mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CLIMATE CHANGE
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2019-9-16

I am here today on the Senate floor for ``Time to Wake Up'' speech No. 253. prgtoken If you felt like the heat this summer was particularly brutal, you were not imagining things. July was the hottest month ever recorded, according to NOAA. The Secretary General of the World Meteorological Organization noted, ``July has rewritten climate history, with dozens of new temperature records at [the] local, national and global level.'' prgtoken NOAA says 2019 is on track to tie for the second hottest year on record. Overall, the past 5 years are expected to take the title of the hottest 5-year period in recorded human history. prgtoken This rapid heating of our Earth is wreaking havoc on our environment and public health. Here is a list from NOAA that you can find on their website, Selected Significant Climate Anomalies and Events, July 2019, all around the globe. prgtoken In 1 day--1 day--the Greenland ice sheet lost 12\1/2\ billion tons of ice, melted into the sea. Throughout the world, from France to India, to the Arctic Circle, temperature records shattered. On July 4, the people of Anchorage, AK, experienced their first ever 90-degree day. At one point in July, excessive heat warnings asked nearly 170 million Americans to avoid the outdoors and take shelter in air conditioning, where available. prgtoken According to Deke Arndt, head of climate monitoring for NOAA, these record heat waves are, and I quote him, ``almost entirely due to climate change.'' Jack Williams, a professor with the Center for Climatic Research at the University of Wisconsin, told NBC news the ``[h]eat waves of today are going to be the normal events of tomorrow.'' prgtoken Where there is heat, there is apt to be fire. In the United States, wildfires rage on a remarkable scale. According to a new report by the major data analytics company CoreLogic, over 8.7 million acres burned in the United States in 2018. That is about the land area of the 75 largest cities in the United States combined. prgtoken This summer, the Arctic experienced a record-setting wildfire season. Places that have not traditionally burned in parts of northern Canada, Alaska, Greenland, and Siberia were engulfed in flames visible from space. prgtoken In this map, the North Pole is about here. This looks down at Alaska here and Russia here, the Siberian Arctic. As you can see, fires were everywhere. Guillermo Rein of Imperial College London told Wired: Arctic fires are rare, but they're not unprecedented. What is unprecedented is the number of fires that are happening. Never before have satellites around the planet seen this level of activity. prgtoken As of August 28, fires cut across more than 6 million acres of Siberian forest and 2.5 million acres of Alaskan tundra and forested land. prgtoken These forests aren't just scarring the Arctic landscape; they are also releasing tons more of carbon dioxide, causing more climate change. Researc
Cloture Motion (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2019-9-16

. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Tennessee (Mr. Alexander), the Senator from Texas (Mr. Cruz), The Senator from Mississippi (Mrs. Hyde-Smith), the Senator from Louisiana (Mr. Kennedy), the Senator from Idaho (Mr. Risch), the Senator from Kansas (Mr. Roberts), the Senator from Utah (Mr. Romney), the Senator from Pennsylvania (Mr. Toomey), and the Senator from Mississippi (Mr. Wicker). prgtoken Further, if present and voting, the Senator from Tennessee (Mr. Alexander) would have voted ``yea.''
IN RECOGNITION OF AMERICAN LEGION POST 117 ELEFSON-ZEUSKE'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY
Mike Gallagher (Republican, WI) \u2014 2019-9-16

. Madam , I rise today to honor American Legion Post 117 Elefson-Zeuske as its members celebrate the 100th anniversary of their charter in Shawano, Wisconsin. prgtoken Post 117 was chartered on November 1, 1919 in the name of Edwin Elefson as a patriotic veterans organization dedicated to supporting America's service members and veterans. A member of the 32nd Red Arrow Division, Elefson was killed in action on September 14, 1918 in France. He is memorialized at the Oise-Aisne American Cemetery. prgtoken The Post held its first meeting on November 17, 1919 shortly after 30 members signed the original charter. In 1942, the Post changed its name to Elefson-Zeuske in honor of Wilmer Zeuske. A Sergeant in the US Army, Wilmer Zeuske was killed in action during World War II. prgtoken For 100 years, the Post has been an active member of the greater Shawano community by sponsoring numerous activities with the goal of improving the community, state, and nation. The members work hard to improve youth leadership through school programs, Boy Scout programs, and American Legion baseball. prgtoken The Post has helped develop statewide veteran programs to ensure that veterans are cared for when they return home from service. The members of Elefson-Zeuske truly embody prgtoken the qualities of patriotism and selfless service to this country. prgtoken Madam , I urge all members of this body to join me in thanking Post 117 for its support of veterans, students, and the Shawano community
IOWA V. IOWA STATE FOOTBALL GAME
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-9-16

