mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO DR. EDMUND O. SCHWEITZER III
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2019-1-24

along with my colleagues Senator James E. Risch, Representative Mike Simpson, and Representative Russ Fulcher, I congratulate Edmund O. Schweitzer III, Ph.D on his induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. prgtoken The National Inventors Hall of Fame selected Dr. Schweitzer for this honor in recognition of him bringing ``the first microprocessor-based digital protective relay to market, revolutionizing the performance of electric power systems with computer-based protection and control equipment, and making a major impact in the electric power utility industry.'' Dr. Schweitzer has received many recognitions for his contributions to the development of digital protection and electric power systems worldwide. He is an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, IEEE, Fellow, who was honored with IEEE's Medal in Power Engineering in 2012. In 1982, he founded Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc SEL, to develop and manufacture digital protective relays and related products and services. prgtoken Characterizing Dr. Schweitzer as creative and inventive is an understatement. This month, he will receive his 200th patent pertaining to electric power system protection, metering, monitoring, and control. He turns his ideas into practical tools that meet the demands of our ever-changing and modernizing society. By protecting power grids, the technology he has developed and disseminated is helping to ensure that Americans and people around the world can access needed safe, more reliable, and more economical electric power to live and fuel growth. prgtoken Congratulations, Dr. Schweitzer, on this recognition, and thank you for lending your talents, ideas and know-how to furthering our communities and Nation.
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-1-24

since the shutdown began, we have heard voices on both sides of the aisle, mine included, calling for a bipartisan solution to fund the government and end this stalemate. With Pelosi and Minority Leader Schumer refusing to come to the negotiating table, they made finding common ground much harder than it needs to be. prgtoken This weekend, President made a serious proposal that would deliver on priorities that are important to both parties--s and --in bringing this partial government shutdown to an end. prgtoken The bill we voted on today contains key provisions to border security and to make improvements to our immigration system as a whole. As we have heard from the Border Patrol experts time and again, we need sensible solutions, which, along the border, consist of three components: its physical barriers in some locations, its technology in others, and personnel in others--or some combination of those three. prgtoken President himself has said he understands there doesn't need to be a wall from sea to shining sea, and he has acknowledged the role of technology and personnel and border security. We need to prevent the illegal movement of goods and people without inhibiting legitimate trade and travel. prgtoken I wish to show colleagues one example of a physical barrier in Texas that was voted on in a bond election in Hidalgo County, TX. These are folks who live on the border. They voted to pay for this levee wall. The reason? Because they knew the levee system had to be improved in order to get insurance companies to write insurance so that they could build and develop the property in Hidalgo County, TX. prgtoken They also talked to the Border Patrol about what the Border Patrol needed to control the movement of illegal immigration across the border, and they came up with a win-win proposition--a levee wall, which is appropriate at this particular location. This was voted on as a bond election by the voters in Hidalgo County, TX, and did not involve spending any Federal money. prgtoken My simple point is, there are solutions that can be worked out if we consult the experts--the Border Patrol--to find out what exactly they need for border security that will meet with public approval along the border and represent a win-win. prgtoken Recently, when the President was in McAllen, TX, Senator Cruz--my colleague from Texas--and I had a meeting with mayors and county judges after the President's entourage left to come back to Washington, DC. I remember specifically my friend, Judge Eddie Trevino, the county judge of Cameron County, TX--that is where Brownsville, TX, is--who said: If it is the Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection telling us what we need in order to secure the border, we are all in. But if it is people in Washington, DC, making political judgments, politicians trying to micromanage how the border can be secured, we remain deeply skeptical. <|p
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Martha McSally (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2019-1-24

