mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF MIGUEL LORENZO HOLMES
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-5-23

I rise today to remember the life of Mr. Miguel Lorenzo Holmes, who passed away at the age of 22 on May 6 while serving his country in Afghanistan. prgtoken The First Congressional District of Georgia was home for Mr. Holmes, but he was also stationed there as part of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Savannah. prgtoken He was raised in Hinesville, in the First District, close to his grandparents, where he attended Bradwell High School. There, he entered the Fort Stewart Youth Challenge Academy, which inspired him to join the National Guard. prgtoken He passed away after being wounded in Nangarhar province of Afghanistan. This is a sobering reminder of the danger that soldiers face while working to make our country and world a better place to live. prgtoken I thank all who serve. prgtoken Mr. Holmes' family and friends will be in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
S. 151
Roger F. Wicker (Republican, MS) \u2014 2019-5-23

in a few moments, the Senate will vote on the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act. The shorthand name for that is the TRACED Act. I rise in strong and optimistic support of this legislation at this time. I thank the leadership on both sides of the aisle for working to bring this bill to a vote. prgtoken Last month, the people of my State of Mississippi received over 50 million robocalls. That is just in the State of Mississippi, with about 3 million citizens. That is more than 17 robocalls for every man, woman, or child in my State--50 million. Imagine what it is around the country. It is billions and billions. prgtoken Some robocalls are legitimate. When we get a reminder from a doctor's office that our appointment is coming soon or when a school activity is canceled, those are welcome. But many are not. Most are not. prgtoken Billions and billions of robocalls are scams targeting the most vulnerable members of our society. These abusive robocalls have plagued Americans for years. Studies show that in my part of the country, the Southeastern United States, they are particularly abusive and pervasive, costing consumers billions of dollars each year and costing our economy billions of dollars each year. prgtoken Many of these illegal robocalls use what is referred to as neighbor spoofing, where robocallers somehow manage to use a local number and a local area code in the hope that recipients will be more likely to pick up the phone. The result is many Americans don't answer those phone calls. They just let it ring and see if there is a message. But Americans also miss important calls because of scammers and because this has been hijacked by the extraordinary networks used by these scammers and illegal violators of the law. prgtoken The TRACED Act will help. It goes after abusive and illegal robocallers by giving consumers, regulators, and law enforcement tools to fight the people taking advantage of the system. The bill will help the Federal Communications Commission, or the FCC, to crack down on violators, require phone companies to authenticate calls, and require the FCC to consider when and how to make call-blocking services available to customers. prgtoken Perhaps the most important part of the TRACED Act is that law enforcement will now join the battle. Under the authority of the U.S. Attorney General, the bill will get law enforcement fully engaged in the fight to prevent and prosecute robocall violations. The American people are ready for this and are demanding this. We can give it to them in just a few moments when we vote on final passage. prgtoken The bill will task the Attorney General with providing Congress with the next steps we need to take to stay ahead of the pestilence of illegal robocalls. prgtoken I thank the bipartisan leadership in the Commerce Committee for moving this bill forward and the authors, Senator Thune and Senator Markey, for their lea
CONGRATULATING BLOOMINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICT 87
Darin LaHood (Republican, IL) \u2014 2019-5-23

I rise today to recognize and congratulate Bloomington Public School District 87, in Bloomington, Illinois, on being named the 2019 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School District and receiving a District Sustainability Award. prgtoken Bloomington Public School District 87 is one of only 14 schools across the country to receive this award, which recognizes schools and districts for their innovative efforts to provide a healthy, safe, sustainable, and efficient learning environment. prgtoken This past February, I had the opportunity to speak with Bloomington Junior High School students and faculty, which is reflected in this poster, to see firsthand the innovative work District 87 schools are doing to facilitate more resource-efficient schools. prgtoken Bloomington Public School District 87 continues to lead the way in Illinois. Their resource-efficient practices let teachers and administrators dedicate more resources to student instruction rather than operational costs. prgtoken Students deserve the opportunity to achieve their full potential in the classroom, and Bloomington Public School District 87 continues to give McLean County students that opportunity. I am grateful for their continued leadership and want to, once again, congratulate them on this prestigious honor.
SETTING EVERY COMMUNITY UP FOR RETIREMENT ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2019
Ann Wagner (Republican, MO) \u2014 2019-5-23

