mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
POST-DISASTER ASSISTANCE ONLINE ACCOUNTABILITY ACT
Sam Graves (Republican, MO) \u2014 2019-7-24

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , H.R. 1307, the Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act, is going to improve our oversight of Federal disaster assistance and projects. prgtoken By increasing the accountability and transparency in Federal spending following disasters, this bill is going to help ensure that funds are invested more wisely and better able to help Americans who are trying to recover and rebuild their lives. prgtoken H.R. 1307 is going to require various agencies that offer disaster assistance to publicly report data on disaster spending and obligations. It is critical, as we continue to work to reform and improve our disaster response and recovery programs, that we have the most accurate data available. That is important for our oversight, as well as for the taxpayers in holding agencies accountable. prgtoken I want to thank the Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Subcommittee Ranking Member, Mr. Meadows, and Mr. Peters, for their work on this legislation. I encourage my colleagues to support it. prgtoken Madam , .
STOPPING BAD ROBOCALLS ACT
Cathy McMorris Rodgers (Republican, WA) \u2014 2019-7-24

. Madam , I rise in support of this legislation, the Stopping Bad Robocalls Act. prgtoken We all agree that robocalls are annoying, and they are a nuisance. What is worse is that these calls are often scams, scams that are becoming more and more sophisticated each day. When our phone rings, we are just one answer away from being a victim of identity theft. That needs to change. prgtoken This legislation will restore trust that Americans can again answer their phones. prgtoken Madam , I have a constituent who calls my office nearly every time he receives a robocall. He has begged us to do something. After today, I look forward to sharing with him that we listened and took action to solve this problem. prgtoken Madam , on his behalf and on behalf of all those whom I have the privilege of representing in eastern Washington, I urge support of the Stopping Bad Robocalls Act.
REHABILITATION FOR MULTIEMPLOYER PENSIONS ACT OF 2019
Dusty Johnson (Republican, SD) \u2014 2019-7-24

. Madam , I rise in opposition to the Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act. It is funny, in this town, rehabilitation is a word we use to kindly describe a bailout. For normal people, rehabilitation is a word that would conjure up the idea that perhaps today we are attempting to fix or improve the $638 billion pension problem before us. prgtoken This bill would, more accurately, be called the bailout for multiemployer pensions act, because this bill does not contain any of the needed reforms to change the unsustainable trajectory of these plans. prgtoken What does the bill do instead? It creates a new Federal Government bureaucracy. It allows for billions of dollars of loans to be just forgiven. It provides loan terms that actually encourage not paying down the principal of these loans. prgtoken So to be clear, and to make no doubt, we do have to fix this pension problem, but real progress will only come from a careful, deliberate, and bipartisan process, and this bill was not designed to be bipartisan. prgtoken In committee, s were actually blocked from offering amendments that would have improved this bill. So here we are today, taking up floor time for a one-sided bill that does not fix the problem and that will not become law. prgtoken When the majority wants to make real progress, I will be here, ready to fix the problem, ready to roll up my sleeves, ready to invest the bipartisan effort needed to make meaningful reforms. Until then, I will vote ``no'' on the bailout.
ALLOWING THE DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR OF THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION ON THE DATE OF ENACTMENT OF THIS ACT TO CONTINUE TO SERVE AS SUCH DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR
Ben Sasse (Republican, NE) \u2014 2019-7-24

today is a good day for this body, for the State of Nebraska, and for every American who is committed to the rule of law, including our first freedom, which is religious liberty. prgtoken In a few minutes, we will be voting to confirm Brian Buescher to be the U.S. Federal district judge for the District of Nebraska. Brian is a born-and-raised Nebraskan. He is a husband, a father of five, and for nearly two decades he has served his home State admirably in the legal profession. His nomination is an honor for our State, and it is a testament to his integrity and to his tireless service. At the same time, Brian's confirmation process has been an occasion for one of the most baffling displays of constitutional confusion and prejudice I have seen in my time here. prgtoken Brian is a Catholic, and he is a member of the Knights of Columbus. The Knights of Columbus is the largest Catholic fraternal organization in the world. The organization has 1.6 million members. It raises millions and millions of dollars every year for charity, and they contribute millions--literally millions and millions--of hours of volunteer and charitable service for their neighbors. prgtoken Like a lot of Catholic men in Nebraska, Brian joined the Knights of Columbus as a way to give back to his community. This is not a scandal. This is actually just really basic--sometimes really boring--love of neighbor, but it is the kind of stuff that makes communities work. prgtoken According to some of my colleagues on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Brian's association with this extraordinary charitable organization-- again, really mundane, the Knights of Columbus, the largest Catholic fraternal organization in the world--according to some of my colleagues, the Knights of Columbus is an extremist outfit. One of my colleagues suggested that Brian needs to resign his membership in the Knights if he were confirmed to the Federal bench to avoid the appearance of conflict and bias--really bizarre stuff. prgtoken To be clear, the Knights of Columbus is not some shadowy organization from a Dan Brown novel. The Knights is a bunch of guys who organize fish fries, and sometimes they sell Tootsie Rolls, but basically what they are doing is helping to fund organizations like the Special Olympics. That is what they do in Omaha, in Lincoln, across Nebraska, and across the country. It is really weird that we are talking about the Knights of Columbus as an extremist organization. prgtoken In this weird rebirth of McCarthyism, it seems that the Catholics are to replace the Communists. This isn't just Brian. We have had other nominees come before the Senate Judiciary Committee this year being asked questions laughably close to: Are you now or have you ever been involved in the organization of a fish fry? prgtoken We have people asked questions that sound like they are going to be called to account for what their prayer may have been at the last pancake feed:
U.S. SENATOR JOSEPH D. TYDINGS MEMORIAL PREVENT ALL SORING TACTICS ACT OF 2019
John W. Rose (Republican, TN) \u2014 2019-7-24