from Alaska for organizing this--both sides of the aisle--so we can begin to have our voices heard for those we represent here on the Senate floor. prgtoken I came yesterday from Yuma, AZ, and the day before I was in Nogales, AZ. I visited Nogales's port of entry and the CBP officers coming to work every single day now without pay. On Monday, they processed 2,000 trucks through the port of entry there. That cross-border commerce is so important for an economy like Arizona's and for jobs. prgtoken They also seized 18 kilograms of methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl, which are contributing to the opioid crisis and the drug crisis in our country. prgtoken Morale is still pretty good because they still know how important it is for them to be there on the watch and do their job. However, it is unacceptable that they are being asked to come to work and not being paid. As was said by other colleagues, some of the lower level officers--the younger individuals early on the job--have no reserves. I talked to several of them. They are very concerned about what is going to happen when they miss a second paycheck here in the next day. prgtoken When I went to Yuma and talked to the Border Patrol, it was the same thing. They need to be on the job. They want to be on the job. They know how important it is for our country and for border security. prgtoken I visited the place where, just last week, 376 people were able to tunnel under where we have a barrier they can't see through. They weren't able to see it until they had actually breached it, and they caught a couple of MS-13 gang members yesterday. prgtoken Again, they are asking: Please, let's secure our border. Let's provide the resources for the agents and for the officers and for what they need to do every single day, and let's open up the government. prgtoken We can do these things. This is why America is so frustrated with Washington, DC, and why many of us ran to come here in the first place: What is the matter with you guys? Just get it together; get something through the House and the Senate that can be signed by the President to open up the government and secure our border. prgtoken Let's roll up our sleeves, let's stay here all night around the clock, and let's get this mission done. prgtoken .
RECOGNIZING MS. MEREDITH NESS AS THE 2018-2019 WALTON COUNTY, FLORIDA TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Matt Gaetz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-1-25

. Madam , I rise to recognize Ms. Meredith Ness as the 2018-2019 Walton County Teacher of the Year. For seven years, Ms. Ness has served the Walton County School District with dedication, passion, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. prgtoken In Northwest Florida, we are fortunate to have some of the best teachers in the Nation. It is recognized that teaching is an extremely difficult, yet extremely rewarding, profession. Ms. Ness has performed her teaching duties exceptionally, while also being a pillar of her community. prgtoken Ms. Ness is revered by her Principal and colleagues for her incredible willingness to always lend a helping hand to those in need. She engages her students thoughtfully, and gives them a chance to take their thinking and knowledge to a deeper level. prgtoken Her sponsorship and involvement with the First Lego League, an after- school STEM robotics program for students, shows that her support and outreach for her students extends far beyond the walls of her fourth- grade class. prgtoken Ms. Ness has displayed dedicated teamwork in her implementation of this extracurricular opportunity. I commend her for her steadfast willingness to serve those that matter most--her students. prgtoken For all her contributions to the community, I am proud that Ms. Ness is a constituent of Florida's First Congressional District. prgtoken Madam , on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Ms. Ness for her accomplishments. prgtoken Her longstanding commitment to excellence, continued achievement, professionalism, and innovation all reflect well on her. She is an exceptional educator, and her students are lucky to have her in the classroom. prgtoken Meredith Ness has truly made her community a better place. I thank her for her service, and wish her all the best.
ORDERS FOR MONDAY, JANUARY 28, 2019
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-1-25

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 3 p.m Monday, January 28; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; further, that following leader remarks, the Senate resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S. 1; finally, that notwithstanding the provisions of rule XXII, at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, the motion to proceed to the motion to reconsider cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 1 on January 8 be agreed to, the motion to reconsider cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 1 be agreed to, and the Senate vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed, upon reconsideration.
RECOGNIZING THE HONORABLE TODD RICHARDSON
Jason Smith (Republican, MO) \u2014 2019-1-25

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate the Honorable Todd Richardson on being named the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce's Citizen of the Year. I had the honor of serving alongside Todd in the Missouri State House and have grown to admire and respect him dearly. prgtoken Todd became of the Missouri House in 2015, leading the chamber and state during a tumultuous time. He passed sweeping tax reform legislation, making Missouri more competitive economically. He also passed historic legislation protecting the unborn and Missourians' Second Amendment rights, while overseeing a rewrite of harassment policies in Missouri's Capitol. All of these accomplishments were done while carrying himself with dignity and integrity, garnering the utmost respect from members on both sides of the aisle. Todd was the right person in the right position at the right time to lead our state through some significant times of uncertainty. prgtoken Todd was recently selected by Governor Parsons to be the Director of MO HealthNet. He is already making an imprint by leading an effort to root out fraud and prevent waste while providing accessible, quality healthcare to all Missourians. prgtoken Todd is a man of great character, who sought for his tenure in the Missouri State House to be consistent with his moral and personal values, or as he put it ``to be the same person when I leave as I was when I arrived.'' And Madam , he has done just that. On behalf of the Eighth Congressional District of Missouri, it is my great privilege to recognize a true gentleman from Butler County, Todd Richardson.
STRENGTHENING AMERICA'S SECURITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST ACT OF 2019--MOTION TO PROCEED--Continued
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-1-25

