mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Steve Scalise (Republican, LA) \u2014 2019-12-12

. I appreciate that. It just seems an odd break from the rule that is designed to ensure that both sides are heard, and that is why there is an opportunity for a minority day of hearing. prgtoken The opportunity was requested, and the opportunity was denied, and then the committee today is going to be voting. The committee is acting as a jury to remove a President of the United States. Clearly, there were witnesses that we sought to bring forward that we were not allowed to bring forward, breaking from the custom and tradition of all the other impeachments that we have had. Clearly, the Nixon rules were repeated with Clinton so that both sides were treated fairly. prgtoken For whatever reason, this majority chose not to follow that custom and tradition, so the minority was not allowed to bring all the witnesses that we requested, and so the minority day of hearing was the only opportunity to present additional evidence that was sought. prgtoken And so if the jury, in essence, today is going to give a verdict, which they are, I would expect that the committee is going to pass the Articles of Impeachment. prgtoken You had over 70 percent of this committee, the Judiciary Committee, over 70 percent of the members of this jury already voted to impeach the President on various votes that have been taken on this House floor. So if the jury doesn't want to hear the other side's argument, it begs the question: Was the jury rigged?
TRIBUTE TO ALYSSA LIEDLE-CAISSEY AND KAI BAUER
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2019-12-12

this week I have the honor of recognizing the first set of graduates from Anaconda Junior/Senior High School's Copper Academy, Alyssa Liedle-Caissey and Kai Bauer. prgtoken The Anaconda Junior/Senior High School's Copper Academy allows students to learn at a different pace and in a unique environment which includes the use of online programs that have visual demonstrations and explanations for different educational requirements. prgtoken Alyssa and Kai both took a chance participating in this program, and it paid off. They both graduated 6 months early. I am very proud of these two young Montanans for pushing themselves and showing the Anaconda community that this new, individualized program allows students to thrive. Congratulations to Alyssa and Kai on their graduation from the Copper Academy. I wish them the best of luck as they transition into the next steps of their lives.
LOWER DRUG COSTS NOW ACT OF 2019
Kevin Brady (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-12-12

. Madam Chair, . prgtoken So we have heard today that we should pass H.R. 3 because you can go to Canada and get medicines for pennies on the dollar. Here is what they don't tell you: prgtoken There are lots of medicines you can get for zero in Canada because they are not available. Canadians have access to about half of the lifesaving cures available here in America. prgtoken Guess where they come when they need that cure and that recent medical breakthrough? They come to America. prgtoken What happens when we start acting and behaving like Canada? Who is going to be our safety net? prgtoken Why should patients in America have to choose between affordable medicines and a lifesaving cure for Alzheimer's, ALS, Parkinson's, or cancer? prgtoken Why should parents with sick children in America be forced to wait longer for the newest drug breakthrough that could save their life? prgtoken Why should Americans face a shorter life? prgtoken Because the costliest and most painful drug to me is the one that was never created. prgtoken At the depths of Nancy Pelosi's drug bill is a dangerous trade-off: lower drug prices in the short term, but fewer lifesaving cures in the future. prgtoken This is a cruel and false choice, which is why this bill will quickly die with no bipartisan support in the Senate. prgtoken As s, we believe we need to do both: lower drug prices and accelerate new lifesaving cures. prgtoken , .
TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF PAT WOOTON
Harold Rogers (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-12-13

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to the memory of a long-time friend and advisor, Mr. Dennis Patrick ``Pat'' Wooton, one of Buckhorn, Kentucky's most beloved sons. His experience in education, law enforcement, coaching, local government operations and politics made him one of the most well-known and well- versed leaders in the Kentucky River area. It was his charming, encouraging and quick-witted personality that enabled him to become an instant friend to everyone he met along the way, and I count myself blessed to have been a part of his expansive friendship circle. prgtoken When I needed someone to transition field operations in Eastern Kentucky from my Congressional Office in Hazard, Pat Wooton was my top choice. As the former Pen-y County Sheriff, Pat was one of the first leaders in law enforcement to partner with Operation UNITE. He was determined to impact the prescription drug abuse epidemic that first ravaged our region 20 years ago. During a time when the stigma surrounding drug abuse paralyzed our communities, Pat stood strong in the face of adversity, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Operation UNITE to save lives and transform our region. prgtoken No one knew or loved the intricate facets of Perry County and life in the mountains, more than he did. As my Eastern Kentucky field man, Pat worked directly with local leaders across more than a dozen counties, bridging communications and funding resources for vital projects like infrastructure expansions, roadway enhancements, local emergency disaster response, economic development projects, and much more. His advocacy for improving communities in Eastern Kentucky was inspiring. When Pat entered a meeting, no one had to guess where he was from, because the City of Buckhorn was always at the top of his list for project needs. Naturally, when he retired from his post in my Congressional office, he served as mayor of his hometown. prgtoken Pat thrived on serving others throughout his entire life, starting in the Vietnam War, when the U.S. Anny honored him with several service medals, including the Bronze Star. After returning to American soil, he dedicated his service to educating and coaching students at Buckhorn High School, where he became one of the most highly respected and loved principals in the school's history. He took education to a new level, focusing as much on mentoring and inspiring young people, as he did teaching textbook material. prgtoken Whether he was serving on local community boards, coaching young athletes, enhancing education and law enforcement in one of the most rural parts of the country, or simply meeting someone for the first time, Pat Wooton made a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. His ability to recite memorable Eastern Kentucky expressions stirred many smiles and laughs over the years among friends and associates. prgtoken As we remember our dear friend, may we carry forward Pat's legacy of service and kind
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Tim Burchett (Republican, TN) \u2014 2019-12-13