as an eighth-generation farmer and Tennessean, the grand tradition of Tennessee Walking Horses is among my earliest and fondest memories. We take great pride in the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, drawing neighbors and tourists alike to Shelbyville, Tennessee, every year for our world- class showcase. prgtoken However, this grand tradition is not unmarred by a few bad actors looking to gain at the expense of innocent exhibitors. Soring has been investigated and debated, and both Congress and industry leaders have put forth their best efforts to end this horrible practice. prgtoken Tennessee Walking Horses are regal and strong, but the ones that suffer from soring are harmed in ways that are cruel and unjust. The bad actors who are soring compromise fair competition and the integrity of this great tradition, but most importantly, they endanger our prized Tennessee Walking Horses. prgtoken I can assure you we in Tennessee stand against this vile practice. My strong opposition to soring is why I rise today in opposition to the PAST Act. It is my belief that this bill is not the best solution to this cruel practice. prgtoken While I appreciate the sincere motives of those who support this bill, I call on my colleagues to consider another, better solution. I am a cosponsor of H.R. 1157, the Horse Protection Amendments Act, authored by my colleague from Tennessee, Congressman DesJarlais. This bill works to end soring in a way that is fair to those acting properly and humanely and provides timely consequences for those who are not. prgtoken Inspections must be objective, but the PAST Act does not correct the current subjective process that is used. My colleagues' bill, H.R. 1157, creates a framework for consistent, scientific, and objective inspections. prgtoken H.R. 693 does not solve the real issue here: soring. Industrywide, the current compliance rate is between 92 and 95 percent. In fact, Tennessee's celebration had a compliance rate of 96 percent last year. These compliance rates are based on the USDA standards. prgtoken As the Farm Bureau has pointed out, the Tennessee Walking Horse is the most inspected horse in the world. Overall, the industry has a USDA compliance rate higher than even the food industry. With that, the rate of catching bad actors at this point is, of course, extremely low. prgtoken These low rates mean we must be vigilant if we are going to find and stop bad actors. Vigilance will require a new system. The PAST Act does not create a scientific, objective process for inspections, and until we have that, the remaining bad actors will continue to go under the radar, while those acting with integrity could be treated unfairly. prgtoken It is because of these concerns that I will oppose the PAST Act today. I call on my colleagues to oppose the PAST Act and, instead, stand with me in truly stopping soring by supporting H.R. 1157.
U.S. SENATOR JOSEPH D. TYDINGS MEMORIAL PREVENT ALL SORING TACTICS ACT OF 2019
Ted Budd (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-7-24

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken As a family owner and a fan of the Tennessee Walker breed, I rise today in strong support of this very important animal protection bill, the PAST Act, of which I am a cosponsor. prgtoken I want to thank my good friend, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Yoho) for his tireless leadership on this bill, as well as the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Schrader). I thank them. prgtoken So the PAST Act bans the practice of soring, which is a process of inflicting pain on horses' hooves an their legs in order to give them a higher gait. Breeders sometimes use soring to give their horses an advantage in competition, as we have talked about tonight, but the pain inflicted upon the animals is inhumane, and it should be stopped. prgtoken For years, we have known about this harmful practice, yet there has been very little action to remedy or fix the problem. prgtoken A recent story I read described the process of exposing sensitive tissues within the hooves of the horse by filing away the hoof. Sharp objects, such as screws, are then pierced into the sensitive tissue inflicting pain to the animal. The damaged tissue that appears after this process is burned away sometimes with acids that burn the horse's skin. prgtoken Sadly, this barbaric practice continues, and sometimes even out in the open. prgtoken The current enforcement mechanisms we have in place are not working well enough, and it is time to pass this important bipartisan piece of legislation. Horses, especially those used in shows, are beautiful animals that have done nothing to deserve the pain that soring causes. prgtoken So once enacted into law, the PAST Act will ensure that we have a more efficient system in place to protect our equine companions from unnecessary, inhumane, and cruel suffering. prgtoken So once again, I want to thank my friend, the veterinarian from Florida, for his work and also just to let you know that my Tennessee Walkers, our family's Tennessee Walkers, Just Power and Dancers Boss Lady, thank you, as well.
TRIBUTE TO BRIANNA SIMS
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2019-7-24

