mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
MOVING OUR DEMOCRACY AND CONGRESSIONAL OPERATIONS TOWARDS MODERNIZATION RESOLUTION
Derek Kilmer (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2020-3-10

I thank Chair Lofgren and Ranking Member Davis for their support in bringing this resolution to the floor. prgtoken H. Res. 756, the MODCOM Resolution, is the product of a bipartisan desire to make Congress work better for the American people. prgtoken Over the past year, the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress has taken a hard look at the many challenges this institution faces. Select committee members have listened closely to what their colleagues and staff have to say about how to improve Congress and listened to the American people. prgtoken Through a collaborative, bipartisan process, the select committee has so far passed 45 recommendations to make Congress work better so that Members can better serve their constituents. prgtoken Making recommendations to improve Congress is one thing, but making sure those recommendations are carried out is quite another. prgtoken The Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress is the first reform committee in recent history to turn its recommendations into legislation. The MODCOM Resolution ensures that the select committee's initial recommendations are implemented by the House of Representatives. prgtoken These recommendations cover a broad range of issues but share a common goal: making Congress work better for the American people. prgtoken Article I of the Constitution established Congress as the first among coequal branches of government. Our Founding Fathers envisioned a strong legislative branch, but Congress' capacity to uphold its constitutional powers has been weakened. This resolution is a first step toward restoring capacity and strengthening Congress. prgtoken The resolution improves transparency so that the American people can easily access basic information about Congress, including following the bill through the process, seeing how Members vote in committee and on the floor, and tracking what bills Members sponsor. prgtoken The MODCOM Resolution also contains recommendations focused on attracting and retaining a diverse and highly qualified workforce, again, working on behalf of the American people. The resolution creates a one-stop HR shop to help Members and staff with questions about recruitment, retention, diversity, legal counsel, training, and benefits. prgtoken The select committee has heard a lot about how new Member orientation should do more to encourage civility and bipartisan collaboration. This resolution will overhaul the onboarding process for new Members and provide continuing education opportunities for all Members. prgtoken Select committee members also agree that trying to solve 21st century problems with 20th century technologies is a disservice to the American people, who rightfully expect timely action from their Representatives. This resolution will modernize House technologies and, ultimately, save taxpayer dollars. prgtoken Modernizing Congress also means making the proceedings and functions of the House accessib
S. 2657
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-3-10

before I get into the remarks, substance, of coronavirus and H.R. 1, I would like to mention that Leader McConnell did not give the right story when he talked about the Energy bill. I would remind people, 13 voted for cloture; 15 s opposed cloture. I would remind the leader that it was a , Senator Kennedy, who led the charge to deny cloture, and it was well known that simply wanted an amendment on the Kennedy bill--a amendment--wanted an ability to vote. Once again, because Leader McConnell does not allow amendments and debate and, instead, just adds more items to his legislative graveyard, the bill went down. But 13 voted for cloture. If he had his troops together, he might have been able to pass it anyway. To blame and say we are moving the goalpost is just a total misstatement of what happened.
ADVANCED GEOTHERMAL INNOVATION LEADERSHIP ACT OF 2019--Continued
Jeff Merkley (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2020-3-10

my colleague has just demonstrated why this bill should be on the floor. He has given extensive conversation on a series of points that should be deliberated upon. prgtoken I say to my colleague from Missouri, isn't this what we should be doing as a body, putting issues on the floor of the Senate and debating them for the future of this country so that we can get, if you will, right to the facts rather than to have things obscured by the fact that the issue is not on the floor. prgtoken So I would encourage my colleague from Missouri to go back to his caucus and say: You know, I just gave a vigorous opposition to this bill, but I believe in the role of the Senate in deliberating the issues. So I think this bill should be put on the floor, and I think it should be open to amendments. prgtoken I can hear from what my colleague has stated that he probably thinks the bill should be shrunk and probably thinks it could also be expanded. Good. That is the point of having debate and amendments on the floor of the Senate. prgtoken So I would hope, in the spirit of your comments, you would be willing to actually stand up and debate this bill and advocate for your colleagues to debate this bill on the floor of the Senate, because once upon a time, this floor would have been full of Members arguing over key issues, enlightening each other, pointing out the flaws in their thinking, but now substantive policy bills don't arrive here on the floor because of an unconstitutional position--one that is not delineated in the Constitution--the majority leader has decided that nothing should be debated on this floor that he alone doesn't want considered. prgtoken Let's think about some of the points that were just raised. One point was that the Federal Government should have no role in elections; it should all be left to local officials. Didn't we have that debate in 1965 in the Voting Rights Act? Why did the Federal Government say that we should, in fact, have laws for the integrity of our elections? It was because there were all kinds of forms of voter intimidation and voter suppression, keeping the people of the United States, the citizens of the United States, from fully participating in their democratic Republic. It is the Constitution that laid out this role for the Federal Government, saying Congress may at any time by law make or alter such regulations regarding elections. So it is the Constitution that envisioned that if States failed to protect the integrity of our elections, then we should act right here, right now. prgtoken My colleague said he didn't like the idea that the bill says what type of paper to use. Well, that's certainly something that can be worked out. But shouldn't we have paper ballots everywhere? prgtoken My colleague said local officials are doing a great job. Then why were people in minority districts waiting 7 hours to vote, when people in many other districts--more affluent districts
HONORING ANA POTTRATZ ACOSTA
Ilhan Omar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2020-3-10