this weekend I attended what some call Iowa's own Super Bowl, the Iowa v. Iowa State football game. I talked with Iowans while tailgating, and tailgating most of the time goes on before the game for me. We talked about issues such as ethanol, biodiesel, and trade. prgtoken This year, the game was in Ames, and Iowa State hosted ESPN's football ``College GameDay,'' and this was the first time ever for Iowans to do that. It was an opportunity to show off Iowa State's campus and to celebrate the tradition of the annual Cy-Hawk game. prgtoken Congratulations to the Iowa Hawkeyes for winning this year's match- up, but both teams put up a strong fight, as you can tell from the final score of Iowa's winning 18 to 17. prgtoken .
APPROPRIATIONS
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-9-16

now on another matter, when the Senate returned last week, we anticipated our top priority would be conducting the appropriations process and avoiding a lapse in government funding. We had a clear roadmap, a bipartisan, bicameral agreement negotiated by the President's team and the of the House. It set top-line funding targets for both defense and nondefense, and it laid out ground rules to protect the process from partisan politics. prgtoken There has actually been reason for optimism. This week, we hope to move to the House-passed bills for Defense, Energy and Water, Labor- HHS, and State and Foreign Ops. This would be our first procedural step to getting the process moving for all of our priorities on both sides. prgtoken There is nothing controversial about this particular grouping of bills. In fact, it was Pelosi who combined this grouping of bills to move first. Furthermore, if any of the funding measures were going to be handled earnestly across party lines, surely it prgtoken ought to be the bill funding the Department of Defense. Our fundamental obligation is to provide for the common defense of our country, and all Members feel our responsibility to keep the Nation safe. prgtoken Fortunately, the caps agreement specifically allows us to increase defense funding to meet the growing threats our Nation faces. Yet here is where we are: One week in, our ic colleagues tried to stonewall the defense funding bill in committee and are now indicating they may even filibuster a motion to begin considering the House-passed defense funding bill later this week. prgtoken There is only one way to read this. Some of our ic colleagues have determined they would rather stage a political fight with President than secure the resources that our uniformed commanders urgently need to do their jobs. National security is taking a back seat to partisan politics. prgtoken Let's be absolutely clear about the concerns and the priorities that our ic friends are de-prioritizing. The defense spending measure would bolster efforts to modernize our forces and build the U.S. military of the future. Russia is actively modernizing its own forces, just as we have seen the Putin regime step up its brazen steps to exert its destabilizing influence well beyond its borders. In China, the last decade has seen military spending nearly double. Our regional partners continue to feel the tightening grip of the Chinese Communist Party on trade and strategic activity throughout the Indo-Pacific region while the technological ripples of Chinese cyber meddling are felt right here at home. prgtoken In the face of surging great-power adversaries, simple upkeep is not enough to keep America and our allies safe from aggression. Comprehensive funding for research, development, and readiness programs is what is needed. In Afghanistan, Syria, Somalia, Yemen, and beyond, we continue to face sustained threats from
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ROBERT LEE SMITH
Alcee L. Hastings (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2019-9-17

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Robert Lee Smith. For decades, Robert pursued public service as a dedicated teacher, school administrator, and a member of the United States Air Force. We have lost a great leader, a tremendous educator, and a dear friend and advisor. prgtoken Robert dedicated his life to sharing knowledge. He sought out opportunities through which he could give back to his community, progressing first as a high school valedictorian and scholarship recipient to earning degrees from Florida A&M University and Columbia University Teachers School in education and school administration. As an exceptional Communications Specialist in the United States Air Force, education remained a focus as he additionally served as a part- time instructor and education services coordinator. Robert's service was rewarded with the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Outstanding Airman Award. He was Honorably Discharged as a Sergeant on June 10, 1956. Robert knew what it meant to serve his community and our nation. He always went above and beyond to improve the lives of those around him. prgtoken Robert's 36-year career in the Broward County School System enriched the lives of thousands of students, having served as a well-respected and cherished elementary school teacher and principle. His leadership expanded far beyond school walls, as he was president of Justice for All in Broward and the Golden Heights Homeowners' Association and he was the first African-American president of the Fort Lauderdale Optimist Club. He was also a leader in the First Baptist Church Piney Grove and his 63-year membership included serving as a Deacon and as Chairman of the Deacon Board. Undoubtedly, Robert's membership to the NAACP and position as Board Chairman for the L.A. Lee YMCA ensured his indelible mark on every facet of our community. prgtoken I extend my deepest condolences to Robert's wife, Betty; his daughter, Anitha Rhodette; his son-in-law, Darrell; his grandson, Kamyron; and his entire family during this extremely difficult time. His life and legacy will always live on and he will be dearly missed.
HONORING THE LIFE OF ANTHONY MARTINEZ, SR.
TJ Cox (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-9-17

