mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Hong Kong (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2019-11-21

I would like to comment on the Hong Kong legislation that we passed this week. Tuesday night, the Senate unanimously passed the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, led by Senators Rubio and Cardin, Foreign Relations Chairman Risch, and Ranking Member Menendez, and a supporting cast of colleagues. This bill is intended to spur Hong Kong officials and pro-Beijing constituencies to protect Hong Kong's autonomy and its special relationship with the United States and to hold those committing human rights violations in Hong Kong accountable. It builds on the 1992 United States-Hong Kong Policy Act, which asserts that the United States has a ``strong interest in the continued vitality, prosperity, and stability of Hong Kong.'' I am grateful for the leadership of the Senators who worked to advance this bill. prgtoken The issue at hand is Hong Kong's right to an independent judicial system and its unique status in a one-country, two-system construct. The bill that spurred the June protests in Hong Kong--a bill pushed by the communist Chinese central government that sought to impose extraditions from Hong Kong to mainland China--would have directly undercut this judicial independence. This bill has been withdrawn, but a number of other grievances have boiled over into protests. prgtoken Hong Kong's autonomy is under attack, and China is posturing to ``mainlandize'' their economy. Recent educational reforms seek to undermine Hong Kong's culture and traditions through compulsory Mandarin classes instead of the Cantonese that most Hongkongers speak. The Chinese Government will say that westerners have the wrong impression of what is going on there, that this is strictly an internal matter. We beg to differ. There are more than 85,000 American citizens in Hong Kong. Moreover, the human rights of the people of Hong Kong are directly tied to U.S. interests in Hong Kong and Hong Kong's economic prosperity. prgtoken China has threatened repercussions if the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act is enacted. I imagine China is fearful that attention to human rights abuses in Hong Kong will draw increased attention to other human rights abuses in China, such as the estimated 1.5 million Muslim Uighurs in forced detention in one of China's western provinces. prgtoken Papers leaked this week from the government of the Communist Party and General Secretary Xi detail the coercive ``reeducation'' that goes on in these internment camps. Christians in China also face regular persecution and imprisonment for following their faith and living out their beliefs. The Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act will help shed increased light on Beijing's aggression and on human rights abuses in Hong Kong. prgtoken Last night, the House sent this Senate bill to the President's desk with a resounding 417-to-1 vote--a clear statement that Congress stands with Hong Kong.
Cloture Motion (Executive Session)
Ted Cruz (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-11-21

I am proud to join with my friend and my colleague from New Jersey today in urging the Senate to take up and pass the resolution affirming U.S. recognition of the Armenian genocide. From 1915 to 1923, the Ottoman Empire carried out a forced deportation of nearly 2 million Armenians, of whom 1.5 million were killed. It was an atrocious genocide. That it happened is a reality that no amount of political doublespeak can cover up. prgtoken In fact, the word ``genocide,'' which literally means the killing of an entire people, was coined by Raphael Lemkin to describe the horrific nature of the Ottoman Empire's calculated extermination of the Armenians. That is the genesis of the word ``genocide.'' prgtoken As America, we must never be silent in response to atrocities. Over 100 years ago, the world sat silently as the Armenian people suffered and were systemically murdered. Many people today are still unaware of what happened. With this resolution--a bipartisan resolution--we are saying it is a policy of the United States to commemorate the Armenian genocide through official recognition and remembrance. prgtoken Let me echo what my colleague from New Jersey just said. Doing so is not incompatible with continuing to deal with Turkey as an ally. Just last week, I sat down with President Erdogan and President in the oval office. Turkey is a NATO ally and an important one, but friends and allies can speak the truth, and we are not honoring America and who we stand for if we are afraid to speak the truth and willing to participate in covering it up. We have a moral duty to acknowledge what happened to 1.5 million innocent souls. It is the right thing to do, and it is my hope that the Senate will do so in a bipartisan manner. prgtoken the floor.
CLOTURE MOTION
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2019-11-21

