mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (Executive Session)
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2019-12-3

I appreciate the opportunity to be on the floor today to speak about something of significance, certainly to Kansas but to the country. prgtoken We await House action on USMCA--the trade agreement between Canada, the United States and Mexico. It is a trade agreement that is attempting to replace NAFTA and an agreement that is of significance, as I say, to the folks back home in my State. prgtoken For the last 2 years, I have engaged in a campaign to try to elevate the importance and to make sure my colleagues, the administration, and people here in Congress understand how important exports and trade are to the United States' economy. prgtoken In Kansas, we are an export State. What we produce, what we manufacture, and what we grow in the fields of our State in many, many instances end up someplace else outside the United States. prgtoken I have spoken on the Senate floor before. I have met with the President. I have talked to his Cabinet officials. I wrote an open letter to U.S. agricultural groups, encouraging them to fully engage in support for USMCA approval. I have had speaking engagements in places across the country, trying to rally farmers and ranchers and manufacturers and others to fight to preserve our trading relationship with Canada and Mexico. prgtoken On Saturday, at home in Kansas, I was with the Kansas Farm Bureau at a townhall. It kicked off their 101st annual meeting to discuss issues facing Kansas agriculture. The topic of trade and its importance to the products that we grow was the most important and most discussed topic at that townhall meeting. prgtoken USMCA was signed over a year ago. It is time for the House to pass this important agreement, and, in order for the House to pass it, the needs to bring it up for a vote. prgtoken Canada and Mexico are Kansas's No. 1 and No. 2 export markets. They account for over one-third of exports from our State. Since 2013, unfortunately, farm income at home has fallen by 50 percent. So net farm income in Kansas is down half in the last 6 years. prgtoken Many producers are struggling. They have struggled to hang on to their operations, and when farmers aren't doing well, it means that the communities they live in and support aren't doing well. The question is often this: What business will we lose when farmers are not having financial success? What young men and women who grew up on a farm or grew up in that small town will, perhaps, even reluctantly, prgtoken find a job someplace else because the economy is not helpful to them as they start their careers? prgtoken USMCA will continue to provide duty-free market access to farm commodities, while also expanding trade opportunities for dairy producers and leveling the playing field for the wheat we export to Canada. prgtoken USMCA is important to manufacturers as well. USMCA will protect the integrated North American supply chain that is critical to manufacturers in our State. prgtoken Wichit
Tribute to Johnny Isakson (Executive Calendar)
Roy Blunt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2019-12-3

a lot of things have been said today, and some things will be repeated, but as I sit here, it occurs to me that the mark of a truly great legislator and a great friend is how many people have an individual story about Johnny Isakson. prgtoken That helpful word at a right time, the ability to come in and solve a problem and get a piece of legislation passed or to get over a particular bump in a piece of legislation--those are the kinds of things that define a great legislator. prgtoken All of us have our own personal stories about Johnny Isakson. My first memory of Johnny Isakson is long before I met him personally. In 1992, I was hiring a new pollster who also happened to be Johnny Isakson's pollster. After I hired that pollster, Linda Duvall, she brought in somebody she likes to work with in campaigns. I was looking at some campaign commercials they put together, and there was Johnny Isakson playing basketball with a bunch of seventh grade boys. prgtoken If you can play basketball with seventh grade boys, you can do almost anything. I am going to come back to the seventh grade boys in a minute. prgtoken Linda called me a few days later and said: We have been trying to figure out which of our clients you remind us of. She said: We have decided you remind us of Johnny Isakson. So in 1999, 2 years after I got to the House, when Johnny Isakson ran for the House, I was eager to meet this guy whom Linda said I reminded her of. It didn't take me very long to find out that Linda had misjudged either me or Johnny and that Johnny set a different standard than the standard most of us are able to set, but it also encouraged me to want to spend more time with him. prgtoken When he got there, I had been there 2 years. I was the chief deputy whip, and our 20 years of close friendship began then. Then I became the whip, and I asked Johnny to become one of the deputy whips. prgtoken Johnny had the worst whip card in the House. All the people he whipped were not the worse people to whip, but he definitely had more than his share of the hardest people to whip. Whoever was the most impatient with everybody else somehow couldn't resist becoming patient with Johnny. prgtoken Beyond that, Johnny somehow was always able to take the time needed. I said that Johnny was one of the three whips we had in the House who could take however much time it took to explain an issue to whomever he was explaining it to, in whatever level of information they needed to hear it in. He prgtoken could be very simple and basic in his explanation if that is all that was necessary, and he could be incredibly detailed if he had that unique Member who wanted to know everything before they made up their mind. But he was always ready to do what had to be done. prgtoken Back to the seventh grade boys. If you could teach a Sunday school class for 30 years that has one group of seventh grade boys after another going through that Sunday school class,
Tribute to Johnny Isakson (Executive Calendar)
John Hoeven (Republican, ND) \u2014 2019-12-3

