mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, RELATING TO...
Richard C. Shelby (Republican, AL) \u2014 2019-10-23

we are taking about somebody today who was actually a mentor for me right here in the U.S. Senate--Ted Stevens. prgtoken I believe it was 33 years ago when I first met him--33 years ago--and I was in the House, and I was coming to the Senate. He was a power in the Senate then. He was a worker. He was involved. He was involved not only in what happened in Alaska, where he was a champion of his own State--and should have been--but also in the world. He wanted to make sure that America had a defense second to nobody; that we were powerful, but we were peaceful. prgtoken I had the occasion to serve for years and years on the Appropriations Committee and on the Subcommittee on Defense with him. I hadn't been on the committee long, and Senator Byrd was chairman of the committee, and Senator Hatfield from Oregon had been, and he tasked me with a lot of things that probably as a freshman--you know, second-year, third-year guy here--I probably was appalled but pleased--maybe not appalled, but pleased--what he would do. He told me one day: Senator Shelby, you are going to be chairman of this committee. I looked around, and I said: Oh, it will be years. I will never be that. prgtoken But Ted Stevens was a Senator's Senator. He was involved, as I said, in just about everything in the Senate--the Rules Committee, the Commerce Committee, Appropriations, and Defense. prgtoken I will never forget his experience, his wise suggestions to me that probably helped me on my way. I traveled with him around the world because we had serious meetings on the Defense appropriations bill. prgtoken All I can say is that we are going to unveil a portrait of Ted Stevens here in the Senate later today, and it is a fitting tribute to a great Senator representing the State of Alaska but a U.S. Senator representing us all, Ted Stevens. prgtoken Ted, I will never forget you. We miss you. You left an indelible imprint on the U.S. Senate. I am glad I got to meet you and work with you.
REMEMBERING TED STEVENS
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-10-23

later today, in the old Senate Chamber, family, friends, and former colleagues of our late colleague, Senator Ted Stevens, will gather for the unveiling of the Senator's leadership portrait. prgtoken Senator Stevens' likeness will join the storied ranks of the leadership portrait collection--images of majority leaders, minority leaders, and Presidents pro tem, which are proudly displayed around the building. prgtoken Our distinguished predecessors watch over the corridors they walked, the rooms in which they debated, and the body they served. prgtoken It is fitting that Senator Stevens is being recognized for his service as President pro tem. As we all know, unlike the elected party leaders, that is not a job which you can campaign or persuade your way into. The only way to become President pro tem is to persuade your home State, over and over, to rehire you, and Ted Stevens was about the most dogged advocate for his home State that anybody could possibly imagine. He was Alaska's son and Alaska's champion 24 hours a day and then some. prgtoken I look forward to honoring our former colleague's memory this afternoon.
STOPPING HARMFUL INTERFERENCE IN ELECTIONS FOR A LASTING DEMOCRACY ACT
Ken Calvert (Republican, CA) \u2014 2019-10-23

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken The bill under consideration is an attempt to protect our elections from foreign interference. That is a goal that I certainly share, and I think all of us share. prgtoken In fact, I tried to offer an amendment to the bill that would have closed a gaping hole in the security of our election system. It is a weakness that basically rolls out the red carpet to foreign interference. Unfortunately, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle blocked my amendment. prgtoken My proposal would have prohibited the practice known as ballot harvesting, which is something that is only legal in a few states, where literally anyone can collect absentee ballots. In California where ballot harvesting is legal, anyone, including paid campaign workers and foreign nationals, are allowed to collect an unlimited number of ballots. prgtoken California have refused to put any guard rails on ballot collection, leaving it wide open to fraud and abuse by both foreign and domestic bad actors. prgtoken Every time I voice my concern about ballot harvesting, my friends on the other side of the aisle and the media keep asking for evidence of abuse. prgtoken , the reason there is no evidence of ballot harvesting fraud is because California have designed a system that doesn't collect evidence. If you collect ballots in California, you aren't required to give your name to the voter whose ballot you are collecting, and when you turn in that ballot to election officials, you are not required to give your name at that point either. There is no requirement to document the chain of custody of ballots. And there is nothing in the State law prohibiting foreign nationals from collecting and handling ballots. Let me repeat that. There is nothing in California law prohibiting foreign nationals from collecting and handling ballots. prgtoken You know, in reality, the only rule is there are no rules this isn't the Wild West. We shouldn't wait for fraud and abuse to occur before we act. By rejecting my amendment, have not only left a door open to foreign involvement in our elections, they have laid out the welcome mat.
HONORING THE 36TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 241 MARINES LOST IN BEIRUT, LEBANON
James R. Baird (Republican, IN) \u2014 2019-10-23

