mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO DR. SUZANNE EATON
Denver Riggleman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2019-7-22

. Madam , our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Dr. Suzanne Eaton, an American biologist who was murdered in Greece on July 2nd. Dr. Eaton worked at the Max Planck Institute at Dresden University in Germany, where she was a leader in the field of molecular biology. Her colleagues described her as a woman with an insatiable curiosity and a humble, loving heart. prgtoken The legacy she leaves behind is not one of sorrow. Instead, it is a legacy of discovery. Dr. Eaton's work advanced our understanding of the building blocks of life, and in doing so, provided an invaluable contribution to the understanding of humankind. For this, and for her, we are grateful. prgtoken Today, it is my hope that we can remember here in this chamber her work, her life, and her legacy.
TRIBUTE TO COLONEL JOEL WARHURST
Richard C. Shelby (Republican, AL) \u2014 2019-7-22

today, I wish to honor COL Joel Warhurst as he relinquishes command of the Anniston Army Depot, effective on July 25, 2019. In July 2017, Colonel Warhurst became the 35th commander of the depot. His command tenure oversaw an annual $850 million operating revenue and led a workforce consisting of 2,800 people. He has devoted over 20 years of loyal service to our country and has acquired important leadership positions and notable recognitions along the way. prgtoken Colonel Warhurst is a graduate of the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy at Fort McNair, VA. He holds a bachelor of science degree in industrial technology from the Technical University in Cookeville, TN, and a master of science degree in logistics management from the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, FL. He is decorated with a Bronze Star Medal, which is the fourth highest individual military award. prgtoken Thank you, Colonel Warhurst, for your dedication to our Nation and for a job well done serving at the Anniston Army Depot. Your tenure as commander will be remembered by your remarkable leadership. The commitment you have shown during your time in Alabama is inspiring, and your command serves as an example for Alabamians, as well as Americans, from all across the country. prgtoken I join Colonel Warhurst's friends, family, and colleagues in wishing him the best of luck as he transitions into a new chapter of his life, and I thank him for his commitment to Alabama and to the United States.
HONORING SERGEANT MIKE STEPHEN
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2019-7-22

I rise today to honor the service and sacrifice of Sergeant Mike Stephen of the Stone County Sheriff's Office. Sergeant Stephen was mortally wounded in the line of duty on July 18, 2019. prgtoken As a veteran of the U.S. Army who spent 20 years in law enforcement, Mike Stephen was a true public servant. He bravely wore many of the uniforms we associate with serving and protecting communities. And his work didn't stop in his own community; he also advocated for his brothers and sisters in blue before the Arkansas State Legislature. prgtoken Mike's second home was the fire station. He started serving at the Pineville Fire Department when he was 16 years old, and for the last 11 years, he served as chief. His colleagues at the fire department had great respect and admiration for him. He was known as a leader who put 110 percent into everything he did. prgtoken Sergeant Stephen's colleagues in the sheriff's office will remember him as a man who led from the front and pushed everyone to do better. prgtoken Sergeant Stephen truly was a hero. We honor his service and sacrifice. Certainly my thoughts and prayers are with his wife Susan, along with many other family members, friends, and colleagues in the law enforcement community. I humbly offer my sincere condolences as they grieve Mike's passing. prgtoken I stand with all Arkansans in expressing our heartfelt gratitude for Sergeant Stephen's steadfast devotion to serve as a law enforcement officer. It takes a special person to put their life on the line every day to protect our communities. Sergeant Stephen exemplified what it meant to serve and protect, running toward danger as an Army veteran, a member of the Stone County Sheriff's Office, and as Pineville fire chief. Arkansas will be forever grateful for his sacrifice.
TRIBUTE TO DR. JOHN LOGAN
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-7-22

