mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING MINOT, NORTH DAKOTA
Kevin Cramer (Republican, ND) \u2014 2020-3-10

I rise today to recognize the city of Minot. It has been 60 years since the U.S. Air Force and Minot began working together to establish the Minot Air Force Base in northwestern North Dakota. This was in the late 1950s, when Minot leaders stepped up to buy the land where the air base now stands. Throughout the ensuing decades of growth and change in the Minot community and the base itself, this cooperation has continued. prgtoken This year, the Air Force Global Strike Command has recognized this solid partnership by awarding its Barksdale Trophy to the city of Minot. This honor is given to the community providing the most outstanding support to one of its bases. Minot Air Force Base's 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing support the Air Force Global Strike Command. The trophy is awarded by Shreveport and Bossier, LA, which are home to the command and the Barksdale Air Force Base. prgtoken The Minot Area Chamber of Commerce submitted the city's nomination for this award and in it detailed many notable projects and partnerships over the years. This includes a community auction, which for 30 years has raised $800,000-plus for programs supporting the morale of those at the base. Another 30-year event is a Military Ball, bringing airmen and their spouses and area residents together for a special evening. A favorite holiday tradition is the thousands of home- baked cookies delivered to airmen who are spending their first year in Minot and are unable to be home for Christmas. Those stationed at the base and their families reciprocate by volunteering to help with Minot's many programs and annual events, including the North Dakota State Fair and the Norsk Hostfest. prgtoken In North Dakota, we take pride in the two Air Force bases within our borders that help to safeguard world peace. The support we give to those who call North Dakota home while stationed at these bases is not done for recognition nor awards. Yet, receiving the Barksdale Trophy is a well-deserved nod to North Dakota's legendary hospitality and its steadfast support of the Minot Air Force Base. prgtoken , I congratulate the residents of the Minot area for being awarded this prestigious Barksdale Trophy. On behalf of all North Dakotans, I thank them for their support of our Nation's military and for welcoming those who are called to serve in this noble mission.
COVERING KATY NEWS
Pete Olson (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-3-10

the First Amendment to our Constitution says that Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of the press. The strength of our First Amendment is our local independent newspapers. These papers fan the flame of American rebellion. There is no America without a free local press. prgtoken Last week, we lost a local press newspaper in Katy, Texas, Covering Katy News. They ceased operations. The owner and founder, Dennis Spellman, left radio 8 years ago to get in the field and report on stories that matter to people back home. Covering Katy News was 21st century news, online primarily. prgtoken Dennis' family put their heart and soul into this paper, Covering Katy News. He would stay awake from 4 a.m. to 6 p.m.--without a day off in 5 years. prgtoken Dennis' last article was entitled, ``Time to Say Good-Bye.'' My dear friend, that is the wrong headline. The headline should be, ``Time to Say Good Luck.''
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Lamar Alexander (Republican, TN) \u2014 2020-3-10

if your car is a lemon, you don't sue the bank; you sue the dealer. A college can be a lemon, just like a car can be. A college could promise a potential student a job and then tell them that 50 percent of their students scored perfectly on their SAT tests. The potential student might use that information to take out student loans and enroll in a college. Then, if the information turns out to be false, the student may be stuck with student loans they can't afford to repay. Unlike a car, if your college is a lemon, you do sue the bank, and the bank is the taxpayer. prgtoken Today, are forcing the Senate to vote on a Congressional Review Act that, if passed, would overturn the administration's borrower defense rule. This process allows a borrower of a Federal student loan to have their loan forgiven if their institution misled them and that misrepresentation led to financial harm. prgtoken First, if your college closes, it is important for you to know that your loans are forgiven. Let me say that again. If your college closes, it is important for you to know that your student loan is forgiven. prgtoken There are about 6,000 colleges and universities in our country, and 783 of them closed in 2018. For example, when Corinthian College closed, that made a lot of news. Many students, though, transferred to another college. But if they didn't transfer, they weren't stuck with their student loans; their loans were forgiven. prgtoken We are not talking about that today when we vote. If your college isn't closing but it does defraud or mislead you, then you can file a claim. You can file a claim to have your loan forgiven, and you file it with the U.S. Department of Education. prgtoken There are 42 million Americans with an outstanding Federal student loan. In 2018, about 106,000 of those 42 million Americans filed what we call borrower defense claims. They claimed they were misled by the college when they used their student loan to go to that college. prgtoken In November 2016, the administration issued a rule that required a borrower to demonstrate only that they had been misled, not that they had been financially harmed. The administration fixes that overly broad regulation, while still protecting borrowers and the taxpayer. prgtoken Here is the difference. Under the administration, if one student had filed a claim and proved that he or she had been defrauded, all the other students in that program had to do was attest they had been misled in a similar way before having their loans forgiven as well. It was sort of a class action. prgtoken It was unnecessary for the first student or subsequent students to prove they had been financially harmed by that misrepresentation. What this meant is, if you went to a school that had misled students, your loan could be forgiven even if you had a job making $85,000 a year. prgtoken Under the administration, each student needs to fil
REQUIRING EVALUATION BY GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE OF SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND HISTORIC CONTRIBUTIONS BY MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
David B. McKinley (Republican, WV) \u2014 2020-3-10

