mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IMPEACHMENT
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2020-1-15

at this particular moment in our history, we are witnessing the convergence of three events. prgtoken The Senate will likely be sworn in tomorrow for the impeachment trial of President . One of the Articles of Impeachment that will be coming over from the House relates to the President's abuse of power-- the charge that he has used the power and prestige of the Office of the Presidency to, among other things, withhold vital U.S. security assistance to Ukraine in order to pressure it to announce an investigation into Burisma, Hunter , and, possibly, in an attempt to get Ukraine to interfere in the upcoming 2020 election on behalf of President . prgtoken Now, I am not here today to go into issues directly related to that trial. It is vitally important that we get relevant witnesses, that we get relevant prgtoken documents, and that we have a fair trial and get to the truth. prgtoken The second event that we learned about just this week that relates to the impeachment trial was that Russian military hackers broke into the Burisma computers in Ukraine and that they used the same phishing techniques that the GRU used--the Russian military intelligence--to break into the ic National Committee headquarters' servers during the 2016 Presidential elections. All of the evidence points to another attempt by Vladimir Putin to use his military GRU hackers to interfere in an American election--this time in the 2020 election. prgtoken I don't know what is going to happen during the election on November 3 of this year. Obviously, each of us has his hopes as to what the result will be, but that is not the purpose of my being here on the floor today. My focus is on what should unite all of us in this body-- that should unite all 100 U.S. Senators--and that is that we should all agree that it is outrageous for any foreign power to interfere in an American election the way Russia interfered in our election in 2016 and that it would be equally outrageous for us, in our knowing that this is Russia's intent in 2020, to sit here and not do anything to protect the integrity of our democracy. prgtoken Look, we all know what happened in 2016. Just to refresh our memories, it was the unanimous conclusion of all U.S. intelligence agencies that Russia interfered in the 2016 Presidential election. That was the unanimous conclusion of the leaders of intelligence agencies appointed by President . It was also the bipartisan verdict of the Senate Intelligence Committee, which painstakingly documented the fact that elections systems in all 50 of our States were targeted to one degree or another by Russian hackers in the 2016 elections. In fact, we know this from the outcome of the Mueller investigation that led to the indictment of 12 Russian military intelligence individuals, members of the GRU. They were indicted because of their interference in the 2016 elections. prgtoken We also know that Vla
PROTECTING OLDER WORKERS AGAINST DISCRIMINATION ACT
Lois Frankel (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2020-1-15

. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman from Virginia and my colleagues for their work on this bill. prgtoken Mr. Chair, Ben Franklin signed the Declaration of Independence at age 70. Grandma Moses started painting at age 76. We should never, ever put an age limit on our dreams or the ability to make a living. prgtoken But here is the thing, Mr. Chair: You can be a dedicated employee, having spent decades building a career that you are proud of, taking care of your family, putting your kids through college, saving for your future. You need and want to work and, one day, when you are ready, retire with dignity. But then, out of nowhere, your life is shattered. Your bosses say: ``You are fired.'' prgtoken They list their reasons. However, you know the truth. You have been let go to make way for a younger employee. Now you are without a salary, without your health insurance. You know your odds of getting a new job are slim when you are competing with 20-year-olds and 30-year- olds who are willing to work for lower wages and fewer benefits. prgtoken For too many seniors, Mr. Chair, this is a reality. prgtoken Nearly three in five workers have experienced age-based discrimination, not only unfairly depriving the worker of a paycheck but taking valuable workers out of the workforce. prgtoken Now, a Supreme Court decision has made it even harder to prove age discrimination. prgtoken Mr. Chair, the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act would give senior workers the protection they deserve and society the workers that we need. prgtoken The poet Robert Browning said: ``Grow old with me, the best is yet to be.'' prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this very, very good bill.
VOTE EXPLANATION
Edward J. Markey (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2020-1-15

I was necessarily absent but had I been present, I would have voted no on rollcall vote No. 11, the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Peter Gaynor, to be Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. prgtoken , I was necessarily absent, but had I been present, I would have voted no on rollcall vote No. 12, confirmation of Peter Gaynor, to be Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
HONORING NOAH JAMES RIECKER
Sam Graves (Republican, MO) \u2014 2020-1-16