on this recent Father's Day, Dr. John prgtoken Logan's granddaughter wanted to publicly honor his lifetime of service and success in western Kentucky. I have had the privilege to call John a friend for more than three decades, and I enjoyed reading the stories of his youth, his early medical career, and his many contributions to his community and our Commonwealth. prgtoken Growing up, John's baseball talent was apparent at an early age. In fact, he was still in middle school when he caught the local high school coach's attention. As the varsity team's catcher, John quickly stood out. One sports reporter even called him the best catcher in all western Kentucky. His skill was matched only by his passion for the game, even a broken elbow didn't stop him from playing in the 1955 State tournament. prgtoken During his senior year of high school, however, John began to hear a calling to help other people. It was a drive that took him away from the diamond and into medical school. After graduating from Western Kentucky University, John earned a rural medical scholarship to study at Vanderbilt University. His career in medicine began with a commitment to serve rural Kentucky communities most in need. prgtoken As a doctor, John and his new wife Jackie made a home in Sebree, KY, where his gifts were in high demand. Caring for Kentuckians across three counties, John quickly honed his skills and provided quality care to those in need. During his time in this small community, John learned that a physician must treat more than a patient's body. He began getting involved in a number of community organizations, and has dedicated his efforts to projects through the years to make Kentucky a better place. prgtoken Moving to Henderson and opening a private family practice, John also began working with the Henderson Fine Arts Center, the Depot on the Riverfront, and the YMCA. He worked to help provide scholarships for young people to attend college, paying forward the aid he received to fund his studies years before. prgtoken Many of Henderson's landmarks simply wouldn't exist without John's leadership. One of them, the Henderson Riverwalk, gave me a chance to join John's team to get the project done. It now bears a plaque recognizing his lasting imprint on this community. When this honor was unveiled, I was proud to recognize his life spent working for others. As he enjoys his well-deserved retirement, John continues to inspire others to contribute to their communities and improve our beloved Commonwealth. prgtoken I would like to thank Ashton Brooks Logan, John's granddaughter, for sharing these stories about his many achievements. It is my pleasure to recognize my dear friend today. I ask my Senate colleagues to join me in thanking Dr. John Logan for his years of dedication to western Kentucky, which is better because of him. prgtoken The Gleaner in Henderson, KY, recently published a profile of John's remarkable li
RAISE THE WAGE ACT
David B. McKinley (Republican, WV) \u2014 2019-7-22

working Americans are rightfully concerned with their salaries and wages. H.R. 582, the ``Raise the Wage Act'' was an attempt to address this issue by increasing the minimum wage up to $15/hour. Unfortunately, this is not the right approach. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) stated that this could result in the loss of up to 3.7 million jobs. prgtoken Incremental increases in the federal minimum wage are appropriate, and I was proud to support West Virginia's recent increase of the minimum wage to $8.75/hour. But the fact is, H.R. 582 did not account for regional differences in cost of living. $15/hour may work for places like Manhattan and San Francisco but would devastate small businesses in the Mountain State. prgtoken Further, such a drastic increase in the minimum wage would harm those workers that this bill claims to help. CBO has estimated that of the millions of jobs lost, 46 percent will be young workers and 38 percent will be those without a high school diploma. For every person lifted out of poverty by this bill, another 1 to 3 jobs would be put at risk. prgtoken If in Congress are serious about addressing issues surrounding the minimum wage, they should have proposed legislation that accounts for regional factors and slowly increases it to a more reasonable level, instead of pushing a one size fits all 107 percent increase nationwide. Unfortunately, this legislation would have been unworkable for West Virginia and I was given no other choice but to oppose it.
TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL ROBERT J. FRIEND
Adam B. Schiff (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-7-23

