mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE AND SECURITY AT THE SOUTHERN BORDER ACT, 2019
Patrick J. Toomey (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-6-26

I come to the floor this evening to offer an amendment about the opioid addiction crisis that is devastating our Nation. prgtoken The origins of this epidemic are no doubt complicated, but there is a simple fact within this complicated problem; that is, the introduction of the synthetic opioid fentanyl has made this the deadliest drug epidemic in American history. prgtoken Fentanyl is 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin, which is obviously lethal. Just 2 milligrams of this substance--that is equivalent to a few grains of salt--is enough to kill most people. This synthetic opioid has contributed to or caused 30,000 of the 50,000 opioid overdose deaths in the United States since 2017, and it is killing Pennsylvanians at an even higher percentage. prgtoken As is the case with most illicit drugs, the vast majority of this is not actually coming from within the borders of the United States; the vast majority originates outside our borders. So cooperation with the governments of other countries is essential if we are going to make progress in ending this scourge. prgtoken There are some countries that are extremely helpful. Canada and Mexico are, unfortunately, important transit points for drugs into the United States. Their governments work closely with ours and, I think it is fair to say, are doing all they reasonably can and continue to strive to do more to end this devastating influx. But fentanyl is particularly difficult because such tiny quantities are so lethal, and the fact is that not all foreign governments are as cooperative as they could be and they should be. prgtoken It is well known that the primary source of the fentanyl that is on the streets in Pennsylvania and across America--the source is ultimately China. China has been cooperating in some important ways. China shares advance electronic data on mail parcels, and that is helpful. As of May 1 of this year--a few weeks ago--China agreed to schedule fentanyl as a class that is prohibited in China, and that forgoes the need to schedule every conceivable variant of the chemical. That is a good development. But we can't be sure that China is going to follow through on its commitment--the one I just mentioned is very recent--and they still don't do all they should on pill presses. They also have a history of breaking agreements with the United States. prgtoken Maybe even more importantly, we don't know what other countries might decide to tolerate fentanyl production within their borders and look the other way when it arrives in the United States. prgtoken Simply, there have to be consequences for countries that knowingly allow the production of fentanyl in their own land, to then be exported to the United States, and that do not--I am referring to the governments--cooperate with us as fully as they could and should be. prgtoken That brings me to the bill I introduced. It is called the Blocking Deadly Fentanyl Imports Act. It is a bipa
EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE AND SECURITY AT THE SOUTHERN BORDER ACT, 2019
Roger F. Wicker (Republican, MS) \u2014 2019-6-26

I hope we will vote later on today to advance the NDAA, the National Defense Authorization Act. Members who have been around here a long time realize what a bipartisan tradition this has been for the Senate. Those listening to us should appreciate that and I think take note of basically a half-a-century tradition of passing this national defense bill on a bipartisan--overwhelmingly bipartisan--basis each year. We don't let a year pass. We have been able to successfully do that for approximately half a century. We will see later on today whether that tradition will continue, and I believe it will. prgtoken I think we will be able to work something out with the House of Representatives. There are some differences that have emerged over there that we did not have in the Armed Services Committee when we reported overwhelmingly just a few weeks ago. prgtoken I am very hopeful that we will continue this tradition. I hope we will do so particularly this year to build on the great progress we have made the last couple of years. I think we should admit on both sides of the aisle that we had perhaps let our national security slip a little in terms of a priority over the last several years. We rectified that a couple of years ago. What we have done not only at the authorization level but also at the appropriations level is send a strong signal to our allies around the world that we are back to emphasizing strength and back to emphasizing protection of Americans and American interests but also a signal to those who would wish us ill. prgtoken We know how dangerous the world is now. I think if any of the 100 of us or those within the sound of my voice were asked the question ``Is the world safer today than it was 2 years ago when we started on this quest to rebuild our defense?'' I think the answer would be no. The world still needs the strength of the United States of America to keep those trade lines open and to maintain the peace to which we have become so accustomed. prgtoken We will pass this bill, and then we will have the task--and I want everybody to understand this--we will have the task of getting the bills done to actually pay for what we authorize. That is where, quite frankly, I am worried--with some of the talk I hear around town about perhaps negotiations going on between and s over here, between House and Senate Members, and even in the executive branch--about just not quite getting to a comprehensive appropriations bill this year. prgtoken Perhaps some people say that we can save a little money on the margin simply by having what we call a continuing resolution--what they call, at the Pentagon, a CR--to just fund the prgtoken government without directives in the appropriations bill for another year at the same level that we have, both domestically and militarily. We know that of that discretionary budget, 50 percent is national security. Everything else in the Federal G
FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020
Tim Walberg (Republican, MI) \u2014 2019-6-26