. Madam , I proudly pause to recognize Noah James Riecker. Noah is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1412, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Noah has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Noah has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Noah has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Madam , I proudly ask you to join me in commending Noah James Riecker for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.
RECOGNIZING TWO SISTERS NEW BEGINNINGS, LLC
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-1-16

as chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, it is my privilege to recognize a unique Florida small business for its valuable contributions to the local economy and its dedicated efforts to sustainability and dignified work. Today, I am pleased to honor Two Sisters New Beginnings, LLC of Monticello, FL, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. prgtoken Founded in 2013 by sisters Sandra Hood and Pat Marchman, Two Sisters New Beginnings is an eclectic antique and repurposed furniture shop. After purchasing and refinishing a chest, Pat and Sandra discovered a passion for repurposing vintage furniture and decided to create a place for local artists to sell their unique items. Today, Two Sisters New Beginnings has become an asset to the Monticello community, supplying locally sourced repurposed furniture, antiques, collectibles, and more to both residents and visitors. Since its establishment, the business's customer base has grown steadily, as has the number of local artists and craftsmen who seek to showcase their products in the store. The storefront has become such a popular destination that Two Sisters New Beginnings expanded into additional retail space next-door. prgtoken Two Sisters New Beginnings has been a long supporter of the Monticello community, participating in local events such as the Mainstreet Monticello Christmas Kickoff and Jefferson County Historical Association Home and Heritage Tour. It is a member of Monticello Main Street, a business development and nonprofit organization that promotes local businesses, historic preservation, and tourism within the community. Two Sisters New Beginnings consistently donates to numerous charitable events in the local community, including the Big Bend Hospice Joyful Noise Concert and the David Hobbs Memorial Barrel Race. They have served as a silver sponsor of the Teal Magnolias Ladies Golf Tournament, an event that raises awareness for ovarian cancer each year. Additionally, the vendors of Two Sisters New Beginnings share in this charitable mindset, often donating a portion of their sales to local charities like Refuge House. Two Sisters New Beginnings is an unparalleled example of how small businesses can strengthen and support a community by giving back and creating dignified jobs. prgtoken Two Sisters New Beginnings is a prime example of the integral role small businesses play in our local communities. Its community first mindset and dedication to dignified work make it a notable and integral member of the city of Monticello. Congratulations again on being named the Senate Small Business of the Week. I look forward to watching your continued growth and success.
NATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM DAY
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2020-1-16

today is a very important day that we recognize once a year--National Religious Freedom Day. It is a day when we celebrate America's longstanding commitment to religious freedom. prgtoken The First Amendment to the Constitution protects that right for Americans. Unfortunately, this fundamental right we have great respect for in the United States is under attack internationally in many autocratic countries. prgtoken Around the world, people are being persecuted for their faith by authoritarian dictatorships and terrorist groups. Countries like China, North Korea, and Russia restrict their citizens' rights to practice their own religion. prgtoken China, for example, plans to enforce additional restrictions on religious groups starting February 1. That is already on top of a very bad record they have for religious freedom. That is in regard to China, but it would apply to all countries. prgtoken I have legislation to require the United States to work to block World Bank projects in wealthy countries like China and Russia that abuse religious freedoms. prgtoken . prgtoken .
PAYING TRIBUTE TO WILLIE BELTON
Mike Johnson (Republican, LA) \u2014 2020-1-16

I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Willie Belton, a political leader, successful businessman, and decorated war veteran who passed away on January 8, 2020. prgtoken Born and raised in Basile, Louisiana, Mr. Belton went on to serve in the United States Army and was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for his heroic acts of sacrifice. Later, he received the Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal in gratitude for his faithful service. prgtoken Mr. Belton was also a monumental figure within the civil rights movement. In 1960, he was chosen to lead a local NAACP chapter and worked alongside some of history's heroes, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr to put an end to racial discrimination and ensure equal opportunity for all. prgtoken Mr. Belton was the first African American in Evangeline Parish to run for State representative in a predominantly white district. Even though he didn't end up winning that election, he made an enormous impact on the State of Louisiana by breaking down barriers, extinguishing fear, and paving the way for those who followed. prgtoken Our prayers are with the Belton family as they grieve the loss of an American hero. His service to this country and his active commitment to social justice will never be forgotten. prgtoken May he rest in peace.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. TAECHIN ``TC'' KIM
Doug Lamborn (Republican, CO) \u2014 2020-1-16