it is Thursday. I know the pages know this, and many people watching know this, but it is that time of the day in the Senate when I come down on the Senate floor and talk about somebody who makes my State a very unique and special place--and it is an opportunity for me to talk a little bit about what is going on in Alaska right now, particularly before the holidays--somebody we refer to in Alaska and here in the Senate as the Alaskan of the Week. prgtoken Before I get into this very special Alaskan, I will give you a little weather update. A lot of people like to understand what is going on. Winter has come. It is coming to Alaska. Snow has arrived throughout much of the State. In Southcentral Alaska it has come. Anchorage is covered in snow. A lot of people are getting ready to undertake winter. Sports and activities on Monday in Utqiagvik, the northernmost point in North America--it used to be called Point Barrow--the Sun rose and set for the last time until January 23. So it is going to be dark up there, but they are used to that. They are great people. The community has now officially settled in for a bit of a dark Arctic winter, but they have been doing that for a millennium. prgtoken It is a winter wonderland right now throughout Alaska. So I always encourage people watching, watching on TV, to come on up. Summer, winter, fall, spring, come on up and visit. You will love it. It will be the trip of a lifetime. prgtoken As I mentioned before, I think I come from the most beautiful State in the country, but it is also a place made up of the most important, caring, wonderful, generous, and supportive people anywhere. Some of these people have had ancestors living in Alaska for thousands and thousands of years. Others arrived more recently but immediately found a home in a community that they were supportive of and was supportive of them. prgtoken Let me introduce you to Rosemary Habeich. Her friends call her Rosie. She is an extraordinary Alaskan who has done extraordinary things for our people. She is our Alaskan of the Week. prgtoken What has she done? What is extraordinary about Rosie? prgtoken Let me just mention one off the top, which is pretty remarkable-- fostering over 50 Alaskan children with her husband, Eben Hobson, Jr. I should add here that Eben is the son of the first mayor of Alaska's North Slope Borough and someone who has also fought for the rights of Alaska Natives throughout his life. He deserves mention, as well as his wife, as a legendary Alaskan. prgtoken Not only did Rosie and Eben foster all these children, they adopted three, and raised five of their own children. That is a crowded household but a kind, loving, supportive and warm household--a place of love. prgtoken I can say here that the recommendation for Rosie to be our Alaskan of the Week comes from our First Alaskans Institute fellow, Elizabeth Ahkivgak, who is right here with me and who has done a great job in my
SHARK FIN SALES ELIMINATION ACT OF 2019
Rodney Davis (Republican, IL) \u2014 2019-11-21

I want to thank Ranking Member McCaul and Representative Sablan for their leadership on H.R. 737, the Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act, an important animal and wildlife protection bill. Their efforts earned the broad bipartisan support of nearly 290 Members of the House who cosponsored the bill which passed on an overwhelming bipartisan basis. prgtoken Many sharks are killed through the horrific method of ``shark finning,'' a method of removing fins from sharks while they are still alive at sea and discarding the rest of the shark. This bill would expand the Shark Conservation Act, which was passed in 2010, prohibiting the commercial trade of shark fins and products containing shark fins, to also prohibit taking the fins of sharks at sea. prgtoken Currently, shark finning is illegal in U.S. waters, but more is needed to protect these rapidly declining shark populations. Shark fins sold in the U.S. come from all over the world, including locations which have no bans on finning. The United States is in the top 15 shark-fin-importing countries in terms of volume. It is highly likely that shark fins sold in the United States come from sharks that have been brutally finned from places that allow shark finning. prgtoken Some populations have declined by up to 90 percent in recent decades leaving almost 25 percent of shark and ray species at risk of extinction. These global populations are currently threatened by this practice and instituting this ban will help to reduce the demand for shark fins and conserve these species while still allowing the sales of shark meat and products. prgtoken My home state of Illinois has already enacted a law prohibiting the shark fin trade joining 12 states and 3 territories that already have laws banning the sale of shark fins, similar to this bill. prgtoken I voted yes on this bill and applaud my colleagues who also voted in favor of H.R. 737, the Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act.
CONGRATULATING JESSICA ADAMCZYK ON RECEIPT OF THE YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Daniel Meuser (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-11-21

. Madam , it is with great respect that I rise today to congratulate Jessica Adamczyk of Weatherly on receiving the Carbon County Chamber and Economic Development Corporation's Young Professional of the Year Award. prgtoken The Young Professional of the Year Award highlights a Carbon County Young Professional highly involved in CCEDC events and community programs. Jessica graduated from Weatherly High School in 2013 and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Kutztown University in 2016. Currently a Marketing Associate at Heritage Hill Senior Community, Jessica is also incredibly engaged with the Hazelton and Carbon County Chambers, serving on the board of the Future Leaders of Carbon County Community. She also volunteers with Gap Inc. and serves as the Business Operations Manager for the Weatherly Ambulance Association. Lastly, Jessica recognizes the importance of a health community, founding the Weatherly Recreation Committee and participating in the Weatherly Summer Volleyball League. Carbon County's future is bright with young and enthusiastic leaders like Jessica leading the way. prgtoken On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives and the citizens of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Jessica Adamczyk on this great honor and thank her for her commitment to our community.
Recognizing the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (Executive Session)
Tom Cotton (Republican, AR) \u2014 2019-11-21

