mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Tax Reform (Executive Session)
Kirsten E. Gillibrand (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-5-2

I rise to add my name to S. Res. 120. This resolution would make it the sense of the Senate that we in this Chamber oppose the global BDS movement and other efforts to delegitimize the State of Israel. prgtoken I have long said that the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement targeting Israel--the BDS movement--is too often used as a vehicle for anti-Semitism. prgtoken The resolution would affirm our commitment to a two-state solution in the Middle East, with a future viable, democratic Palestinian State living side by side with the democratic State of Israel in peace, in security, and with mutual recognition. prgtoken It would make clear that particularly in this climate of increased anti-Semitism, we do not agree with efforts to delegitimize the State of Israel. I agree with these principles, and it is why I am supporting this resolution. prgtoken I would also like to say this: I have made it clear in the past, and my opinion is no different today, that I will not support any legislation that will weaken Americans' First Amendment rights. In this country, we have a fundamental constitutional right to express our opinions and speak out about what we believe in. We have a right to engage in civil disobedience. We have a right to protest. This resolution recognizes all of that. It recognizes the right of people to protest and express their opinions about whatever country or whatever policy they want, but the Senate is also entitled to our opinion, and I support making it our opinion in this body that we oppose the global BDS movement, that we want a two-state solution, and that we want to stand by our alliance with Israel. prgtoken I am proud to stand up for these ideals. I am proud to speak out about them. I encourage all New Yorkers and all Americans all over the country to keep speaking out what they believe in too. prgtoken I also want to make a broader and critically important point here; that is, today we cannot ignore the anti-Semitism that is on the rise all around us. It is more important now than ever that we stand together against all forms of anti-Semitism. prgtoken Just this past weekend, a hateful, anti-Semitic White supremacist walked into a synagogue in California on the Sabbath, during a celebration, and horrifically opened fire with a weapon of war on people who were praying--praying--on the last day of Passover. Six months before that, we mourned the tragedy at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, when another hateful, anti-Semitic White supremacist walked into a synagogue on the Sabbath and slaughtered people with another weapon of war. prgtoken New Yorkers in my home State have had to endure hateful graffiti with swastikas and even outright physical attacks. The FBI has reported a spike in hate crimes all over our country, so has the Anti-Defamation League. prgtoken The ADL just released its annual audit of anti-Semitic incidents. These cases of harassment, vandalism,
LEAD ON THE CRISIS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
James A. Himes (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2019-5-2

I rise today to address the opportunity we have today to lead on the crisis of climate change. prgtoken The climate change crisis is unlike any other that we have faced. It cannot be defeated on the battlefield; it cannot be cured; it cannot be wished away; and it, certainly, can no longer be denied. prgtoken What we can do is what we have always done and lead the community of nations to address a problem that would leave our children and their grandchildren with an unbelievable crisis and possibly a planet that they can no longer inhabit. prgtoken The Paris climate agreement was a set of targets that we developed that are not mandatory. The Paris climate agreement is about making a statement that this is a problem and a crisis, and that America will lead. prgtoken Today, this Chamber has an opportunity to say, yes, we will lead. We will not hide from the problem. We will not let this crisis distract us. We will lead. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 9 today and to send a statement to the world that, as we have always done, we will lead on this global crisis.
VETERAN SUICIDE--A NATIONAL CRISIS
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-5-2

. Madam , as we enter the month of May, many of us will be gathering at the end of the month to honor and recognize those who have fallen. prgtoken In mid-month, we will celebrate the mothers of this Nation, many of whom are veterans and who have died in battle. prgtoken I rise today to speak about veteran suicide, and to view it as a national crisis. It is told that there are 20 veterans a day committing suicide. prgtoken So, as I stand here today, tragically, a man or woman who has worn the uniform, who is willing to sacrifice himself or herself for this Nation, for the freedom of our people, for democracy, is taking their life. prgtoken This is such a national crisis that I believe that this should be a major issue for all of us to ensure that we find the resources, including the resources for family members, early counseling, and a helping hand to ensure that those veterans who find themselves lonely or homeless and feel that there is no other way out but to commit suicide--many of them young--that we will find a way to legislate, but also to protect the men and women who stood for us.
Barr Hearing (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-5-2

