mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Government Funding (Executive Session)
James Lankford (Republican, OK) \u2014 2019-3-5

the number 22 trillion should matter to us. That is our current debt in the United States. Not to be confused, we have debts, and we have deficits. You will hear those names get thrown around together. Deficit is the amount of overspending in a single year--1 year of overspending--and debt is the collection of all of those deficits. prgtoken As a nation, our current debt is $22 trillion. To give some perspective on 22 trillion, if you were to take the total distance of 22 trillion miles, you would have to fly from Earth to Pluto and back 3,081 times to get to 22 trillion miles. This is heavy debt. prgtoken We are used to hearing about debts and deficits in relationship to things like home mortgages. Many of us think about taking 30 years to pay off our mortgage. Well, for us to pay off our national mortgage, this $22 trillion--if we were to balance our budget, which is way out of balance right now, and then have a $100 billion surplus--so let's say that by next year, we have a balanced budget and a $100 billion surplus. That would be a very large surplus for us. How many years of $100 billion surpluses in total revenue would it take to pay off $22 trillion? The quick math on that is 220 years. That is approximately as long as we have been a republic. If we had a $100 billion surplus every single year for the next 220 years, we could pay off our mortgage. Does anyone think that every single year over the next 220 years, we are going to both balance our budget and have a $100 billion surplus? prgtoken The issue we face as a nation is that we have fumbled a lot in our past. We fumbled our spending. We fumbled our handling of Federal tax dollars. We have to work our way out of this. Climbing out of this is not going to be a 1-year deal. This is not a short-term fix; this is an intentionally long-term fix. prgtoken There are two things we have to have. We have to have economic growth. If our economy is stagnant, we never catch up. The reason for that is, when the economy is stagnant, more people in our Nation need assistance. They need housing support. They need food support. They need other things to help them in those scarce times. Unemployment benefits go up significantly during the time period that our economy is down because people can't find jobs and our safety net kicks in larger amounts. prgtoken When we have economic growth, fewer people need housing assistance, fewer people need food assistance, and fewer people receive unemployment benefits. The economy itself grows. As more people have jobs and make money, more people pay taxes. So economic growth is essential to the growth of our economy and to working our way out of debt. That is why the tax reform bill was so incredibly important to us--to get a growing economy again. Our economy had been stagnant for a decade. We would literally have never gotten out of it if we had stayed in a stagnant economy. prgtoken Folks called me and said: Whe
Declaration of National Emergency (Executive Calendar)
Lisa Murkowski (Republican, AK) \u2014 2019-3-5

last week, I announced my intention to vote in favor of H.J. Res. 46. This is a resolution expressing disapproval of the President's February 15 proclamation of a national emergency. At that same time, I joined with my colleague, the Senator from New Mexico, along with the Senator from Maine, Ms. Collins, and the Senator from New Hampshire, Mrs. Shaheen, in the introduction of the Senate companion, S.J. Res. 10. prgtoken I want to take just a few moments this afternoon and speak to my rationale not only for my statements but for my support for terminating the national emergency. It is, certainly, not based on disagreement over the issue of border security on our southern border. I recognize full well, along with, I believe, all of our colleagues here, the situation on the border and the humanitarian issues that face us. The issue that faces us with the level of those coming across our borders is not a sustainable situation, and, certainly, the influx of drugs that we are seeing in this community must be addressed. prgtoken Rather, my concern is, really, about the institution of the Congress and the constitutional balance of powers that, I think, are just fundamental to our democracy. In my view, it really comes down to article I of the Constitution. Article I, section 7, clause 8 reads: ``No prgtoken Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in consequence of Appropriation.'' prgtoken This provision and the necessary and proper clause of article I, section 8, clause 18 and the taxing and spending clauses--article VIII, clause 1--are just generally regarded as the basis for the notion that the power to spend resides in the Congress. We say it around here--that the power of the purse rests with the Congress. prgtoken Of all of these three clauses that I have just articulated, the admonition that no money shall be drawn from the Treasury but in consequence of appropriation is probably the clearest expression of the Framers' view that the executive has no power to spend money in a manner that is inconsistent with the intentions of the Congress. prgtoken Justice Story, in his 1883 Commentaries on the Constitution, characterized that clause as an important means of self-protection for the legislative department. prgtoken He went on to write: The [legislature] has, and must have, a controlling influence over the executive power, since it holds at its command all of the resources by which the executive could make himself formidable. It possesses the power of the purse of the nation and the property of the people. prgtoken Again, he just very clearly articulates where these lanes of authority--these lanes of jurisdiction--reside. prgtoken This past weekend, on Sunday, a local newspaper, the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, published an editorial. In that editorial, it was argued that our colleagues here in the Senate should vote for the resolution of disapproval. The editorial is
CELEBRATING THE DANVILLE-BOYLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Brett Guthrie (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-3-5