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I appreciate the fact here of striking the last word. I rise in opposition to amendment 36, which was en bloc. prgtoken Despite the description of this amendment, it would actually reduce broadband competition, if adopted, with tremendous negatives for my district and many others. prgtoken It also frustrates broadband deployment, an important thing right now. prgtoken By requiring network sharing in multi-tenant buildings, there is less of an incentive for network operators to build out or make upgrades to their networks. prgtoken More importantly, nothing in the FCC's order that is the subject of this amendment would prevent State and local efforts from increasing access to multi-tenant environments. Rather, the Commission would clarify that those efforts should be consistent with Federal policy. prgtoken This amendment also raises safety concerns. Technicians from varying broadband providers would be required to service the same facilities in a shared setting, and this could lead to unknown or unsafe environments for these workers. prgtoken This amendment could also disincentivize build-out. prgtoken This amendment would prevent the preemption of an outlier San Francisco ordinance which requires the sharing of in-use wiring in apartment complexes, office buildings, and other similar buildings between providers. prgtoken For years, the FCC has been promoting facility-based competition to bring broadband to unserved Americans. Meanwhile, the Commission has forborne from the vast majority of the legacy competitive carrier provisions of the Communications Act because they did not work. We shouldn't be trying to re-create them on a local level.
HONORING COLONEL FRANK CHILDRESS
Ralph Norman (Republican, SC) \u2014 2019-6-26

I rise today to recognize one of America's finest servicemen, Colonel Frank Childress. prgtoken Colonel Childress exemplifies the honor and fortitude of the men and women who make up our armed services. Colonel Childress was placed on an assignment in the Pentagon in 2001 and was set to arrive in Washington, D.C. on September 6. prgtoken Destiny arrived in a humble disguise when a clerical error delayed his household goods from being delivered on time. He was offered the choice of a new delivery date, either September 10 or September 11. He chose September 11. prgtoken The Colonel lived a mile away and heard when the plane crashed into the Pentagon. He turned on his TV and saw the carnage that took place in New York and immediately headed for the Pentagon to help in any way possible. In a time of crisis and panic, Colonel Childress ran toward danger when many would have fled. prgtoken Among the thousands who died that day, Colonel Childress survived. Twenty-six of his fellow servicemen and -women were killed in the very office he would have been working in that day. prgtoken At first, he was nearly consumed by survivor's guilt, but instead of surrendering, he joined a Bible study group for Pentagon employees. Once again, he chose not to run and instead face reality through his strength and faith in God who led him through those dark and difficult days that he would face ahead. prgtoken In his immediate response to the 9/11 attacks and his fortitude in dealing with the aftermath, Colonel Childress is a paragon of bravery. He exemplifies the words of Winston Churchill before Britain was about to be under siege by Germany when Prime Minister Churchill said: There will be a time when doing your best is not good enough. We must do what is required. prgtoken Colonel Childress did what was required in the service to freedom. His actions set the example that all Americans can share pride in and follow.
SUPPORT THE SCHOOL FOOD MODERNIZATION ACT
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-6-26

I rise today to speak about the School Food Modernization Act which would help America's school cafeterias modernize its equipment and infrastructure. prgtoken Earlier this week, I was proud to introduce this act with Congressman Mark DeSaulnier. We know nutrition plays a critical role in a child's development and for far too many children, sometimes the only meal of the day is the one that they receive at school. That is why it is essential to help schools access funding to purchase modern kitchen equipment and infrastructure. prgtoken Some schools may be using the same equipment so long that it not only serves a student, but, quite frankly, served that student's parent as well. prgtoken Food service staff needs modern facilities to serve high-quality, nutritious meals that meet the school nutritional standards. Our bill allows schools to participate in a loan assistance program from USDA to help them acquire new kitchen equipment. prgtoken Schools would be eligible for Federal guarantees, up to 80 percent of the loan. It also strengthens training for food service personnel who want more education on how to prepare healthier meals. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this legislation to help students form a lifetime of healthier eating habits.
EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE AND SECURITY AT THE SOUTHERN BORDER ACT, 2019
Lindsey Graham (Republican, SC) \u2014 2019-6-26

