mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Lamar Alexander (Republican, TN) \u2014 2020-3-9

on Friday, I flew with President to Tennessee to visit with the Tennesseans who were hurt by the tornadoes last week. prgtoken There were four tornadoes. They hit primarily Benton, Davidson, Wilson, and Putnam Counties. They left 24 dead, and about 150 injured. There were more than 1,500 structures that were damaged. The winds were up to 175 miles per hour in the tornado that reached Putnam County. prgtoken We visited western Putnam County not far from Baxter. I talked to Matt and Angela Struggs there. She told me that at about 2 a.m I guess it was early Wednesday morning, she heard what sounded like a freight train and then a whistle. All the people I talked with heard a freight train and a whistle. prgtoken She said--of course, they were all asleep, as it was 2 a.m. in the morning, and they didn't have any warning. So she ran upstairs as the windows were being blown out of the house, grabbed her youngest child, and came downstairs where her other two children and her husband were, and the sound was gone. They opened the door and looked across the street, and her son said: ``It's gone.'' What was gone were all the homes, all the neighbors. Eight died in that neighborhood alone. prgtoken The first heroes of this tragedy were those neighbors and other neighbors in Nashville, and Benton County, and Mount Juliet in Wilson County. Matt Struggs, the husband of the young woman I was talking with, is a worship leader in their church. This was obviously a very close-knit community. He said: We knew who was left by the sounds of their voices. So we set about finding them and digging them out and getting them to the hospital. prgtoken This is certainly not what anyone would describe as an area of rich Americans, but they would not want to be described either as middle- income or low-income Americans, either. They are what I would call ``salt of the earth'' people, really good people--a very close-knit community whose first reaction and whose reaction the day we were there, 3 days later, was how can we help each other. prgtoken After the neighbors, the next heroes were the first responders. We met with many of them in Cookeville. Next were the volunteers. They turned out by the hundreds. Rick Gilbert, who is disaster coordinator for the Church of Christ in downtown Cookeville, talked with me about what they had there, but he didn't have to tell me. I could see it. There were stockpiles of boxes with everything imaginable that someone would want. Whatever they need, is what we try to give people who come here. prgtoken These Tennesseans were grateful for the visit by President . It was prgtoken more than the fact that this was the first time any President of the United States had visited Cookeville, TN. This is an important town, but it is a town between Nashville and Knoxville about nearly halfway, and Presidents come to Nashville or Knoxville or Memphis or Chattanooga or our bigger cities when t
RECOGNIZING MAKE-A-WISH IOWA
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2020-3-9

last Saturday marked an incredible milestone for Make-a-Wish Iowa. At that event in Dubuque, this organization granted its 4,000th wish to Michael, age 15, from Oelwein, IA. He received a livestock trailer for transporting his show cattle. prgtoken Now, 4,000 wishes is an amazing achievement for Make-a-Wish, which is dedicated to bringing joy to critically ill young people in Iowa. The wishes they grant make such an impact on the lives of these children. prgtoken I congratulate Make-a-Wish Iowa and their many volunteers for their accomplishments. I know they will continue to spread joy, kindness, and compassion for years to come. prgtoken .
ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2020
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2020-3-9

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m Tuesday, March 10; 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 S. 2657; finally, I ask that the Senate recess from 12:30 p.m. until 2:10 p.m. to allow for the weekly conference meetings.
REMEMBERING JOHN ROBERT MILLER
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-3-9

it is my honor today to pay tribute to a brave Kentucky veteran who passed away last month at the age of 96. John Robert Miller, of Glasgow, KY, led a remarkable life of generous service and lasting achievement. As a member of the ``greatest generation,'' John Robert defended our Nation and its ideals before coming home to raise a family and lead his community. prgtoken Like many brave Kentuckians, John Robert volunteered to serve our country during the Second World War. Over the coming years in the Army Artillery, he achieved the rank of technical sergeant and was stationed for 3 years in the South Pacific. For the rest of his life, his pride in our Nation and his military service were well known to all. prgtoken John Robert returned to Barren County after the war and married Christine McGuire, his inseparable partner for the next 67 years. Together they built a proud life. He turned to agriculture, owning a dairy farm while also growing several crops and raising angus cattle. His love for the land inspired John Robert to share his knowledge with the next generation of Kentucky farmers through 4-H. An active mentor and guide, he was elected State chairman of the Kentucky 4-H Leadership Council. prgtoken John Robert seemed to be constantly thinking of how he could help others. In addition to his farm and a small business he owned, he was elected to the Barren County Fiscal Court. With the strong support of those he served, John Robert was twice reelected. As a local election commissioner for more than two decades, he also earned admiration and the lasting gratitude of his community. He received multiple awards in recognition of his life of service for others, including the Barren County Patriot Award. prgtoken I would like to share my heartfelt condolences with John Robert's children, Johnny, Lanny, and Donnie. Their father, John Robert, contributed to our Commonwealth's bright future. Through his hard work, his faith, and his refusal to quit, he left behind a legacy to be proud of. I urge my Senate colleagues to join me in honoring a treasured Kentuckian, John Robert Miller.
ADDING IRELAND TO E-3 NONIMMIGRANT VISA PROGRAM
Kelly Armstrong (Republican, ND) \u2014 2020-3-9