. Madam , I was unable to attend the vote series on December 12, 2019 due to health concerns. If I was present, I would have voted the following ways: Walden Amendment No. 1-YES; O'Halleran Amendment No. 5-NO; Gottheimer Amendment No. 7-NO; Luria Amendment No. 10-NO; Cunningham Amendment No. 11-NO; Motion to Recommit- YES; and Passage of H.R. 3--Fewer Cures and More Government Price Control Act-NO.
HONORING ROBERT H. DOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Jimmy Panetta (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-12-13

. Madam , I rise today on behalf of Robert H. Down Elementary School, which has been recognized as a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School for fostering an engaging, community-oriented learning environment for students on the central coast of California. prgtoken Robert Down School has created a dynamic learning environment with an educational philosophy that emphasizes academic enrichment through community engagement and individualized learning objectives, catered to the emotional, social, and academic needs of each of its students. In addition to a rigorous academic curriculum, Robert Down Elementary features programs that promote learning in social-emotional studies, character development, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics), foreign languages, vocal and instrumental music, journalism, visual/performing arts, and other subjects to provide students with a robust and multifaceted learning experience. prgtoken In 2018, with the help of dedicated staff, courageous leadership, supportive family, and engaged community, all students and significant student groups scored in the highest band of academic performance for both English Language Arts and Mathematics on the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress--a testament to Robert Down School's deep commitment to fostering a comprehensive, transformative learning experience for all of its students. prgtoken Robert Down School is setting the bar for academic intervention programs across the country. The intervention program, which is fluid and adapts to students' individual needs, works both within the general education classroom and outside the core curricula time, in the community and at home, to ensure that all students are set on a path of academic success. Students enter reading, writing, and/or mathematics intervention based on diagnostic information, analysis of assessments, evaluation of the student's daily performance in the classroom, and teacher consultation. Students are given benchmark assessments three times a year and are provided with monthly progress monitoring to ensure the program's criteria is responsive to the ever-evolving needs of its students. prgtoken The teachers and staff at Robert Down School are deeply committed to developing bright and high-achieving students. Madam , I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the achievement and hard work of Robert H. Down Elementary School and their well-deserved recognition as a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School.
INTRODUCTION OF THE FAA FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT
Alcee L. Hastings (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2019-12-13

. Madam , I rise today to introduce the FAA family and Medical Leave Act. This legislation will ensure that employees of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are extended the same paid parental leave benefits afforded to other government employees under the conference report for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020. prgtoken The conference report to the NDAA, which was announced earlier this week and passed in the House of Representatives Wednesday evening, secured a critical provision for federal employees that will provide 12 weeks of paid parental leave in the case of birth, adoption, or fostering. The provision will help the federal government retain talent and remain competitive with private industry. prgtoken Unfortunately, this section was drafted to apply to Title 5 only, which has resulted in FAA employees being left out of this very important benefit. More than 35,000 federal employees across our nation are responsible for managing air traffic control, aircraft, and airport safety. I believe we must move quickly to address this oversight and ensure that FAA employees receive the paid parental leave benefits they rightly deserve under the NDAA agreement. prgtoken Madam , I am proud to introduce this measure and urge this body to provide for its immediate consideration.
HONORING DAVID E. WHITEHEAD
Russ Fulcher (Republican, ID) \u2014 2019-12-14

