mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Border Security (Executive Session)
Thom Tillis (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-3-7

I come to the floor today to talk about what I believe is a real crisis at the southern border. I think there is even a case to be made that we have challenges at the northern border, but I want to focus on what the narrative here in the country has been over the past couple of months, weeks, or really years since I have been here--sworn in in 2015. prgtoken I think it is very important. We all know that we have the Executive order from the President or the emergency declaration. He clearly believes there is a crisis at the border--so much so that he was willing to invoke an authority Congress granted beginning in 1976--the National Emergencies Act--and then amended throughout the 1980s. He believes he is within his authority to declare an emergency so that he can get resources down to the southern border as quickly as possible. prgtoken It is no secret that I disagree with the method the President is using to provide funding down at the southern border, but make no mistake about it--I do believe there is a crisis at the border, and I take exception to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle who say the President is manufacturing a crisis. prgtoken I serve on the Judiciary Committee. I have since 2015. Yesterday, we got a briefing from Homeland Security that was truly startling in terms of the statistics on the number of crossings--a record number of crossings; severalfold; in one case, 10 times--over the past few months. I believe one of the reasons we are seeing the increase in illegal crossings is that those who are coming from countries other than Mexico--who are the majority of illegal crossings today--believe that if they get across the border, there is a very low chance they will be returned to their country of origin. prgtoken Pelosi said it is a manufactured crisis. It is not a manufactured crisis. Take a look at the data. It is a real crisis. The majority leader said the same thing. I think it is a crisis on several levels. One has to do with the number of people coming across the border today. prgtoken There is something that is very important that I think was missed by many people in the committee hearing yesterday. There were a number of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle whom I work with--in fact, I worked with Senator Durbin on a solution for the DACA population. I am not necessarily considered a hawk on all things immigration. But I will tell you that when I hear the senior Senator from Illinois say that everyone who is coming across the border is fleeing a dangerous situation in their country of origin, that doesn't necessarily reconcile with the fact that almost 80 percent--8 out of 10 claims of asylum are adjudicated not to be valid. Eight out of ten claims for asylum are adjudicated not to be valid. And I don't hear anybody on the other side of the aisle saying that we should change the standard for an asylum claim. So for someone to say that everyone comin
Shooting of Bijan Ghaisar (Executive Calendar)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-3-7

I want to speak to my colleagues about two things. One will take less than 1 minute, and the other will take about 5 or 6 minutes. The first one deals with why I can't get answers for citizens of the United States for the murder of a son. prgtoken In 2017, the U.S. Park Police fatally shot Bijan Ghaisar, after a minor traffic accident led to a police chase in Virginia. Since then, his family has been looking for answers, but they have only encountered silence. prgtoken The FBI took over the investigation but has not shared any findings or even an update with the family. So last December, I asked the FBI where things stand. Even this Senator got silence from the FBI. prgtoken Investigations into the use of deadly force should be handled in a manner that reinforces accountability and public confidence in law enforcement. The FBI's silent treatment is concerning. The Ghaisar family, Congress, this Senator, and the public shouldn't have to wait years to get an answer from the FBI.
FOR THE PEOPLE ACT OF 2019
Warren Davidson (Republican, OH) \u2014 2019-3-7

. Madam Chairwoman, even the scandal-ridden, 2013-era IRS that targeted conservative groups, overstepping its jurisdiction by trying to shape the speech and conduct of organizations rather than collect their taxes, withdrew the rulemaking process at the heart of what is sought in this H.R. 1 bill. It is a chilling effect. prgtoken As we talk about one of our rights, access to the ballot box at the Federal level, and we consider that, I think it is important to remember the founding principles that led to the creation of this country, and they are enshrined in the Federalist Papers. prgtoken I include in the Record a copy of Federalist Paper No. 59, wherein Madison makes the case that Article I, Section 4 of the Constitution is about the Federal Government's right to defend itself. It is not about Congress being the prime driver of elections. congress gets to regulate elections Federalist No. 59: It is absolute not the first province of the federal government. This is what Hamilton said in Federalist 59: They have submitted the regulation of elections for the federal government, in the first instance, to the local administrations; which, in ordinary cases, and when no improper views prevail, may be both more convenient and more satisfactory; but they have reserved to the national authority a right to interpose, whenever extraordinary circumstances might render that interposition necessary to its safety. Article 1 section 4 is about the federal government's right to defend itself. It is not about Congress being the prime driver of elections.
RECOGNIZING THE AMERICAN WELDING SOCIETY ON THEIR 100TH ANNIVERSARY
Mario Diaz-Balart (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-3-7

