mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-1-16

. Madam Chair, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. prgtoken Madam Chair, it is no surprise that many of the communities we represent are in need of disaster assistance. This past year, many areas of the country experienced devastating disasters that had significant impacts on communities and on our constituents. prgtoken I have the honor and privilege of representing coastal Georgia, a vibrant area that has suffered from a number of these incidents in recent years. prgtoken I was elected and sent here, like everyone else in this body, to look out for my constituents and their needs. That includes advocating for support following these devastating events. prgtoken In December, the House passed a supplemental appropriation package that encompassed disasters such as hurricanes, typhoons, wildfires, and other disasters. That package would have brought about the relief we need. prgtoken Now, are holding disaster assistance hostage with this legislation. We can't afford to continue this prgtoken partisanship when it comes to rebuilding our communities. prgtoken Whether it is a wildfire or a hurricane, relief is needed urgently. That includes coastal Georgia. prgtoken For instance, our blueberry growers have taken some devastating losses over the last few years. Those growers have not had time to properly recover, and now we are dealing with partisan games that will jeopardize their ability to receive much-needed aid. prgtoken Agriculture represents the heart and soul of many of our rural communities, and with that so go those communities. prgtoken Now is not the time to derail this desperately needed relief. We need a clean disaster package that will allow us to take care of the communities that are hardest hit. prgtoken Hurricanes don't see political parties, and they certainly don't discriminate on the damage they cause. That is why we should move a package that is devoid of any partisan efforts and bring up a clean disaster package. prgtoken I say to my ic colleagues: Now is the time to stop playing games. Let's move a bill that helps, rather than hurts, the ability of our communities to receive disaster relief.
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
John H. Rutherford (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-1-16

. Madam Chair, I thank the ranking member for yielding. prgtoken Madam Chair, I rise again today in opposition to the political ultimatum that has poisoned this bill. prgtoken I had anticipated that I would support Chairwoman Lowey's proposal to provide disaster relief to American families struggling to rebuild from recent disasters like Hurricane Michael that devastated my home State of Florida. prgtoken I do thank her and her staff for the hard work that they have done in putting together this disaster relief bill. However, in the dark of night, the majority leadership slipped into this bill another continuing resolution that they know will hold this bill back from ever becoming signed into law. prgtoken Some on the other side have asked why adding a CR would be a poison pill prgtoken in this measure. The answer is really simple: This bill will never be considered by the Senate or signed by the President. Leadership knows this, but they continue to place politics over helping hardworking, taxpaying American citizens. prgtoken So what are we here to accomplish? Is the majority trying to help American citizens recover or simply content to blame the President while punishing hardworking taxpayers who have been devastated by natural disasters, including those, by the way, in the 's home State of California? Those folks are desperately in need of this relief as they recover from devastating wildfires. prgtoken Instead of doing the right thing and passing a clean disaster relief bill, the other side of the aisle continues to play childish games in an effort to resist the President's call for border security. prgtoken If the goal of this bill is to provide disaster relief, why on Earth would the majority attach something that effectively ensures its defeat? prgtoken Madam Chair, this move has again effectively victimized those devastated by hurricanes and fire. prgtoken It is time to accept the reality of the situation in which we find ourselves. Compromise is the only path forward. President has made clear, I believe, that he is ready to negotiate and to compromise. But this bill before us today could have provided much-needed relief to Florida families recovering from Hurricane Michael. It is not just those families who will suffer. It is the Florida farmers who had their crops decimated by the storm, and the Americans who rely on them, who will suffer also. prgtoken Madam Chair, we are 26 days into this shutdown, and leadership is still playing these games. If the majority is serious about providing disaster relief, bring a clean supplemental funding bill to the floor and stop playing games with so many hurting American lives.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 268, SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019, AND WAIVING A REQUIREMENT OF CLAUSE 6(a) OF RULE XIII WITH RESPECT TO CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN RESOLUTIONS REPORTED...
Tom Cole (Republican, OK) \u2014 2019-1-16