. Madam , I rise today to honor the memory of Lieutenant Colonel Robert Jones Friend, who died on June 21, 2019 in Long Beach, California, surrounded by his family. Lieutenant Colonel Friend was a member of the heroic unit known as the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. prgtoken Robert J. Friend was born on February 29, 1920, in Columbia, South Carolina, to William A. Friend and Nella Mae Jones Liner. His father was an immigrant from Ecuador and a veteran of World War I. The oldest of four children, Robert was an aviation enthusiast from a young age, often building model airplanes and reading stories of World War I pilots during his childhood. While studying at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, he joined the Civilian Pilot Training Program where he earned his pilot's license in 1939. prgtoken Despite his passion for aviation, he was denied entry into flight training by the Army Air Force because of his race. Instead he joined as an air-cadet in the all-black 99th Pursuit Squadron, nicknamed the Tuskegee Airmen. During World War II, Lieutenant Colonel Friend flew 142 missions for the 322nd Fighter Group. He began his tour in North Africa and was later sent to the European Theater to serve as a Combat Operations Officer where he was instrumental in orchestrating tactical air missions. He specialized in flying the P-47 and P-51 Mustang aircraft. He experienced multiple death-defying disasters, including when he had to abandon his plane over the mountains of Italy and when a German oil barge explosion nearly grounded his aircraft. He became the primary wingman to his commanding officer, Colonel Benjamin O. Davis, Jr who would become the first black general in the Air Force. Robert and his fellow airmen were later awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for their service to our country. prgtoken After his service in World War II, Lieutenant Colonel Friend continued his education and received a degree in astrophysics from the Air Force Institute of Technology, later graduating from the University of California, Los Angeles Business School. Additionally, he continued his career in the military for 28 years by serving as an operations officer during the Korean and Vietnam wars, working on the Delta, Titan, and Atlas rocket programs, and operating as an executive of the aerospace companies, Stanford Mu and Fairchild Stratos. Following his retirement from military service, Robert started an aerospace company and conducted speaking engagements, remaining dedicated to sharing the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and keeping their history alive. prgtoken Robert J. Friend is survived by his children: Thelma Hoffman, Robert, Jr Michael, Debra Carter, Karen Crumlich, Clara Ann Browning, 18 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great- grandchildren. The memory of his son, Darryl, who was killed while on active duty in 2002, continues to live on today. prgtoken It was my great honor to have known Lieutenant Colo
Healthcare (Executive Session)
Christopher Murphy (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2019-7-23

I congratulate all of those responsible for the passage of this long-overdue legislation. s on both sides of the aisle who made this happen but first and foremost all of the advocates all over the country but primarily in and around the Northeast. There were hundreds upon hundreds of individuals who rushed to that scene from my State of Connecticut, many of them dealing with potentially terminal diseases as a result of that action. I am glad we have stepped up in a bipartisan way and once again done the right thing. prgtoken I am on the floor to continue the conversation about healthcare. I wish I had as good news as comes with the passage of this legislation, which is going to extend the guarantee of healthcare to all sorts of heroes in and around New York. At the very same time, we are dealing with a potential calamity for millions of other Americans who also have serious conditions, who are dealing with diagnoses like cancer. prgtoken Today, if you have a preexisting condition, you know you are going to be able to get insured for that preexisting condition. If you are the parent of a child who has a serious illness, you don't have to worry about being denied care for your son or daughter because of that diagnosis. That is because we have the Affordable Care Act. prgtoken The Affordable Care Act has been on the books now for going on a decade. It says: No matter how sick you are, no insurance company can deny you care. That has made a world of difference for millions upon millions of Americans who have preexisting conditions. prgtoken The potential calamity comes in a court case filed by Attorneys General, supported by the President and by s in this Congress, that would try to use the court system to do what the Congress would not--overturn the entirety of the Affordable Care Act. Congress wouldn't do that. We debated it. We voted down measures to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Why? Because Americans all across this country rose up and said: We want you to fix what continues to be broken with the healthcare system, not tear down my coverage, not remove me from the rolls of those who are insured. prgtoken All across the country, over 20 million people have insurance just because of the Affordable Care Act--either because of tax credits we give people to afford private insurance or the 12 million people who got Medicaid because of the Affordable Care Act, never mind all the folks who buy private insurance on their own, who can finally afford it because we don't discriminate against you if you are poor. People didn't want that taken away from them, so they rose up all across the country, and Congress listened. By the skin of our teeth, we voted down legislation to repeal the Affordable Care Act. prgtoken Because opponents of the Affordable Care Act--in particular, this President and s who don't like it--couldn't get the job done in the people'
OPPOSING GLOBAL BOYCOTT, DIVESTMENT, AND SANCTIONS MOVEMENT TARGETING ISRAEL
Betty McCollum (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2019-7-23