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate the American Welding Society on their 100th anniversary, and to commend them on their exemplary service to not only the global welding industry as a whole, but also our community in South Florida. The American Welding Society (AWS) was founded in 1919 when leaders within the industry joined forces to advance the science, technology, and application of welding on both a national and international scale. Initially, the AWS was composed of 286 members and had one section, located in Philadelphia, PA. Today, the AWS is headquartered in Miami, FL and offers services for over 70,000 members worldwide. In line with their mission to offer professional development, the AWS provides a number of certification programs for welders, including the Certified Welding Inspector program, which was established in 1976, and has since certified over 97,000 welding inspectors. Having had the privilege to work with the AWS on a number of occasions during my time in Congress, I know firsthand the level of commitment and dedication that the entire organization has for the industry and its members. In its one hundred years of activity, the AWS has continued to make monumental strides in assisting and advancing welders around the world. Notably, the organization has done an exceptional job in expanding the welding network through educational opportunities and research programs, which, in turn, has led to immense growth throughout the industry. I am proud that a well-respected and committed organization like the AWS is not only headquartered in our great state, but also Florida's 25th District. By celebrating its 100th anniversary and reaching this significant milestone, the AWS has proven that their mission of bettering the welding industry not only provides significant results, but is also essential for its continued growth. Madam , I am honored to pay tribute to the American Welding Society for its significant contributions to the industry and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable organization for its dedicated work in the local and global welding community.
Nomination of John Fleming (Executive Calendar)
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2019-3-7

I rise in support of the nomination of John Fleming to serve as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. prgtoken The Assistant Secretary serves as the Administrator of the Economic Development Administration, the EDA. It is the only Federal Agency focused exclusively on economic development. It works directly with communities in regions to help them build capacity for economic development based on local business conditions as well as needs. prgtoken As a physician, entrepreneur, businessman, military veteran, and four-term Member of Congress, Dr. Fleming is incredibly well qualified to lead the EDA. Dr. Fleming has launched several companies, which today employ over 500 people in Louisiana. Dr. Fleming's nomination has drawn praise from numerous political, educational, and economic development leaders in his home State of Louisiana. prgtoken Don Pierson, the Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development, wrote: Dr. Fleming has been instrumental in the development and execution of projects, which have taken root in Northwest Louisiana and spread across the United States. prgtoken He goes on to say: His experience in public policy, business and his military background serve as the right attributes for leading economic development efforts. prgtoken The Environment and Public Works Committee reported Dr. Fleming's nomination favorably to the Senate with a substantial bipartisan majority, and we have done it twice, first on October 1, 2018, during the 115th Congress, and then next on February 5 of this year, after he was renominated this Congress. Under normal circumstances, Dr. Fleming would have been confirmed and in office last fall. Instead, our colleagues on the other side of the aisle have blocked his nomination ever since it was first placed on the Senate Executive Calendar more than 155 days ago. Now, we had to file cloture and go through repeated delays on a well-qualified nominee who was twice reported by a substantial majority of the Environment and Public Works Committee. prgtoken Dr. Fleming's treatment by our colleagues on the other side of the aisle is similar to the obstruction of John Ryder, whom we finally confirmed last week to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority. He had waited an unconscionable 388 days for a vote on the Senate floor. prgtoken In a column last Friday, the Wall Street Journal's Kimberley Strassel noted that 388 days is ``100 days longer than it takes a new human being to come into the world.'' She continued: Even at the last, were stringing out the process, refusing unanimous consent to a floor vote, requiring s to file for cloture, which entails more delay. prgtoken Then she points out that ``after all that, [Mr. Ryder] was confirmed--by a voice vote with no audible dissent.'' prgtoken Let's not delay any longer. Let's stop this spectacle
Medicare (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2019-3-7