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , I thank my friend again for the time; I thank him for participating in the debate; and I congratulate him on being close to finishing his first rule. prgtoken Madam , in closing, I want to respond to a couple of things that my good friend said. First of all, he said he brought ``their'' bills to the floor, meaning our bills, I presume. He didn't bring our bills to the floor. He brought Senate bills to the floor. prgtoken Actually, those bills are nothing like the bills that the House had passed and, in many cases, are quite inferior to the product that had been jointly compromised between the two bodies. prgtoken Just speaking from something I know very well, which is Indian healthcare, the bill that he presented to us had absolutely no House input from either or ic Members, had $135 million less for the Indian Healthcare Service, had $26 million less for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. I can go on and on and on. prgtoken The bills actually that, frankly, we were pretty close to having conferenced and done were, honestly, quite superior. They had many ic and suggestions in them and many Member suggestions. If we passed what the majority is presenting, all we are doing is just turning over the appropriations function of the United States House of Representatives to the United States Senate and saying: We don't really need a House; anything you guys do is fine. prgtoken That is the product that has been presented to us. It is not acceptable to our side to simply throw away House prerogatives and positions. prgtoken Again, my friends have the majority here. We respect that. They will almost certainly prevail on the rule and on the vote, and I certainly accept that. That is the way this institution works. prgtoken But what he fails to tell me is whether or not he is ever going to get the Senate to ever pick this up. So far, he hasn't. This is the fourth attempt. We will see another one tomorrow. Whether or not he can actually produce legislation that the President of the United States will sign, so far, he hasn't. And they are the majority. prgtoken Under our constitutional system, passing legislation through the House is simply not sufficient. It has to be able to pass the United States Senate. It has to be signed by the President of the United States, unless two-thirds of the House and the Senate are willing to override his veto. Frankly, I don't think my friends have two-thirds majority here either, and they certainly don't in the United States Senate. prgtoken So I have a modest proposal. Probably the people who are producing this legislation here should sit down and talk with the United States Senate ahead of time and say: Can we split the difference here? Can we find some common ground? prgtoken Actually, the President did that in December, literally sent the Vice President to the negotiation to say: We would
NO TAXPAYER FUNDING FOR ABORTION AND ABORTION INSURANCE FULL DISCLOSURE ACT OF 2019--Motion to Proceed
Deb Fischer (Republican, NE) \u2014 2019-1-16

I rise today in support of the thousands of people who will travel to our Nation's Capital this week to join us in the March for Life. Marching proudly among them will be many, many Nebraskans--families, neighbors, student organizations, and church groups. They are going to brave the snow and freezing temperatures to march along the National Mall as part of a peaceful rally that draws attention to pro-life and pro-women policies. prgtoken Since I first started my career in public service, I have supported commonsense pro-life measures that protect women and unborn children. All too often, women are faced with unplanned pregnancies, and they experience condemnation instead of compassion. These women shoulder despair, pain, and judgment when they should receive comfort, assistance, and reassurance. These mothers should always know that they have support as they face challenging years ahead. prgtoken In the Senate, I am proud to pledge my support for several pro-life bills. prgtoken This afternoon, I would like to highlight a few of them. prgtoken Once again, I am cosponsoring the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. This legislation would prohibit abortions after 20 weeks unless it is necessary to save the life of the mother or the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest. Twenty weeks, as advances in science and medical technology tell us, is the point at which an unborn child is capable of feeling pain. prgtoken When I served in the Nebraska Legislature, we passed the first ban on abortions after 20 weeks. s and , pro-choice and pro-life Senators, voted in its favor because it is sound policy. We should enact this commonsense legislation at the Federal level as well. prgtoken I am also a cosponsor of the Protect Funding for Women's Health Care Act. This bill would prevent the Federal funding of Planned Parenthood or any of its affiliates. In 2016, Planned Parenthood received nearly $544 million from the Federal Government. I believe that Congress must redirect this funding to where it belongs, and that is to our community health centers. prgtoken In Nebraska we have seven community health centers, with 44 clinic sites all across our State. I have had the opportunity to visit these sites, and I have seen firsthand the high-quality, compassionate care they provide to women in need. Our patients in Nebraska would be better served if this Federal funding were directed toward these centers and also these clinics, which serve all Nebraskans--all Nebraskans everywhere in our State--not Planned Parenthood. prgtoken The Protect Funding for Women's Health Care Act is another commonsense solution that will protect life and help provide comprehensive healthcare for women. Finally, I will once again support the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act, introduced by the senior Senator from Mississippi. Since the 1970s, the Hyde amendment has prohibited F
HONORING THE SERVICE OF FORMER GOVERNOR NATHAN DEAL
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-1-16