I come to the floor today to offer a few reflections in these opening days--now opening weeks--of the 116th Congress. prgtoken On January 3, I was honored to be sworn in as the 91st Senate President pro tempore. As many of you know, I love history. I studied to be a history teacher, and I have devoted six decades of my life to public service where, maybe, I helped make a little history along the way. I have represented the people of Iowa as a legislator since 1958. prgtoken At the age of 25, as the youngest legislator in the Iowa State House, I never dreamed that one day I would be named a constitutional officer in the Senate. prgtoken For the last 38 years, it has been my great privilege to serve and represent the people of Iowa as a Senator. It is with great pride on behalf of my home State that I step into this leadership role and follow in the footsteps of my predecessors as President pro tempore of the Senate. In fact, one of those predecessors is from my home State. It was 100 years ago exactly that Iowa Senator Albert Baird Cummins became the 68th Senate President pro tempore. He served as President pro tempore from 1919 until 1925. prgtoken In my nearly four decades here in the Senate, I served alongside seven Presidents pro tempore: Senator Thurmond, of South Carolina; Senator Stennis, of Mississippi; Senator Byrd, of West Virginia; Senator Stevens, of Alaska; Senator Inouye, of Hawaii; Senator Leahy, of Vermont; and Senator Hatch, of Utah. Each served with honor and distinction, bringing their own style and substance to this office. prgtoken When Senator Byrd was elected to this office, he noted that ``the election of a Senator to the office of the President pro tempore has always been considered one of the highest honors offered to a Senator by the Senate body.'' prgtoken I am proud to join the ranks of this impressive and respected group of public servants and legislators. Article I of the Constitution directs that a President pro tempore be chosen by the Senate. The President pro tempore serves as the President of the Senate when the Vice President is unavailable and serves a number of other ceremonial and ministerial functions. prgtoken I appreciate the support of my colleagues who elected me to this position. In Federalist No. 62, James Madison considered it a virtue that Senators have ``more advanced age and a longer period of citizenship.'' Traditionally, the President pro tempore has also served as a senior statesman for the Senate, standing up for the values that make the Senate the world's greatest deliberative body. Perhaps that is why it is customary for a Senator of the majority party with the longest record of continuous service to become President pro tempore. prgtoken When you have been here as long as I have, you learn some very valuable lessons. You learn that you have to work hard, put your constituents first, and stand up for your principles. That is also ho
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND MILITARY SERVICE OF WORLD WAR II VETERAN JOHN ROY SHANNON, JR.
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2019-1-25

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the life and military service of World War II Veteran John Roy Shannon, Jr. Mr. Shannon has always placed God and family first in his life, offering friendship and brotherly love to all those who crossed his path. prgtoken Mr. Shannon was born on November 4, 1918, in Quitman, Mississippi. His father, a World War I Veteran, met and married the former Ruby Olivia Harper. They resided in Quitman, Mississippi, eventually moving to Birmingham, Alabama. Mr. Shannon had three siblings; Joyce Mitchell, Mary Ann McWaters, and Harper Shannon. prgtoken In 1938, Mr. Shannon married, Minnie Catheren Cook, a fellow church member and a Jefferson County High School classmate. Mr. Shannon worked for Pan Am Oil Company which later became part of American Oil Company. From July 1943 until November 1945, Mr. Shannon answered the call to serve our great nation in the U.S. Army. Stationed at the Iceland Base Command, Mr. Shannon rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant receiving the Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle eastern Campaign medal, and the World War II Victory Medal in recognition of his distinguished military service. prgtoken Upon Mr. Shannon's return from military service, the family grew to include four sons; Harold, Ralph, Roy, and Sam Shannon. Roy Shannon, his third-born son, recently said his father was proud to serve our nation during World War II. ``Dad said America called and he answered,'' Roy Shannon said. ``He inspired three of us boys to follow in his footsteps. Harold, Ralph, and I are all U.S. Military Veterans.'' prgtoken Throughout his life and to this day, Mr. Shannon set an example for his children to follow. Mr. Shannon, a lifelong Christian, was an active member of Huffman Baptist Church in Birmingham, an Adult Sunday School Class teacher for over 20 years and was chosen to be a lifetime deacon of the church. ``My father practiced what he believed,'' Roy Shannon said. ``He believed in God and country and he instilled that in us.'' prgtoken Sam Shannon, Mr. Shannon's youngest son, said that he was lucky to have a father who was so devoted to God and family. ``At the time, we did not realize how fortunate we were,'' Sam said. ``He made it his main mission to be a good father and husband. He made sure we were fed, clothed, and housed and above all--loved.'' prgtoken Harold Shannon said his father is proud to be a veteran. ``Being away from our family was difficult for dad because while he was serving, he missed the birth of one of my brothers,'' Harold said. ``Even so, our father was very, very proud to be a veteran. To this day, he always wears his World War II cap.'' Additionally, Harold said that Mr. Shannon was always a loving and caring father. ``He worked day and night to take care of us. I cannot recall him ever raising his voice. He has the patience of Job. He is still an example for all of us to follow. We're so proud of him.'' prgtoken Mr. Shannon was marr
STRENGTHENING AMERICA'S SECURITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST ACT OF 2019--MOTION TO PROCEED--Continued
Lisa Murkowski (Republican, AK) \u2014 2019-1-25