I come to the floor with the senior Senator from Arkansas, Mr. Boozman, to celebrate a great anniversary. prgtoken Two hundred years ago this week, the very first newspaper in Arkansas was published. It was called the Arkansas Gazette. We know it today as the Arkansas -Gazette. It is the oldest paper west of the Mississippi, an institution in our State, and a credit to the many outstanding journalists who have made it possible over two centuries. prgtoken From its first issue, the Arkansas Gazette was a pioneering newspaper, published by a young man named William Woodruff who crossed the mighty Mississippi into brandnew territory, dragging behind him a wooden printing press and other tools of the trade. prgtoken The Gazette was first published out of a log cabin in the territorial capital, Arkansas Post. It reflected the bold aspirations of American settlers moving West to fulfill our manifest destiny on the continent, and it reflected these landlocked settlers' keen awareness that events far beyond out little plot of soil could shape their lives in dramatic ways. prgtoken The first story in the very first edition reported on a Navy expedition to open the Pacific Northwest for American traders. It speculated with excitement about the prosperity that would flow to our Nation as Americans followed Lewis and Clark west across the country. ``The plan may appear visionary,'' the Gazette remarked, ``but that which is now speculation will . . . shortly become a fact, and this country will be enriched by the overflowings of its benefit.'' prgtoken As the Arkansas Territory grew, Arkansas's newspaper grew with it. Woodruff moved the paper from Arkansas Post to Little Rock in 1821, where it would continue to be published for the next 198 years with few exceptions, such as a devastating fire in the 1850s and military occupation during the Civil War. prgtoken Just as Arkansas kept its rough-hewn, pioneer character, so too did Arkansas's newspaper, whose staff were involved in not one but two gun battles, including the last recorded duel in Arkansas history--between, I am compelled to report, the owners of the Gazette and its upstart competitor, the . prgtoken If William Woodruff was the founding father of the -Gazette, John Netherland Heiskell was its Lincoln, bringing the paper triumphantly into maturity. Heiskell became editor in 1902 and served in that position for an incredible 70 years until his passing in 1972. The one interruption in Heiskell's remarkable tenure came in 1913, when the Governor selected him to serve as a U.S. Senator after the death of a sitting Senator. He only served in this body for 23 days before a successor was elected, and then he hurried back to Little Rock and to the Gazette because the news waits for no man. prgtoken Over the next half-century, the Gazette established itself as a world-class newspaper. It was during this period that the Gazette took a b
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2019-11-21

I rise today to recognize Gary and Hanna Canada for receiving the American Bankers Association's Bruning Award. This award is dedicated to bankers who demonstrate a strong sense of leadership and dedication to providing financial guidance and credit to ranchers, farmers, and businesses in rural America. prgtoken The Canadas are well known throughout southern Arkansas for their partnership running their business hand-in-hand, which helps explain why, for first time in the 22-year history, the award has been presented to a team of ag bankers. prgtoken Gary Canada began his professional career as a teacher and coach, eventually working his way up to principal. In 1975, Gary joined the Bank of England and climbed the ranks to become the chairman and president of the bank. Over the years, Gary has served on numerous committees and boards, including the ABA's Agricultural and Rural Bankers Committee, Arkansas Rice Council, and Bayou Metro Irrigation District. In addition to his work with the bank, Gary has farmed cotton, rice, and wheat and run a cow and calf operation. prgtoken Similarly, Hanna Canada began her career as a teacher before working at the Bank of England. Her early years at the bank consisted of working as a teller before transitioning to board secretary assisting with policies. Hanna currently serves as the executive vice president of the Bank of England and member of the board of directors. Along with her hard work and dedication to the bank, she also serves as an emergency medical technician. prgtoken Gary and Hanna Canada demonstrate what it means to give back to your community. Every opportunity they have had to help those in need, they have not hesitated to step in and lend a hand. In addition, Hanna hopes to inspire other women to step into leadership roles in the agriculture banking community. The couple's desire to grow the farming community in the State is remarkable and reveals why they are so well-deserving of this recognition. prgtoken I would like to congratulate and thank the Canadas for their hard work, dedication, and leadership to the city of England, the ag community in their area, and the State of Arkansas. I am grateful for their work and for the ABA recognizing their careers and contributions with the Bruning Award.
CLOTURE MOTION
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-11-21

