mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CLEARANCE MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION ACT
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2019-1-29

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of H.R. 424, the Department of Homeland Security Clearance Management and Administration Act. prgtoken , before I begin, let me say I am pleased that we have reached the end of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. I am grateful to the women and men of DHS and their families for their professionalism during this difficult month. We should all recognize that they continue to serve our country every day by keeping our citizens safe. prgtoken , I have reintroduced H.R. 424, the Department of Homeland Security Clearance Management and Administration Act, to reform how the department manages its security clearance processes. It is no secret that the security clearance process is in dire need of change. prgtoken Since September 11, there has been massive growth in the amount of classified material across the Federal Government. In many cases, material is over-classified where it is kept at a higher classification level or at a higher classification level for longer than needed. The explosion in the number of Federal positions requiring security clearances has driven an enormous backlog in security clearance background investigations. prgtoken As of last Congress, the average waiting period for an initial background check for a top-secret clearance was 390 days--more than a year. The average waiting period for a reinvestigation of an individual holding a top-secret clearance was 518 days--nearly 1\1/2\ years. prgtoken The delays caused by this enormous backlog represent very real barriers to employment and promotion within government. Many individuals with clearances do not actually need clearances to do their jobs. According to a 2014 report by the Office of Management and Budget, 40 percent of all individuals with clearances did not even have access to classified information as part of their work. prgtoken Misclassification of national security positions is not only wasteful of government resources but creates needless barriers to entry and advancement. Clearly, the clearance system is in desperate need of significant reform. prgtoken H.R. 424 would help put DHS on a path to rightsizing its ranks by ensuring that national security positions are properly designated. prgtoken H.R. 424 would also require DHS to conform, from time to time, that its security designations are still appropriate. This would ensure that the department is not needlessly limiting the applicant pool for positions that do not require access to classified information. prgtoken While the executive branch is exploring ways to improve the way in which positions are designated for clearances, H.R. 424 would allow DHS to become a leader in modernizing and streamlining this system. prgtoken Finally, H.R. 424 would require DHS to keep applicants' and employees' personal information safe from data breaches. prgtoken Taken together, these reforms represent progress toward fixi
STRENGTHENING AMERICA'S SECURITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST ACT OF 2019--MOTION TO PROCEED--Resumed
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-1-29

I come to the Senate floor today with a sense of great disappointment--disappointment in what my colleague, the senior Senator from Florida, and the leader have done with the bill before us today. They have taken a bill that had broad bipartisan support--maybe unanimous bipartisan support--and tried to turn it into a political weapon. In the process, they are doing a great disservice to the American people and to all of us who value the tradition of strong, bipartisan support for our friend and ally Israel. prgtoken I am a cosponsor of the original bill, S. 2497, entitled the ``United States-Israel Security Assistance Authorization Act of 2018.'' It is a bill to codify the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Israel. It was forged under President and provides Israel with $38 billion in security assistance over the next 10 years. This includes $33 billion in foreign military financing funds to Israel and $5 billion in missile defense assistance for the Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow 3. prgtoken That is a lot of money when you consider the many priorities we have here at home and abroad. In fact, more than one-half of our entire global foreign military financing--the security assistance we provide to all of our partners and allies around the world--goes to Israel. In my view, that is an important investment. It is an important investment to support our friend and our democratic ally Israel from the many threats it faces in a very dangerous neighborhood--threats from Iran, Syria, Hezbollah, Hamas, and many others. prgtoken We need to make sure Israel maintains a strong military edge to defend itself, and that is why there was strong bipartisan support for that original bill. But then the leader took a bill with broad bipartisan support for Israel and added a provision designed to retaliate against American citizens who express their disagreement with certain policies of the Government of Israel by participating in certain boycott activities. Specifically, the Senator from Florida added a provision that encourages States throughout the country to pass laws to punish American citizens who choose to protest the settlement policies of the government of Prime Minister Netanyahu by either boycotting products made in Israeli settlements in the West Bank or by not otherwise engaging in commerce with such settlements. prgtoken I want to make this clear. While I disagree with some of the policies adopted by the Netanyahu government in Israel, I do not--I do not--in any way support a boycott as a method of expressing those disagreements. Let me be equally clear. I will fiercely defend the constitutional right of any American citizen to express his or her views in such a peaceful way if they so choose, just as I would support the right of every American to engage in other political boycotts to peacefully express their political views without fear of bein
THE FLOOD INSURANCE FOR FARMERS ACT OF 2019
John Garamendi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-1-29