I will submit my full comments for the Record as others have done. But you can tell, as we continue to go here--and we know that we have a hard stop on the vote at 5 p.m.-- Senators just want to be here to express their admiration and their appreciation and their gratitude to Senator Isakson. We wish Johnny and Dianne the very best in their next endeavors. prgtoken It is hard to see Senator Isakson leave this body. He has added so much in an amazing and wonderful way for the time that he has been here. It is not just that, hands down, if we were going to vote as to the Senator who everybody appreciates the most, hands down, he would win that in a bipartisan vote. There is not a question about it. prgtoken At the same time, each of the Senators has remarked on something substantive and important that Johnny has done and they have had a chance to be part of--legislation that affects this Nation and the great people of this country in a real and meaningful way. I want to talk about that for just a minute, and that is the VA MISSION Act. prgtoken As the chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee, there is no question that Senator Isakson led the effort on behalf of our veterans in so many instances. He passed legislation and did many things to help our veterans--things that will help our veterans, not only today and tomorrow but for years and years to come. Included among those accomplishments is the VA MISSION Act. I had the opportunity to work with him on making sure we could include language in that legislation that would not only make sure that veterans have access to healthcare, medical care--both institutional VA care and from private providers-- but also that they could access those VA benefits for long-term care and for home- and community-based care. It is legislation that, thanks to Johnny, we were able to include in the VA MISSION Act. prgtoken So it is not just about medical care for those veterans. It is about making sure that they can use VA reimbursement to go into nursing homes in their communities if they need nursing home care or if they need home- or community-based care. Again, it is not only the medical care but the long-term care for our veterans that will make the difference for them today, tomorrow, and in the years and years to come. This is the kind of legacy that Senator Isakson leaves. prgtoken To Johnny and Dianne, we say thank you, and God bless you. We wish you the very best. prgtoken .
Tribute to Johnny Isakson (Executive Calendar)
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2019-12-3

we have too many people on the floor here to pay tribute to Johnny Isakson, and we all have to go quick. I will be back again, talking about my buddy from Georgia. prgtoken Let me make a couple of points. One is--and this is a little straight talk because I heard so many great things about him--we ought to know something else about him, which is, yes, he is a gentleman; yes, he is a nice guy; but he has the velvet hammer, as I have said. That velvet hammer has driven a lot of nails in around here and ended up with a lot of great bipartisan legislation. It is not just because he is a nice guy. It is because he is intense, and he is committed and determined for the people of Georgia as an independent voice for his constituents and for the great country that he loves so much. prgtoken Let me give you one example. We are working on energy efficiency legislation right now. I work with Johnny on a number of different legislative projects. In this particular case, he is the author of something called the SAVE Act. The SAVE Act makes good sense policywise. It helps people reduce their energy costs and saves them money on mortgages, but it is not supported by everybody around here. There are some powerful groups against it. prgtoken Once again, you will see in the Portman-Shaheen energy efficiency package, the SAVE Act is in there, and it is in there for one reason and one reason only, and that is because of the persistence of Johnny Isakson, a real estate guy who gets it. prgtoken To my friend, I have heard so many great things about you over the last prgtoken several hours. I agree with just about all of them--almost. prgtoken To Dianne, who is by far the better half here and such a dear friend of Jane's and mine, we love you. We are going to miss you. We will stay in touch, but we are going to watch you in your retirement as that velvet hammer continues to nail things that are good for your beloved Georgia and for the United States of America. prgtoken Thank you, Johnny.
Farewell to the Senate (Executive Calendar)
Johnny Isakson (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-12-3