I rise today in recognition of Carol Martin, Chief of Police of the City of Gainesville. Chief Martin is retiring on January 31, 2019, after protecting and serving our city for over 32 years. prgtoken First joining the Gainesville Police Department in January 1987 as a patrol officer, Chief Martin has dedicated her life to public safety. She has advanced through the ranks of investigator, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and major, until August of 2014, when she made history as the very first female chief of police for the city of Gainesville. prgtoken Chief Martin's career in law enforcement has been marked with excellence. In 1997, she was recognized by the Gainesville Elks Lodge as Police Chief of the Year; and in 2003 and 2007, the Gainesville Kiwanis Club presented her with the John W. Jacobs, Sr Memorial Award for her excellence in law enforcement. prgtoken She is an active member of the International and Georgia Associations of Chiefs of Police and serves as a board member on the Gainesville Rape Response and the Georgia Law Enforcement State Certification Program. prgtoken Her resume is superseded only by her character. For over three decades, Chief Martin has made great sacrifices to serve and protect our communities. As the son of a Georgia State trooper, I understand firsthand the dangers that our law enforcement officers face each and every day. Chief Martin has continually put her life on the line so that the people of Gainesville do not have to fear for their own. prgtoken I want to congratulate Chief Carol Martin on her retirement. But most of all, I want to thank her for her dedicated life of service to the rule of law and protecting the people of northeast Georgia and for being a dear friend of mine.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2019-1-16

this week I have the honor of recognizing Kori Keller of Yellowstone County for her impact on the Billings community, through her work at the Ramsey Keller Memorial. prgtoken Mrs. Keller, a Billings native, has dedicated her time to aiding parents who have undergone the hardship of losing a child too young. Mrs. Keller and her husband lost their precious daughter Ramsey soon after she was born. prgtoken As a way of honoring their daughter, Kori and her husband founded the Ramsey Keller Memorial. The Ramsey Keller Memorial is dedicated to helping families who have lost children under the age of 1 year old. The foundation raises money through both an annual race and a pink-tie affair to pay for the funerals of Montana infants that have passed away before their first birthday. Since then, Kori has been an advocate and provided comfort for numerous parents going through the same hardships she experienced. prgtoken I congratulate Kori on her growing role in the State of Montana. She has been a constant source of hope and aid to families going through similar hardships she has endured. I look forward to seeing the success of the Ramsey Keller Memorial, as it continues to pour into Montana family's lives.
NO TAXPAYER FUNDING FOR ABORTION AND ABORTION INSURANCE FULL DISCLOSURE ACT OF 2019--Motion to Proceed
Richard Burr (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-1-16

I also mourn Herb's loss. It is odd that I would be here to protect his ability to have that cigarette in his mouth as he was negotiating. prgtoken I rise today to discuss the recent announcement by the Food and Drug Administration to move forward with a ban on menthol cigarettes. This announcement, to say the least, is surprising. In an administration claiming to decrease regulation on the American people, this announcement works completely counter to that goal--increasing regulation and decreasing the choices for adult consumers in America. prgtoken Making matters worse, the announcement comes from an Agency that the American people trust. They trust them to make decisions based upon the most sound and reliable science available. Unfortunately, the FDA has not provided a sound scientific argument to move forward with the ban on one type of product that Americans consume understanding fully the risk. prgtoken On November 30, 2018, I raised this concern with the Food and Drug Administration. As a part of their announcement, the FDA claimed that their regulatory actions are based on information released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC. prgtoken When I asked for the data supporting this menthol decision, I was informed that this data would be made available later this year. I also asked the FDA to explain to me whether the Agency has determined that menthol cigarettes make more children try smoking or whether these products make it more difficult for children to stop smoking. prgtoken I pause here because I am sure the Presiding Officer is remembering that it is illegal for people under 18 to purchase tobacco products. prgtoken The FDA simply informed me that the information I requested would be part of a proposed rule available for stakeholder comment. prgtoken Now, I think you would agree that it is highly unusual for a science- based Agency to refuse to provide the data informing its regulatory decisions to a seated Member of the U.S. Congress. This should set off alarm bells. Any product regulated by the FDA might prgtoken fall into this category of ``no Member of Congress being able to know.'' prgtoken Well, it may seem odd, but the FDA regulates 25 cents of every dollar of the U.S. economy--no wonder it takes so long and costs so much for new drugs and devices to come to market. prgtoken As a result, I did my own research. The chart behind me, with 2017 data from the CDC, shows that children's use of traditional menthol cigarettes has decreased 3 percent since 2011. Let me say that again. Since 2011, usage by youth in America of menthol cigarettes has reduced from 5.8 percent to 2.5 percent. prgtoken This data runs counter to the need for increased regulation and decreased choices for consumers and calls into question the FDA's own decision. prgtoken In 2009, Congress debated the regulation of tobacco products. I was here for the entire debate and was an active participant in
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Bill Huizenga (Republican, MI) \u2014 2019-1-16