I am going to move to table this amendment. Being the chairman of the Foreign Operations Subcommittee, this is taking one disaster and creating 100 in its place. This $4.6 billion will destroy all the humanitarian assistance we have passed to deal with an unprecedented wave of refugees. The global health programs are all impacted severely, including PEPFAR and the child survival and maternal health programs. This money comes out of those accounts. Can you imagine how it is going to be to deal with Ebola after cutting the Global Health Program? prgtoken Programs to counter the influence of Russia and China will be zeroed out. Counter-human trafficking programs will be dramatically reduced. Counterterrorism programs are all affected by this amendment. prgtoken You are taking one problem at the border, and if you enact the Paul amendment, you will create 100 in its place. prgtoken So I move to table the Paul amendment No. 902. prgtoken .
HONORING THE SESQUICENTENNIAL OF THE SISTERS OF SAINT FRANCIS OF TIFFIN
Jim Jordan (Republican, OH) \u2014 2019-6-27

. Madam , I am honored to commend to the House the outstanding work of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Tiffin, Ohio, who are marking 150 years of selfless service to others. prgtoken The Tiffin Franciscans were founded by Father Joseph L. Bihn and Mrs. Elizabeth Schaefer (Sister Mary Francis) in the wake of the Civil War to care for the needs of orphans and the elderly. The work of the sisters continues to be rooted in the words of Matthew's Gospel: ``Whatever you did to one of the least of these My brethren, you did to Me.'' prgtoken Throughout the years, the sisters have devoted themselves to the Franciscan values of caring for the poor and for all of God's creation. Dedicated to spreading the message of the Gospel, they have served countless people through their evangelization, education, child care, foster care, and other vital ministries designed to meet the needs of the Tiffin community and far beyond. prgtoken Madam , the Sisters of Saint Francis are marking their sesquicentennial with events and commemorations throughout the year. On behalf of the people of Ohio's Fourth Congressional District, I am pleased to join in the accolades to them as they celebrate this milestone. They have my best wishes and my thanks for their tireless service to others.
RECOGNIZING PARALYMPIC ATHLETE LIZZI SMITH
Greg Pence (Republican, IN) \u2014 2019-6-27

. Madam , I rise today to recognize an individual from Muncie, Indiana, who has made her community and State proud. prgtoken Lizzi Smith, a Paralympic athlete who competed in the 2016 Paralympic Games, is now working toward her goal of swimming in the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. prgtoken Lizzi has already accomplished so much in her swimming career. She helped Muncie Central High School win a sectional in high school. She won two world medals at the age of 17, and she came away from the 2016 Paralympics with two medals. Just this year, Lizzi set the Pan American record in the S10 100-meter butterfly. prgtoken I thank Lizzi for inspiring us to dream big and for setting a strong example for young Hoosiers and all Americans. I wish her the best of luck on the road to Tokyo. prgtoken Bring home the gold.
IN HONOR OF NATIONAL SUNGLASSES DAY
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-6-27

. Madam , I rise today to recognize National Sunglasses Day and the importance of eye protection in the summer and throughout the year. prgtoken Unprotected exposure to UV rays may lead to serious vision problems including short-term issues such as sensitivity to light, trouble seeing, sunburn of the eyes or eyelids, irritated eyes, and red or swollen eyes--in addition to serious long-term issues. Thankfully, this damage can be prevented. Manufacturers and suppliers in Texas and around the country that provide sunglasses with UVA/UVB protective lenses are helping to equip Americans to protect their eyes. prgtoken In the case of eye care, prevention through protection is critical. As a physician, I commend the Vision Council for its work to educate Americans on the importance of healthy vision. On National Sunglasses Day, we are reminded that everyone can take easy steps to protect our eyes.
S. 1790
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-6-27