it is an honor to be here today on what is not my last day, but everybody is acting like it. prgtoken A few months ago, I had to announce that after much consideration, to be able to continue to serve the people of Georgia as best I could in any way possible and also to keep true to the commitments I made in every race I have ever won, that when I knew I couldn't do the job, I was going to quit and let somebody do it who wouldn't be hampered. I am not hampered yet--I am pretty tough--but it is getting close. So in August, I decided to tell my wife about it, and we decided to go ahead and retire at the end of December, which I have announced and said I was going to do. The Governor of Georgia is making an appointment to take my place. prgtoken A few days from now, you might look into the history books somewhere--current history--and they might have an Isakson in the glossary, but I doubt it. You may never see this name again. prgtoken I have been here for 15 years and loved every minute of it. This is the most enjoyable thing I have ever done in my life, to be a part of the U.S. Senate. It is not because I like being a Senator but because I like to be with the people who are in the Senate. prgtoken Politicians get a bad rap in this day and time--a real bad rap. A lot of things are said about them by people they are aware don't matter, like those in some of the media and other places, but others will take potshots at people who are politicians and who serve the people in their communities. I never do that--not because I am one but because I know, because I am one, what you have to do. It is a tough job, and if it is not done right, then it is not done and it doesn't get done the way it should for the people there. So I am making sure that when I leave, the last thing I do is to leave the people of Georgia in good hands, given that I am the senior Senator from Georgia who is retiring. prgtoken Unfortunately, at lunch today, the Members gave me a luncheon and stole all of my material. Don't let this paper fool you--I threw it all away coming in here. They have stolen all of my good jokes, took over all of the things I was going to say, so I am going to make this very brief, but in the end, very brief is good. prgtoken My dad told me one time--he said: ``Son, your words have more power by how few you use than how many you use.'' I always remembered that. I think speeches are really important. I make short speeches. I get to the point, and I get out. I am going to give you some reasons that works. (The Vice President assumed the Chair.) prgtoken When I knew I was going to be outshined by the other Members of the Senate at this luncheon today, I decided that I would do the best I could to honor Mitch McConnell, who is the greatest leader I have ever worked for in my 45 years of public life, and people like the Vice President of the United States, who I am so proud is in the Chair. I can tell my gra
HONORING OUACHITA NATIONAL FOREST SUPERVISOR NORMAN WAGONER
Bruce Westerman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2019-12-3

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Mr. Norman Wagoner for his decades of service with the United States Forest Service. prgtoken Mr. Wagoner began his career with the Forest Service in 1986, right in the Fourth District's own Ouachita National Forest. He worked his way up from a co-op student to a Forester Trainee to a Forester, later serving as a District Ranger in Colorado and Wyoming. Mr. Wagoner returned to the Ouachita National Forest in 2006 to become the Forest Supervisor, where he served until his retirement in 2019. prgtoken I was privileged to work alongside Mr. Wagoner on numerous occasions, and always admired his commitment to forestry and environmental stewardship. He has been a fantastic leader and advocate for Arkansas forestry, and will be greatly missed. I wish him all the best in retirement.
Tribute to Johnny Isakson (Executive Calendar)
Richard C. Shelby (Republican, AL) \u2014 2019-12-3

today I am honored to congratulate my friend and colleague, Senator Johnny Isakson on his retirement from the U.S. Senate after 15 years of dedicated service. Senator Isakson served the State of Georgia and the entire Nation with integrity, inspiring future generations through his public service. He has led a remarkable career, and he will be truly missed in the Senate. I am proud to know Johnny, and I wish him and his wife, Dianne, all the best in his retirement.
SUPPORT FOR THE GLOBAL FUND TO FIGHT AIDS, TUBERCULOSIS (TB), MALARIA, AND ITS SIXTH REPLENISHMENT
Michael T. McCaul (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-12-3

I thank the gentlemen from New Jersey, Mr. Smith and Mr. Sires, and Mr. Engel for their hard work on this important resolution that I support, the Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. prgtoken Over the last 17 years, 32 million lives have been saved as a result of the Global Fund partnering with U.S. programs to change the course of health outcomes. Yet, there is much more work to do. The Global Fund set a fundraising goal of $14 billion over the next 3 years in order to save an additional 16 million lives. prgtoken Since 2003, the United States has been a longtime and consistent partner of the Global Fund and the largest bilateral donor. The U.S. has historically provided $1 for every $2 raised by other donors. prgtoken Our contributions have been an effective tool to leverage other donors and secure greater commitments. However, uncertainty over final spending bills has complicated the U.S. contribution. That is why my friend Chairman Engel and I introduced this resolution, to reaffirm our commitment to the Global Fund and assure our donors of this U.S. commitment. prgtoken In October, pledge amounts for the next 3 years were submitted, and I am pleased that this resolution played a role in affirming the U.S. commitment to the Global Fund and helped spur more donors to step up to the fight against AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution, and I also hope that we can consider a final appropriation bill soon that provides the necessary $1.56 billion over the next 3 years to the Global Fund. prgtoken Rarely, , in this Chamber do we pass laws and resolutions that have such a direct impact on the lives of others. That is the true calling, the true mission, that I think we share on both sides of the aisle, to make this world a better place. This resolution will certainly do that.
ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019
David Perdue (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-12-3