. Madam , I rise today regarding missed votes due to a funeral. Had I been present for roll call vote number prgtoken 30, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 116, the Investing in Main Street Act, I would have voted yea. Had I been present for roll call vote number 31, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.J. Res. 27, Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2019, and for other purposes, I would have voted nay. Had I been present for roll call vote number 32, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H. Res. 41, Rejecting White nationalism and White supremacy, I would have voted yea. Had I been present for roll call vote number 33, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 135, Federal Employee Antidiscrimination Act, I would have voted yea.
NO TAXPAYER FUNDING FOR ABORTION AND ABORTION INSURANCE FULL DISCLOSURE ACT OF 2019--Motion to Proceed
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-1-16

I am pleased to be joined on the floor by Senator Blunt, Senator Wicker, and Senator Fischer to speak about the importance of protecting and celebrating life. prgtoken This Friday, Americans from every State in our Nation, from our tiny rural towns to our bustling urban cities, will gather in our Nation's Capital to participate in the 46th annual March for Life. prgtoken Each year, I am amazed and inspired by the immeasurable strength, compassion, and support demonstrated by the pro-life community, as hundreds of thousands of its members come to Washington, DC, and tirelessly work to protect the most vulnerable in our society--the unborn. prgtoken As members of the Senate Values Action Team, throughout the year, we are blessed with the opportunity to work with and hear from so many who are committed to protecting human life at all stages. prgtoken s for sharing this message of life today, and at this time I would like to yield to the Senator from Missouri.
RECOGNIZING SAM JOHNSON FOR DECADES OF SERVICE TO UNITED STATES
Van Taylor (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-1-16

I am honored to stand here today as the Representative for Texas' Third Congressional District. This district was first represented by William Thomas Clark, a general in the Union Army in 1870. Since then, 19 people have represented the district, including myself. Most recently, a true American hero, Congressman Sam Johnson, represented the Third District in the Congress for 28 years. prgtoken Prior to that, Congressman Johnson was in the U.S. Air Force. As I like to say, he shot down his first MiG in Korea. He served a ground tour in Vietnam, and in his second tour of Vietnam, on his 46th mission, he was flying his jet over an enemy gun position when his gun jammed. He did a circle around. He flew a second time, and that time, he was shot down. He then went to the Hanoi Hilton. There, he survived pernicious beatings and torture. prgtoken But, , do you know what? Despite the tremendous pressure that he was under, Sam Johnson was unique among the prisoners of the Hanoi Hilton in that he never broke; he never gave in; and he never wavered in his patriotism, his faith in God, his courage, his sacrifices, and his commitment to this country. prgtoken America is eternally grateful for his service. prgtoken After he got back from the Hanoi Hilton, he came back to his beloved Shirley and his children back in Texas. He was in the Air Force for a while, and then he went into business. prgtoken But he wanted to continue to serve. In 1984, he ran for the Texas House of Representatives, and he was elected in the Third District in a special election in 1991. prgtoken Here in the United States Congress, he served for 28 years. He served on the Ways and Means Committee and continued to be an icon of virtue, a paragon of service, and a man whose shoes I can never truly fill but in whose footsteps I resolve to try to walk in.
SANCTITY OF LIFE
Ross Spano (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-1-17

. Madam , this past June, our family was rocked by a very scary incident. We were excited and joyfully anticipating the birth of our very first grandchild, a boy whose name would be Silas. Our excitement and joy quickly turned to fear and dread when Silas was born lifeless, the umbilical cord tightly wound around his neck three times. prgtoken I was in the waiting room when I received a text from my wife, and she said: Pray now. Silas was born, but he's not breathing. They're working on him. prgtoken I began praying, and about 15 minutes later, my wife, Amie, frantically ran into the waiting room in tears and said: He's still not breathing. Pray harder. Pray harder. prgtoken Instinctively, I fell to my knees, and I pled, crying to God: Please, God, save his life. Breathe life into him. prgtoken I realized in that moment what I have known for all my life, and that is that human life is valuable, precious, and fragile. prgtoken Thanks be to God, about 10 minutes later, the doctor walked into the room and said: He's breathing, finally, and we think he's going to make it. prgtoken Two days ago, Silas turned 6 months old, and I cannot wait to see what God has planned for him. Silas fought for his life, and I am so thankful he will get to experience all that life has to offer. prgtoken Members, every innocent child should have a chance at life. God forbid, we would allow that fragile, precious, valuable, innocent life to be taken.
FURTHER ADDITIONAL CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
John H. Rutherford (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-1-17

. However, making compromises and trading ideas would do us a whole lot of good right now, but that requires reasonableness. It is time to come together on behalf of the American people and stop this political bickering that is befalling this conversation. prgtoken Our country is in desperate need of border security, but we aren't even talking about that now. We are not talking about the humanitarian crisis. prgtoken , we can do better. I ask the to come to the table, find a compromise, and let's get back to the work of the American people.