mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO BRIGADIER GENERAL LOUIS W. WILHAM
James M. Inhofe (Republican, OK) \u2014 2019-6-13

today I wish to recognize and congratulate BG Louis W. Wilham, assistant adjutant general of the Oklahoma Army National Guard, for his extraordinary dedication to duty and service to our Nation. Brigadier General Wilham will soon retire from the Oklahoma National Guard after 31 years of service. prgtoken Brigadier General Wilham enlisted in the Oklahoma Army National Guard in 1987 and received his commission through the Oklahoma Military Department's officer candidate school in 1989. Since then, General Wilham has served in a variety of key leadership and staff positions within the Oklahoma National Guard, commanding at the company, battalion, and brigade levels prior to serving as the assistant adjutant general and interim adjutant general. Throughout the course of his career, Brigadier General Wilham has supported numerous mobilizations for both State and Federal missions. In 2008, he deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving with the Joint Area Support Group-Central in Baghdad. In 2017, while serving as the interim adjutant general of the Oklahoma National Guard, Brigadier General Wilham oversaw the mobilization of over 2,000 Oklahoma soldiers and airmen in support of Hurricane Harvey. prgtoken During the course of Brigadier General Wilham's service to our Nation, he earned awards and decorations, including: the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two bronze oakleaf clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with one bronze oakleaf, Army Achievement Medal with three bronze oakleaf clusters, Iraq Campaign Medial with one Bronze Campaign Star, and Combat Action Badge. prgtoken On behalf of my colleagues and the entire U.S. Senate, I want to personally thank Brigadier General Wilham and his family for over three decades of selfless service to the State of Oklahoma and the United States of America. He will leave a legacy of leadership and integrity that will remain with the Oklahoma National Guard for many years to come. I wish Brigadier General Wilham, his wife Jodi and their daughters, Taylor and Shelby, the very best as he retires from military service.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST--S. 1562
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2019-6-13

I would like to articulate the reason for the objection to the legislation from the Senator from Virginia. prgtoken Let me begin by saying that we are all for free and fair and honest elections. I know the Senator from Virginia spent some time as Governor of Virginia. He knows that in 2016, no ballots--no ballots--no one's vote was encumbered or affected. He knows that I have served on an election commission, and I know that the Senator from Virginia appreciates that our county election commissions and our State election commissions are in charge of securing those elections. prgtoken I have to state to the Presiding Officer that I know that in the great State of Tennessee, our county election commissions and our State election commission and our secretary of state are very focused on making certain that these elections are fair and honest elections. They are going to do that for all elections--local, State, and, of course, in the 2020 Presidential election. prgtoken I think a little bit of context is always helpful. First of all, let me say this: I welcome my colleagues across the aisle to the understanding that bad actors have tried for decades--decades--to influence what is going on in our government and in our country. prgtoken Indeed, I remember, as a child in 4-H Club--and I think that probably the Presiding Officer was a member of 4-H Club growing up--to me, as a young girl in South Mississippi, the 4-H Club was a wonderful experience. It opened a lot of doors to me. I recall sitting in a 4-H Club meeting at one point, and I heard about communism. I heard about what the Russians and the Communists wanted to do to our freedoms here in this country, and I can recall how frightened I felt when I heard that. prgtoken So to my colleagues across the aisle who in 2016 realized that these bad actors--Russia, China, Iran, North Korea; people I call the new axis of evil--did not wish us well, I am so pleased to know that they have come to this realization that they indeed do not wish us well. My hope is that, in a bipartisan way, we can move forward and make certain we do not allow these bad actors to in any way impede our freedoms or infringe on our government. prgtoken Now, specific to the UC that was presented to us, this would require a Presidential campaign and all employees to report their contacts with foreign nationals in which they discuss a contribution, donation, or expenditure, such as an ad, or coordination, collaboration, providing information, providing services, or persistent and repeated contact with a government or a foreign country or a foreign agent thereof. prgtoken This is what it all means. These reporting requirements are overbroad. Presidential campaigns would have to worry about disclosure at a variety of levels, so many different levels. Consider vendors who work for a campaign, people who are supplying some kind of good or service to a campaign. It would include those ven
MOTION TO DISCHARGE--S.J. RES. 20 AND S.J. RES. 26
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2019-6-13