. Madam , I stand today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Taechin ``TC'' Kim, who passed away on December 29, 2019, at the age of 72. Mr. Kim was a key leader of the prayer community and prayer movement in the Pikes Peak region. As a former Korean businessman, TC dedicated his life as a prayer missionary to seeking authentic transformation of our city and nation. TC was a naturalized American citizen who cherished the Biblical, founding principles of our nation and lived an exemplary life as a true patriot. As the National Facilitator of Transform USA, he had a profound impact on Colorado Springs and beyond by organizing two weekly public prayer gatherings and constantly promoting outstanding Christian citizenship. Colorado's 5th Congressional District is truly blessed by TC's believing and living 2 Chronicles 7:14, ``if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.'' TC Kim was born in 1947 in the city of Taegu, South Korea. He graduated from Yonsei University, Seoul with a BA in Business and received his MBA from the University of La Verne in Southern California. His professional career includes nearly 30 years as: General Manager, Samsung Trading Company; Vice President, NCH Corporation; and Asian Pacific Operations Sales Director, Otis Elevator Company/United Technologies. In 2000, he transitioned into service with a global non-profit organization Eron/Loving Concern as a missionary, providing medical supplies to South America and Africa before moving to Colorado Springs in 2007. In 2007, TC was commissioned by several national and global ministry leaders at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. to serve as the National Facilitator of Transform USA. Soon after, TC and his wife, Soonae, moved to Colorado Springs where he began to connect with local pastors, ministry leaders, everyday people of faith, as well as many across the nation for the purpose of relationship, support and collaboration towards transforming America together. In the summer of 2007, TC launched a weekly Wednesday morning prayer meeting which continues to this day. He also began a monthly national conference call to provide a networking platform for servant leaders to share about their regional/national ministry of serving others which also continues into 2020. At both the weekly local prayer meeting as well as the monthly national conference calls, TC always encouraged and inspired people of faith to be the positive change makers in the spheres of business, education, public service, media, arts/entertainment and religion. In 2014, TC was granted space in Colorado Springs' City Hall to launch a weekly Friday evening meeting to pray for our city. Throughout TC's years in Colorado Springs, he always looked for opportunities to serve the needs of our community. He also
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-1-16

I have 2 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. prgtoken Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Committee on Armed Services prgtoken The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, January 16, 2020, at 9 a.m to conduct a hearing on the following nominations: James E. McPherson, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary of the Army, and Charles Williams, of Missouri, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Navy, both of the Department of Defense. Committee on the Judiciary prgtoken The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, January 16, 2020, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing on the following nominations: Andrew Lynn Brasher, of Alabama, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit, John Charles Hinderaker, and Scott H. Rash, both to be a United States District Judge for the District of Arizona, Joshua M. Kindred, to be United States District Judge for the District of Alaska, Matthew Thomas Schelp, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri, Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha, Stanley Blumenfeld, and Mark C. Scarsi, each to be a United States District Judge for the Central District of California, Stephen A. Vaden, of Tennessee, to be a Judge of the United States Court of International Trade, and Grace Karaffa Obermann, and Stephen Sidney Schwartz, both of Virginia, both to be a Judge of the United States Court of Federal Claims.
TRIBUTE TO ROBERT LONG
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2020-1-16