I rise in support of H.R. 6020, and I thank the committee, both sides on this, for advancing this piece of legislation to us. prgtoken My colleague and I from Massachusetts, Lori Trahan, have been leading this fight around the country to preserve Minor League Baseball in 42 communities. prgtoken Baseball in these communities is threatened by this proposal by Major League Baseball to virtually eliminate minor league teams in small towns, from Massachusetts to Montana, in communities like Charleston, Bluefield, and Princeton, West Virginia. prgtoken But why is Congress involved? You have to understand: For the most part, Major League Baseball controls the destiny of minor leagues, and they should not be allowed to bully these prgtoken small communities into submission. Our goal is to level the playing field for these small towns and ensure that they have a voice in this matter. prgtoken Minor League Baseball is a point of pride in these cities and towns and brings jobs and economic development. It provides affordable, family-friendly entertainment, and brings people together for an afternoon at the ballpark and, hopefully, creating the next generation of baseball fans. prgtoken , this bill is intended to show Congress' commitment to preserving America's pastime in small parts of rural America, far removed from the bright lights of major leagues. By passing this piece of legislation, we will be sending a message that eliminating grassroots baseball in these 42 communities is an unnecessary burden on these small towns, jerking the rug out from under baseball towns in rural America. prgtoken Look, there are many things in our American culture that should matter. This particular legislation demonstrates that there are some things in our American society, in our culture, that should mean more than dollars and cents. Major League Baseball needs to think about this.
RECOGNIZING HOWARD BLACKBURN
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2020-3-10

. Madam , I rise to recognize the late Howard Blackburn of North Wilkesboro, North Carolina for his recent induction into the Wilkes County Agricultural Hall of Fame. prgtoken Howard Blackburn epitomized a life of excellence and service. He served in the military during World War Two and the Korean war. Howard Blackburn influenced thousands of lives through his leadership in education and agriculture. Through his work at Wilkes Community College, where he served as director of the life sciences program, Mr. Blackburn helped thousands of students develop farming skills. prgtoken Howard Blackburn is perhaps best known throughout Wilkes County for his contributions to beekeeping. He helped found the Beekeepers of Wilkes, and personally served as an instructor and mentor for decades. He helped many, many other people understand the importance of bees to our lives. He always maintained the highest standards of meticulous conduct and expected others to strive to the same level of excellence. Howard Blackburn is a shining example of service that we should all seek to emulate.
ENSURING DEMAND FOR U.S. ENERGY
Fred Keller (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-3-10

. Madam , with Saudi Arabia and Russia going through absurd measures to drive the United States out of the energy market, this is a prime opportunity to ensure we have demand for American energy made right here at home. prgtoken That is why I am saddened to see Pennsylvania's Governor publicly oppose legislation that will incentivize the potential creation of two new petrochemical facilities in Pennsylvania. prgtoken The United States, generally, and Pennsylvania, in particular, have benefited from homegrown energy production. The natural gas industry in Pennsylvania has invested in local communities, improved educational opportunities, lowered energy costs, and boosted our national security through energy independence. prgtoken But we cannot allow foreign countries, especially those who do not share our values, to drive us out of the energy market. prgtoken By supporting an energy and fertilizer manufacturing tax credit, and bringing jobs, investment, and local demand for local gas, Pennsylvania could invest in our country's future and our national security by ensuring a local market for local energy resources.
IOWA HISTORY MONTH
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2020-3-10

as all Iowans know, I love history. That brings me to the floor to honor March as Iowa History Month. prgtoken Here are some facts about Iowa. Since becoming a State in 1846, Iowa has raised one President--that is President Hoover--and four Nobel laureates, and is home to over 2,000 locations on the National Register of Historic Places. prgtoken Our heritage is preserved by Iowans who do their good work through maintaining Iowa's museums and historic sites. I encourage all of my fellow Iowans to help pass on our history to the next generation by taking advantage of the many programs hosted this month by visiting www.iowaculture.gov. . prgtoken .
TRIBUTE TO TERRY HILL
James M. Inhofe (Republican, OK) \u2014 2020-3-10