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken , I rise today to join my colleague in remembering the 36th anniversary of the appalling terrorist attack on American troops stationed in Beirut, Lebanon, on October 23, 1983. prgtoken This horrific attack took the lives of 241 U.S. troops and injured countless others. This incident marked the highest single-day death toll for the United States Marine Corps since the Battle of Iwo Jima. prgtoken My friend and fellow Hoosier, Greg , was stationed in Beirut just 10 days before the terrorist attack and lost many fellow marines in the bombing. prgtoken Here with us today, seated in the gallery, are a few of the Gold Star families who lost their loved ones and family members on that fateful day. prgtoken , freedom truly is not free, and I thank them for their sacrifice and pay tribute to the brave servicemembers who paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend and protect the United States of America.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, RELATING TO...
John Hoeven (Republican, ND) \u2014 2019-10-23

I rise to support the USMCA--the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement--along with my colleagues. You heard a number of them already. You will hear more. It is compelling. prgtoken It is time to act. We are ready to go. This legislation has to start in the House under fast track. We need the House to move forward. There is no question that the bipartisan support is there. Bipartisan support is here in the Senate, and bipartisan support is there in the House as well. It is just a matter of bringing the legislation to the floor and getting it passed. prgtoken The benefits of this agreement are very clear. It will increase exports, expand consumer choice, raise wages, and boost innovation throughout North America and especially here in the United States. An analysis by the U.S. National Trade Commission found that USMCA will raise GDP by nearly $63 billion and create 176,000 jobs in the United States. It is clear that we need to move forward. prgtoken The agreement will secure and expand market access for our ag products for an ag State like mine. It will grow our manufacturing base for manufacturing States like Ohio, whose good Senator is here to my right. It will provide important modernizations for our technology sector for States like the Presiding Officer's State. It is certainly a high-tech State. prgtoken It will solidify the United States as the global energy leader. We are now, as you know, exporting energy in a bigger way than we ever have before. This just builds on that momentum. These are all significant wins for our States individually and for this country as a whole. prgtoken As I said, ag is certainly a big issue for us in North Dakota. The USMCA really makes an important difference and a helpful difference for us in agriculture. For the last 50 years, our country has had a trade surplus. Our farmers and ranchers can outcompete anyone in the world. They produce the highest quality, lowest cost food supply in the world, and we have a positive balance of trade in agriculture. We need these types of trade agreements in place to continue that positive balance in our agriculture trade. In my State, for example, we shipped $4.5 billion of agriculture products around the globe in 2017, making us the ninth largest exporter of agriculture goods among the 50 States. Our farmers and ranchers depend on being able to do that. What we are seeing right now are low commodity prices in our country, which is making it very difficult for our farmers and ranchers. The best way to work out of that is with trade agreements that allow us to sell more globally. prgtoken According to the ITC, when fully implemented, USMCA will increase food and exports to Canada and Mexico by $2.2 billion. This agreement secures existing market access, makes ag trade fair, increases access to the Canadian market, supports innovation in agriculture and more, which is why it is so critical that we pass this legislation as so
REMEMBERING ASSISTANT CHIEF CHRISTIAN JOHNSON
Dan Newhouse (Republican, WA) \u2014 2019-10-23

today I rise to honor the life and service of Assistant Fire Chief Christian Johnson of Okanogan County Fire District 3. Chief Johnson recently passed away due to injuries he sustained while fighting the Spring Coulee fire in north central Washington last September. prgtoken , Chief Johnson is an American hero. He served our country honorably, retiring from the Army after 22 years before joining the fire department nearly 20 years ago to serve his local community. His wife, Pam, described him as selfless, kind, and always ready to help someone in need. He was well-known and well-loved in Okanogan County, which is clear from the community's outpouring of support in recent weeks. prgtoken I encourage all in north central Washington to pay their respects at Chief Johnson's memorial this Thursday, October 24, at 1 p.m. at the Okanogan County Fairgrounds. prgtoken My deepest condolences go out to Pam and the Johnson family. The people of central Washington are eternally grateful for his selfless service to protect our communities. prgtoken Chief Johnson, may you rest in peace. A Renewed Vision for Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2019-10-23

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.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, RELATING TO...
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-10-23