fellow Senators, today, in a few moments, we are going to consider S.J. Res. 20, which is a joint resolution that it prohibits the sales of munitions to Bahrain. Actually, we are going to consider a motion to discharge, and the same is true of S.J. Res. 26, which is a joint resolution that prohibits the issuance of a letter of offer with respect to the proposed sale to Qatar of 24 helicopters. prgtoken I strongly urge my colleagues to consider these sales on their own merits and to avoid conflating these with unrelated controversies over the administration's recent emergency declarations. They are not related. They are different matters. prgtoken These sales--the two that we are talking about regarding Bahrain and Qatar--address the legitimate security interests of both countries and strengthen the U.S. partnerships with both countries and support shared efforts to deter Iran. Congress should support these sales. The news this morning of attacks on two more civilian oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman lend further weight to the conclusion that our allies and partners in the region need greater capabilities to share the burden of defense in support of our mutual security interests. prgtoken The State Department notified these sales in the standard process, and the chairs and ranking members of both House and Senate committees approved them last month. prgtoken The sale to Qatar is not related to the activities of the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen. Denying this sale will not punish Saudi Arabia or influence its actions in Yemen, as Qatar ceased its participation in the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen 2 years ago. I think that is very important because there is a lot of discussion up here, as there should be, regarding the hostilities in Yemen, but they are not related at all to the matters we are dealing with today. prgtoken Bahrain has not been implicated in any inappropriate strikes in Yemen and has focused on defensive operations, including border security. The Royal Bahraini Air Force patrols Saudi Arabia's borders to counter incursions from Yemen into Saudi Arabia. Just this week, we saw how real these threats are, as a missile from the Iranian-supported Houthis wounded 26 civilians at a civilian airport. Denying this sale will not punish Saudi Arabia or influence its actions in Yemen. prgtoken As the ranking member said regarding the resolution brought up last November, this vote is not Yemen, it is not Saudi Arabia, and it is not the UAE. It is Bahrain. Bahrain is a critical ally to us, and there is absolutely no question about that. These sales will help Qatar and Bahrain rightfully assume the burden of their own defense and relieve U.S. forces that have been providing support. The helicopters will enable the Qataris to provide for their own defense against threats to its vital infrastructure. The munitions are critical for Bahrain's F- 16s and essential to any plans to defend Bahrain. The United St
RECOGNIZING SOUTH 40 SMOKEHOUSE
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2019-6-13

I thank my good friend and colleague from Georgia, not just for the great lunch that he put on today but for his leadership and statesmanship. prgtoken I serve with him on the Veterans' Affairs Committee. Talk about a committee that is actually getting things done--bipartisan things done for American veterans. He is chairman of that committee. He does a phenomenal job. He is a great leader in the Senate, and I thank him not just for the barbecue today but for his wonderful work for America and Georgia.
TRIBUTE TO MIKE FABER
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2019-6-13

this week I have the honor of recognizing Mike Faber for his significant impact on the community as an educator, coach, and mentor. prgtoken Mike Faber has selflessly served his community by educating young Montanans in Cut Bank for 21 years and 6 years in Eureka. Mike taught a wide range of disciplines, from physical education to Native American history, at both the middle school and high school level. prgtoken Truly demonstrating a passion for service, Mike was an instructor not only in the classroom but also on the field. While in Eureka, he coached wrestling, football and track and field for 15 years, helping young Montanans build character and a strong work ethic that will serve them well in their adult years. prgtoken For almost three decades, Mike has lived a life of servant- leadership, his leadership in the classroom and on the field will be greatly missed by his community. His efforts to help transform young students into good citizens has impacted the lives of nearly 3,000 young Montanans throughout his 27-year career. I applaud Mike for leading a life of excellence in educating our nation's youth and setting a standard for exemplary service.
DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020
Harold Rogers (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-6-13

. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding the time. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I rise in support of this amendment. prgtoken This amendment would double the amount withheld from assistance to Pakistan until Dr. Shakil Afridi has been released from prison and cleared of all charges relating to assistance provided to the U.S. in locating Osama bin Laden. prgtoken I note that U.S. aid to Pakistan has been substantially decreased in recent years, including the suspension of all security assistance funding for the Pakistani military because of insufficient cooperation on counterterrorism. Similarly, the 2020 request for economic assistance to Pakistan has been reduced from $200 million to $48 million. Remaining U.S. programs in Pakistan help combat violent extremism, support the rule of law, and counter narcotics, including along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. prgtoken Nonetheless, this amendment sends a strong signal that the United States views the charges against Dr. Afridi as baseless and that we will continue to press for his release. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge support of the gentleman's amendment.
RECOGNIZING THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF SOUTH SHORE CLEAN CITIES
Peter J. Visclosky (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2019-6-14