. Madam , I rise today to honor Ana Pottratz Acosta, a tireless attorney, advocate, and organizer, as she receives the International Institute of Minnesota's Olga Zoltai Award. I cannot imagine a better person to be recognized with this award. Ms. Pottratz Acosta wears many hats in the Twin Cities--a clinical instructor at Mitchell-Hamline School of Law, vice chair of the regional American Immigration Lawyers Association chapter, a pro-bono mentor at the Advocates for Human rights, and more. She's also at the forefront of community response to major immigration policy changes, such as the Central American Minors refugee program and the recent Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act. Connecting these threads is a deep passion for immigration justice--a commitment that our openness and acceptance of immigrants and refugees is a non-negotiable principle of our country. Ms. Pottratz Acosta has approached this work not as a savior--but rather a partner in our common fight for liberation. To me, Ms. Pottratz Acosta represents the best parts of America: someone who is using all the tools at her disposal to fight for a world that is more filled with love, more connected, and more beautiful. When I see Ms. Pottratz Acosta, I also see in her face the faces of all the immigrants she has helped start a better life in our community. Because of her, I know that our future is brighter. I thank Ms. Pottratz Acosta for her service to our community. It is an honor to get to work alongside her for justice for all of our neighbors.
ADVANCED GEOTHERMAL INNOVATION LEADERSHIP ACT OF 2019--Continued
Michael F. Bennet (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2020-3-10

I appreciate the opportunity to talk about this bill. prgtoken Senator Udall, of New Mexico, and my colleague Senator Merkley, of Oregon, for their extraordinary work. prgtoken I don't know if they have ever had the experience that I have often had or the Presiding Officer has had, but there are times, in my having spent a week here after having done absolutely nothing, when I am walking through the Denver International Airport, and I want to put a paper bag over my head because I am so embarrassed about the failure of this institution to live up to even the barest responsibilities that we have. prgtoken I mean, we can't even pass a basic infrastructure bill around this place while China is building 3,500 miles of fiber-optic cable to connect Latin America with Africa and back to China to export the surveillance state from China. That is what China is doing there while we are doing nothing here. We have become the land of flickering lights, whereby the standard of success is whether we have kept the lights on for another 2 hours or another 4 hours. prgtoken What the American people need to understand is that this is the ideological end state of what the Freedom Caucus came to Washington to do. It has become the ideological end state of what Mitch McConnell can do because, in the rubble of our institutions, they can achieve the objectives they want to achieve. They can put rightwing judges on the courts without our institutions working. They can come out here and cut taxes for rich people and claim it is a middle-class tax cut without our institutions working. Yet what we are unable to do without those institutions working is invest in our infrastructure, is make sure that we have an education system in this country that is actually liberating people from their economic circumstances instead of reinforcing their economic circumstances, is ensure that we are doing something on the climate and doing something on guns. prgtoken It has been more than 20 years since Columbine happened in Colorado. My State--the Western State, a Second Amendment State--passed background checks after Columbine. My three daughters grew up knowing they lived in a State that was actually trying to respond to what was going on in their schools--not true of the U.S. Congress. prgtoken The reason for much of this inaction is the Supreme Court's decision with regard to Citizens United. I will not belabor the point, for I know my colleague from Hawaii was kind to let me go ahead of her, but let me just repeat this: After Citizens United, 10 donors over the past decade have contributed $1.2 billion to our policy. That has created a corruption of inaction in the U.S. Senate. It is not corruption that you see because it is a corruption of inaction. It is the bill that is not introduced. It is the committee hearing that is not held. It is the vote that is never taken for fear that, if you do that, some billi
CHRISTOPHER LUCIANO
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2020-3-10