over the last few months, our friend and colleague, the minority leader, has railed about the lack of legislative progress here in the Senate. He believes the Senate should spend time taking up ultrapartisan bills that have passed the House of Representatives, but the truth is, we respectfully decline to take up those bills, which, in some instances, would infringe Americans' Constitutional rights, send taxpayer dollars to political candidates, and move us closer and closer to socialized medicine. prgtoken Now, our colleague likes to call these dead-on-arrival partisan bills part of the legislative graveyard, but our colleague from New York has opened up a graveyard of his own, only his isn't full of partisan legislation that could never pass the Senate, let alone become the law. No. Our friend--the ic leader's legislative graveyard exclusively caters to bipartisan bills. prgtoken Now, it is full of commonsense and critically important legislation that would actually make the lives of the American people better if only our friend from New York would stand down. Today, we had a chance to kick the can down the road once more when it comes to Federal funding because our colleagues across the aisle have put government funding bills 6 feet under. prgtoken Over the summer, as you will recall, we came to a bipartisan agreement on spending caps, a bicameral agreement to guide the appropriations process. We had a deal. It provided a roadmap for negotiations this fall, and we all promised to work hard and in good faith and stay away from poison pill policy riders. But, unfortunately, that promise was not kept, and our colleagues can't seem to put politics aside long enough to even fund the government. prgtoken And why? Because of a disagreement over .3 percent of Federal spending--0.3 percent. They have twice blocked vital funding for our military. They have blocked funding for mental health programs, for border security, for grant programs for schools--all over these petty disputes. So here we are, almost 2 months into the fiscal year, and we haven't sent a single appropriations bill to the President's desk, not one. prgtoken Well, with the government set to shut down at midnight tonight, at least we passed a bill to keep the trains running for 1 more month. Maybe this was the least bad choice we had in light of these broken promises. The stopgap funding bill carries through December 20 and provides another opportunity for our colleagues across the aisle to make good on their August commitments to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year, using the normal appropriations process. prgtoken I hope that good faith negotiations can resume and we can fund the remainder of the fiscal year by Christmas because the last stocking stuffer we want to give the American people is another government shutdown. And it is particularly important for us to fund our military in an increasingly dangero
TRIBUTE TO CHARLES HANAVAN
Cory Gardner (Republican, CO) \u2014 2019-11-21

today I rise to recognize a great Coloradan, Charles Hanavan, who will be inducted into the 2020 Farm Credit Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame. Charles has been a bedrock to the Colorado farming community and has been committed to upholding the legacy of family farming. prgtoken Charles was a longtime leader within the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, in which he served as president from 1968 to 1970. Following that, he spent the next 11 years as vice president. During his time, he called on all residents, smalltown businessmen, farmers, and ranchers in rural communities to work with one another in order to prosper. In a memorable speech, he stated: ``We must build and not destroy our rural towns, build and not eliminate our independent farmers and ranchers; we need and must have a coalition for survival.'' In 1991, he was granted honorary life membership and awarded Meritorious Service to the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union for his countless efforts to the organization and the community. prgtoken Furthering his commitment to rural farming communities, Charles served with the National Association of Rural Rehabilitation Committee Board, which helped farmers establish themselves when banks would not offer them loans. Additionally, he served on the Colorado Highway Commission, the Colorado Farm Service Agency State Committee, as well as the Colorado Rural Rehabilitation Corporation. Through all of his roles, Charles has continued to seek innovative practices to improve agricultural operations in the state. prgtoken Charles is married to Patsy, and the two are the proud parents of 12 children, 33 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. His father settled on a farm south of Arapahoe in 1919, and they still own and operate that farm today. prgtoken Charles is a true example of what it means to be committed to family and community, and he is extremely deserving of this prestigious honor.
CELEBRATING GEORGE HYAK'S 100TH BIRTHDAY
Michael Cloud (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-11-21

. Madam , I rise to today to wish Mr. George Hyak of Victoria, Texas, a heartfelt happy 100th birthday and to thank him for his service to our country. prgtoken George is an example of a life well lived. He and his precious bride, Sarah, have been married for 71 years, and their family has flourished. prgtoken George served our Nation heroically during World War II, storming the beaches of Normandy on D-day, fighting in the Battle of the Bulge, and liberating a Nazi concentration camp. prgtoken After the war, he returned home and continued operating the Dick's Food Stores in Victoria, which he cofounded. The longevity of the store earned it the Texas Treasure Business Award. prgtoken As we look to celebrate Thanksgiving, we as a nation do have a lot to be thankful for, including veterans like George. May Mr. Hyak's life serve as a reminder of the price that he and others like him paid for our freedom.
TRIBUTE TO PARKER WALTER
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2019-11-21

this week I have the honor of recognizing Parker Walter of Madison County for his extraordinary bravery in the face of danger. prgtoken In late September, the American Red Cross awarded 6-year-old Parker Walter with a Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action from their National Lifesaving Award Program. This was the first time in 20 years that a Montanan has received the distinguished Lifesaving Award from the American Red Cross. Parker heroically saved his 4-year-old brother Cooper from drowning when he slipped into a rushing irrigation ditch behind their home. Parker immediately screamed out to his mother and grandmother to alert them and quickly ran over to pull his younger prgtoken brother from the ditch. Parker's swift action and response saved Cooper's life. prgtoken It is my honor to recognize Parker for his incredible lifesaving action. Parker has made all of Montana proud for his bravery.