. Madam , I rise today in celebration of the Danville-Boyle Chamber of Commerce 100-year celebration. prgtoken I am proud to represent the City of Danville and Boyle County in Congress. Danville is one of the most vibrant communities in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, boasting a family-friendly environment with many thriving businesses. Danville has been named the Most Beautiful Small Town in America and one of the best places to retire in America. This would not be possible without the great work of the Danville-Boyle Chamber of Commerce, which has supported the local business community for 100 years. prgtoken I want to congratulate the Danville-Boyle Chamber of Commerce for their success and commitment to the Danville community over the last century. Here's to the next 100 years.
MAJOR BRENT TAYLOR VET CENTER OUTSTATION
Chris Stewart (Republican, UT) \u2014 2019-3-5

I rise today to, as these other gentlemen have before me, honor a man who gave everything he had to his God, his family, and his country. These three great loyalties guided the life of Major Brent Taylor and the lives of his devoted wife and children. prgtoken As has been indicated, I come from generations of military service. Some of my family had the great honor of serving with Major Taylor. We know from personal experience the great leader and the great man that he was. prgtoken , 15 years ago, Brent Taylor, hand in hand with his new fiancee, Jennie, walked into a recruiting office to enlist in the Army. Since then, this man and his family--and it is so important that we remember his family and the many other families of military members who sacrifice and serve as well--have lived a life of patriotic exemplary service. prgtoken He deployed twice to Iraq--in 2006 and again in 2007--and served in Afghanistan in 2012. prgtoken For his outstanding dedication to duty during combat operations in Iraq, Major Taylor was awarded the Bronze Star. This citation credited the ability of Major Taylor to think calmly and decisively to keep his subordinates safe while traversing more than 600,000 prgtoken miles throughout Iraq, areas riddled with improvised explosive devices and ripe for ambush. prgtoken This award recognized Major Taylor's tendency to do more than just carry out the assigned task. He was a man who went above and beyond to make a positive difference in the world, believing his actions to be a small sacrifice compared to what so many in our Nation's history have given up to keep this the land of the free and the home of the brave. prgtoken Such exemplary service is equally evident in his life outside of the military. After serving as a city councilman, his community and neighbors so entrusted him to lead that they elected him to be the mayor of North Ogden City. prgtoken In this role, Major Taylor's initiatives included improvements to public works and infrastructure, attracting businesses to the area, and developing a local community center. prgtoken The citizens of the community loved his snowplow updates--in Utah, we get a lot of snow--and his ability to see potential and possibility in everything around him. prgtoken Serving as mayor was one of the greatest honors of Major Taylor's life and the highlight of his civilian professional career. He believed that service is really what leadership is about. prgtoken On January 8, 2018, Major Taylor announced that he would temporarily step down as mayor to continue his service as a member of the Army National Guard on what would be his fourth and final deployment. prgtoken He didn't deploy just once, not twice, not three times, but four times he answered the call to serve. And once again, remembering his family, they answered the call to allow their husband and their father to serve. prgtoken This man recognized that there was an immediate need for his experience and
COMMEMORATING THE INTERNATONAL DAY OF AWARENESS FOR CYCLIC VOMITING SYNDROME
Darin LaHood (Republican, IL) \u2014 2019-3-5

. Madam , today I would like to recognize the International Day of Awareness for Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS). prgtoken CVS is a rare condition that impacts both children and adults, causing severe nausea attacks that can last between several hours and several days. The cause of CVS is still unknown. Through research and education in the United States and in over thirty other countries, the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association (CVSA) is working to develop a cure for those affected by CVS. Founded in 1993, CVSA started modestly with eighteen families and a few medical professionals. All those involved were dedicated to working towards a cure for the debilitating condition and through their hard work the organization has grown into an international coalition fostering research and providing resources and support for families suffering with CVS. prgtoken The Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association advocates tirelessly to make others aware of how challenging CVS can be, and how important it is to find a cure. With assistance from the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition and the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society, the CVSA produced the necessary guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of both pediatric and adult CVS and in 2012, supported a breakthrough in treating CVS with the establishment of the first emergency room protocol model. prgtoken As we recognize the International Day of Awareness for CVS, I know they will continue to advocate for the advancement of medical procedures, continued research and public awareness for this disease and the patient community.
TRIBUTE TO LINDSAY NOTHERN
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2019-3-5