Attorney General Barr's performance in yesterday's Judiciary Committee hearing was abysmal. It raised all types of questions about his willingness to be a faithful steward of the law. Of the several outlandish claims, one stood out. One of them should send shivers down the spine of anyone who believes in this democracy. It would probably send shivers down the spines of the Founding Fathers if they were to hear this Attorney General say what he said. Attorney General Barr said yesterday that the President could not have obstructed justice because he believed he was falsely accused. He even went further. He made a broad principle. prgtoken Here is what he said: [If an investigation is] based on false allegations, the president does not have to sit there constitutionally and allow it to run its course. The president could terminate that proceeding and not have it be corrupt intent because he was falsely accused. prgtoken What a statement. If the President himself believes he has been falsely accused, he can terminate any investigation or proceeding against him. Any at all? Is that the determination in the President's own head and in nobody else's? I am sending a letter to the Attorney General this morning and am asking him a whole bunch of questions based on that awful, confounding statement. prgtoken First, we know he had a theory of the unitary executive. He issued that letter before he was chosen as Attorney General, and many believe that is why he was chosen. Yet this is the first time he had stated it so crassly and so baldly as Attorney General. Does he stand by that or was it a mistake? That will be my first question. prgtoken Does he stand by the statement that he said yesterday, based on false allegations, that the President does not have to sit there constitutionally and allow it to run its course? ``The president could terminate that proceeding and not have it be corrupt intent because he was being falsely accused.'' He could terminate the proceeding. So who is the determiner of what a false allegation is? Is it the President himself solely? I am going to ask Attorney General Barr that question. prgtoken What about other proceedings and investigations? Let's say one of the President's family members is being investigated. If the President determines that it is based on false allegations, does he have the unilateral power to terminate the proceeding? What if it is one of the President's business associates, and the President believes they are false allegations? Does he have the ability to terminate? What if it is one of his political allies? Again, does he have the ability to terminate? prgtoken I will also ask him: Does that mean that Richard Nixon, who certainly believed he was falsely accused, could have simply dismissed the entire Watergate investigation? Is that what the Attorney General believes? prgtoken I mean, my God, what President doesn't believe
CELEBRATING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF MASIMO CORPORATION
Katie Porter (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-5-2

. Madam , it is my honor to recognize the 30th anniversary of Masimo Corporation, a healthcare technology company based in Irvine, California, and to celebrate its innovation and commitment to improving patient safety around the world. Masimo has helped solve the ``unsolvable'' by introducing lifesaving breakthroughs in noninvasive patient monitoring. Masimo's founder, chairman, and chief executive officer, Joe Kiani, immigrated to the United States when he was 9 years old and only spoke three words of English. Originally trained as an electrical engineer, he thrived in his new home and graduated early from both high school and San Diego State University. In 1989, at age 24, Mr. Kiani had an idea that would significantly improve the accuracy and reliability of one of the most commonly used monitoring technologies in health care: the pulse oximeter. By attaching to your finger, the pulse oximeter measures how much oxygen is in the blood within seconds. With a $40,000 loan against his condo in Orange County, Mr. Kiani started his company in a location that many successful California companies often do--in a garage. Today, Masimo Corporation's Irvine headquarters can be recognized as the set for Stark Enterprises in the first ``Iron Man'' movie. Before Masimo Corporation was founded, pulse oximeters frequently produced false alerts based on a variety of factors and the patient's movements. Mr. Kiani applied a technology called adaptive filters, used in submarine warfare and communication, and created Masimo SET Measure- through Motion and Low Perfusion pulse oximetry. This technology reduced false alarms by 95 percent, and its high degree of sensitivity pioneered new findings--from previously undetectable heart problems in newborns to reducing blindness in premature babies by enabling clinicians to better target oxygen levels provided in neonatal care. Since its founding, Masimo has grown into a successful publicly traded company employing more than 4,600 people worldwide, with annual revenues of nearly $800 million. The company has more than 600 patents, and Masimo's technology improves the health outcomes of an estimated 100 million patients worldwide each year. prgtoken The journey of Mr. Kiani and Masimo is an American story rooted in entrepreneurial spirit and grit. Its worldwide success has created jobs, nurtured research, and improved patient safety. On behalf of the 45th Congressional District, congratulations for 30 years of providing lifesaving and life-altering health care.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Christopher A. Coons (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2019-5-2