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the life of Anthony Martinez, Sr a true leader in Delano, California, and the prgtoken Central Valley, who dedicated his life to helping others. prgtoken Tony was born in Santa Paula, California, and grew up in Hanford, where he graduated from high school, and then went on to pursue higher education at Bakersfield College, San Jose State, and Porterville College. prgtoken A selfless leader, Tony proudly served in the California National Guard and the United States Air Force. prgtoken Among his many jobs in life, Tony managed a Thrifty Drug Store, but then, with the support of his wife, Pat, accomplished a lifelong dream by opening the renowned Tony's Pizza in Delano and also founded the Anthony Martinez Farmers Insurance Agency. prgtoken During his impressive 40-year business career, Tony volunteered countless hours to his community and served in elected roles as both a city council member and as mayor. prgtoken Tony passed away on June 20, 2019, but he leaves behind a legacy that will live on. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Anthony ``Tony'' Martinez. May he rest in peace, and may we always remember his dedication to Delano, the Central Valley, and our great Nation.
GUN CONTROL MEASURES
Debbie Stabenow (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-9-17

I rise this evening with many of my ic colleagues to speak about an issue that is on the minds of families all across our country. I thank Senator Murphy for organizing this very important action this evening. prgtoken Back-to-school always brings back such great memories of my own children, my son and daughter. I remember them packing crayons and paper in their new backpacks and eagerly heading off to meet their new teachers and catch up with friends to talk about what they did during the summer. It had always been such an exciting time of year for them. Unfortunately, it is not the same now for their children, my grandchildren. prgtoken I have two grandsons and a granddaughter who are now in school. The first new question that was asked when buying their backpacks was: Do you want a bulletproof backpack? Do you want a bulletproof backpack, was one of the questions in buying their backpacks for school. prgtoken I also think of 2 weeks ago when my youngest grandson started second grade. My daughter and I were talking about the fact that in addition to all of the excitement and the energy around starting school, there were changes--like a new front door and bulletproof windows and a new way to get into the school, walking in and having to stop and buzz and go through another door, and all of the changes and the costs that have gone into reconfiguring the school so you can't walk directly into classrooms. prgtoken It was important for the school to do that, but I am sure that what they would rather have been doing is adding more music and art classes and teachers and technology and other things for the children in that elementary school, rather than bulletproof windows and safety doors to stop a gunman from getting into the school. prgtoken Americans have learned that whether it is a school, a store, a church, a country music festival, a movie theater, or even sitting on your front porch, no place is safe anymore. Thanks to this country's epidemic of gun violence, even a child playing football in his own backyard or doing her homework at the kitchen table in her own home can become the target of a stray bullet. prgtoken Last week, Senate released a report that shows 100 Americans are killed by guns every single day--100 people every single day. That is enough people to fill every desk in this Chamber day after day after day--100 people killed by gun violence every single day. prgtoken In fact, since the House passed the Bipartisan Background Checks Act, there have been an estimated 20,200 people killed by gun violence, 12,322 suicides using a gun, and 808 children--808 children--killed by firearms. prgtoken Those are some of the numbers, but we are not here tonight to just talk about numbers. We are talking about people's lives. These people have names like Judy and Barbara, Mary Jo and Mary Lou, and Richard and Tyler. These six people were killed in 2016 when an Uber driver went on
GUN CONTROL MEASURES
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2019-9-17

as we grieve with the communities of El Paso, Dayton, and Midland, I can't help but be reminded of the Seattle Jewish Federation, Marysville, Seattle Pacific University, Freeman High School, and so many other communities in my home State of Washington and nationwide that are suffering as a result of tragic and tragically preventable gun violence. prgtoken After each of these heartbreaking events, families in Washington State ask me, Why does this keep happening, and why can we not stop it? prgtoken The answer is the same every time: We can't stop it because s, led by Leader McConnell and, now, President , will not let us. Because of this inaction, we have entered a very destructive cycle. People going about their days--to school, a movie theater, place of worship--to places where they should feel safe--lose their lives to gun violence. prgtoken Communities and speak out and call for commonsense reforms, such as the universal background checks, which the vast majority of Americans support. Meanwhile, s stand by and refuse to take any meaningful action to stop these violent, senseless, preventable deaths, so nothing happens in Congress. prgtoken And then, months, weeks, days, or even hours later, the cycle starts all over again. Every time we have seen this cycle--across all of the terrible shootings that have plagued our country in recent years--there are two common threads. The first is that, in response to tragedy, communities have banded together to make their voices heard and press for change. I have been proud of gun advocates in Washington State, like the Alliance for Gun Responsibility and Moms Demand Action chapters in Spokane and across the State, who are leading the way and staying determined. prgtoken The second common thread is Senate s. Every time we push for lifesaving reforms, it always ends at the same place, with the same thing standing in the way of change. The most frustrating part of this is that there are steps we could take right now--today--that will save lives. prgtoken The House has passed the universal background check legislation, H.R. 8, with bipartisan support. It is now languishing in the Senate, despite our calls for a vote, all because the majority leader just will not bring it up. prgtoken President , who is so willing to use his bully pulpit for far less worthy causes, hasn't used it to take action in ways that could save lives right now. In other words, the President and Senate s continue to make clear they are more interested in protecting the NRA than the families in my home State and across the country. That is simply unacceptable. are not going to stop calling for action. prgtoken Leader McConnell should break the cycle here and now by putting H.R. 8 up for a vote, which would implement universal background checks and close inexplicable gun show and internet loopholes. prgtoken Considering
GUN CONTROL MEASURES
Michael F. Bennet (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2019-9-17