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m Wednesday, December 4; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, morning business be closed, and the Senate proceed to executive session and resume consideration of Executive Calendar No. 47 under the previous order.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-12-3

as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize a small business that exemplifies the unique American entrepreneurial spirit. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy: creating jobs, fostering economic growth, and providing services to their local communities. This week, it is my pleasure to honor a small business that exemplifies these qualities, Tomato Express of Kissimmee, FL. prgtoken More than 28 years ago, the Siracuza family decided to immigrate to the United States, leaving behind their home in Argentina and bringing with them the hope of achieving the American dream. When Pedro, Stella, and Luis Siracuza arrived in Florida, they discovered that quality Hispanic foods were difficult to find in their Kissimmee community. This observation marked the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey. In November 1991, the Siracuzas opened the first Tomato Express, a small produce stand selling local fruits and vegetables. As Kissimmee's Hispanic population grew, Tomato Express's business expanded until their produce stand became too small to support their customer base and sales numbers. After securing private funding and a Small Business Administration loan, the Siracuza family was able to grow from a small produce stand into a larger grocery store. prgtoken Today, Tomato Express still focuses on their original vision, supplying quality Hispanic foods for their community. The Tomato Express grocery store now offers locally sourced fruit, vegetables, meat, and imported beers and wines. In its deli and bakery, Tomato Express offers various homemade Hispanic dishes from both Central and South America, but its main focus remains authentic Argentinian cuisine. prgtoken The Siracuza family has been recognized for their part in making Kissimmee the dynamic and innovative community that it is today. In 2016, the Osceola Chamber of Commerce presented Stella Siracuza with the Compadre Award commemorating her numerous contributions to the Hispanic community. As a family-owned business, Tomato Express is dedicated to giving back to the community that is their home. For example, Tomato Express is a devoted sponsor to Orlando's Community Vision, Inc which aims to allocate resources to solve the community's complex issues with innovative solutions. The Siracuzas' expansion and success of Tomato Express has also inspired entrepreneurs in their community to open Hispanic food businesses. prgtoken Today, the Siracuza family's initiative and passion has made them a vital part of the Kissimmee community and economy. The Siracuzas' entrepreneurial journey is a key example of the success that can be achieved through dignified work. I offer my sincere congratulations to the Siracuza family and the entire team at Tomato Express, and I look forward to watching your continued growth and success.
Abortion (Executive Session)
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2019-12-3

my hope is that each of us in this Chamber and their families enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving time, being grateful for all of the blessings that we in this country have. prgtoken I know I certainly had a wonderful week. I had the opportunity to spend some time across the great State of Tennessee and to talk with Tennesseans about what was on their minds. prgtoken I will tell you this. In my opinion and experience, as diverse as Tennesseans are, there is one thing in common that I heard repeatedly, and that is that they are through with trying to guess where politicians in Washington, DC, stand on issues. This is something I think all of us need to hear and probably don't want to hear, but our fellow Americans, and certainly Tennesseans, have no idea what their elected representatives believe. Instead, all they see up here is this endless cycle of political in-fighting and failed legislation. They consistently say: We want you to focus on things that are important to us. We want you to focus on things that are important to the country. I will tell you that it is no wonder that our country's discourse is plagued by what is a marked cynicism for even our most earnest efforts. prgtoken As I thought about this during the week and the visits that I had across the State, I thought: You need look no further for an example of where they see this fighting as being unnecessary than an issue that has become a magnet for derision, and that is the issue of protecting life--more specifically, the use of taxpayer dollars to fund the abortion procedures. prgtoken In poll after poll, after poll, a majority of Americans have indicated that they oppose public funding of abortion. The numbers on this are not even close. prgtoken As early as this summer, self-identified ' support for taxpayer-funded abortion struggled to even break out of single digits. The data is clear, and it is convincing. The American taxpayer does not want their tax dollar being used to fund abortion procedures. prgtoken So how is it, then, that my friends in the minority insist upon loopholes and work-arounds that make taxpayers complicit in the slaughter of the unborn? prgtoken Their cause has been frustrated, of course, by President 's aggressively pro-life agenda. Last year, he proposed the ``protect life rule,'' which cut taxpayer funding under the title X program for any facility that performs abortions or that refers their clients to those facilities that perform abortions. prgtoken This rule closely mirrored my Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act. That was the first bill I filed when I came to the Senate. It is something that is very important to me. prgtoken But this year, this body's liberal faction once again seized an opportunity to undercut the pro-life agenda via a legislative trick known around this Chamber and Capitol Hill as a poison pill. You see, they found a way to hold hostage millions of dollars attached to