I am speaking today to highlight a service-disabled veteran and my constituent, Terry Hill, who is the CEO and cofounder of Rapid Application Group, an additive manufacturing facility just outside of my hometown of Tulsa in Broken Arrow, OK. Mr. Hill is a hero who served his Nation nobly as a UH-60 Black Hawk medical evacuation pilot, flying more than 750 combat missions serving in the U.S. Army. prgtoken Due to Mr. Hill's experience, he knows better than anyone just how essential the technology of additive manufacturing can be in the field to support nonflight-critical parts to increase the overall readiness and force of our military. Additive manufacturing has improved military readiness and enabled the military services to be more self sustainable. Continued advancement in this area will further improve our military's readiness and overall ability to accomplish the mission at hand. prgtoken When Mr. Hill returned home and started his business, he continued to serve our Nation by taking care of his fellow veterans. He is committed to hiring veterans to work in his facility and is known within our community for seeking out opportunities to help those who have worn the uniform. I take this opportunity today to highlight and thank Mr. Hill for his service in the U.S. Army, but also for his continued service in delivering needed tools to the warfighter and for supporting our veterans.
MOVING OUR DEMOCRACY AND CONGRESSIONAL OPERATIONS TOWARDS MODERNIZATION RESOLUTION
Rob Woodall (Republican, GA) \u2014 2020-3-10

I thank my friend from Illinois for yielding. I have so many things that I want to say now in light of that. prgtoken The truth is, , I just came over, had to walk out on some constituents to be here. prgtoken Hunter Pruett is in town. He is advocating on behalf of the Juvenile Arthritis Foundation, and he has been meeting with me every year for the 10 years I have been in Congress. prgtoken I said: Hunter, I am sorry. I have got to go to the floor. This is our bill today. I will see you back home. prgtoken He said: I just want to tell you one thing, Rob. prgtoken He said: Whatever is going on in politics, just forget it. What I want you to do for your next 9 months in Congress is just go and do the right thing for the right reasons, and we will be with you. prgtoken That is a pretty common message that we get, but our committee process doesn't always allow that to happen, and I want to thank the chairman for leading a process that has allowed exactly that to happen. prgtoken , I don't know if it has been mentioned, but I am looking at the chairman of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress sitting beside the chairwoman of the House Administration Committee. prgtoken Now, as you look through these 30 recommendations today, you will see that a lot of them have to do with House Administration jurisdiction. I am standing right beside the ranking member of the House Administration Committee. prgtoken It is extraordinary in this institution for a chairwoman and her ranking member to allow another committee to have any sort of input on what goes on, much less delegate some of that conversation and thinking. The lack of self-interest that has gone into this committee is something I haven't gotten to see much in the 10 years I have been here. prgtoken You won't see in these recommendations, , a recommendation to turn all of the committees into the exact same bipartisan 50/50 committee that we have had the pleasure of working on. I don't think you will see that in the next round either. prgtoken But I will tell you that one of the favorite stories I get to tell back home to folks who feel like politics has taken over this town, for folks who feel like MSNBC and FOX News run this institution these days, that think Twitter is the be-all and end-all of in-depth political thought, I have gotten a chance to work with Members who have, time after time after time, put the institution first with one goal in mind. prgtoken , I am certain it has been said already, how can we serve our constituency better, every single conversation, how can we serve our constituency better; what can we do to better serve the American people; how is the institution broken, not so that it is not serving Members, but so that Members are not serving their constituents. prgtoken I know this isn't the most glamorous of topics, modernization of Congress, but I would just say to all of my colleagues, if you are feeling down, if you are feelin
SUPPORTING JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS OF SANCTUARY CITIES ACT
Ted Budd (Republican, NC) \u2014 2020-3-10

. Madam , I thank Mrs. Miller for being here tonight. I appreciate her support on this. prgtoken Madam , I thank all of my colleagues who have made it tonight to speak on the dangers that sanctuary cities pose to the communities around us. prgtoken It strikes me as common sense to pursue legislation that allows families and victims legal recourse against the municipalities and policies that have caused them so much damage. prgtoken Madam , .
ADVANCED GEOTHERMAL INNOVATION LEADERSHIP ACT OF 2019--Continued
Roy Blunt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2020-3-10

