mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO JOHN CULLERTON
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-12-10

this January, it will be 12 years since Illinois banned smoking in businesses. In 2008, the Smoke-Free Illinois Act went into effect and changed the lives of people throughout the State. There has been a 20-percent decrease in hospitalizations for conditions aggravated by secondhand smoke, like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and heart attacks. High school smoking rates have fallen more than 53 percent since then. This is real change. My friend, Illinois Senate President John Cullerton, led that fight to save lives. His storied career is one of working for good government and the safety of people. In January, he will be retiring, and I want to take this time to honor him. prgtoken John grew up in the village of Winfield in DuPage County. His family has deep roots in Illinois as one of the original settlers in Chicago in 1835. If you are wandering Chicago, you might come across Cullerton Street, which used to be 20th Street. It was named after John's great- grandfather's brother, Edward ``Foxy'' Cullerton. Edward, originally elected to Chicago city council in 1871, served one of the longest tenures as a Chicago alderman in the city's history. The Cullertons have been a staple of Illinois politics ever since. prgtoken Though it may seem like the Cullerton family is just filled with politicians, John's father and paternal grandfather were electricians. In fact, most of his immediate family was not political. John's role model was his maternal grandfather, Tom Tyrell, a real-estate lawyer in Chicago. At 12 years old, John wanted to be a lawyer because of him. His grandfather would give legal lessons at the dinner table. He would cut cherry pie and explain how corporations have shares. prgtoken John went to Loyola University Chicago and earned a bachelor's degree in political science. He stayed at Loyola to study law. John also served in the Illinois National Guard from 1970 to 1976. In law school, John experienced firsthand how litigation can bring change. As president of the Loyola University Chicago Student Bar Association, he saw his fellow students draft a complaint against the school for not providing adequate facilities for the law school. The students hired a lawyer and actually negotiated a deal without filing a lawsuit. A few years after John and his classmates graduated, a brand-new law school was built at the corner of Pearson and State in Chicago, which still stands today. prgtoken John's first job was working as a Chicago assistant public defender. For 5 years, he was on the frontlines of law defending people. In 1976, John earned his first political experience by being elected to be a delegate to the ic National Convention. Though John's immediate family was not very political, his cousin Parky Cullerton was Cook County tax assessor at the time. Parky's influence convinced him that he could run for the Illinois House of Representatives, and he won in 1978. <
TRIBUTE TO JOHN CULLERTON
Kamala D. Harris (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-12-10

I was absent but had I been present, I would have voted no on rollcall vote No. 383 the confirmation of Executive Calendar No. 479, Richard Ernest Myers II, of North Carolina, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of North Carolina. prgtoken , I was absent but had I been present, I would have voted no on rollcall vote No. 384, the confirmation of Executive Calendar No. 489, Sherri A. Lydon, of South Carolina, to be United States District Judge for the District of South Carolina. prgtoken , I was absent but had I been present I would have voted no on rollcall vote No. 386, the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar No. 533, Patrick J. Bumatay, of California, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit.
Healthcare (Executive Session)
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2019-12-10

when the administration comes to an end, it is going to leave behind a host of sad and, I would consider, shameful legacies, and right near the top of the list will be the shocking number of children who have lost healthcare coverage under this administration. prgtoken I am sure folks can't really see the specific numbers here, but this trend line is what is important, taking figures from the Census Department--people who are not political; they are not or s. What this chart, based on census data shows, is that, for year after year after year, we saw the number of uninsured kids in America go down. That is something I think was important for our country. It said a lot about our values, and it certainly said a lot about our healthcare system. prgtoken Sure, we are going to spend more than $3.5 trillion on healthcare. If you were to divide that up into 320 million Americans, you can send every family of four a check for $40,000. So we are spending enough on healthcare, but we are not spending it in the right places. prgtoken In particular, I wanted to come to the floor--and I am glad to see my friend, the Presiding Officer, who has worked with me on a variety of healthcare issues; we have some areas we are going to be talking about in the days ahead. To me, one of the areas of healthcare, until recently, we could all take pride in was this chart, which nobody could really see, but it showed this trend line in which the number of uninsured kids was going down. prgtoken Unfortunately, in the administration, that trend line of years and years and years of more kids getting healthcare coverage has been reversed, and now more kids are uninsured. prgtoken How did the people do it? They are not going to stand up in front of a government agency and say: Oh, we just don't like kids. But what they did is hurt those kids and their parents by keeping them in the dark for years while there were efforts, bipartisan ones--my friend, who joined the Finance Committee recently, knows that our previous chairman, Senator Hatch, worked with me for a record-setting extension for the Children's Health Insurance Program. The efforts to expand coverage for kids were all bipartisan--always--going back, really, for decades now, particularly on the Finance Committee. prgtoken I think of the late Senator John Chafee and the late Senator John Heinz--people whom I admire so much--and they always wanted to find common ground, and s, working for children. But now the administration, in the dark, has come up with proposals that have made it harder for parents to sign up their kids, harder for them to stay enrolled, and harder for these families--parents with young kids--to even know about their rights, their rights to healthcare. prgtoken So now, as a result of the administration's reversing this trend of years and years of expanded coverage for kids, we have hun
TRIBAL COASTAL RESILIENCY ACT
Gwen Moore (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2019-12-10

. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendments which are included in en bloc No. 1. prgtoken My amendments are simply. I will sum them up in six words: Community Engagement, Education, Outreach, and Consultation. prgtoken The impacts of climate change and environmental degradation affect us all. But the fact is climate change has a disparate impact on low- income and minority communities. Indeed, these communities are also disproportionately impacted by other environmental hazards. It is also worth mentioning that these communities, which suffer resource deficits, cannot simply relocate out of flood zones or pay for expensive mitigation efforts. prgtoken Similarly, my Native brothers and sisters have unique cultures that are highly vulnerable to climate change impacts which threatens their ways of life, subsistence, lands and water rights, and survival. For example, the Great Lakes have been an integral part of the history of many of the region's tribes. prgtoken However, too often, the most vulnerable communities are left out when it comes to the great ideas and projects like those we are authorizing in this bill. Tribal communities and low-income communities have a great stake in this debate. My amendment makes sure that they are included and active participants in the efforts authorized by this bill. My amendments would amend two of the grant programs in the bill to make clear that you must consult with, reach out, and meaningfully engage with tribal and low-income communities located where these projects are planned. prgtoken My amendments affect two programs created in this bill: the Living Shorelines Grant Program and the Climate Change Adaption Preparedness and Response Program. prgtoken The Living Shorelines Grant program is intended to fund the design, implementation, and monitoring of climate resilient living shoreline projects intended to protect coastal communities and ecosystem functions from environmental conditions, particularly those impacted by climate change. prgtoken The Climate Program is intended to help develop and fund comprehensive adaptation plans to help states better understand the scope of the threat of climate change, identify state-wide costs, and develop local strategies to ensure safety for their residents. prgtoken We get better policy making and outcomes when we ensure that all segments of our communities are engaged and meaningfully involved in the process. prgtoken I thank the chairman for his support of these commonsense amendments.
ADDRESSING PFAS CONTAMINATION AND ITS DEVASTATING EFFECTS
Antonio Delgado (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-12-10

in September, I was named to the National Defense Authorization Act conference committee, which is tasked with reconciling differences between the House and Senate-passed defense authorization bills. prgtoken In this role, I believe I would have the chance to advocate for provisions for PFAS contamination and its devastating effects, which include thyroid disease, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. The contaminant has wreaked havoc in my district, from Hoosick Falls to Petersburgh. prgtoken Unfortunately, leaders in both parties ultimately opted to hijack negotiations at the eleventh hour behind closed doors and in a disturbingly undemocratic fashion. In the end, nearly every PFAS provision was stripped from the agreement. prgtoken While I am pleased that my bipartisan legislation requiring PFAS chemicals to be listed on the EPA's Toxic Release Inventory was ultimately included, I am, nonetheless, deeply frustrated by an incredibly flawed process completely void of transparency. prgtoken For this reason, I decided not to sign the final conference report. I expected more from this process, and I am quite certain the American people expect more from this body.
INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW WAY FORWARD ACT
Jesús G. "Chuy" García (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-12-10

. Madam , I rise today to support the New Way Forward Act. prgtoken For too long, unjust, anti-immigrant laws including racialized laws dating back to the 1920s criminalizing migration and the 1996 laws that entangle our civil immigration system with our broken criminal legal system have led to overly harsh punishments and the mass criminalization of immigrants. prgtoken These laws have resulted in mass incarceration and deportations, separation of families, stripping people of due process and exacerbating racial animus in both our immigration and criminal legal systems. prgtoken We must end the labels of the `good' versus `bad' immigrant used to dehumanize and divide communities. prgtoken At this moment in history, we are called to uphold our values of compassion, common humanity, and racial justice. prgtoken I am proud to introduce the New Way Forward Act to disrupt the prison to deportation pipeline, give all immigrants the dignity of due process, and ensure America remains a nation that welcomes all. prgtoken The bill corrects racial and anti-immigrant injustices embedded in our immigration laws, many of which have enabled the Administration's inhumane assault on non-citizens in the United States and at our southern border. prgtoken Our communities deserve dignity, restoration and repair, not further criminalization. prgtoken It's time for a new vision for the future and for our immigration system. It's time for a New Way Forward. prgtoken I urge this body to support and pass this bill.
ADDITONAL STATEMENTS
Joe Manchin, III (Democrat, WV) \u2014 2019-12-10