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in support of H.R. 2877, a bill to add Ireland to the E-3 nonimmigrant visa program. prgtoken As we approach St. Patrick's Day, this bill recognizes the unique friendship and working relationship between the United States and Ireland. prgtoken H.R. 2877 allows nationals of Ireland to be eligible to apply for unused E-3 nonimmigrant visas subject to Ireland providing reciprocal access to U.S. nationals. Holders of the E-3 temporary work visa must be working in a specialty occupation while in the United States. prgtoken A specialty occupation is one that is defined in the Immigration and Nationality Act as requiring: prgtoken One, ``theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge; and prgtoken Two, ``attainment of a bachelor's or higher degree in the specific specialty, or its equivalent, as a minimum for entry into the occupation in the United States.'' prgtoken The E-3 applicant must have a job offer from an employer in the United States, and that employer must get a foreign labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor prior to filing a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. prgtoken H.R. 2877 also requires that employers using Irish E-3 visa holders in their workforce are, and will remain, participants in good standing in the E-Verify program. This means that such employers must use E- Verify to ensure those that they employ are eligible to work in the United States. prgtoken E-3 nonimmigrant visas are currently only available to nationals of Australia and are capped at 10,500 per year. prgtoken Australian nationals have never used all of the 10,500 authorized visas in a given year, nor have they even come close to doing so. In fact, the highest number used was during the last fiscal year when 5,807 were issued. prgtoken H.R. 2877 provides that nationals of Ireland can utilize the visas not used by Australians in a given calendar year. For operational purposes, the visa can be issued for the following year but will be counted against the previous year's cap. So the bill does not increase the number of visas authorized and allows Australia, for whose nationals the program was originally created, to have first access to those numbers. prgtoken , H.R. 2877 is a simple bill that reflects the continued friendship between Ireland and the United States. I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and .
IN MEMORY OF THE LIFE OF COACH ROBERT MAXWELL HERRING
Mike Rogers (Republican, AL) \u2014 2020-3-9

. Madam , I ask for the House's attention to recognize the life of Robert Maxwell Herring. prgtoken Herring, best known to most as Coach, passed away on March 3rd, a day shy of his 80th birthday. prgtoken Coach was a letterman in four sports in high school and went on to play football, basketball and baseball at Mississippi College. He finished his undergraduate degree at Mississippi State. prgtoken He began his coaching career in 1969 in Birmingham, moving later to North Alabama and then to his hometown in Mississippi. He won two private school state football titles in 1975 and 1983. prgtoken In 1985, Coach Herring took the head coaching job at Oxford High School in Oxford, Alabama. Over the next 14 years, he created a football powerhouse. He won three Class 5A state titles in 1988, 1989 and 1993. Herring retired under the Alabama system in 1998 and went on to be the head coach at Newnan High School in Georgia. In 2001, he was elected to the Alabama High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame and in 2012, he was inducted in the Calhoun County's Sports Hall of Fame. prgtoken He was selected as Coach of the Year in Calhoun County by his peers in 1986, 1988, 1991, 1993 and 1998. In 1993, he was named Coach of the Year for Class 5A by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. He retired from coaching after the 2008 season. prgtoken Coach Herring was a Christian man devoted to his family and married to the love of his life, Gail Edmondson Herring. They were blessed with four children: Reagan, Randa, Robert and Ryan. He was ``Big Dad'' to seven grandchildren. prgtoken Madam , please join me in recognizing the life of Coach Robert Herring and his service and dedication to young athletes for 40 years. He will be greatly missed.
BICENTENNIAL OF MAINE
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2020-3-9