. Madam , I rise today to honor the work of an esteemed engineer and inventor in Idaho, David Whitehead. Modern engineering has changed the way we live--not only in Idaho--but across the world and in no small part because of the team at Schweitzer Engineering and Mr. Whitehead. Schweitzer Engineering was started in 1982 and shipped the first digital protective relay and today provides products and services for electrical utilities, healthcare, government, and highly specialized facilities. In 1994, Dave joined Schweitzer Engineering, and worked his way up to the position of Chief Executive Officer, and has over 70 patents to his name. On December 14th, Mr. Whitehead will be awarded an honorary Doctorate of Engineering by the University of Idaho at the December Commencement Ceremony. I join the communities of Idaho in honoring his hard work, dedication, and passion in the world of technology. It's work like this, and people like Dave Whitehead, that has propelled the United States to be the most technologically advanced country in the world.
FUNDING INSTRUCTION FOR SAFETY, HEALTH, AND SECURITY AVOIDS FISHING EMERGENCIES ACT
Mike Bost (Republican, IL) \u2014 2019-12-16

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , H.R. 4719 restores the Federal cost-share for the Fishing Safety Training Grant Program and the Fishing Safety Research Grant Program to 75 percent. prgtoken In 2010, Congress imposed additional safety requirements on U.S. commercial fishing vessels and created these grant programs to assist the fishing industry and fishermen in meeting the additional costs of these requirements. prgtoken The grant programs were first funded in 2018. In 2018, Congress also transferred responsibility for the programs to the Department of Health and Human Services. prgtoken H.R. 4719 sets the Federal share of the grants to 75 percent and extends the authorization for the grants through fiscal year 2021. The Senate Commerce Committee reported a provision similar to H.R. 4719 in its Coast Guard Authorization Act. prgtoken The bill also repeals and updates sections of the law dealing with the former United States Lighthouse Service. The service became part of the United States Coast Guard in 1939. prgtoken I commend Congressman Golden and the dean of the House, Don Young, for introducing this bipartisan legislation. Of the 9 leading fishing ports in the United States by volume, the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young) represents 5 of them. Of the top 10 fishing ports by value, he represents 6. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and .
BATTLE OF THE BULGE
Kevin Cramer (Republican, ND) \u2014 2019-12-16

today's 75th anniversary of the beginning of the Battle of the Bulge presents an opportunity to honor the heroism of the Allied forces who fought in this last major German offensive in Western Europe during World War II. More than 650,000 troops from the United States, Great Britain, Belgium, Canada, and other countries fought in this battle to defeat Nazi Germany. These soldiers bravely fought for 38 days from December 16, 1944, to January 25, 1945, and their victory made possible the final defeat and surrender of Germany in May 1945. prgtoken More than 40 Senate colleagues joined in cosponsoring S. Con Res. 23, which my West Virginia colleague, Mr. Manchin, and I introduced and the Senate passed last week to remember the significance of this historic battle. prgtoken The Battle of the Bulge was an attempt by the Germans to split the Allied forces and pressure them to seek a negotiated peace. These troops, located in the Ardennes region of Belgium and Luxembourg, were greatly outnumbered by the German Army as they faced harsh weather conditions and treacherous and unknown terrain. prgtoken It is difficult to comprehend the massive losses incurred from this one battle--including 89,000 American casualties. Nineteen thousand American soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice, with another 47,500 wounded and more than 23,000 captured or missing in action. Other nations suffered great losses as well. Belgium lost more than 74,000 civilians, in addition to many more who suffered through other atrocities that come with war. They persevered through this dark time and rebuilt their lives the best way they could after the war ended. prgtoken In the decades since, the citizens of Belgium and Luxembourg have generously hosted thousands of U.S. veterans as they have kept the memory of the Battle of the Bulge alive through numerous memorials and museums. Among them has been one of North Dakota's most distinguished World War II veterans, Lynn Aas of Minot. prgtoken Mr. Aas enlisted in the U.S. Army in August 1942 at the age of 21 and was called into service in March 1943. He was assigned to the 193rd Glider Regiment in the 17th Airborne Division. Arriving in England in August 1944, he prgtoken mastered glider-use techniques and was deployed in France on December 24. He first went to Camp Mourmelon, followed by Charleville-Mezieres, where his division was attached to George Patton's U.S. Third Army. There, he was among those ordered to defend a 30-mile defensive position along the Meuse River whose mission was to prevent the German advance in the Belgian Ardennes area. prgtoken On January 5, 1945, Private First Class Aas crossed the Belgian border and settled in a wooded area near Bastogne. Combat ensued 2 days later as the Battle of the Bulge was raging. The fighting was so intense the area became forever known as Dead Man's Ridge. As he and his unit continued to advance toward Luxembourg, they pushed enemy lines
DEBBIE SMITH ACT OF 2019
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-12-16