I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to Brianna for her hard work as an intern in my Casper office. I recognize her efforts and contributions to my office as well as to the State of Wyoming. prgtoken Brianna is a native of Casper. She is a student at the University of Wyoming, where she is studying physiology. She has demonstrated a strong work ethic, which has made her an invaluable asset to our office. The quality of her work is reflected in her great efforts over the last several months. prgtoken I want to thank Brianna for the dedication she has shown while working for me and my staff. It was a pleasure to have her as part of our team. I know she will have continued success with all of her future endeavors. I wish her all my best on her next journey.
BORDER SECURITY
James Lankford (Republican, OK) \u2014 2019-7-24

in April of this year, Border Patrol agents in South Texas, in McAllen--one of the most crossed areas for illegal traffic in the entire southern border--saw a group of individuals walking north who had already crossed the border, and they broke and ran. They assumed these individuals were illegally present in the United States, and they started moving to try to interdict them. They searched through a very large and very overgrown field. prgtoken I can tell you that that area is very, very rough terrain. It is very isolating, and the brush is exceptionally heavy. On a day in April, even in South Texas, it is extremely hot. prgtoken As they searched through the field looking for individuals, they happened to hear a child crying in their search. They encountered a 3- year-old boy who had been abandoned by the human smugglers when they broke and ran. This young boy, 3 years old, had these shoes on, and on his shoes were written a name and a phone number across them. That is the only identifying thing they have. They tested the phone number, by the way, and the phone number didn't work. prgtoken Those human smugglers--moving people into the United States, using children as the vehicle--are prone to just cast that child aside if they slow them down. prgtoken The Border Patrol agents who encountered this child wearing those shoes, took him back to the office. Those Border Patrol agents personally bought him new clothing. The fellow agents entertained him. You can see him playing PAW Patrol back in the station. They spent time comforting him and trying to figure out who he was and where he was from. Border Patrol agents alternated taking care of him, personally buying supplies for him until they can transition him into Health and Human Services' care. That is what is really happening on the border every single day. prgtoken Border Patrol agents are dealing with children that cartels are using to move adults into the United States. Yes, there are some family units who are moving in, but every single family unit that moves into the United States is being ushered in by a cartel that works the border, and they are choosing the time and the place to move those individuals. prgtoken These officers are risking their lives every single day. They are working with families every single day to try to figure out who is a family unit and who is a child that is just being smuggled to be used as a vehicle to get across the border and how to separate the two. Then, once they identify the child, they try to figure out this: What do we do now with this child that we have? Where are you from? prgtoken Several months ago, most of the children who were moving across were 10, 11, and 12 years old, and they could interview those children. The cartels have figured that out now, and they are sending more and more children who are infants, 1, 2, and 3 years old, who don't know where they are from and don't know their names or their
CAHOKIA MOUNDS
Mike Bost (Republican, IL) \u2014 2019-7-24

southern Illinois is home to one of America's great civilizations in history, many years before this was the United States of America. Its center was at Cahokia, and it was once the largest civilization in today's United States. By 1200 A.D the community numbered 10,000 to 20,000 strong. prgtoken What remains today are the Cahokia Mounds, a 2,200-acre site with more than 70 earth mounds, upon which many of their buildings once stood. This treasure is visited by schools, families, and history buffs, everyone who wants to see this wonderful part of history. It is a critical part of history. prgtoken That is why I introduced a bill to make Cahokia Mounds a national park. My bill would help preserve this amazing piece of history for generations to come. prgtoken I thank Congressmen Clay, Shimkus, and Davis for cosponsoring this bill. This legislation preserves the mounds in their districts, as well. prgtoken I also thank the State and local leaders who support our efforts in Illinois, and I thank the HeartLands Conservancy for its hard work and for being guardians of our history. prgtoken I thank my staff for working so hard with other issues that are going on but understanding how important this issue is to future generations, to the opportunity for our children and grandchildren to understand the history of this area in the world. I am proud to be part of these efforts to preserve our past well into the future.
REHABILITATION FOR MULTIEMPLOYER PENSIONS ACT OF 2019
Brian J. Mast (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-7-24