Gayle and I would like to extend our warmest congratulations and very best wishes to our very dear friend Andy Pradella on his 70th birthday. What I have always admired about Andy is his unparalleled work ethic and determination to learn and serve, and to inspire those around him. I can't tell him how much his and Joanie's friendship has meant to me and Gayle throughout the years. They are like family to us. Together, they are both a match made in ``Almost Heaven.'' prgtoken While Andy wasn't born in West Virginia, he certainly is a West Virginian in his heart and soul. In West Virginia, if you are hungry, you will be fed. If you are lost, someone will not only give you directions but will offer to drive you to your destination. I am so deeply proud of the people of my home State and the values that make us stand out from the rest of the Nation. prgtoken It is in that same spirit that I proudly recognize Andy Pradella as an honorary West Virginian. No one fits this title better. He is one of the most generous, kindest, selfless people I have had the privilege of calling my very dear friend. He has provided so much happiness and wisdom to the lives of those around him throughout the years, and it is my wish that the memory of this special day remains with him just as his guidance and influence will remain in all the lives he has touched. Again, it is with the greatest admiration that I send to him my best wishes on his special day. prgtoken Andy, please always remember that no matter where you are, you have a home here in ``Almost Heaven.''
CELEBRATING MOTHER CLIFFORD MASON'S 100TH BIRTHDAY
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-12-10

. Madam , I rise today in honor of Mother Clifford Mason, a long-time resident of Detroit, Michigan, as she celebrates her one hundredth birthday on December 13, 2019. Born in Macon, Georgia, Clifford Mason was raised as an only child by her grandparents. She was educated in Georgia public schools before marrying Millard Mason in 1944. They moved to Michigan in 1946 and established their home, where she eventually became a dedicated member on the Usher Board and Mothers' Board of Unity Baptist Church in Detroit. Mother Mason was employed at a clothing factory and as a short order cook for a restaurant. She enjoyed cooking and baking--cabbage and pound cakes are her specialties. She has remained an active member of a local social club for over 50 years and continues to enjoy their yearly celebrations and birthday parties, dressing up, eating good food, and playing cards. Still active in the community, Mother Mason spends her time at Patton Recreation Center in Southwest Detroit, where she once worked and volunteered. She received accolades from former Detroit Mayor Coleman A. Young for her volunteerism. The matriarch of her family, Mother Mason treasures her time spent with family. She is the proud parent to her grown son Gregory Mason and loves her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her compassion and kindness towards others have had a lasting impact on those around her. Her strong family values are reflected in the life she leads. Please join me in celebrating the one hundredth birthday of Mother Clifford Mason.
TRIBAL COASTAL RESILIENCY ACT
Derek Kilmer (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2019-12-10

. Madam Chair, I thank my friend from Hawaii for yielding time. prgtoken Madam Chair, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 729, the Coastal and Great Lakes Communities Enhancement Act, a package of 10 bipartisan bills that will make significant strides to address the critical challenges our coastal communities face as a direct result of climate change and sea level rise. prgtoken Madam Chair, this is Taholah, the lower village of the Quinault Indian Nation. This photo doesn't show someone canoeing on a river or on a lake. It shows someone canoeing through the streets of their village after seawater flooded the area during a storm. prgtoken Far too often and far too many times, we have seen more severe storms and rising sea levels threaten communities like this. In my region, we have seen it in La Push, where the Quileute Tribal School is in the crosshairs of a rising ocean. prgtoken We have seen coastal challenges threaten public safety, public access, and cultural landmarks for these Tribes and others, including the Hoh and Makah Tribes. These communities are seeing the impact of climate change right now. prgtoken Breached seawalls, persistent flooding, mold damage, tsunami threats, and coastal erosion put homes at risk. They put schools serving Tribal youth at risk and community centers serving elders at risk, not to mention important cultural sites that date back generations. prgtoken Unfortunately, these threats from changing landscapes and weather events can't be adequately addressed by Tribal governments alone because they don't have the resources. While the Federal Government has resources to help coastal communities, there is no ability under current law to make direct applications for this funding. prgtoken Madam Chair, I grew up on the Olympic Peninsula. I have seen, firsthand, challenges faced by coastal communities; and, today, in the face of these threats, with this bill, we say that we are not going to tell these communities that they are on their own, because today's proposal includes my bill, the Tribal Coastal Resiliency Act, which aims to uphold Tribal sovereignty by modernizing NOAA's Coastal Zone Management grant program to allow Tribal governments to directly compete for these grants instead of requiring them to petition States to prioritize these projects.
Nomination of Lawrence VanDyke (Executive Session)
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2019-12-10