would like to congratulate one of my fellow Idahoans, Robert Long, on winning first place in the Mongol Derby. This annual competition held in August brings people from around the world to race across the Mongolian Steppe on horseback. Robert finished the course without any setbacks. This is truly one of the toughest tests of skill and endurance for any horseman or woman, and I am proud that an Idahoan represented the United States with such excellence. prgtoken The Mongol Derby course follows the ancient path of Genghis Khan's horse messenger system first set up over 800 years ago. The course crosses 600 miles of some of Mongolia's harshest terrain and takes riders over a week to complete. Contestants are not only challenged by the terrain but also by the traditional methods of the race. The hundreds of horses that shoulder the journey are recruited from the local Mongolians' herds. Riders change horses every 25 miles, just as the ancient Mongols did. Thus, contestants must have the skill to adapt to each new mount and the instinct to ride within the limits of its strengths and weaknesses. Although the riders are racing towards the finish, they are also responsible for taking care of their horses' wellbeing and ensuring they are not overworked or injured during the journey. Robert's experience with animals helped him to win the race without any veterinary penalties. prgtoken Robert's victory was surely an outcome of his extensive experience working with horses on the American Western terrain. ``Cowboy Bob,'' as he is known by his close friends, was raised in Wyoming and now lives in Boise, IA. He trained for the Mongol Derby across the American West, where the rough terrain is not so different from that of the Mongolian Steppe. prgtoken Robert not only made an impression as a master horseman but also as a gracious guest. The course covers a vast area inhabited by Mongolian nomad herders, who volunteer their horses for the competitors in the race at each stop. Robert presented each herder with a blue ribbon from his past competitions, which he brought after learning the significance of the color blue in Mongolia, the Land of Eternal Blue Sky. prgtoken In taking part in this race and performing with thoughtfulness and mastery, Robert exemplified how well Americans can relate to other peoples and cultures. U.S.-Mongolia relations have been growing stronger since our two nations established diplomatic ties over 30 years ago. That the Mongol Derby attracts riders from across the world demonstrates Mongolia's ability to build global connections through prgtoken history and culture. However, Mongolia's contributions are certainly not limited to these spheres. Mongolia is an example of a strong democracy. Mongolia currently has over 1,000 peacekeepers deployed in Africa and contributed troops to the fight against terrorism in both Afghanistan and Iraq. prgtoken Mongolia is an important friend of the Un
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-1-16

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session for the consideration of all nominations on the Secretary's desk; that the nominations be confirmed, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate; that no further motions be in order; that any statements related to the nominations be printed in the Record; the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action, and the Senate then resume legislative session.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF RULE SUBMITTED BY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RELATING TO ``BORROWER DEFENSE INSTITUTIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY''
Lloyd Smucker (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-1-16

I rise today in opposition to H.J. Res. 76. prgtoken I do agree with my colleagues across the aisle that as Members of Congress it is our job to ensure accountability over how taxpayer dollars are spent, and that is a very important aspect of our job here. And when tax dollars flow to an institution of higher education that has not lived up to its promises made to students, then defrauded individuals do deserve a transparent process to seek relief and have their student loans discharged. prgtoken Under Secretary DeVos' leadership, the U.S. Department of Education's new borrower defense rule replaces a flawed process with one that is fair for taxpayers and is fair for students. The new rule establishes a defined standard for borrower defense to repayment, clearing up years of confusion that has left students in financial hardship and schools exposed to increased risk of closure despite no intentional misrepresentation. prgtoken The administration's rule also strengthens opportunities for relief for students who were misled by a school by expanding the window of time that students have to discharge their loans. But most importantly, this process, which was developed over many months and with stakeholder engagement through every step of the way, strengthened accountability on all institutions of higher education by ensuring that each and every school is held to the same standard, not just the taxpaying for-profit institutions. prgtoken Despite all of these commonsense measures, today's CRA seeks to move us backwards simply to undermine the administration while preventing students from making educational choices that best meet their needs. prgtoken H.J. Res. 76 will repeal the administration's rule to reinstate the flawed, confusing standards that were implemented in 2016. That rule, the -era borrower defense rule, ignored due process, lowered the standard of proof, and left taxpayers on the hook for forgiving student loans to the tune of $42 billion regardless of an individual claim's merit. prgtoken The administration's thorough methodology for borrower defense claims ensures any and every student will have a pathway to have their student loans discharged if they have been defrauded while protecting taxpayer dollars from massive loan forgiveness schemes. In fact, this new rule is estimated to save taxpayers $11 billion. prgtoken It is critical that we leave this rule in place to protect students and taxpayers alike. I urge my colleagues to place commonsense policy above politics and oppose this misguided CRA that ultimately will harm all Americans.