. As this article highlights, revenue for blue States this tax season were up, not down. prgtoken The ratings agency Moody's released a report in April saying that there were no discernible signs that individuals were fleeing high-tax States as a result of the SALT cap. However, even if taxpayer migration were to occur as a result of the cap, the answer to the problem isn't repealing the SALT cap; it is for States to look in their own backyard at their own tax-and-spend policy. prgtoken The truth is, these State politicians aren't concerned about their own taxpayers. What they are really worried about is their continued ability to gouge those taxpayers with ever-increasing State and local taxes, which used to be subsidized by taxpayers from other States through the Federal Tax Code because there was no SALT cap. prgtoken In closing, I want to turn back to this very chart, the same one I discussed earlier. For still on the fence as to whether to vote to repeal the IRS regulations on the SALT work-arounds, you ought to study this chart very closely. prgtoken I ask a question to the other side: Could you, with a straight face, argue that a vote to protect these work-arounds is not a vote to provide a massive tax cut for the wealthy? This chart shows it is helping the wealthy. prgtoken For who intend to vote for this tax scam anyway, I don't want to hear any more long-winded speeches about how the tax bill of 2017 benefited the wealthy. The fact is, after tax reform, the wealthy now shoulder a larger share of Federal tax burden than they did under the prior law. prgtoken This was made possible by reforms to regressive tax expenditures, such as our capping the SALT deduction. What is more, these reforms allow us to target more tax relief to lower and middle-income taxpayers. prgtoken State work-arounds through the SALT cap are nothing more than State- sanctioned tax shelters. By voting to undermine that cap, are voting to enrich the wealthy taxpayers whom they persistently have vilified as not paying enough. Moreover, they put the tax relief provided to the middle class in jeopardy. prgtoken .
TRIBUTE TO COLONEL TOM C. ``IKE'' MORRIS
Chip Roy (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-10-23

I rise today to pay tribute to a constituent of the 21st Congressional District of Texas. This man was a hero, veteran, and the oldest known graduate of Texas A&M University, the alma mater of my bride. His name was Colonel Tom C. ``Ike'' Morris. prgtoken Colonel Morris passed away Sunday in San Antonio at the age of 109 years old, leaving behind a life and legacy all of us can only aspire to someday. prgtoken Colonel Morris is the epitome of what the Greatest Generation embodied. He worked five jobs to stay in school during the Depression and graduated from Texas A&M with a bachelor's degree in agriculture. prgtoken Working his way through school didn't stop him from being an engaged member of the Aggie community. He was senior class president, chaired the committee that set the first requirements for seniors to earn the famous Aggie Ring, and was a member of the track and field team. prgtoken He also knew what it meant to fight for a man's right to live free. He fought in the 38th Infantry of the 2nd Infantry Division in World War II. He went on to land on Omaha Beach during the invasion of Normandy and, with his unit, he liberated the first city in France. prgtoken Colonel Morris married his high school sweetheart, and they were married for 77 years. prgtoken Colonel Morris celebrated his 109th birthday this August. When asked about the secret to living a long life, Colonel Morris said, ``Do your best.'' prgtoken We could improve from adhering to such sage, simple advice. prgtoken Colonel Morris, we thank you for your service and for leading a life worthy of example. May you rest in peace now. God bless you, sir.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, RELATING TO...
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2019-10-23