. Madam , I thank my friend from Texas (Mr. Brady) for yielding me the time. prgtoken Madam , I rise today in support of the SECURE Act. prgtoken Over the last two decades, we have made progress in helping Americans save more for their retirement. U.S. retirement savings have increased from $11 trillion in 2001 to $28 trillion today. But we need to do more, especially in this booming economy. prgtoken This legislation will increase the number of workers with access to retirement plans, encourage higher savings rates, and enable older working adults to save for a secure retirement. prgtoken The SECURE Act is a commonsense, private-sector solution enabling Americans to save more for their retirement by expanding access for workers who choose to participate in a workplace plan. It simultaneously preserves employer choice and competition. prgtoken The SECURE Act has the added benefit of lowering taxes for our Gold Star families. Providing more for the relatives and the children of U.S. military members who gave their lives to secure our freedom and liberty is most fitting on the eve of our Memorial Day weekend. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this legislation today.
SETTING EVERY COMMUNITY UP FOR RETIREMENT ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2019
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2019-5-23

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken Before I begin, I want to thank both sides. I want to thank the chairman and I want to thank the ranking member, not for the bill that is on the floor today but for the bill that was put out of committee. prgtoken When we look across the country, we see division. Very seldom can we ever find a bill that gets every 's and every 's support, but that is what we look for, that committees can work together. prgtoken The whole reason bills go through committees before they come to the floor is this is where the expertise is, this is where the debates happen, this is where it is combined together. prgtoken But now I want to apologize to the chairman. I don't know what the gentleman's leadership did or why. But why would they change the moment that we have for the country to see something that they haven't seen in a while? Why would they do something that a chairman and a ranking member and every member on that committee, regardless of where they come from across this country, regardless of party, agreed to? prgtoken Special interest has power. Special interest is more powerful than the members who are in that committee with the expertise. Special interest is more powerful than Members of Congress finding common ground. Special interest is more powerful with the leadership on the other side. prgtoken They should not treat their Members this way. They should not treat America this way. prgtoken So let's talk about this bill. Because what it really goes to is, how powerful is this special interest, and who are they hurting? prgtoken Many parents choose to use a 529 savings account to help them save money for their children's education. We all agree on each side of the aisle that the most important thing that happens when you have a child is the opportunity that they will have. It is no longer about what you will become; it is what your children's opportunities will be. prgtoken We all agree that education is the great equalizer. It doesn't matter where a person grows up or what side of the street they live on, but education will give everybody that opportunity. prgtoken As a leader, when I watched this committee work, I was proud. I was proud of both sides. I was proud that they were able to come together. And where they came together was on 529 accounts. These plans allow them to invest in a tax-free account, incur interest, and spend it on educational expenses like tuition. prgtoken For many years, these accounts only applied to college-related expenses, but, today, thanks to the -led tax reform law in 2017, families can now use those funds to pay K-12 costs too. prgtoken Because why would we want to hurt somebody? Maybe they were in a bad school district or have other reasons. We want everybody in America to have that opportunity. That was a big win for all families--, , Green Party, didn't matter. prgtoken Under curren
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2019-5-23

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
THE ARCTIC
Lisa Murkowski (Republican, AK) \u2014 2019-5-23

I have asked for a few moments on the floor today to speak about an issue I care about deeply. It is a part of the globe, a part of the world that, in my view, is truly evolving and is as dynamic an area as anyplace on planet Earth. This is the Arctic. prgtoken The Arctic is growing in prominence around the globe. Countries like China, India, and Germany have taken a keen interest in what happens in the far north. prgtoken I have had many colleagues ask me: Why should a Senator from, say, the State of Indiana care about the Arctic? prgtoken I guess my rhetorical answer would be this: Well, why should China care about the Arctic? Why should Japan, Germany, and India care about the Arctic? If they are paying attention to it, shouldn't we, as an Arctic nation that actually has territory in the Arctic, be interested and focused on this as well? prgtoken To be fair, we have made some good progress this year. I appreciate the administration working with us. I appreciate my colleagues here in the Congress who worked with us to ensure that we were able to advance appropriations for the first polar security cutter. This is significant news for the American Arctic. People have heard me say that we have about 1\1/2\ icebreakers in the United States right now. We have the Polar Star, which breaks ice down in Antarctica, meeting our obligations there. We have the Polar Sea, which is tied up in Washington State and will probably never see service again. We have a medium-strength icebreaker, the Healey, which does a fair amount of research work. But for us, as an Arctic nation, it is important to have a fleet of icebreakers. prgtoken That is what we, as an Arctic nation, must be working toward, so a contract for the design and construction of the first polar-class icebreaker to be built in the United States in the past 40 years was awarded just last month. As a nation, we haven't seen work on an icebreaker in four decades now. prgtoken A total of $20 million is also being provided for long lead time materials for a second polar security cutter. Hopefully, we will be talking about more than just one polar security cutter and we will one day have what this country, as an Arctic nation, should have, and that is a fleet. prgtoken But the Arctic is about more than just icebreakers. It is about the people who live there. It is about the environment. It is about its location on the globe. The Arctic is a living and breathing place. I think some people, in their mind's eye, view the Arctic as a frozen wasteland, or perhaps it is a snow globe that just kind of sits up on a shelf and you don't touch it. But it is not. It is home to some 4 million people in the Arctic region. It is not highly populated, but there are people living, working, raising their families, subsisting, and engaging in commerce. It is an important place. prgtoken It is a good thing when officials at the highest levels get together to discuss the iss
WELCOMING CHAPLAIN THOMAS E. FUSSELL, JR.
Bill Posey (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-5-23