last month, over 50 Americans were killed in mass shootings in this country while we were on the August recess when we should have been here doing our job. One hundred Americans are killed every day from gun violence. There are 100 desks in this room. There are 100 chairs by those desks. And if these were the Americans killed by gun violence, they would add up to every single desk that is in this room. Yet the majority leader didn't bring us back during the August recess. He didn't say we should cancel our vacation and come back to work for the American people. He hasn't put a bill on the floor or given an opportunity for anybody else to put a bill on the floor now that we have been back in session for the last 2 weeks. prgtoken In the last 18 months, Colorado alone has lost 885 people to gun violence. That is a record in my State. prgtoken The House of Representatives has done their job. I think more than 200 days ago, they passed background checks over there, and we haven't even taken them up over here. This isn't a matter of bringing up the bill and voting on the bill; we can't even get the bill to the floor. For 200 days, we haven't been able to bring the bill to the floor. Why? Because the majority leader of the United States of America says that he is only going to bring gun legislation to the floor if he knows what the President will sign. He is not capable, as the majority leader of the United States, to put an amendment on the floor for an up-or-down vote even when that amendment passed the House of Representatives 200 days ago and 96 percent of the American people support it. Ninety-six percent of the American people support it. prgtoken Why can't he bring it to the floor? He says that only if the President tells him that he will sign it will he bring it to the floor. We all know how hard it is for the President to make up his mind about anything--particularly about guns when he has one thing to say right after a tragedy has happened, and then 2 days later, after he meets with the NRA, he is singing from a completely different song sheet. prgtoken Here is what Mitch McConnell said in 2014: The Senate should be setting national priorities, not simply waiting on the White House to do it for us. prgtoken I wholeheartedly agree with that sentiment. This is an independent branch of government. The 100 people sitting in this room have been sent here to represent the people who voted for us and the people who didn't vote for us. And 96 percent of them say they want background checks on guns, but we can't even have a vote. prgtoken I would like to see a vote just so I could see who in this Chamber wants to vote against background checks. I think it would be amazing for the American people to learn that, instead of just hiding behind this myth that the President of the United States gets to decide what comes to the floor. He is not the majority leader. There is one person in Am
RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER 15 THROUGH 21, 2019 AS RESPONSIBLE GAMING EDUCATION WEEK
Dina Titus (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2019-9-17

. Madam , I rise to recognize this week as Responsible Gaming Education Week. In 1998, the American Gaming Association established Responsible Gaming Education Week to promote responsible gaming nationwide and to educate employees and customers on the subject. I am proud to represent Las Vegas, the gold standard when it comes to gaming and gaming regulation. Gaming generates jobs for 1.8 million Americans, providing $74 billion in wages, benefits, and tips. The U.S. casino industry at large generates more than $40 billion in federal, state, and local taxes, supporting a range of needed services like hospitals, schools, transportation routes, and public safety. The gaming industry goes to great lengths to make sure employees are trained in best practices for recognizing and dealing with problem gaming and patrons are aware of options for help if they need it. The industry contributes hundreds of millions of dollars each year toward research and treatment of problem gambling as well as awareness and other training programs. In short, responsible gaming has become an integral part of their daily operations. I am proud to support the goals and ideals of Responsible Gaming Education Week which brings together the gaming industry, advocacy groups, regulators, and other key stakeholders to promote transparency and gaming literacy. I commend the industry for its work on the issue and the education provided to promote responsible play and awareness of gaming disorders. I also applaud the employees of the gaming industry for the work they do every day educating patrons about the issue. Las Vegas is a better community and tourism destination for it.