. Madam , today I introduce the ``Flood Insurance for Farmers Act of 2019,'' with my colleague Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-CA). This bipartisan bill builds upon the ``Flood and Agriculture Risk Management (FARM) Cost Reduction Act of 2017'' and legislation I sponsored in the 114th Congress. prgtoken The ``Flood Insurance for Farmers Act of 2019'' would provide access to discounted rates under the National Flood Insurance Program to families who have farmed the Sacramento Valley floodplain for generations. This will help keep agricultural land in production, which is the best way to push back against irresponsible subdivisions in the floodplain that place lives at risk and force farms onto the auction block. prgtoken Under current law, areas designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as ``Special Flood Hazard Areas'' require that all new, expanded, or repaired structures be raised above potential flood level. In much of the Sacramento Valley, this would require raising barns and silos upwards of 10 feet, which is cost prohibitive for many farmers or simply inconsistent with continued agricultural land use. prgtoken Currently, FEMA assumes there is zero protection if a levee does not meet the federally mandated 100-year level of flood protection and charges full-cost rates under the National Flood Insurance Program. This effectively precludes Sacramento Valley farmers from making capital improvements on their operations or securing the necessary financing for such capital improvements. Our bipartisan bill would lift this de facto federal prohibition on new construction and repairs of agricultural structures in high flood-risk areas designated by FEMA. prgtoken Specifically, the ``Flood Insurance for Farmers Act'' would direct FEMA to develop a new flood mapping zone for basins in the Sacramento Valley and elsewhere nationwide protected by levees that do not currently meet the federally mandated 100-year level of flood protection. Rates charged under the National Flood Insurance Program in this new flood zone would be based on actuarial risk. This means that if levees provide a 50-year level of flood protection, FEMA would charge rates based on that discounted risk level. This ensures that farming families can get more affordable flood insurance that reflects the levees they pay to upkeep. prgtoken The ``Flood Insurance for Farmers Act'' is endorsed by the California Rice Commission, USA Rice Federation, American Farm Bureau Federation, California Farm Bureau Federation, Sacramento County Farm Bureau, Yuba- Sutter Farm Bureau, Yolo County Farm Bureau, California Cattlemen's Association, Dairy Institute of California, and the Sutter Butte Flood Control Agency. prgtoken I thank Congressman LaMalfa for his support as the bill's original cosponsor and look forward to continuing to work together on this critical issue for Sacramento Valley farmers. I also want to thank all the California-based and na
STRENGTHENING AMERICA'S SECURITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST ACT OF 2019--MOTION TO PROCEED--Resumed
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-1-29

hundreds of thousands of Federal workers are, thank God, returning to work this week to tackle a backlog that has been building for over a month. Over that time, the U.S. economy suffered a loss of $11 billion, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office--$11 billion for the President's temper tantrum, including $3 billion that can never be recovered. That is an expensive temper tantrum. The individual costs are even harder than the big numbers. prgtoken Who knows how many Federal workers missed a doctor's appointment or fell behind on their payments because they weren't getting their paychecks. Federal contractors will not get backpay and may have lost health insurance entirely during the shutdown. Senator Smith is working on legislation to fix that problem. prgtoken While even Federal employees and contractors are returning to work, they still might be digging out of the hole that the shutdown put them in. I hope this serves as a lesson to President and all of my colleagues--no more shutdown. We cannot repeat this same nightmare scenario in 3 weeks when the CR expires. We will not shut down the government. We hope President has learned his lesson. He touched a very hot stove. We hope our colleagues will join us, as they did last Thursday, to make sure there is no shutdown. Thankfully, I have heard several of my colleagues say that. A number of them, including some of the most senior s, have said we shouldn't have another shutdown. So we look forward to working with you to avoid that in every possible way. prgtoken The House and Senate conferees should strive, instead, to find common ground where it already exists and build from there. The good news is they begin with plenty to work with. and s agree on the need for stronger border security measures at our ports of entry as well as the need for more humanitarian assistance. That is a good place to start. prgtoken Plenty of column inches have been dedicated to the discussion of areas where s and have friction, but several times over the past 2 years, Congress has come together to reach big compromises, including two budget agreements and a landmark Russia sanctions bill. The common theme of those agreements is that the President stayed out of the prgtoken negotiations. Because President gave Congress space to find a deal on our own, we were able to strike an accord. That is what we will need again if the conference committee is to succeed, because the President has no understanding of what the realities are in this Senate and in the House and no consistency in what he says one day and what he says the next. As I said, negotiating with President is like negotiating with Jell-O. prgtoken So let and s, the House and Senate, come to an agreement, and my guess is we can avoid a shutdown.
INTRODUCTION OF CIVICS LEARNING ACT OF 2019
Alcee L. Hastings (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2019-1-29