. Madam , it is my honor to recognize today's guest chaplain, Chaplain Thomas E. Fussell, Jr and welcome him to the United States House of Representatives. prgtoken Chaplain Fussell, a major in the United States Air Force, is currently assigned to the 45th Space Wing, stationed at Patrick Air Force Base in Brevard County, Florida. The duties of the 45th Space Wing--including supporting the Department of Defense (DOD), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and commercial manned and unmanned space programs at Patrick Air Force Base--are critical to the success of space programs operating out of Cape Canaveral. prgtoken As Deputy Wing Chaplain to the 45th Space Wing, Chaplain Fussell advises commanders and first sergeants, ensures the free exercise of religion, and provides spiritual care, moral and ethical advice, and pastoral care and counseling to all military personnel and their families. Along with other chaplains serving in the Space Command, he is part of the spiritual backbone of American operations in space. prgtoken Chaplain Fussell received his Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary in 2000. In 2004, he was ordained as an elder in the South Georgia Conference and, in 2005, he commissioned as a chaplain. prgtoken In light of his many years of service, I am thankful that Chaplain Fussell could be with us today and offer a prayer in anticipation of Memorial Day. May the Lord bless all the brave men and women in uniform who have given their lives to protect our great nation, the United States of America.
OUR SINGULAR AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Louie Gohmert (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-5-23

it is wonderful to hear the great tributes to those who have served this country well, as we just heard. In fact, we have so many people to whom we should be eternally grateful. prgtoken As Abraham Lincoln said, they gave their last full measure of devotion for the freedom of this country, not for some wishy-washy government in Washington, D.C that can't figure out what it should do or not do, but for the idea of freedom. prgtoken I heard more discussion again recently about the Revolution. I have read a few new books I hadn't read this year about the Revolution, the victory at Yorktown, and other aspects of the Revolution. prgtoken And, still, there are so many historians who wonder why there was such a dramatic difference between the outcome of the United States Revolution, 1775 to 1783, and the French Revolution which followed. prgtoken I think the historians have it right who have said that the key difference, the reason the U.S. Revolution lasted and was unlike the French, which resulted in so many heads being cut off and eventually resulted in a monarchy again, the key difference was that the U.S. Revolution was about liberty and freedom. prgtoken It wasn't about vengeance. They weren't out to cut off as many of the British heads as possible. It was about liberty. Unfortunately, too many in the French Revolution, not all, but too many in the French Revolution were about revenge and not about liberty. prgtoken So the great efforts of great heroes in France got hijacked. Many people lost their lives, and then they lost their effort to have a republican form of government, as we have had. prgtoken A lot of people don't understand the difference between democracy and a republic. I think it is fair to say, as most historians do, we have a democratic republic. prgtoken Democracy would mean the majority always rules, and our Founders realized that sometimes you can have too much passion and not enough time for clear reflection. You are better off, especially among a majority that really doesn't understand the total aspects and factors involved in a decision, selecting and electing representatives with majority votes, except for President. prgtoken We set up the electoral college so all States would have a say in who was President, not just the few that had the most people. prgtoken But all the other elections were about a majority--so a democracy-- electing representatives to their governmental entities locally, State, and Federal. So, really, we have a democratic republic. prgtoken It is interesting, as we saw this week, the of the House getting ready to go meet with a President of the United States from the other party, and he really wanted to talk about infrastructure and making this country stronger. prgtoken I think probably most everybody on both sides of the aisle has seen the surveys regarding the permanent structures, the infrastructure of this country that helps tie us together as a nation, and most of
RECOGNIZING LAVEDA BROWN
Bill Flores (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-5-23