today I wish to honor the life and service of a distinguished Delawarean, veteran of the U.S. Army for 27 years, businessman, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother, Ed Scully. prgtoken I got to know Ed during my time as New Castle County executive and worked with him on a variety of issues facing the aviation industry. prgtoken Ed was known for his persistence during my time in the Senate when it came to bringing and keeping good, high-paying jobs in Delaware, and in particular, he was passionate about helping veterans in our State get jobs in the aviation industry. prgtoken After graduating from Wilmington, Delaware's Salesianum School, Ed joined the U.S. Army in February 1961. Ed was no ordinary soldier; he joined the Special Forces and earned his Green Beret. He was promoted five times during his 27 years of service and retired at the rank of lieutenant colonel. Ed received many awards and decorations, including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star with Valor, the Purple Heart, the Joint Services Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Special Forces Tab, the Parachute Badge, the Senior Aviation Badge, the Vietnam Jump Wings, and the Special Forces Combat Patch. prgtoken After attending flight school, aviation became Ed's passion, and he spent the rest of his life as a military and civilian aviation expert. prgtoken After he retired from the military and returned to Delaware, he began a second career at Summit Aviation, a 500-acre airport in Middletown, DE, where he continued supporting America's men and women in uniform. Summit was an early supporter of the Delaware State Police Aviation Branch, building a hangar and providing all aircraft maintenance. To this day, Summit is a top employer of veterans in the state. Ed retired from Summit in June, 2013, after 25 years. Prior to his retirement, Summit named their new modification center after him: the Scully Modification Center. There are few people who can say that they have dedicated their lives to their country, but Ed certainly can. prgtoken Sadly, Ed passed away on December 24, 2018, and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery, but he leaves behind an indelible legacy and one he should be most proud of: his family. Ed is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 45 years, Patricia, his brothers Robert and Thomas, his daughters, Suzanne Gubich, Corynn Ciber, Kristin Stein, his son Edward Scully IV, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Danielle, Cole, Kyle, Maxwell, Julia, Connor, Ashton, and Kailani. prgtoken I am grateful for Ed's service to our State and our Nation, and I hope that this tribute to his memory helps his family and friends know what an impact his life made.
CLIMATE ACTION NOW ACT
Mike Levin (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-5-2

. Mr. Chair, I rise today to mark a monumental occasion for this body and offer an amendment to H.R. 9, the Climate Action Now Act. prgtoken After years of denial, outright lies, and inaction on the climate crisis under leadership in the House, we are finally taking meaningful steps to protect our planet for future generations. prgtoken While the President denies climate change exists, promotes fake scientists who believe pollution is good, and pulls us backward, we are embracing the scientific consensus that climate change is real; it is driven by human action; and it is already having a detrimental impact on our health and our planet. prgtoken There are a lot of myths about climate change that we must dispel. One of the biggest myths I hear is that we cannot combat climate change, invest in clean energy, and grow our economy at the same time. We know that isn't true. prgtoken In California, we have seen strong GDP and per capita income growth while also leading the country in the fight to combat the climate crisis. prgtoken We also know that renewable energy options are often more affordable for consumers than traditional fossil fuels. That is why my amendment to the Climate Action Now Act adds three key facts about our ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and maintain affordable energy options at the same time. prgtoken First, the greenhouse gas emissions reductions spurred by the Paris Agreement have driven innovation for reliable and affordable forms of energy, which demonstrates that emissions reductions and affordable energy are not mutually exclusive. prgtoken Second, the United States' long-term greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategy under the Paris Agreement touted energy efficiency improvements in buildings, appliances, and vehicles as a way to cost- effectively reduce emissions and lower energy bills. prgtoken Third, this strategy has had the support of both industry and consumers. prgtoken This amendment is very simple. It should not be controversial. Members of both parties should be able to agree that we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, invest in clean energy alternatives, and maintain affordable energy options at the same time. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I strongly urge my colleagues to recognize this simple fact and support my amendment to H.R. 9. prgtoken Ultimately, this is about the planet we leave behind for our children and our grandchildren. With a 5- and 6-year-old at home, I am proud to cosponsor the Climate Action Now Act and support bold and commonsense solutions to the climate crisis. prgtoken Mr. Chair, .
TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF LEONARD McNEIL
Mark DeSaulnier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-5-2