. Madam , I rise today to introduce the Civics Learning Act of 2019, a bipartisan bill that focuses on increasing civic participation by ensuring that young people in our country receive a strong civics education. prgtoken It might surprise you to learn that, according to the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania, in 2018 only 32 percent of Americans surveyed were capable of naming all three branches of government. Only 30 percent of Americans surveyed knew that the Senate is in charge of confirming Supreme Court nominees. In 2017, only 37 percent of Americans surveyed could name any of the rights guaranteed under the First Amendment. In 2014, only 23 percent of eighth graders performed at or above the proficient level on the National Assessment of Educational Progress civics exam. This startling reality makes it clear that civics education in this country is in need of renewed focus. prgtoken Madam , the Civics Learning Act of 2019 promotes new and existing evidence-based strategies to strengthen and prioritize innovative civics learning and teaching by encouraging innovative American history, civics and government, and geography instruction. Professional development activities, programing, and learning strategies would also be available to prepare teachers, principals, and other school leaders. Such instruction and programing would particularly benefit low-income students and underserved populations including students and teachers at high-need schools and low-access areas such as rural or inner-city communities. Recognizing that most civics programs focus on high school teachers and students, this bill would ensure funding for elementary, middle, and high school programs in order to create a lasting foundation for civic knowledge. prgtoken Madam , it is my sincere hope this body will expeditiously pass this measure. Doing so will reaffirm America's commitment to civics education, fostering a more informed citizenship that will only strengthen our democracy.
RECOGNIZING COACH ERNIE AYERS AND COACH JOSH POWERS
Tim Walberg (Republican, MI) \u2014 2019-1-30

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Coach Ernie Ayers of Sand Creek and Coach Josh Powers of Madison, both of whom will be inducted into the Michigan Interscholastic Track Coaches Association Hall of Fame in February. prgtoken Coach Ayers has been leading Sand Creek to great success for the past 38 years. In that span, he has amassed 17 conference championships, 8 regional championships, two state titles, along with another 9 top-ten finishes. Adding to his accolades, Coach Ayers is already a member of one Michigan coaching hall of fame, receiving recognition for his coaching ability on the gridiron back in 2002 . prgtoken When he took over the job at Madison, Coach Josh Powers recalled thinking, ``Well, how does Ernie do it?'' That formula has helped elevate Madison's track team to an elite program as well. While coaching 21 years for both boys and girls, Coach Powers has won a combined 22 conference championships, 11 regional championships, and three state titles. prgtoken Despite all these honors, both coaches display a sense of humility, strong character, and are role models for the high school students on their teams. The investment they've made over decades mentoring young men and women and demonstrating the value of teamwork and perseverance will leave a lasting legacy in our community. prgtoken Once again, I wish to congratulate Coach Ayers and Coach Powers on this impressive achievement and thank them for making such a positive impact on a generation of students in Lenawee County.
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2019-1-30