I think it is good that we are standing here on the Senate floor and acknowledging the news the President has just announced--that the government will reopen as early as today and that those good, dedicated, and hard-working Federal employees who have either been furloughed or who have been working without pay for 35 days now will be able to get back to work and will be able to receive just compensation for their work. This is important news. This is good news. This is long-awaited news. prgtoken In fairness, this never should have happened. I concur with my colleague from Maine that there is never a good reason to have a government shutdown in the first place. We have demonstrated that we can do it, but it sure isn't something that should be done. prgtoken I think the men and women who have been so directly and immediately impacted are not only relieved this afternoon, but they are saying: For heaven's sake, Congress, make sure you don't put us through this again. prgtoken Count me in that camp of working to make sure we don't put these men and women and their families through this again. prgtoken I have been holding Skype sessions with the spouses of our active Coast Guard in Alaska. Last evening, I had an opportunity to connect with the spouses from Sitka. It is absolutely gut-wrenching to hear a young wife, who has a baby who is now less than 1 year old, and her husband, who has been out at sea for 5 months--he has just come home-- relay the conversation of the two of them crying in bed as they are discussing whether she should leave Sitka with their baby to go back and live with either his parents or her parents because they cannot afford to stay in the Coast Guard community that they are in. prgtoken I am scheduled to have yet another Skype session with the spouses of our Coast Guard men and women from Cordova and Petersburg just 40 minutes from now. I think it is going to be a much better conversation with them than with the spouses from Sitka yesterday because we will be able to share the good news. prgtoken It was interesting to see, as I have visited with them and have heard their very direct stories, that they are pretty selfless. They are pretty selfless in saying: As hard as this is on us and as much as we want to be paid, we want to make sure that others who serve as public servants--our Federal employees, whether they are air traffic controllers, whether they are FAA, whether they are TSA, whether they are NOAA, whether they are NIMS--will also get paid because they, too, are our friends and our neighbors, and they, too, are hurting. Again, we need to make sure we are doing right by all of those who serve our country, who serve all of us through the good work they do through the Agencies. prgtoken This has been a harsh and a difficult time, and it has been particularly painful for me, coming from a State where we are feeling the direct impacts of this partial shutdown, perhaps more s
RECOGNIZING COACH KEN KRAUSE
Bryan Steil (Republican, WI) \u2014 2019-1-25

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Ken Krause, Muskego High School's head football coach. Ken was nominated by the Green Bay Packers as a contender for the 2018 Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year Award. This national honor is given to high school coaches for their character, leadership, and commitment to player health and safety. Ken's dedication to his players and community is evident to those in Southeast Wisconsin and throughout the state. prgtoken A West Allis native and West Allis Central High School and University of Wisconsin-Whitewater alum, Ken began his coaching career at the age of 19 and became a head coach at 23 years old. This past season, Ken led the Muskego High School football team to its first WIAA Division I State Championship title after a perfect 14-0 season. Ken was also named the 2018 Wisconsin Football Coaches Association/Green Bay Packers Coach of the Year. prgtoken I am proud to recognize Ken for his successes and dedication to his players. On behalf of Wisconsin's First Congressional District, I thank Ken for being a role model to young players, for helping them reach their full potential on and off the field, and for his contributions to our community. prgtoken Madam , please join me in congratulating Ken, his wife Julie, and their four sons, Cody, Dylan, Aiden, and Ashton for this great honor and achievement. Go Warriors.