reserving the right to object, I must admit I was sitting here, and I thought I was coming over for H.R. 1 from the House, which was attempted to be put on the floor--a bill that was supposedly designed to create ballot security--and I got here and found out that this is the bill that will right all wrongs. I had no idea that in one piece of legislation, so many things could happen. prgtoken I understand also it is a bill that stops the subversion of the Constitution. I actually always thought a principal purpose of our Constitution was to divide between the State and the Federal Government those things that could be better done by local government and those things that could be better done by State government. That certainly is not what I heard today. prgtoken I also thought that the reason for this bill supposedly from the House was a bill that would create a level of election security that I never thought the bill would create, but I haven't heard that. prgtoken I almost went down to ask as my friend was finishing up, am I really here for H.R. 1, or is this some other bill that does so much more than I ever could have imagined that H.R. 1 could do? prgtoken In March of 2019, the House did pass this bill. It gave unprecedented control to the Federal Government over the elections of the country. You take away--you moved as far as you possibly could, with this bill, the responsibility for running an election at a precinct in a jurisdiction. prgtoken At that time, the Senate requested that the bill be taken up, and it was objected to--by me, actually. In the intervening year, the bill hasn't changed. It appears to have gotten a lot better at what it might possibly be designed to do, which appears to be everything that anybody would ever want to deal with, but what it really does is it still represents a one-size-fits-all Federal power grab to take control of election administration away from the States and in most cases away from the community and in many cases away from a locally elected official whose--the very essence of the job they have been elected to do is to be sure that not only can people vote but that people have confidence in what happens on election day. That, in my view, would change dramatically if you move that responsibility from the people who have it now to some group here in Washington, DC, who would try to administer elections nationally. prgtoken I am confident that wouldn't happen. In fact, the security of our elections--since the impetus of this was supposed to be more secure elections when the House first said they were going to pass a big election bill that ensures elections will be more secure, I think the thing that secures our elections the most is the diversity of the system. This bill would undermine the decentralization of the system. It would undermine the ability of local officials to be responsible. prgtoken I spent 20 years as either the election official in th
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2020-3-10

today, I would like to recognize Capt. Joseph Victor Sheldon III, command chaplain, 4th Marine Division, for his 32 years of service in the U.S. Navy as he approaches his retirement ceremony. Captain Sheldon will be dearly missed by those who served with him, and our country thanks him for his dedicated service. prgtoken Captain Sheldon served in a unique and critically important role as a chaplain in the U.S. Navy. His recognition of the importance of this role allowed him to effectively serve the soldiers he served with, as well as their families and civilian military workers. Military chaplains are also charged with forging relationships with their counterparts around the world when they serve abroad. Captain Sheldon took this responsibility in stride and provided a blueprint on how military chaplains should build relationships with their religious counterparts. prgtoken His service included time in the Middle East following 9/11, Germany, the Pentagon, as well as serving as the Director of Religious Affairs of the Combined Joint Task Force in the Horn of Africa, CJTF-HOA. Louisiana and the entire Nation are grateful for Captain Sheldon's life of service to our great country.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RELATING TO BORROWER DEFENSE INSTITUTIONAL...
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2020-3-10

my colleague from Ohio just spoke about Nathaniel R. Jones, who was a circuit judge with the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati and had a distinguished career as a judge but a long, distinguished career as a true champion of civil rights going back to the 1960s and was also general counsel of the NAACP when landmark cases were decided. I also happened to have had the privilege of getting to know him over the years and considered him a dear friend. prgtoken We have a resolution that passed the Senate last month with regard to Judge Jones, and I am pleased to join my colleague Sherrod Brown today in paying tribute again to Nathaniel R. Jones. That resolution is now in the Congressional Record and therefore the agent for all of us to be able to understand the importance of the work he did and for future generations to understand the importance of the march to freedom that he represented. Great American Outdoors Act prgtoken , I am also here on the floor today to highlight the introduction of landmark new legislation called the Great American Outdoors Act. It is to ensure that some of our country's greatest resources and our greatest treasures, including our national parks, are taken care of for generations to come. prgtoken I am proud to help lead the introduction of this bill along with my colleagues Senator Gardner, Senator Manchin, Senator Daines, Senator Warner, Senator Alexander, and Senator King. I also want to thank President and his administration, first for President 's support of the Restore Our Parks Act, which is part of this legislation, over the past few years but also for their support of this broader legislation, the Great American Outdoors Act. prgtoken In the spirit of President Teddy Roosevelt over 100 years ago, Federal land management agencies like the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and others have worked to designate and preserve some of the most beautiful and historic parks of our country. Those lands, of course, include those we all know of as our national parks--Yosemite, Yellowstone, some of the great ones, Glacier--but also more modest sites like the boyhood home of President Taft in my home State of Ohio. prgtoken In all, the National Park Service and its system include more than 84 million acres of parks and historical sites that now attract 330 million visitors annually. Actually, that is a record. More people are going to the parks than ever. That is great. The concern is, when they get to the parks, sometimes the parks aren't working for them because of the huge infrastructure needs and the deferred maintenance problems. prgtoken We have eight of these national parks in Ohio, including Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which is our largest single park and actually is the 13th most visited national park in the country. It is a great park. Whether it is for bi