peaceful dissent and the protesting of injustice are the right of all Americans guaranteed by the Constitution. It is called freedom of speech. H. Res. 246 renounces the peaceful promotion of human rights, self-determination, and justice on behalf of Palestinian people living under Israeli military occupation. At the same time, this resolution completely ignores the Netanyahu government's brutality, dehumanization, and subjugation of Palestinian people at the root of this peaceful movement. prgtoken The State of Israel is a sovereign nation, an ally of the United States, and a military power that occupies Palestinian lands for the benefit of Jewish settlers. H. Res. 246 originally claimed that the use of voluntary boycotts, divestment, and sanctions ``undermines the possibility of a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.'' I am pleased that this language has been removed. prgtoken I am also very pleased that resolving clause 3 was added to affirm the Constitutional right of U.S. citizens to free speech, including ``the right to protest or criticize the policies of the United States or a foreign government.'' prgtoken Israel cannot be delegitimized by any outside movement, it is a nation-state that is selfgoverned and makes its own laws, its own policies. Sadly, and I say sadly because I want peace and security for the Israeli people, it is the actions of the Netanyahu government that delegitimizes Israel's standing in the world community. prgtoken Today's Washington Post ran a headline: ``Israeli demolition of Palestinian homes provokes outcry.'' Is this the action of a nation seeking peaceful negotiations? Is the annexation of Palestinian lands or the military detention and torture of Palestinian children an effort to seek a negotiated peace agreement? prgtoken Under Prime Minister Netanyahu, Israel is engaged in a systemic, violent, and repressive strategy to annex Palestinian lands and permanently displace the Palestinian population, not seek a negotiated peace or a two-state solution. Shamefully, the President of the United States and the U.S. ambassador to Israel are enabling this effort in a reversal of decades of bipartisan U.S. foreign policy. prgtoken Actions by Congress, like passing H. Res. 246, which ignore reality and effectively supports military occupation, violations of international humanitarian law, and the subjugation of the Palestinian population, does not strengthen Israel, but it does damage the standing of the U.S. House in the eyes of the world. prgtoken It is time for Congress to exercise real American leadership that is based on our values and the belief that Israel deserves peace and security, and at the same time the Palestinian people deserve justice, equality, and an end to Israeli repression and occupation. H. Res. 246 offers nothing but the perpetuation of the status quo, repression, and conflict. prgtoken I am voting to oppose H. Res. 246.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Jacky Rosen (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2019-7-23