I honor my communications director Lindsay Nothern for his dedication of more than 20 years to Senate service. prgtoken Lindsay has been a valued member of my staff since we both started Senate service in 1999. When I was sworn in as a U.S. Senator, my communications director refused to hire a press secretary immediately because she wanted to bring Lindsay onto the staff, and he was not available for a few months, so she did double duty until he was able to join my staff, and I have always been grateful for her insistence that we wait for him. His instincts and media savvy have been spot-on so many times over the two decades he has been with me. prgtoken Lindsay's strategic view of how activities and policy initiatives are presented has been instrumental. From press secretary, he moved to serving as communications director in 2011. While Lindsay may not be an Idahoan by birth, he has certainly earned his Gem State stripes through his depth and breadth of knowledge about the State. His experience as a journalist has served him well, first in reporting and managing the news from the journalist side and then from the other side as a press secretary and media representative. His prior work includes serving as press secretary for former Idaho Governor Phil Batt, who initially dubbed Lindsay as ``Scoop,'' and campaign press secretary for Congressman Mike Simpson in Congressman Simpson's first House campaign. prgtoken Lindsay is unfailingly one of the most pleasant people I have ever encountered. He can be counted on to be a great sounding board and listener, regardless of his personal opinions. I trust him to represent me to Idahoans throughout the State and know that he will always leave a meeting with a handful of new friends. That includes those who show up angry and unannounced in my office, demanding a meeting. Lindsay has demonstrated patience, commitment, and empathy in meeting for hundreds of hours with those who have taken issue with some aspect of government, the administration, or me. He is also a great encourager among staff, helping them to know their good work is valued and appreciated. prgtoken Several issues have become close to Lindsay's heart--among them, domestic violence prevention and awareness. Somewhere in my office archives, there is a photo of Lindsay in women's heels as he took part in a ``walk a mile in her shoes'' event, representing the office. That was not a comfortable experience for his feet, but he has been a strong advocate in helping me find ways to illuminate and bring awareness to domestic violence matters. prgtoken Thank you, Lindsay, for your 20 years of dedicated service to our Nation and the people of Idaho, and thank you for your continual assistance and friendship over the years. Congratulations on this milestone of public service for the betterment of Idaho and our Nation.
The Green New Deal (Executive Session)
Debbie Stabenow (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-3-6

. Thank you, . prgtoken , I am here on the floor to ultimately speak regarding Mr. Readler's nomination, but I do want to respond to my colleagues. It is hard to know where we begin because so much is said that doesn't make any sense. It is made up. It is ridiculous. prgtoken What I wanted to address as my colleague was speaking was where it said in the Green New Deal that we couldn't have ice cream. I have looked everywhere. I like ice cream, and I was shocked that we weren't going to have ice cream. Sure enough, there is nowhere where it says that they are outlawing ice cream. prgtoken For people who like cheeseburgers and milkshakes, I don't see anything in there about that either. prgtoken As the lead in the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, who works with farmers every single day and appreciates the great work they are doing to stop carbon pollution, I would just have to say that it is pretty silly, if it weren't so serious, how the majority and the leader are mocking what is probably the most serious issue of our time. prgtoken There are many things that I care about and the people in Michigan care about, but if we don't get a handle on what is happening on this erratic and dangerous weather, it is going to affect every part of our economy and every part of our way of life. prgtoken So if the majority leader or others want to say that we are declaring a war to outlaw air travel or the military or ice cream, that is absurd and would be funny if the whole subject weren't so serious. prgtoken By the way, in addition to that, the majority leader said that we want to end air travel and cow farts. By the way, just for the record, cows don't fart; they belch. prgtoken The fact is that this mocking the serious, serious issue of our time, where we can't get the majority to join us on a simple resolution to say that climate change is real, that it is man-made, and that we need to act and that we have a responsibility to our children and our grandchildren to act. Let's start there. prgtoken I don't want to hear that somehow the world is coming to an end if there is a proposal that passes and not have something in its place that addresses what is actually happening in terms of the threats to all of us, our families, our States, and our economy. prgtoken This is real. This subject is real. It needs a real discussion. We can have differences. We will have differences on how to address it, and that is fine--but to mock the whole subject of what is happening right before our eyes. We have to make up new names now for weather events in Michigan. Not only do we have polar vortexes where the cold is rolling down because of the warming in the Arctic, but we have cyclone bombs or bomb cyclones--I am not sure which it is--but it is weather, wind events, that come at 60, 80 miles an hour into a community like a cyclone bomb. We are having to make up new t
MAKING IT EASIER, NOT HARDER, FOR PEOPLE TO VOTE
Jennifer Wexton (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2019-3-6