on March 15, 1820, Maine became our Nation's 23rd State. It is a pleasure to join my fellow Mainers in celebrating this bicentennial and the generations of people who have written an inspiring and remarkable history. prgtoken The story of Maine begins long before President James Monroe signed the legislation granting statehood to what had been a district of Massachusetts. For thousands of years, the land has been home to the Wabanaki, who have drawn sustenance from Maine's woods and waters. The People of the Dawn remain valued members of our communities today, and their reverence for nature is the foundation of the ethic of environmental stewardship that continues to guide our State. prgtoken French explorers, led by Samuel de Champlain, first visited the area in 1604. In 1607, more than a decade before prgtoken the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth, bold English pioneers established Popham Colony and constructed the first sailing ship built in North America. Ten years later, Captain John Smith sailed the North Atlantic coast and named the region ``New England.'' prgtoken The European settlers that followed cleared farm fields, cut timber, and harvested the bounty of the sea. They harnessed rivers to power grain, lumber, and textile mills. With pick and shovel, they built roads and, later, railroads to connect communities to one another and Maine to the world. prgtoken In June of 1775, just 2 months after Lexington and Concord, the first naval battle of the American Revolution was fought at Machias. Armed with nothing more than muskets, pitchforks, and axes, a militia of 30 patriots captured a British warship in a stunning American victory. When the British tried again to subdue that hotbed of revolution 2 years later, Passamaquoddy warriors joined with the local militia to repel the invasion. prgtoken We are a State of immigrants, first from England, Scotland, and Ireland, then from Scandinavia. When the Acadians fled persecution in British Canada, many found new homes in Maine, establishing our rich Franco-American heritage. In recent years, Maine has opened its arms to thousands of refugees from Somalia and other nations in Africa and the Middle East. prgtoken Maine achieved statehood as a result of legislation that admitted two new States--Maine and Missouri--to the Union--one free, one slave. Freedom is a theme that resonates throughout Maine's history. prgtoken During the era when slavery stained our young Nation, Mainers were fervent abolitionists and hosted a vital part of the Underground Railroad. It was in Maine that Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote ``Uncle Tom's Cabin,'' the novel that brought the horror of slavery into homes throughout America. prgtoken During the Civil War, Maine provided more soldiers per capita to the Union cause than any other State. When Joshua Chamberlain and the 20th Maine made their heroic charge at Little Round Top, they turned the tide at Gettysburg and saved our Nation s
EASTERN EUROPEAN SECURITY ACT
Ted S. Yoho (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-3-9

such time as I may consume. prgtoken I rise today in support of the Eastern European Security Act, introduced by the lead of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr. prgtoken Michael McCaul. This bipartisan bill supports our NATO allies and American jobs and is the best way to secure the NATO alliance. prgtoken The NATO alliance is essential to our national security, but it is only as strong as its most vulnerable members. Some newer member countries with smaller economies want to purchase American military hardware, but such purchases are often out of reach. As a result, these partner nations are forced to purchase less expensive and, often, less reliable military equipment from other allies or even our strategic competitors, Russia and China. Such purchases threaten America's security as well as the security of the alliance. prgtoken This bill would give the executive branch the flexibility it needs to help secure the sale of American military equipment to our NATO allies, which will not only promote our national security interests but, also, promote American jobs and bring in revenue to the treasury over the life of the loan. prgtoken This legislation is long overdue, and I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this very important bipartisan bill. prgtoken , .
SUPPORTING JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS OF SANCTUARY CITIES ACT
Rick W. Allen (Republican, GA) \u2014 2020-3-10

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding. I thank Congressman Ted Budd for calling this Special Order and for introducing the Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act. prgtoken One of my top priorities is to secure our border and restore the rule of law in our immigration system. We are one of the most blessed nations on the face of the Earth, and we have one of the best and most generous legal immigration systems out there. prgtoken We allow more than a million people to come through the system legally each year. On top of that, we have almost a million students here on student visas, studying in our colleges and universities. prgtoken We are a Nation of laws, and just as every American citizen is held accountable under the law for the crimes they commit, so should every alien who comes across that border illegally. That is why I am proud to be a cosponsor of the Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act. prgtoken This bill holds illegal aliens in sanctuary cities accountable for the heinous crimes they commit on American soil. Specifically, this bill allows victims to sue the sanctuary city where the crime took place. prgtoken It is alarming that we shield illegal aliens from the consequences of violating Federal law, yet an American citizen who commits a crime is held accountable under the law. This must end, and we must give the victims of these horrific crimes the justice they deserve. prgtoken To further end the harmful practices of sanctuary cities, I am also a proud cosponsor of the Ending Sanctuary Cities Act. This bill prohibits Federal grant funding to any city or county that violates Federal immigration law. prgtoken I am proud to support two critical bills that take steps toward preventing future violent and unprovoked crimes by illegal immigrants. prgtoken I thank President for his leadership in fighting against the cruelty of sanctuary cities by stating his support for the Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act during his State of the Union Address. prgtoken This should not be a partisan issue, as no one is above the law. prgtoken I stand with my colleagues and President . We must fix our broken immigration system, continue building the wall, and strengthen our immigration laws for the safety and security of the American people. prgtoken I will continue fighting against sanctuary cities and their abuse of our great Nation.
SUPPORT FOR VETERANS IN EFFECTIVE APPRENTICESHIPS ACT OF 2019
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-3-10

