vice chairman in the Senate. It talks about an agreement that was on the disaster money and refers to Puerto Rico being shortchanged and the fact that we need to make sure that that doesn't happen. I want to give you the facts. prgtoken Georgia, which I represent, is one of a number of States that includes Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alaska, California, and Hawaii, which have experienced significant disasters in the past 2 years. We saw the fires in California on our TVs. We saw the volcanos in Hawaii. We saw the blueberries in Georgia fall off the vines and be destroyed. We saw what happened to these crops and Alaska's earthquake. All of these States have received nothing yet. prgtoken Puerto Rico has received $40 billion--$40 billion for what happened in Maria, and $21 billion has not been spent. They have gotten a lot of money, $40 billion, and the amendment I want to talk about in a second gives them $600 million more. prgtoken There are a lot of places in this country that are States that we represent that have gotten nothing and have had big disasters in the last 2 years. These disasters are hurting our economy, our people, and our States. prgtoken So I want to--any of you to see this email or this flyer tomorrow or hear the debate tomorrow. What it says, the flyer says that the vice chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Leahy, is going to object to the substitute that will be offered by Senator Perdue and myself tomorrow to the bill that will be debated unless Puerto Rico gets a better shake. The point, Puerto Rico has gotten 40, only spent 19, they have got $21 billion left to spend. We have $600 million to see to it that they don't run out of SNAP money at the end of this month, which they will with everything that stands currently. Puerto Rico is being treated great. Is there CDBG money they want? No, it is not in there. ``Fair'' is an interesting word. Fair is when you and I are treated fairly. We both get equal proportions, for money and things of that nature. Unfair is when somebody weights the formula--or someone takes undue advantage of a special situation. prgtoken Well, this is a special situation. A lot of people are going to go without help by the end of next month. Farm bills are going to come due, and banks are going to foreclose on them. A lot of people in agriculture will be hur
TRIBUTE TO PATRICK TYRRELL
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2019-3-25

today I recognize the distinguished career of Pat Tyrrell. After more than 18 years of service, Pat is retiring as Wyoming's longest serving State engineer. prgtoken A Wyoming native, Pat grew up in Cheyenne. He attended the University of Wyoming in Laramie where he obtained a B.S. in mechanical engineering and an M.S. in civil engineering. He began his time in public service in 2001 when Governor Jim Geringer appointed Pat as Wyoming's State Engineer. During his tenure, he served under four Governors and became well known in the State, region, and Nation as an expert on all matters related to water resources. prgtoken Established under Wyoming's Constitution, the State engineer serves as the chief water official in Wyoming. With Wyoming situated astride the Continental Divide, the State provides the headwaters for four major river basins in the Western United States. prgtoken Charged with the regulation and administration of the water resources in Wyoming, Pat's duties as State engineer ranged from overseeing the permitting and adjudication of water rights, regulation of the use of water under the doctrine of prior appropriation, and representing the State on numerous boards, compacts, and commissions. These included Wyoming's commissioner to the Upper Colorado River Commission, the North Platte Decree Committee, Western States Water Council, and the Colorado River Salinity Control Forum. He often served in leadership roles and worked in cooperation with the other 17 Western States to manage and develop water resources. prgtoken Pat is known for his balanced approach to water resource management, ensuring compliance with the law while also protecting the interests of Wyoming water users. His expertise and influence were instrumental in resolving decades-long problems, such as the Big Horn General Adjudication. prgtoken As State engineer, he waded through thousands of water rights in the Big Horn Basin to bring clarity and certainty to Federal, Tribal, and State interests in the area and ultimately saw the end to a 37-year lawsuit. Pat's reflection on this case was emblematic of his philosophy to water management: ``If we can move water without any ill effect to existing users, we can make changes. But we need everybody at the table.'' prgtoken Shortly after I joined the U.S. Senate, I experienced this philosophy firsthand. It was during a critical point in passing the Craig Thomas Snake Headwaters Legacy Act that Pat met in my office with key players who were negotiating the final language of the bill. With his calm demeanor and extraordinary understanding of Western water law, he was able to provide clarity to the meaning of certain text in the bill and assuage all in the room of the practicality of what the text said and what was contemplated. Shortly thereafter, agreement was reached, and the bill was signed into law. It became clear to me that one of Pat's greatest skills is he builds trus