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Laveda Brown of Waco, Texas, who is retiring as the president of the Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce. prgtoken Laveda comes from a strong business background and knows the value of hard work. Prior to joining the chamber, Laveda worked as a Procurement Specialist/Business Consultant at McLennan Community College Small Business Center and the Caruth Small Business Development Center at Abilene Christian University. prgtoken Her successful history of business development made her a compelling choice to lead the Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce. Laveda's many years of experience in minority business certification, purchasing, economic development, and government contracting has helped her provide many small businesses with the tools to succeed. prgtoken When Laveda assumed leadership of the Chamber in 2007, its membership hovered around 30 members and numbers were dwindling quickly. Thanks to her efforts, membership is now above 250 members and their financial support has expanded dramatically. prgtoken Some of her biggest contributions, however, go beyond numbers. Under Laveda's direction, the chamber opened Esther's Closet, an initiative to assist unemployed women by providing interview and workplace clothing at no cost. Additionally, Esther's Closet assists with resume writing, interview skills, job performance, and financial management. Since its grand opening in 2016, Esther's Closet has helped more than 400 individuals and provided more than 5,000 outfits. prgtoken In addition to her chamber duties, Laveda has been a member of many organizations including the Waco Education Alliance, the Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative, the City of Waco Policy Academy, and the Junior League Advisory Committee. She also served on the boards of the City of Waco Public Improvement and Development, the Texas Partnership for Out of School Time, and the YMCA of Central Texas. She was also the Vice President of the Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce. prgtoken She is a person of great courage, faith, insight and wisdom who has a very unselfish and loving spirit. She has dedicated her life to sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience to enlightening and motivating those around her to do their best. Laveda has a way of getting others to see the big picture and to overcome their differences in order to work together for the common good of all. Her greatest gift is her passion for encouraging and empowering others. prgtoken Madam , I would like to thank Laveda Brown for her many years of impactful service to our Central Texas community. I wish her the best in her future endeavors and look forward to seeing the Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce's continued success. prgtoken I have requested that a United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize the community service and accomplishments of Laveda Brown. prgtoken
MEMORIAL DAY
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-5-23

this is the weekend before Memorial Day, and we will be honoring the brave men and women who have served our Nation and who gave their lives to protect the very freedoms that we enjoy today. prgtoken Ronald Reagan said: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same. prgtoken Our Nation is incredibly fortunate and grateful to have had no shortage of those who are ready to lead that fight. Throughout our history, brave men and women have answered the call to serve our country. Whether they answered the call nearly 250 years ago to fight for our independence or in recent years to combat the global threat of terrorism, all of them are our heroes. prgtoken I have always had tremendous admiration for our servicemembers-- something instilled in me from an early age because of my dad's military service. He was a B-17 pilot in the Army Air Corps and flew with the Hell's Angels in the 303rd Bomb Group out of the 8th Air Force in World War II. On his 26th mission over Germany, after leaving the base in Molesworth, England, and flying over the English Channel to Germany, he was shot down and captured as a prisoner of war. By the grace of God, he survived the Nazi prison camp where he was interned for the last 4 months of the war. prgtoken My dad went on to serve in the Air Force for 31 years and retired as what we affectionately called a full-bird colonel. Both during and after his service, he was an unabashed patriot and demonstrated every day to us, his children and family, what it meant to selflessly serve your country. prgtoken While my dad made it home after the war, many of his friends and comrades did not. Like the great soldiers before them, and many after, they laid down their lives in service to our country and the values we embrace as a nation. prgtoken This Memorial Day, we remember the fallen and thank them for the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our way of life. We mourn their loss and celebrate the great gift they have bestowed upon us and the freedoms they protected. prgtoken Since last Memorial Day, we have lost some incredible servicemembers who call Texas home. In December, we said good-bye to Richard Overton, American's oldest World War II veteran. At the ripe old age of 112, he had a lot of wisdom to share, including a few unlikely tips for living a long life, like enjoying a little bit of whiskey in your morning coffee and smoking cigars. prgtoken In April, we mourned the loss of Richard Cole, the 103-year-old World War II veteran who was part of the Doolittle Raiders. He and his brothers in arms carried out a strike on factories and military installations in Tokyo, against enormous odds, providing a desperately needed morale boost after the attack on Pearl Harbor. prgtoken Just last week, we said farewell to another member o