I have long maintained that rape victims shouldn't have to wait years for justice, and that is why I supported the original version of the Debbie Smith Act when the Senate Judiciary Committee originated it more than 15 years ago. I am delighted that we last week reached a compromise enabling Congress to send another 5-year reauthorization of the Debbie Smith Act to the President's desk this year. prgtoken Congress has generously funded the program authorized by this statute at roughly $100 million annually since its inception. Unfortunately, however, we have seen repeated media reports that a backlog of untested sexual assault evidence persists in many States, and the Justice Department, which administers this formula grant program, has not done enough to tackle persistent issues with the program's implementation. prgtoken These reports concerned me, and at a 2016 meeting of the Judiciary Committee, I began voicing questions about whether rape victims were truly the top priority under our DNA Capacity and Backlog Enhancement Program. I also questioned whether additional oversight was needed. I insisted at this time that transparency requirements be added to the Justice for All Act reauthorization prior to its passage by the full Senate. These changes, which I later offered as a floor amendment and which the Senate accepted by voice vote in 2016, ensure that the Justice Department collects and reports more data about how Federal grant funds are being spent. prgtoken In 2017, I also called on a government watchdog agency to assess the progress we have made in reducing backlogs of untested DNA evidence in sexual assault kits since the enactment of the Debbie Smith Act grant program. Last year, as chairman of the Judiciary Committee, I also convened an oversight hearing to review Congress' billion-dollar investment in the DNA backlog program, which makes Federal resources available each year for crime laboratories across the country to analyze untested DNA evidence collected from crime scenes and convicted offenders. prgtoken The Government Accountability Office, or GAO, testified at last year's congressional hearing that we still don't know with certainty that this program is working. GAO explained--and this year reconfirmed in the final report prepared by GAO at my request--that the Justice Department has yet to articulate measurable program-wide goals for the grant program authorized by the Debbie Smith Act, making it difficult to assess and verify State grantees' performance. GAO raised similar concerns in a 2013 report on this national program. GAO also suggested the need for the Justice Department to implement additional steps to prevent lobbying-related conflicts of interest. prgtoken This year, I developed additional proposed reforms in response to the issues that GAO and others raised. I want to thank Penny Nance of Concerned Women for America, who testified at my invitation at last year
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
John Hoeven (Republican, ND) \u2014 2019-12-16

I rise today to speak about the National Defense Authorization Act. I want to begin by thanking the chairman of the Armed Services Committee and also his ranking member, Senator Jack Reed. I think Senator Inhofe and Senator Reed have both shown tremendous leadership on behalf of our men and women in uniform, working together in a bipartisan way. prgtoken The Presiding Officer, as a member of our military still today, can certainly vouch for the importance of this legislation. The way they worked together and got this done, I think, is exactly the way people would want the chairman and ranking member of the Armed Services Committee to work on behalf of our military. So I thank the good Senator from Oklahoma and his ranking member. It is really an outstanding effort. prgtoken This is a very important piece of legislation. Of course, it is something that we need to get done on behalf of our military, the finest men and women in uniform in the world. This is an incredibly important support. I thank not only the chairman and the ranking member, but I also thank all of my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee for their diligence and for their efforts to reach a conference agreement on this National Defense Authorization Act. This is a critical piece of legislation that supports our Armed Forces. prgtoken This year, the conference agreed to $738 billion in overall funding authorization. I am a member of the Defense Appropriations Committee, so I work on the other side of the equation to make sure that those authorizations are funded. Obviously, this includes numerous provisions and investments that build readiness, modernize our force, and preserve our status as the world's preeminent military power. prgtoken In addition to providing a 3.1-percent pay raise for our men and women in uniform--the largest increase in nearly a decade--the agreement also includes important provisions to support our servicemembers and veterans. I am proud to have worked on some of those and backed, of course, not only those provisions but other provisions that make this very good legislation for our men and women in uniform. prgtoken Similar to legislation I helped introduce earlier this year, the NDAA extends TRICARE Reserve Select eligibility to all guardsmen and reservists, including those who also are Federal employees. That is effective beginning January 1, 2030. That is something that I know members of our Guard and Reserve felt was very important. prgtoken It also includes the Military Widow's Tax Elimination Act, which repeals the current military widow's tax to ensure that surviving military spouses receive their full survivor benefits. prgtoken Another bipartisan bill that I wrote together with the Senator from New Hampshire, Mrs. Jeanne Shaheen, the Air Traffic Controller Hiring Reform Act of 2019, is included in this legislation as well. It enables the FAA to prioritize the hiring of veterans and graduates of