this amendment is very simple. It would prohibit pension plans receiving loans under this bill from engaging in the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement against Israel. prgtoken Understanding this MTR does not take a lot of words. prgtoken , I hear colleagues who must believe that BDS is a 1-day event occurring, so that is why it makes it even more important for us to speak about this MTR. prgtoken Now, understanding this MTR takes very few words. Let me be very blunt about this. Yesterday, as was aptly pointed out, this Chamber passed a bipartisan resolution--398 in support, 17 opposing--which opposed any efforts to delegitimize the State of Israel, condemning the BDS movement as dangerous and anti-Semitic. prgtoken Today, let's simply continue that progress, understanding that BDS equals anti-Semitism. While anti-Semitism may be a political investment by some, it has no place in managing retirement pensions, and BDS has no place in this House. prgtoken Let us say simply, let us agree, let us plant our bipartisan flag that anti-Semitism and BDS will have no home here in Congress and no home in this bill. prgtoken It is simple. If you are one of the 398 Members who voted last night to condemn the BDS movement, then you should support this MTR, stand with our ally Israel, and continue to combat this anti-Semitic movement. prgtoken , .
RECOGNIZING RALPH AND CHRISTINE BROWN
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-7-24

we all have been privileged to know people in our communities who have led remarkable lives but are unsung heroes. Today, I want to highlight one such couple whom I have come to know and admire. prgtoken I rise to recognize Ralph and Christine Brown, a remarkable couple and role models for all the rest of us. prgtoken They grew up in families of very modest means. While working full time, Ralph began a one-man security business in 1963. What started as Lake Norman Security Patrol, Inc expanded into two of the most successful businesses in North Carolina and the country: Security Central and AlarmSouth. prgtoken Ralph learned the importance of security while serving as a U.S. Army policeman and turned his knowledge into security and patrol services for homes and commercial entities. prgtoken At his side was Christine, his brilliant helpmate. They have a wonderful and philanthropic family that is carrying on the family tradition and business into the third generation. prgtoken Ralph and Christine's success has not only become a family legacy but has benefited numerous good causes in the community through their generosity, including the American Heart Association, the United Way, and Grandfather Home for Children. prgtoken Having inspiration and determination combined with hard work was their recipe for remarkable success. The Browns are proof that the American Dream is alive and well. Recognizing DKG in Region IX of North Carolina
DEBT CEILING
Mike Braun (Republican, IN) \u2014 2019-7-25

I have the good fortune every Thursday of sitting here anywhere from 3 to 6, depending on what the workload is. Since I have gotten here, as a Senator from Indiana, as a Main Street entrepreneur, almost everything I talk about is stuff that I have learned back in the real world. prgtoken Now and then, there will be a speaker here that breaks up the monotony of sitting there for that amount of time. My friend and fellow Senator, Mr. Lee, couldn't have said it more eloquently. You have a beautiful graph here to show the issue. I am going to take just a few minutes to reinforce what he said. prgtoken When I ran for Senate, I did it out of the frustration that it seems like only here in DC do we hear the same things year after year and nothing ever seems to change. I know the responsibility of leadership and trying to navigate through the system. But sooner or later, we have to simply say enough is enough. prgtoken This year, the President, I really think, wanted to shake the system up, I was hoping, like back in March of 2018, when there was a continuing resolution agreed to, to re-enable defense, which, in my opinion, is probably the most important thing the Federal Government should do. That might be the last time. As Senator Lee said: Look at the chart. prgtoken There was always a good reason in the past, and it was generally along the lines of defending our country. But the ethic back then should be what the ethic is now--like it is for every household, every State government, every school board, and especially every business-- that you borrow money not to consume. That is called putting it on a credit card. In almost everything we do in the Federal Government, there is not a tangible asset to show for it. We are actually spending it and consuming it. prgtoken When you borrow money in any business, there is a difference between expenses and supplies and capital expenditures. We do not even talk about that. prgtoken I am going to accept the reality of the system today. I don't like it. I am going to vote against the bill as well. I have talked to my fellow Members that we need to, sooner or later, quit saying the same things. We need to, sooner or later, reform the system, to actually do things that are going to be different from everything we have done in the past that has led us to this. prgtoken How is it going to happen? We are going to need to have more Senators like Senator Lee, like myself, who get involved and make the case. But the only way this is really going to happen is if Hoosiers and Americans know you could never get by with this in your own household. prgtoken I know I could have never built a national business by doing this over 37 years. It is like in business. People always ask you: How did you get there? I will tell you how I got there: patience, perseverance, hard work, reinvesting every penny I made, borrowing money only when it made sense. And it wasn't for a nicer corpora