. Madam , it is with great respect that I take this time to congratulate South Shore Clean Cities, Incorporated, as the organization celebrates its 20th anniversary. Through sustainable transportation and energy efforts, South Shore Clean Cities has enhanced the quality of life for residents and visitors of Northwest Indiana and beyond for the past twenty years. In recognition of this momentous milestone, the organization will host a celebratory banquet on June 18, 2019, at the Avalon Manor in Merrillville, Indiana. prgtoken South Shore Clean Cities is a member-based, nonprofit coalition that promotes sustainable transportation and energy programs in Northern Indiana. The organization supports initiatives that work to encourage domestic fuels, improve air quality, strengthen the nation's energy security, reduce dependence on imported oil, and build the local economy. Due to the dedication and hard work of the coalition's members and leaders, South Shore Clean Cities has won numerous awards and received countless accolades for its contributions, and it is certainly worthy of each and every honor. prgtoken On June 15, 1999, South Shore Clean Cities was founded as the 71st Clean Cities coalition under the United States Department of Energy. In the early years, Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) provided support for the organization to achieve nonprofit status and to be recognized by the United States Department of Energy. Under the initial leadership of Liz Williams and Deb McClelland-Parker, the coalition continued to grow, serving Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties in Northwest Indiana. In 2005, Carl and Lorrie Lisek became co- coordinators of South Shore Clean Cities. Then, in 2011, Lorrie became the Executive Director of Wisconsin Clean Cities and Carl become the Executive Director of South Shore Clean Cities, Incorporated. prgtoken Throughout the years, South Shore Clean Cities has surpassed its goals, exceeded its expectations, and continues to progress. Today, the coalition covers eighteen counties and its membership has grown exponentially. Projects spearheaded by the organization include NIPSCO's IN-Charge Project, the BP Cleaner Air through Diesel Emissions Reductions Grant Program, and the Green Fleet Program. Over the past decade, South Shore Clean Cities has helped to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 607,000 tons and has reduced the number of gasoline gallon equivalents by 93 million gallons. For their truly innovative and successful energy and transportation initiatives, the organization's members and leaders are worthy of the highest praise. prgtoken Madam , I ask that you join me in congratulating South Shore Clean Cities, Incorporated, on its 20th anniversary. For the past twenty years, the leadership and members of the coalition have enhanced the lives of countless individuals through their unwavering commitment to the community of Northwest Indiana and beyond, and they serve a
CELEBRATING THE SUCCESS OF QTD MILITARY STYLE LEARNING ACADEMY
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-6-14

. Madam , I would like to celebrate the success of the QTD Military Style Learning Academy in Garden Grove, California. This year, QTD Military Style Learning Academy will be celebrating their eighth anniversary. Each year, QTD serves thousands of students through QTD Private School, Summer Leadership Program, Afterschool Program, and Worldwide Learning. prgtoken The QTD Military Academy offers over 100 academic courses and class sizes are small to provide an interactive learning experience. The teachers at QTD Military Academy are committed to helping their students strive for excellence. prgtoken Mike Tran is the Founder and CEO of QTD International. Mr. Tran has served as a Recruiter and Career Counselor for the United States Army. He is a graduate from the Harvard Law School Program on Negotiation and the Orange County Superior Court Leadership Academy. His attention to detail and dedication to the Academy and students have created an environment for both personal and academic success. prgtoken QTD Military Academy's goal is to generate new possibilities and inspire students to act with creativity and courage in their work. Academic excellence, knowledge, and goodness are the core values at QTD. The Military Academy emphasizes academic excellence by providing students with foundations in arts, humanities, mathematics, and natural sciences. Instructors at the academy foster independent learning, critical thinking, creative collaboration, and personal well-being. Students thrive in the creative and innovative environment with plentiful opportunities, aid, and resources. QTD encourages students to consider the impact of their actions on the community in tandem with striving to attain their personal goals. prgtoken QTD has expanded to additional locations in Southern California with locations in Irvine and Huntington Beach. prgtoken It is my honor to congratulate Mike Tran and the QTD Military Style Learning Academy on their eighth year of success and their continued contributions to the community of Orange County.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF BELL'S SHORT STOP
Donna E. Shalala (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2019-6-14

. Madam , I rise in recognition of Wilbur Bell on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Mr. Bell's business, Bell's Short Stop. prgtoken Opened in 1969, Bell's Short Stop has grown into a community staple. Thanks to Mr. Bell's business savvy and dedication to the tight-knit West Perrine community, Bell's Short Stop has expanded to include Flavas, a soul food staple that attracts not only locals but also Florida politicians and visiting NFL players. Mr. Bell's businesses have played an integral role in the lives of the families of West Perrine, bringing supplies and services as well as community spirit to the neighborhood. prgtoken Mr. Bell is also a local celebrity, West Perrine's first elected official as former Chair of the Miami-Dade County Community Council. Prior to this position, he studied at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and served in Vietnam, for which he received a Vietnam Service Medal. He is also a licensed real estate broker and member of Midtown Realty's Millionaire Club. prgtoken Mr Bell's business has become a family affair. Three of his children worked at Bell's Short Stop, and one son currently runs Flavas. But more than that, Mr. Bell treats his customers as though they are family. prgtoken I am truly inspired by Wilbur Bell's passion for giving back to the West Perrine community, his dedication to his business and to his prgtoken family, and his ability to transform a store into a local landmark. South Florida is richer and fuller thanks to his work.
Border Security (Executive Calendar)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-6-18