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the life and service of Leonard McNeil, a long-time resident of West Contra Costa County. prgtoken Leonard first discovered his passion for advocacy while attending California State University, Fresno and was a founding member of the campus's Black Student Union. A strong opponent of the Vietnam War, Leonard protested the draft by moving to Canada, where he helped create the Vancouver Black Action Group and demonstrated against the Vietnam War and British and Canadian imperialism. prgtoken After returning to the United States in the 1970s, Leonard completed a vocational program at the University of California, Berkeley and was an ironworker for over 15 years. In that capacity, he worked within his union to fight the exploitation of immigrant workers and end discriminatory practices. prgtoken Leonard then pursued a career in local politics and served on the San Pablo City Council. During his tenure, McNeil helped create affordable housing programs, pushed for free public internet access, created the San Pablo Economic Development Corporation, and supported programs that aimed to improve relations between the police department and the community. prgtoken Leonard was also a professor of Political Science at Contra Costa College, a position he held for nearly 10 years. As a professor, he pushed students to think critically and engage in political discussions. prgtoken Leonard will be sorely missed and his lasting impact will long be remembered in the East Bay community.
CLIMATE ACTION NOW ACT
Tom Malinowski (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-5-2

. Madam , our colleagues are right about one thing: China is taking advantage of us. But it is not taking advantage of America being in the Paris accord. It is taking advantage of our retreat. prgtoken China is our strategic competitor. It should pain all of us that everywhere around the world, China is being treated like the leader in fighting climate change. It should pain us that China is investing more money in renewable energy than any other country. It should pain us that they are surging ahead of us in electric vehicles. It should pain us that they are racing to dominate the global market in lithium batteries, that they have two-thirds of the world's high-speed rail and have spent over $100 billion on it in 2018. prgtoken Why is China spending hundreds of billions of dollars to make the transition to clean energy? Let me tell you, it is not because the Chinese Communist Party loves trees. It is because they want to win the future. prgtoken I want America to win the future. I want us to reap the economic benefits and the jobs that will go to whoever wins the race to a clean energy future. prgtoken How do our colleagues propose to win that race? I have looked at their record in the years when they controlled this House. I searched in vain for one free-market-based plan. prgtoken What did I find? Nothing, apart from a tax bill filled with giveaways to oil companies to allow more oil drilling, and legislation to allow methane emissions, to gut the Clean Air Act, and to roll back the Clean Power Plan. prgtoken That is it. That is all our colleagues did. prgtoken Do they know who has left them behind? Do they know who wants us to stay in the Paris accord because they know that our economic future depends on it? I will tell you who. The Dow Chemical Company wants us to stay in Paris. Bank of America wants us to stay. DuPont wants us to stay. Procter & Gamble wants us to stay. General Electric wants us to stay. Cargill wants us to stay. Citigroup wants us to stay. Johnson & Johnson wants us to stay. Coca-Cola wants us to stay. ExxonMobil wants us to stay. The Walt Disney Company wants us to stay. prgtoken Not a lot of socialists on their boards, though I do have my doubts about Goofy from time to time. prgtoken So that is our choice. We can cling to the past, we can let China win this race, or we can stand with our American companies, our American scientists, and our American innovators and let them lead us into the future.
CLIMATE ACTION NOW ACT
Joe Cunningham (Democrat, SC) \u2014 2019-5-2

. Madam , as a former ocean engineer, I rise on behalf of South Carolina's First Congressional District, the Low Country. And I rise, quite frankly, as someone who typically votes with s on these motions. prgtoken But not today. prgtoken I had hoped that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle would want prgtoken to engage in a constructive dialogue that addresses the devastating impacts of flooding, intensifying storms, and rising sea levels. prgtoken But not today. prgtoken This is not the way that it used to be. President Teddy Roosevelt established 150 national forests and five national parks. President Reagan signed into law 38 bills that added more than 10.6 million acres to the National Wilderness Preservation System, all with the support of the distinguished Members of the Grand Old Party. prgtoken But not today. prgtoken The Grand Old Party has an illustrious history with environmental conservation, a history it should be proud of. prgtoken But not today. prgtoken This body does a disservice to that environmental record by turning a blind eye to science and facts. There are certain things that go beyond politics, impacts that touch each and every one of us, regardless of partisanship, regardless of ideology. Climate change is one of them. The Low Country knows this more than most. prgtoken In downtown Charleston, our medical district, which is home to Charleston's VA hospital and our medical university, is the area that is most prone to flooding. During a recent hurricane, the Medical University of South Carolina was forced to float surgeons across the campus in jon boats to treat patients, including our veterans and our children. prgtoken Parris Island is one of the only two bases that makes enlisted marines, and the only base that makes female enlisted marines in our country.