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and applaud Christopher Luciano for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Christopher Luciano is a student at Drake Middle School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Christopher Luciano is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Christopher Luciano for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassador for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.
NATIONAL WOMEN AND GIRLS HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY
Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2020-3-10

. Madam , today is National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. prgtoken In the United States, 235,000 women and girls are living with HIV, and they make up one in four new diagnoses, with Hispanic and African- American women disproportionately impacted. prgtoken Although, nationwide, new HIV cases are declining, in Miami-Dade County they are, sadly, on the rise, making today so important for my district. prgtoken Let's remember, also, that this disease yet has no cure. Awareness is critical to reduce transmission. Knowing your status is crucial. prgtoken But the reality is that one in nine women with HIV are unaware that they have it. That is why testing and preventive medication like PrEP need to be accessible and affordable. We must also be aware that some women living with HIV postpone care because of fears of rejection by loved ones or violence from a partner. prgtoken It is on us to do our part to spread awareness, reduce stigma, and support women and girls living with HIV and AIDS.
ADVANCED GEOTHERMAL INNOVATION LEADERSHIP ACT OF 2019--Continued
Amy Klobuchar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2020-3-10

I come to the floor to mark the 1- year anniversary of the House passage of H.R. 1, the For the People Act. I am honored to be here with my colleagues, and I am here to urge the s to bring this legislation to the floor for a vote. prgtoken This bill has been languishing in the legislative graveyard for a year. I know because I have 13 provisions in this bill. This bill--the combined work of so many people in this Chamber, including of my friends Senator Udall, Senator Merkley, and many others--would fundamentally improve our democracy by protecting voting rights, securing our election systems, and getting dark money out of our campaign system. prgtoken Why is it so important for us to act on this bill? Every one of the things we want to get done--finally addressing the climate crisis, immigration reform, improving people's healthcare, making healthcare more affordable--depend on there being a democracy that works so people can make sure their votes count. prgtoken At a time when the right to vote is under attack, when foreign adversaries are trying to exploit our divisions and interfere in our elections--something we are going to be briefed about this afternoon from intelligence agencies--and when an unprecedented amount of money from special interests is drowning out the voices of the American people, we need to take bold action to restore Americans' confidence in our political system. That is exactly what the For the People Act does. prgtoken As the ranking member of the Committee on Rules and Administration, I know this bill is important. I am frustrated that we have not had more Rules Committee hearings about things like the oversight of the FEC. I am frustrated that, just today, a Commissioner was put forth for a hearing, recommended by the White House, when there is a highly qualified ic candidate who would be the first person of color in history to serve on the Federal Election Commission who has been vetted and has cleared the White House. Yet we only saw the candidate. This is why this bill is so important. prgtoken This year marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. As we celebrate, we are reminded that, throughout our country's history, the right to vote has been hard fought and hard won. Just 2 weeks ago, I had the honor of joining Congressman John Lewis--a true hero for voting rights--on the 55th annual Selma bridge crossing to commemorate the sacrifices made on Bloody Sunday. prgtoken When we reflect on the sacrifices that have been made for the right to vote, one thing is truly clear--that the fight is not over. There are people today who are working to take the right to vote away. Their work comes in many forms: voter ID laws, gerrymandered districts, purging people from voting rolls, and one that we just saw just last week on Super Tuesday--polling place closures that result
HONORING GEORGE J. LEDERER
Eliot L. Engel (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-3-10

. Madam , it is my honor and privilege to mark a tremendous milestone for one of my constituents, George J. Lederer, who is celebrating his 100th birthday on March 21, 2020. prgtoken George J. Lederer was born on March 21, 1920, in Vienna, Austria, to Felix and Helene Lederer. At the age of 18, he left Vienna and went, via Zurich, Switzerland, to England. He lived in Leicester until May 10, 1940, when, as a refugee, he was interned under General Orders in Edinburgh, Scotland. Transferred to a larger camp near Huyton, George was detained for approximately 8 weeks. He was subsequently transported to Australia on July 10, where he remained in internment camps for nearly two years. After his return to the United Kingdom, in September 1942, George lived in Leicester and London, employed by an Indian railway company, until his U.S. Immigration visa was ready. prgtoken In July 1942, he left England and was landed, unexpectedly, in Halifax, Canada, from where he finally entered the United States of America in Van Buren, Maine on July 30, l943. Rejoining his family in New York City, George eventually enrolled in the College of the City of New York, and graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering degree in 1951. George later earned the designation of ``Professional Engineer''. prgtoken After various positions in engineering design and construction work, he formed his own firm, George J. Lederer Construction Service Inc. in Scarsdale, NY, which engaged in military and civilian work. He retired in 2002. George plans to celebrate his birthday among his family and friends. prgtoken Madam , it is my honor to recognize George J. Lederer on this special occasion. I wish George a happy birthday, and many more happy and healthy years to come.
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...
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2020-3-10