our democracy isn't working the way it should for a majority of Americans, but H.R. 1, the For the People Act, can fix that. prgtoken This legislation will end partisan gerrymandering by creating independent redistricting commissions, letting the voters choose the politicians, not the politicians choosing their voters. prgtoken H.R. 1 will promote online registration, same day and automatic voter registration, because we should be making it easier, not harder, for people to vote. prgtoken It also prohibits arbitrary voter roll purges, expands early voting and vote-by-mail options, and ensures the restoration of voting rights for those who have paid their dues to society. prgtoken The right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy. It is as sacred as the freedom of religion and speech. prgtoken The American people want clean and fair elections, and H.R. 1 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore the faith and function in American democracy.
The Green New Deal (Executive Session)
Edward J. Markey (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2019-3-6

the leader has put his finger right on it. prgtoken We want a debate. We want to see their plan. We want to know if they agree with the science of the entire United Nations and 13 of our own Federal Agencies that produced an identical report at the end of 2018-- that being, it is dangerous and a great threat to our country, and we have to do something about it. prgtoken So where is the s' plan? What is their answer? Of course, they don't have one. They want to bring out the Green New Deal with no hearings, no witnesses, and no science when they should be bringing out their own plan. prgtoken The leader is right. It is just, basically, a condition they have, and the number they are using--the $93 trillion in terms of the cost of the Green New Deal--is a Koch brothers-produced number. It is their group that put it together. So how could we possibly be having a serious debate about something the Koch brothers have produced, in terms of dealing with global warming, since they are central players in this dangerous warming of our planet? prgtoken I yield to the leader.
Declaration of National Emergency (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-3-6

if you ask the administration about their highest spending priority in terms of their budget, it is pretty clear--national defense. Over and over, the President has asked and Congress has voted for more money for America's military for operations, readiness, and investment across the board. I don't think there is any question that the votes reflect the bipartisan commitment to our military and the belief prgtoken that spending dollars today to train our men and women, to equip them properly, and to make sure they live in the best circumstances is in the best interests of America's future. We have done that year in and year out, but this year we are facing quite a challenge from the administration. prgtoken This notion of building a $5.7 billion wall is going to be paid for at the expense of the U.S. military. It is the military that will end up surrendering projects that are underway and investments in our troops that are underway so that the President can build this almighty wall of his that was supposed to be paid for by the Mexicans, right? I heard him say that--only 100 times, but I heard him say it. Now he is off of that. It will not be the Mexicans paying for the President's wall. It will be our military. prgtoken So we ought to be very honest about the vote that is coming up. President has decided to declare an emergency and to say that regardless of the Constitution's giving authority to Congress to appropriate funds, he wants to take on that responsibility to decide where funds will be spent. That will be challenged in court, I am sure, as it should be. But for those Members of the Senate who in a few days will be asked to vote, I would like them to reflect on two things. Their vote supporting the President's approach is basically giving the authority of this branch of the government away to the Executive. Make no mistake, that is at the heart of it, and a number of Senators--a handful--have stood up and said: We wouldn't have allowed this under a ic President; why would we allow it under a President? prgtoken Yet others have said they are prepared to look the other way. If this President is popular back in their home States, the Constitution comes in second. I think that is a mistake. prgtoken Secondly, though, Members of the Senate, before they cast this vote giving this President the authority to take money out of our military to build this wall, ought to stop and take a look at where the money is coming from within our military. prgtoken I am in the fortunate position to be the ranking member on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. It is the biggest appropriations job on Capitol Hill, and I am happy to have Senator Shelby, a from Alabama, as my chairman of the subcommittee. I am the ranking on that committee. We have the biggest appropriation bill when it comes to discretionary spending--some 60 percent of the