I want to add my voice in recognizing what an important day it is here. prgtoken I want to thank the Senators from Alabama and Mississippi and, of course, my good friend Senator Murkowski. Many other Senators--the Senators from California, Iowa--all came to the floor already today to talk about this great American, this great Alaskan. prgtoken I try to come to the floor about once a week, and I do a speech that I call the ``Alaskan of the Week'' to talk about an Alaskan who has done great stuff for our State, their community, the country. prgtoken But as Senator Murkowski just mentioned in her remarks, I am literally able now to talk about the Alaskan of the Century. That is right. The State of Alaska legislature voted that Ted Stevens was the Alaskan of the Century for reasons we are all talking about today. So I just want to add a few more words about this legendary U.S. Senator, whose portrait we are unveiling today. prgtoken Let me say it is more than fitting that we have a portrait of Senator Stevens in the Halls of Congress. It is a small tribute compared to the magnitude of his contributions to our country and to our State. Yet, in so many ways, it is proper and fitting because his spirit certainly remains in this body. It is an example of leadership and public service that you hear and I hear and I know Senator Murkowski hears all the time--how so many of my colleagues still talk about Senator Stevens and what he meant, just like my good friend the Senator from Alabama and so many others. prgtoken So I will just give a little more color to this great man's life. He was born in Indiana in 1923. When he was a young boy, the Great Depression hit. Senator Stevens supported his family by selling newspapers on the street, and after the untimely death of his father, he moved to California to live with an aunt and uncle, where he learned to kind of relax and to surf. The surf board that he learned to surf on stayed with him in his office until the end. prgtoken As was already mentioned, he was, of course, a part of America's ``greatest generation''--a pilot, 14th Army Air Corps, flying supplies to General Chennault's Fighting Tigers over ``the Hump''--India, China, Burma--very dangerous missions. In 1953, armed with a law degree from Harvard, he made his way to then the Territory of Alaska, where he found, in his words, ``the passion of my career, the Alaskan dream.'' prgtoken So what was this dream of Ted Stevens? A dream of an Alaska with promises of the 21st century ``springing up from the Arctic,'' he said--an Alaska where our Federal Government works with us, not against us, to achieve our destiny to develop our resources and our economy for the benefit of all Alaskans but also for the benefit of all Americans; an Alaska that lives up to the potential the Congress of the United States saw when it voted to allow Alaska to become the 49th State. prgtoken Senator Stevens worked tirelessly for thes
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, RELATING TO...
Lisa Murkowski (Republican, AK) \u2014 2019-10-23

as the Senator from Missouri has stated, this is a significant day. This is a very special day in the Congress, as later this afternoon we are going to gather to pay tribute to a truly great Senator, the late Senator Ted Stevens from Alaska. His official portrait will be unveiled shortly by the U.S. Senate Commission on Art. It will be part of the U.S. Senate Leadership Portrait Collection, which honors past Presidents pro tempore and past leaders. Like all of the family, the friends, the colleagues, and the former staff who have gathered for this occasion, I am so very pleased that he will be memorialized forever here in the U.S. Capitol and will be watching over all of us. prgtoken There are only 38 Members who are currently in the Senate who served with Ted, but I think it is important that all of us--and really every American--know who he was and why he so clearly deserves this honor. prgtoken Ted was a public servant. He was the ultimate public servant. He dedicated his life to public service. He spent more than six decades fighting for our State and the country he loved. His service began during World War II, when he flew as a pilot in the Army Air Corps. He flew missions behind enemy lines in China in support of the Flying Tigers. The stories we have heard over the years are truly legendary of his efforts in the war. prgtoken After the military, Ted helped Alaska to achieve its dream of statehood. He was basically Secretary Seaton's point man at the Department of the Interior during the Eisenhower administration. Think about what that means to have the opportunity to shape statehood for your State and then to go on and serve your State at this level as he did for some 40 years. prgtoken He went on to become one of the longest serving Senators of all time. In this Chamber, he represented Alaska with great dignity, with great distinction over the course of 40 exceptional years. He was truly a public servant. prgtoken Really, from the very beginning, Ted was one of those special kinds of guys. After being appointed to the Senate in 1968, he established himself as a leader among leaders. Over the course of his time in the Senate, he chaired the Select Committee on Ethics; Rules and Administration; Governmental Affairs; Commerce, Science, and Transportation, as well as the Committee on Appropriations. From 1977 to 1985, his colleagues chose him to be the Assistant Leader. He led the Senate's Arms Control Observer Group for 15 years, and he served as the President pro tempore, the senior member of the Senate's majority party, from 2003 to 2007--so leadership across all levels. prgtoken As one might expect, Ted was a force to be reckoned with. He made sure Alaska's voice was heard and was heard in every debate. As such, he secured an incredible number of legislative victories that shaped both the State of Alaska and our Nation. prgtoken He helped to settle most of Alaska's
CELEBRATING PARAMEDIC ROGER SWOR
Pete Stauber (Republican, MN) \u2014 2019-10-23

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate Roger Swor, a paramedic from my district who has dedicated his life to providing exceptional emergency medical care. prgtoken Roger is now the longest-serving street paramedic in Minnesota and was recently honored by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians for achieving 40 years of National EMS Certification. This is a distinction held by very few EMS professionals. prgtoken Roger has answered tens of thousands of 911 calls in his career. He has done everything from holding dying crash victims in his arms to delivering babies. As described by his nephew, Adam, who served many shifts alongside his uncle, ``Roger is universally regarded as the paramedic you want to see when you are in trouble.'' prgtoken On behalf of Minnesota's Eighth Congressional District, I congratulate Roger on his recent achievement and thank him for his professional service. prgtoken Paramedic Roger Swor, you are the best of the best.