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OFFICE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-1-30

this year marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Legislative Drafting Service, which we now know as the Office of the Legislative Counsel. In recognition of the anniversary, I would like to make a few comments about the history of the office. prgtoken During the first 130 years of Congress, 1789-1918, legislation for Congress was drafted by Members of Congress, congressional staff, Executive agencies, and outside individuals and groups which sometimes led to legislation that was not always clear, consistent, organized, and well written. prgtoken In 1911, Columbia University established a Legislative Drafting Research Fund to conduct research and work toward the better drafting of statutes and sent Professor Middleton Beaman and Thomas Parkinson to Congress to demonstrate the feasibility and value of the use by Congress of a full-time staff of professional legislative drafters. prgtoken The positive experiences of committees, Members, and staff of Congress, including the Ways and Means Committee of the House of Representatives, in working with professional legislative drafters led to the introduction and consideration of legislation to establish a Legislative Drafting Bureau, including S. 1240, 63rd Congress, which was reported to the Senate on June 17, 1913. prgtoken During the debate on the establishment of a Legislative Drafting Bureau, Senator Elihu Root of New York argued in favor of establishment citing the use of counsel by the British House of Commons and stating that ``[t]he fundamental idea . . . to give the benefit of a trained, experienced student in the preparation of bills. . . . We need trained and intelligent assistance in the drafting of laws.'' prgtoken On February 24, 1919, Congress enacted section 1303 of the Revenue Act prgtoken of 1918, 2 U.S.C. 271 et seq which established the Legislative Drafting Service. prgtoken The House of Representatives and the Senate were initially served by a single office with two branches that received a single appropriation that was equally divided and transferred employees between the branches to meet special needs. prgtoken The two individuals who carried out the demonstration by the Legislative Drafting Research Fund became the first Legislative Counsels of the Legislative Drafting Service with Middleton Beaman appointed in February 1919 as the first Legislative Counsel of the House of Representatives branch of the Service and Thomas Parkinson appointed in March 1919 as the first Legislative Counsel of the Senate branch of the Service. prgtoken In 1924, the name of the office was changed from the Legislative Drafting Service to the Office of the Legislative Counsel. prgtoken The House of Representatives and the Senate branches of the Office of the Legislative Counsel began to evolve separately during the 1930s when the Senate branch, while continuing to meet the drafting needs of Senate committees, began to devote a significant
STRENGTHENING AMERICA'S SECURITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST ACT OF 2019-- Resumed
Deb Fischer (Republican, NE) \u2014 2019-1-30

I rise to address the state of our military readiness. We live in an uncertain world, one that is perhaps more unstable than at any time since the end of the Cold War. prgtoken As Russia increases its belligerence abroad and China invests millions in a systemic effort to undermine us, we find ourselves confronted by strategic competitors in new and in dangerous ways. prgtoken For decades, violent extremism was our No. 1 security challenge. While the threat from global terrorism remains a priority, the United States and our ideals are now being challenged by nations seeking to reshape the globe according to their own design. This is a design that does not include the respect for freedom and democracy that prgtoken we so deeply cherish. We must not stand idly by and let the rising tide of totalitarianism and autocracy sweep away the free global order that America and her allies have fought so hard to establish and to preserve. As Americans, it is up to us to meet these challenges head- on. That effort begins in the Senate. prgtoken Every Member of this body took an oath of office to support and defend the Constitution. There is no greater service to that oath and to the people we represent than to ensure the defense of the Nation. That is why, in the 116th Congress, we must build on past efforts and continue to make the necessary investments to our military. Doing so will maintain the safety and security of our Nation for decades to come. prgtoken As a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I have become deeply familiar with the warnings that senior leaders at the Department of Defense have been delivering for years. They warn of shortfalls in munitions, soldiers who are short on training, pilots without adequate time in the cockpit, and facilities that are crumbling from underfunding and neglect. Yet, in politically charged times, that message sometimes gets muffled against the backdrop of other debates. prgtoken I am concerned that some may not appreciate how serious the issue of readiness has become. While we took a significant step forward with the funding that was authorized in last year's National Defense Authorization Act, we cannot fix this issue in just a single year. The depth of the problem is reflected in the very metrics that the services use to measure their ability to fight. prgtoken For my colleagues who may be skeptical about the need to make these investments in our military, I would point to the following facts. prgtoken In the U.S. Army, the world's most distinguished ground fighting force, only 50 percent of brigade combat teams are fully trained--50 percent. prgtoken In the Navy, which protects our Nation against threats around the globe and defends free commerce on the world's oceans, only 30 percent of ship maintenance has been completed on time since fiscal year 2012. Because of this, ships have been unavailable for training and operations for thousands of days.