I thank the gentlewoman from Nevada and the gentleman from Kansas for their support of this very important piece of legislation. prgtoken I rise in support of S. 760, the Support for Veterans in Effective Apprenticeships Act of 2019. I was proud to introduce the House companion bill, H.R. 5314, with my colleague, Representative Katherine Clark. prgtoken Our Nation's veterans deserve our support while deployed and when they return home. One of the best ways to do that is to prepare them for the workforce outside of the military. prgtoken Our servicemembers have attained incredible skills during their service, many times, quite frankly, under fire. Sadly, when they return to civilian life, finding a good-paying, family-sustaining job may be difficult. prgtoken Many States have significant inconsistencies between the number of registered apprenticeships offered and the number of programs listed as approved for veterans' benefits. These discrepancies exist despite the simple, expedited VA approval process for apprenticeship sponsors who have gone through all the steps to register their programs through the Department of Labor at either the Federal or the State level. prgtoken The VA approval process still requires additional steps that not all sponsors follow through to completion. This makes it difficult in many States for veterans to have the full list of apprenticeship programs where they can use their earned benefits and apply their learned skills and knowledge. prgtoken H.R. 5314 helps streamline the process of attaining an apprenticeship and reduces roadblocks for our veterans. prgtoken The bill ensures programs are equipped to complete the expedited VA process for registered apprenticeships and expands coordination between the Department of Labor and the Department of Veterans Affairs. prgtoken Now, additionally, the bill clarifies that veterans are eligible for advanced placement and appropriate wage increases and instructs apprenticeship programs to account for a participant's competencies and prior experiences, including those gained during military service. prgtoken , I am proud to support this bill, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.
ADVANCED GEOTHERMAL INNOVATION LEADERSHIP ACT OF 2019--Continued
Martha McSally (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2020-3-10

last week, I cosponsored a bipartisan resolution honoring the three American firefighters who lost their lives fighting Australia's bush fires this year, including First Officer Paul Hudson, from Buckeye, AZ. Each of these men gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to others. prgtoken Paul dedicated his life to protecting others, first as a marine and then as a firefighter. He served in the Marine Corps for 20 years, including as a C-130 pilot, before retiring as a lieutenant colonel. Paul graduated from the Naval Academy in 1999 and later went on to earn a master's degree in business administration and information technology management from the Naval Postgraduate School. prgtoken When aid was needed in Australia to combat the devastating wildfires, Paul jumped into action and put his life on the line to help others. He was only 42 years old when he was killed in a plane crash while fighting to extinguish these awful fires. My heart and my prayers, and Arizona's heart and Arizona's prayers, go out to his wife, Noreen, and her loss. Arizona will not forget Paul's immense selflessness and his sacrifice. prgtoken . prgtoken .
CONGRATULATING JILLIAN LARRABEE
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2020-3-10

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Jillian Larrabee from Durham High School in northern California for winning the giant slalom race during the California-Nevada Interscholastic Ski and Snowboard Federation championships. prgtoken As a resident of Durham, Jillian lived on her family's farm during the week and drove to Lake Tahoe on the weekends to train and pursue her dream of professional skiing. prgtoken Her high school never had a ski and snowboard team, so Jillian petitioned the Durham Unified School Board in hopes of bringing a team to her school. Earlier this year, the board approved her request for the 2020 season. prgtoken Jillian was the lone competitor to make the championship from Durham High during their inaugural year. She finished her first run in 1 minute and 13 seconds and then narrowed that time by clocking a run of 1 minute and 9.6 seconds, which finished a full second faster than the second-place skier in the giant slalom. prgtoken As a result of her outstanding performance, Jillian was named to the all-State team, the only member from the Butte County area. prgtoken From hard work and persistence comes great success for her and her school. Congratulations, Jillian.
ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2020
James Lankford (Republican, OK) \u2014 2020-3-10

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m Wednesday, March 11; 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 S.J. Res. 56 and that all time expire at noon; finally, that following disposition of S.J. Res. 56, the Senate be in a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
FEDERALLY REQUIRING EARNED EDUCATION-DEBT DISCHARGES FOR VETS ACT
Steve Watkins (Republican, KS) \u2014 2020-3-10

such time as I may consume. prgtoken I thank the President for all he has done for our veterans. I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Lamb) as well as the gentlewoman from Nevada (Mrs. Lee) for all of their hard work in making this piece of legislation a reality. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 3598. prgtoken , .