I rise this evening to discuss the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, which is oftentimes referred to as the ``Magna Carta'' of environmental laws. When I think about our Nation's most illustrious documents, I am reminded of the true expression of America and its aspirations. I am reminded of our Declaration of Independence and its embrace of ``Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.'' prgtoken I am also reminded of our Constitution. Delaware is known as the First State because we were the first State to ratify the Constitution, December 7, 1787--one week before anybody else. Our Constitution is the most replicated and enduring Constitution in the history of the world. It is not entirely unlike our more recent expressions of America's values and guiding principles, like the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, or NEPA. NEPA has served as one of our bedrock environmental laws for a half century now. prgtoken According to its six pages of statute, NEPA's purpose includes ``efforts which will prevent or eliminate damage to the environment and biosphere and stimulate the health and welfare of man.'' prgtoken NEPA enshrines democracy by giving the American people a voice to help decide the fate of Federal decisions. For 50 years, NEPA has sought to ensure environmental protection, public health, and the notion that the American people have a say in Federal decision making. prgtoken Like our Constitution, NEPA is one of our Nation's most replicated laws. The same principles of democracy and citizen participation that are enshrined in our Constitution are also enshrined in NEPA. We have made changes to our Constitution over the years, but those changes were made rarely and with great forethought. prgtoken However, just 60 days ago, the administration proposed a rule that prgtoken would fundamentally change the NEPA regulation for the first time in its 50-year history. prgtoken Earlier this month, I testified at the Council on Environmental Quality's public hearing in Washington, DC. There, I stated that unlike the Ten Commandments, the NEPA regulations are not written in stone. I understand that. prgtoken In 1978, there was broad consensus to finalize the NEPA regulations. If we had that same kind of broad consensus today to update certain NEPA provisions, this would be another story. After all, I have said oftentimes that if something isn't perfect, let's make it better. But there is a reason that NEPA is one of the most imitated environmental laws on this planet--it has had a lot of success. prgtoken Any changes to the implementing regulations of this bedrock law--let alone such substantial changes proposed by the Council on Environment Quality to NEPA regulations--require careful thought, meticulous deliberations, and bipartisanship. Consequential changes should be made rarely and with great forethought. prgtoken Speaking of bipartisanship, one of our nominees before the Environ
REQUIRING EVALUATION BY GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE OF SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND HISTORIC CONTRIBUTIONS BY MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Joe Courtney (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2020-3-10

I rise in strong support of this bipartisan measure to draw attention to a really horrible development that could occur if, again, Congress and the public are not watching, which is a proposal by Major League Baseball to eliminate 25 percent of the minor league teams all across America. prgtoken I am here next to the logo of the Norwich Sea Unicorns, which is a Class A baseball team in Norwich, Connecticut, a franchise that goes back decades. As many of the other Members have said, it provides an affordable family venue for people to go to a professional baseball game and see the stars of the future, something that, with the price of tickets of Major League Baseball, whether it is Fenway Park, Yankee Stadium, or Citi Field in New York City, is just far beyond what a working family can afford to do. prgtoken The logic of this, in terms of economics, makes absolutely no sense. Over the last 4 years, Minor League Baseball has averaged consistently 40 million fans. The cost to Major League Baseball per franchise is about $400,000 for the entire team for a season. prgtoken When you look at the average value of a Major League Baseball team, it is about $1.78 billion. Again, there are, obviously, the really high-rent teams like the Yankees in my friend Carolyn Maloney's neighborhood, but even the smallest is worth over $1 billion. So, the notion that Major League Baseball is in desperate financial straits just does not add up. prgtoken That is why having GAO called upon, which this bill does--this isn't just a feel-good bill. It calls on the gold standard, the neutral analysts in our country to drill down and look at what the economic impact would be. And we who represent these communities know that the impact would be devastating. prgtoken On February 3, we had a rally in Norwich, Connecticut. Hundreds of people showed up, the vendors and folks who actually benefit from the economic ripple effect of a Minor League Baseball team, but also the families and kids, the high school baseball teams that use the field. prgtoken We need to rise up and stop this development, which really goes to the heart of our country in terms of its national pastime. Again, I strongly urge all of us to come together and pass this resolution.