on another note, I listened with great interest as the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, the Senator from Rhode Island, spoke about Iran and the challenges we face there. I agree with some and maybe even most of what he had to say. prgtoken The American people were appalled when, last week, Iran took down an unmanned American aircraft over international waters. As the Senator said, ordinarily, Iran operates by proxies or by third parties, whether it is the Shia militia in Iraq or Hezbollah or one of their other terrorist proxies like those operating in Yemen, the Houthis. But Iran escalated its attack against the United States by shooting an unmanned drone flying over international waters, so it was quite a shocking move from that standpoint, even from a nation as untethered as Iran. prgtoken Iran has been engaged in a 30-year conflict with the United States, one that has resulted in the death of U.S. servicemembers in Iraq and elsewhere--victims of explosively formed penetrators and other training that the IRGC, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, their Quds Force, their Special Operations force--the training they gave to terrorists operating in Iraq to kill Americans. prgtoken Then there is the periodic harassment of American and other international vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow strait through which a huge portion of the world's energy supplies flow. So this is, in some ways, an escalation of what has been a 30- year conflict between Iran and the United States. prgtoken Tehran has waged acts of aggression against the United States and our allies. It has exported terrorism around the globe. It is the No. 1 state sponsor of international terrorism, and it has engaged in gross human rights violations against its own people. prgtoken As I indicated, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC, is the loyal henchman responsible for leading these acts. It is a branch of Iran's Armed Forces which tries to squash democracy movements at home and abroad by pushing its extreme ideology beyond Iran's borders. prgtoken The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps wields vast power and influence and uses its capabilities to encourage turmoil and conflict and violence throughout the Middle East. It funds arms, training, and foot soldiers to the terrorist groups that spread their radical ideology. prgtoken While the terrorist activities alone are enough to cause concern, the IRGC is also in control of Iran's ballistic missile program, which unfortunately has only accelerated under the previous administration's deeply flawed nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the JCPOA. Once prgtoken we saw the details of that deal in 2015, it quickly became clear that it was not much of a deal at all. If the goal is to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon--well, it obviously failed in that goal. prgtoken As the majority leader said at the time, it ``appears to
HONORING JAMES SCORDO FOR OVER THREE DECADES OF SERVICE TO THE NORTH COUNTRY AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CREDO COMMUNITY CENTER FOR THE TREATMENT OF ADDICTIONS
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2019-6-27

. Madam , I rise today to honor James ``Jim'' Scordo for over three decades of service to the North Country as Executive Director of Credo Community Center for the Treatment of Addictions. prgtoken Jim Scordo has shepherded the community center through good and bad times since 1988 when he helped the center recover from a devastating fire. Jim sought help from his community and graciously raised over $175,000 dollars to rebuild. When the community center opened its substance abuse out-patient clinic, he was named its first Executive Director. Since then, countless North Country residents have found help overcoming addiction and there are many families in Jefferson County and beyond that are grateful to Jim, his staff, and volunteers for their loved one's health and wellbeing. prgtoken The hands on, local efforts of Credo Community Center and similar centers throughout the country is crucial in the broader fight against the opioid epidemic. Communities need dedicated leadership to ensure that those services remain consistently available for those who need them most. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I want to thank Jim for his leadership and service to the North Country and wish him the best in the next chapter.
COLONEL SETH KRUMMRICH RELINQUISHES COMMAND OF THE FORT IRWIN GARRISON
Paul Cook (Republican, CA) \u2014 2019-6-27

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the contributions of U.S. Army Colonel Seth Krummrich, who will relinquish command of the Fort Irwin Garrison on June 27, 2019. Colonel Krummrich is leaving for his next duty assignment as the Chief of Staff, Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT) at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. prgtoken Since Colonel Krummrich assumed command of the Fort Irwin Garrison, I have been impressed by his hard work on behalf of the Army. During his command, Colonel Krummrich oversaw the completion of Weed Army Community Hospital, a $211 million improvement designed to bring medical facilities at the garrison into the 21st century. In addition to the successful completion of the hospital, Colonel Krummrich has worked closely with my staff and I on several proposed projects to further improve Fort Irwin and better support the Army's critical training mission. While these projects were not completed during his tenure, his hard work has laid the foundation for their future success. prgtoken In addition to thanking Colonel Krummrich for his service at Fort Irwin, I would also like to recognize his outstanding military career. Colonel Krummrich is a combat veteran with numerous deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan, including participating in the initial invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 as a member of the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). His service on the battlefield is complimented by his impressive educational background, where he was most recently a senior Military Fellow at Stanford University. While I wish him the best at SOCCENT, I will miss the passion, energy, and determination that he brought to the Fort Irwin Garrison