it doesn't matter whether you are watching FOX News or reading the editorial page of the New York Times, the media--indeed the Nation--is in broad agreement that there is a crisis on our southern border, and the responsibility lies squarely with Congress to fix it. prgtoken Month after month, the number of people crossing our border has ticked up and up and up, and the only people who seem unfazed by these mind-boggling numbers--144,000 last month alone--are House . prgtoken Despite continued pleading from officials at the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Health and Human Services, and some of our ic friends in the House, the leadership in the House of Representatives is still trying to absolve themselves of any responsibility to act. Well, it is getting harder and harder for them to ignore this crisis that continues to get worse on our border. The recordbreaking number of migrants who cross our border make a difficult and dangerous journey to get here. They travel in the company of human smugglers, appropriately known by most as coyotes. These criminal entrepreneurs do not view the migrants in their custody as human beings. They view them as cargo. It is really their meal ticket. prgtoken Coyotes get their customers to the United States, but a safe journey is not part of the deal. Migrants, especially children, often arrive at our border in poor health, suffering from dehydration, exposure, any one of a number of infectious diseases, and, unfortunately, sadly, many are left for dead by their smugglers. prgtoken Last week, Border Patrol found a young girl believed to be about 7 years old from India, dead and alone along the border in Arizona. The area where she was found is a rugged desert, and the temperature that day was 108 degrees. prgtoken Stories like this are heartbreaking and more common than many want to believe. Those who survive the torturous journey from Central America up through Mexico and into the United States often arrive in critical health. The national Border Patrol Council vice president, Jon Anfinsen, has been an agent for 12 years and is based in Del Rio, TX. He said the number of people in custody and the high rate of illnesses is ``unprecedented.'' prgtoken He has seen cases of scabies, chickenpox, mumps, measles, flu, body lice, and countless common colds. Overcrowded facilities make these illnesses spread like wildfire, and even the Border Patrol agents and people offering assistance to these migrants are getting sick too. That is because Congress has not appropriated the money for the facilities, funding, and for the personnel to manage these record-breaking numbers. They are obviously in dire need of our assistance. prgtoken Last month, the administration requested $4.5 billion for the Department of Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Justice to address this growing crisis. <|
DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020
Scott Perry (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-6-18

. Madam Chair, I thank my good friend from Idaho and my good colleagues from the other side of the aisle for allowing this amendment to receive consideration. prgtoken Hydropower is one of the Nation's most affordable and reliable renewable electricity resources. With over 100 gigawatts of installed capacity, hydro makes up nearly 7 percent, on average, of all U.S. annual electricity generation. As a matter of fact, hydro is the single largest source of renewable electricity, representing over one-half of all renewable energy generation in 2018. prgtoken This is due to the significant advantage hydropower generation, as a baseload source of energy, has over intermittent sources, like wind and solar. It provides predictable, continuous generation 24-7-365 without the need to hold backup generation in standby to power the lights when the Sun goes down or the wind stops. Because of this important distinction, additional hydropower generation results in increased generation rather than just capacity. prgtoken If we want to be serious about increasing renewable energy, we need to focus on what works best. More can and must be done to significantly expand this vital energy resource. Only 3 percent of the 80,000 dams in the U.S. currently generate electricity, leaving substantial potential for additional generation from unpowered dams. As a matter of fact, in my home State of Pennsylvania, there is an estimated 678 megawatts of untapped hydropower. prgtoken The recent trend of closures among baseload power generation facilities threatens our Nation's ability to meet our energy needs. Unleashing the full potential of hydropower provides a remedy that is proven, reliable, and renewable. prgtoken Critical to realizing this potential is DOE's Water Power Technologies Office. This amendment increases funding for the office by $2 million to continue their important mission. prgtoken Madam Chair, I ask the support of my colleagues for this amendment.
PROTECTING OLDER WORKERS AGAINST DISCRIMINATION ACT
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-6-18

today is the 10th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision in Gross v. FBL Financial Services. prgtoken The Court ruled that employees who face age discrimination have to meet a higher standard of proof than workers who face discrimination based on any other factor. This case involving Iowan Jack Gross affected employment discrimination litigation across the entire country, and sent the message to employers that age discrimination is OK. prgtoken I hope the Senate acts on the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act to correct this injustice and restore fairness to our Nation's senior workforce. I happen to be the sponsor of that legislation. prgtoken .