in the midst of all of the historic and profoundly significant events happening these days in Congress, there may be a temptation to overlook some of the judicial nominations that are coming to the floor of the Senate, some of them almost a caricature of the unqualified nominees that we have seen all too often. One is before us today, Lawrence VanDyke, who has been nominated to the Ninth Circuit. prgtoken Over the past 3 years, we have watched the administration march ceaselessly to degrade the judiciary. Yet, even in having witnessed this travesty firsthand, I find Mr. VanDyke's nomination truly astonishing and alarming. Once again, we are faced with a nominee who lacks the support of his home State Senators, who is not even from the State for which this seat is designated, and who was rated ``not qualified'' by the American Bar Association. That is a pretty tough set of qualifications--or lack of them--to match, but Lawrence VanDyke has done it. prgtoken These departures from bedrock principles that once guided the exercise of the Senate's constitutional duty to advise and consent should disturb all of us, but even more disturbing is Mr. VanDyke's record as an unrelenting ideologue who has spent his entire legal career promoting an extreme political agenda. Unfortunately, that is exactly what we can expect of him if he is confirmed to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. That ideological, rightwing, extremist image and record are exactly why he has been nominated by the President, who has outsourced many of these decisions about nominations to the far- right groups that he feels, evidently, he has to follow. prgtoken Mr. VanDyke has already made it abundantly clear how he will rule on gun violence prevention issues. In an NRA questionnaire that he completed when he ran for the Montana Supreme Court in 2014, Mr. VanDyke stated that he would not support any legislation that would regulate firearms and ammunition; any restrictions on the possession, ownership, purchase, sale, or transfer of semiautomatic firearms; or legislation mandating the use of locking devices and safe storage procedures. prgtoken There are currently bills before Congress that would do each of these things. I should know, for I sponsored them. None of these proposals-- none--would get a fair hearing in Mr. VanDyke's court. That predilection never disavowed, never refuted, never denied should be disqualifying. prgtoken Worse still, in the same questionnaire, Mr. VanDyke stated that the only reason he was not currently a member of the NRA was that he didn't ``want to risk recusal if a lawsuit came before me where the NRA was involved.'' In other words, he would join the NRA; he supports the NRA; he feels like he should be a member of the NRA; and he wants to rule in favor of the NRA, but he might have to recuse himself if he were to join the NRA. That statement alone should be disqualifying. prgtoken Remember, we are talk
TRIBAL COASTAL RESILIENCY ACT
Elaine G. Luria (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2019-12-10

. Mr. Chair, coastal resiliency projects, such as the Living Shoreline Program, can strengthen our military and the local communities that support them. My amendment will improve H.R. 729 by ensuring that NOAA considers the national security benefits of these projects. prgtoken Let me be clear: A vote against this amendment is a vote to turn our backs on our servicemembers and military families, as well as disregard the future of military readiness in our coastal communities. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this critical amendment in the underlying bill, and .
LOWERING DRUG COSTS NOW
Steven Horsford (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2019-12-10

I rise today to speak in support of H.R. 3, the Elijah Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. prgtoken Across America, seniors and families are struggling to afford the prescription drugs they need to stay healthy. prgtoken One of my constituents from the rural part of my district, Christie Baldock from Yerington, Nevada, was receiving tele-healthcare through her Senior Care Plus coverage before her health plan cut its rural coverage. Until she enrolls in another coverage, she will have to pay out of pocket for her prescriptions. Her insulin alone will be $500 each month. prgtoken Under H.R. 3, some commonly used insulins can cost as little as $400 per prgtoken year. For Christie and for the 30.3 million Americans who live with diabetes, we must pass H.R. 3 and lower drug costs now.
FOSTERING UNDERGRADUATE TALENT BY UNLOCKING RESOURCES FOR EDUCATION ACT
Suzan K. DelBene (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2019-12-10

I think this bill is all about making sure that we support consumer privacy and that we do it in a streamlined way. So the legislation in this bill would actually make this more secure for consumers. prgtoken And, again, I reiterate, the underlying legislation, the FAFSA Act, was passed out by the majority and the Senate Finance Committee almost a year ago, and then passed the Senate by unanimous consent shortly after. So it is a truly bipartisan effort. prgtoken Currently, each year when verifying their income for an income-based repayment plan, students have to manually go into their FAFSA account and submit their IRS documents. They are submitting those documents. The FAFSA Act would create a more secure way for folks to have their IRS information be sent to the Department of Education for verification by having their data go directly. That is a more secure and streamlined process. prgtoken That streamlined process means that 8 to 9 million applicants who are currently unable to access their IRS data for their FAFSA applications for verification, that means this process will be automated and they would be able to move forward with going to school and receiving the support that they need. prgtoken So, I strongly disagree with the concerns the gentleman raised. This is strengthening security, strengthening privacy. prgtoken Also, students and parent borrowers always have the opportunity to opt out of that transfer. They consent to it originally. They can opt out of that transfer, if they so wish, later on. prgtoken , I strongly urge folks to support this bill, which strengthens privacy and supports streamlining for parents and students.