I am sure everyone remembers the ' Care promise: ``If you like your health care plan, you can keep it.'' That promise was named PolitiFacts' ``Lie of the Year'' in 2013 after it became clear that millions of Americans would not, in fact, be able to keep their healthcare plans. There are no worries about being deceived on the question of keeping your insurance this time around because are loudly and proudly announcing their intention of getting rid of private insurance with their Medicare for All plan. prgtoken At a CNN townhall in February, the junior Senator from Vermont was asked: ``Will these people be able to keep their health insurance plans, their private plans through their employers, if there is a Medicare for All program that you endorse?'' prgtoken The answer of the Senator from Vermont was no. prgtoken Another ic candidate for President, the junior Senator from New York, was recently asked: ``Should ending private insurance, as we know it, be a ic . . . goal? And do you think it is an urgent goal?'' prgtoken Her response: ``Oh yeah, it is a goal . . . an urgent goal.'' prgtoken If you like your health insurance, you definitely will not be able to keep it. In fact, the employer-sponsored insurance that you have today would be illegal under the ' plan. In the minds of , Americans are supposed to be enthusiastic about Medicare for All because it would give them free healthcare. The problem, of course, is it will not really be free. Americans are still going to be paying for healthcare; it will just be in the form of much higher taxes. prgtoken A left-leaning think tank modeled a version of the Medicare for All plan proposed by the junior Senator from Vermont and found that it would cost a staggering $32 trillion over 10 years. To put that in perspective, the entire Federal budget for 2019 is less than $5 trillion. That is Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, defense spending, education spending, law enforcement, infrastructure-- everything. In other words, are talking about increasing Federal spending by more than 60 percent each year just for healthcare. One Medicare expert estimates that doubling the amount of individual and corporate income tax collected would not be enough to cover the cost of Medicare for All. prgtoken I don't know about my ic colleagues, but I don't know a lot of working families who could afford to have their tax bill literally double. Of course, this is assuming that the cost of the program would be limited to $32 trillion. The Medicare for All proposal the House released last week could substantially exceed the $32 trillion estimate because, unlike the Vermont Senator's plan, it includes funding for long-term care, a notoriously expensive part of the healthcare system. prgtoken ' last attempt to have the government fund long-term care fell apart before it was even imple
TRIBUTE TO MATTHEW SHUMAN
Johnny Isakson (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-3-7

today I am proud to recognize in the Record the American Legion's director of the national legislative division, Matthew Shuman, who has a long record of service to our Nation's veterans. prgtoken Mr. Shuman has not only dedicated his career to serving veterans, he is a veteran himself. He served in the U.S. Army from 2008 to 2012, most notably as a military police officer. Mr. Shuman concluded his military career serving on the Arizona Army National Guard Honor Guard, providing military funeral honors for our Nation's fallen soldiers. prgtoken Mr. Shuman began serving veterans with the American Legion in 2015, starting as an assistant legislative director with the veterans employment and education portfolio in Washington, DC. In his current role as director of the national legislative division, Mr. Shuman is the chief advocate for the 2-million-member organization, working with Federal agencies, the White House, and the media to share what the American Legion is doing in Congress on behalf of the 20 million American veterans. prgtoken During his time with the American Legion, Mr. Shuman had a role in the creation and passage of significant legislation impacting America's veterans. These include the VA MISSION Act, the VA Appeals Modernization Act, the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act, the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, and The American Legion 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act. These efforts have contributed to improving the quality of life and strengthening healthcare and benefits for servicemembers, veterans, and their families. prgtoken Today I am honored to pay tribute to Mr. Shuman for his service to our country and his steadfast commitment to advocating on behalf of veterans throughout his career. Congratulations to Mr. Shuman on his lasting legacy of advocacy for veterans, and I wish him the best in his future endeavors.
FOR THE PEOPLE ACT OF 2019
Mark E. Green (Republican, TN) \u2014 2019-3-7

. Madam Chairwoman, I rise today to offer my amendment expressing the sense of Congress that free speech should be protected. prgtoken H.R. 1 is a misguided bill with many problems. One problem, in particular, has united everyone from the Heritage Foundation to the ACLU. It is the bill's assault on free speech. prgtoken The ACLU itself says H.R. 1 will ``chill speech essential to our public discourse.'' When the ACLU admonishes a bill, everyone should take notice. prgtoken My amendment is simple. It reaffirms the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. The First Amendment, after all, guarantees the most fundamental right of our ic society: ``Congress shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech.'' prgtoken Our Founding Fathers knew that in order for the American experiment to work, the people must be free: free to participate in the democratic process, free to vote in elections, free to help candidates and causes they believe in, and free to speak up when their elected officials are no longer representing them. prgtoken The freedom of speech enshrined in the First Amendment has helped make America the most exceptional country in the history of the world. Unfortunately, H.R. 1 tramples on that very freedom. prgtoken Madam Chair, I offer this amendment to express the sense of Congress that the freedom of speech must be preserved and protected because, without it, the American experiment won't ever be the same again. prgtoken A vote against this amendment is a vote against free speech. If you don't believe me, ask the ACLU. prgtoken I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this amendment, and .
Nomination of John Fleming (Executive Session)
Shelley Moore Capito (Republican, WV) \u2014 2019-3-7