I rise to address an issue that transcends politics and strikes at the very core of who we are as Americans. prgtoken Throughout my time in Congress, I have made it my priority to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, to look past partisanship, and to work toward passing commonsense legislation so we can help working families in Nevada and across our country. prgtoken In the House, I was proud to be named one of the most bipartisan Members of Congress, and that is a title I plan to keep in the Senate. So I hope my colleagues recognize the seriousness of why I rise today. prgtoken It is without partisan motivation when I say that we have a crisis on our hands. Make no mistake about it, there is a humanitarian crisis at our southern border and we are failing to address it. This administration is failing to address it. This Congress is failing to address it. prgtoken With violence and political unrest increasing in the Northern Triangle countries of El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala, we are experiencing a surge in the number of migrants who have come to our southern border seeking refuge from violence and persecution. prgtoken More than 60 percent of migrants are families and unaccompanied children fleeing for their lives and seeking a safe place. Children and their families are coming to our country for the same reasons so many of our ancestors did--because they have no other choice. They are coming to the United States, a nation of immigrants, a nation built on a foundation of core values, and we do not turn away those fleeing persecution and certain death. prgtoken It is those same values that tell us that when children--including infants and toddlers--are at our doorstep, we do not put them in cages, tear them from their mother's arms, let them go without showers, food, or medical attention, or let them sleep on cold floors. prgtoken The reality is, Customs and Border Patrol officers are not trained to care for children, much less those who have experienced trauma. They are not prepared nor qualified to provide the much needed care to the families and children who are coming here. prgtoken What is also true is that there are members of our Border Patrol and law enforcement who are trying to do the right thing. Those men and women signed up to protect our country from terrorism, narcotics, and foreign threats. They are not trained to take care of traumatized children. The fact remains, the state of things in these immigration facilities is untenable and indefensible. prgtoken I have had the chance to see this crisis firsthand, so allow me to speak a little bit on what I have witnessed and how we got here. prgtoken Children and families have been placed into overcrowded and unsanitary facilities, left without suitable living conditions or even the most basic of necessities for days or even weeks. prgtoken Last year, while serving as a member of the House of Representatives, I traveled to
VERA C. RUBIN OBSERVATORY DESIGNATION ACT
Eddie Bernice Johnson (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-7-23

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in support of H.R. 3196, which, after today's consideration, will be known as the Vera C. Rubin Observatory Designation Act. prgtoken I thank Representative Gonzalez-Colon for joining me in introducing this bill. prgtoken Dr. Vera Rubin was a trailblazing astronomer, who dedicated her life to advancing our understanding of the cosmos. She was also a tireless advocate for women in science, and she was well known for her mentorship of aspiring women astronomers. Today would have been Dr. Rubin's 91st birthday, but, sadly, she passed away on Christmas Day in 2016. prgtoken During the 1970s, Dr. Rubin published the best set of measurements of the galaxy rotation to date. Her data revealed something surprising. The stars orbiting in the outer regions of the galaxies were moving much faster than expected. Dark matter, first proposed decades prior, was the only way to explain the observed motion. prgtoken Dr. Rubin's work helped to convince the broader astronomy community of the existence of dark matter and revolutionized the way we understand the universe. Instead of being dominated by light-emitting matter, Dr. Rubin's work revealed that most of the universe is made up of a mysterious and invisible substance called dark matter. prgtoken The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, or LSST, is an 8.4-meter telescope currently under construction in Chile. Funded jointly by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy, LSST will conduct an unprecedented survey of the night sky. The data collected by this telescope will enable scientists to build on Dr. Rubin's pioneering work and probe the nature of dark matter. prgtoken Dr. Rubin's exemplary science and her sterling character will drive scientific discovery and inspire girls and women in STEM for decades to come. While Dr. Rubin has already claimed a well-deserved place in history, H.R. 3196 will further elevate her story by designating one of the world's preeminent research facilities as the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and .
NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVISTS DEBT RELIEF EXTENSION ACT OF 2019
Steve Cohen (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2019-7-23

this is an important bill for reservists and National Guardsmen who protect our country in times of war. We are in the longest war of our Nation's history. prgtoken The bankruptcy bill of 2005 was a bad bill that made it more difficult for people to claim bankruptcy; hurt guardsmen and reservists whose bases are oftentimes surrounded by payday lenders, and they become subject to large loans in difficult times while in service, having to even file bankruptcy, let alone, respond to debts that they incur on behalf of the American people. prgtoken But I want to thank Mr. Cline, a great American, and supporter of reservists and people serving our country, our National Guard and reservists. For being a cosponsor, Representative Madeleine Dean of Pennsylvania, and Tim Burchett, an outstanding Tennessean and a volunteer for joining me in reintroducing this bill. prgtoken I would like to thank all the National Guard and reservists who protect us, both here and abroad. prgtoken I ask for unanimous passage.