I rise today in support of Dr. John Fleming's nomination to be the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, otherwise known as the Administrator of the Economic Development Administration, or EDA. prgtoken I view this as an opportunity not only to speak about the qualifications of a former colleague of mine--we served in the House together--but also to highlight the EDA's work in my home State of West Virginia. prgtoken The EDA did not always play an active role in West Virginia, which is really odd when you consider that we have no shortage of economic development and infrastructure needs and challenges in our State. Yet, at my insistence and through the collaboration of my staff, we have turned a corner. Today, we are beginning to see real investments that will make a lasting difference in West Virginia. prgtoken To highlight the insignificant amount West Virginia received before I became a Senator, in the 2 years prior to my swearing in--2013 and 2014--the State received a total of $200,000 from EDA outside of normal planning grants. These were mostly for technical assistance. prgtoken When I came to the Senate and realized this, I made it a top priority of mine to ensure that West Virginia secured more Federal dollars to develop our economy and create new opportunities. I made it clear to EDA at the time that the status quo was absolutely unacceptable. prgtoken I am glad to say we are now achieving results, as evidenced by the close to $30 million that EDA has invested in West Virginia since 2015. By bringing everyone to the table and working with State and local economic development officials, we were able to foster a renewed focus on West Virginia needs to the benefit of these local projects. prgtoken In addition to EDA's bringing on a State representative, which was crucial--a State representative to focus just on our State, to directly interface with our communities--we are ensuring dollars will go toward projects that will contribute to the future of West Virginia. prgtoken At a time when my State and other parts of the country are seeking to reorient their economies toward industries of the future--like technology and advanced manufacturing--these are the kinds of projects that the Federal Government should be prioritizing. prgtoken Let me give you a few examples. Just last month, I joined local officials in Greenbrier County to announce $1.5 million in EDA funding to bring potable water to 50 homes and a new business that will employ over 200 people. Keep in mind, these are projects that are collaborative projects. It is not just solely Federal dollars that go into it. There are city, county, and private dollars as well. prgtoken In November of last year, EDA announced that it would invest $1 million in the city of Bluefield for the Exit 1 project, a 15-acre development that will serve as a catalyst for business growth and create almost 250 jobs. And 1 year ago in March,
Border Security (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-3-7

at the risk of sounding like the mutual admiration society, let me express my appreciation to the Senator from North Carolina, who gave an outstanding presentation, talking about the crisis that exists at our southern border. I really can't improve on it, but I will try. prgtoken Fortunately, Senator Tillis is one of those rare Senators who actually has traveled down to the border at my invitation. As he said, he rode horseback as we tried to find our way through the carrizo cane, which obscures visibility for the Border Patrol, and he saw it for himself. I appreciate his bringing the benefit of that experience here to the floor and adding to this important debate. prgtoken I was struck by a hashtag I saw being used in the House of Representatives. It is ``FakeEmergency''--hashtag ``FakeEmergency.'' prgtoken Well, let's mention two sets of parents. For the 7- and 8-year-old boy and girl who recently died in CBP custody at the border who made their way from Guatemala, I don't think this is a fake emergency for them. As Customs and Border Protection Commissioner McAleenan said, many of these immigrants who come all the way from countries like Guatemala suffer from exposure, including dehydration. Many of them are physically or sexually assaulted. Then, there is the danger of infectious diseases, because many have not been vaccinated for common childhood diseases that American citizens would be protected from. prgtoken Unfortunately, they are a commodity to the criminal organizations that transport people for roughly $5,000 per person. The cartels--the criminal organizations--are commodity agnostic. They will just as soon usher a migrant from Central America up here who wants to join a family member and perhaps find a job. They will just as soon charge somebody who will ultimately be trafficked and become the victim of modern-day slavery, involuntary servitude, or sex slavery, or they will be happy to move drugs, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana--you name it. In fact, 90 percent of the heroin that comes into the United States comes from Mexico, and of the 70,000-plus Americans who died from drug overdoses just last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control, a substantial portion was from the opioids. In other words, that came from Mexico--whether they be pills, fentanyl, or heroin, which is perhaps the cheapest form of opioid. prgtoken The Senator from North Carolina and I serve on the Judiciary Committee, and we heard at length from the Commissioner McAleenan of Customs and Border Protection. The picture he painted was pretty bleak, but it bears repetition. Unfortunately, around here it is hard to know when people are listening. Sometimes you have to say the same thing over and over and over before it begins to penetrate people's consciousness. But this is important. So we need to emphasize this. prgtoken Many migrants make this arduous journey for days, weeks, or sometimes for