mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Abortion (Executive Calendar)
Ted Cruz (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-2-24

I rise today for every child who has been denied the chance to live; the little boys and the little girls who never got the chance to breathe a breath of air, to live life; never got the chance to grow up to be athletes, doctors, poets, or inventors; never got the chance to live their own unique lives. prgtoken This year marks the 47th tragic anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that forced on all 50 States abortion on demand and has tragically led to the loss of life of over 60 million unborn children. Since that decision, so much life has been lost. So many unborn and even newborn babies have suffered. prgtoken In recent years, we have seen the ic Party not listening to the concerns of a great many people of good will on both sides of the party but, rather, radicalize. We have seen leading contenders for the Presidential nomination in the ic field declare that pro-life are no longer welcome in the party. We have seen far too many embrace extreme positions on abortion--abortion up until the moment of birth and even, horrifically, after that. prgtoken I think the radicalization of today's ic Party was made crystal clear for a great many Americans with the radio interview that Virginia Governor Ralph Northam did on January 30 of last year. In that interview, Governor Northam was speaking in favor of a bill that would allow abortion when a mother was already in labor. prgtoken Stop and think about this for a moment. There have been debates about abortion for a long, long time. A mother in labor, in the process of delivering a child, this bill would allow a doctor to kill that child instead of delivering the child in the midst of labor. For a great many people, even Americans who identify as pro-choice, the idea of killing a child while the mother is in labor delivering the infant is horrifying beyond words. But Governor Northam didn't end there. He wasn't content simply with saying that abortion should be allowed even in the midst of birth. He went further. He said on that radio interview: The infant would be delivered. The infant would be kept comfortable. The infant would be resuscitated if that's what the mother and the family desired. And then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother. prgtoken Now, so nobody is lost on what Governor Northam was saying, he was describing something that has euphemistically been called post-birth abortion. He was describing his view of the right way to approach delivering a child, which is a child who is delivered, who is outside the womb, who is breathing and crying and living. That is an infant. And Governor Northam calmly, with virtually no emotion whatsoever, described comforting that infant and then having a conversation about whether to deny that child the necessary care to live or simply to callously let a newborn infant die. prgtoken For virtually e
LITHUANIAN AND ESTONIAN INDEPENDENCE DAYS
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2020-2-24

today is Estonia's 102nd Independence Day. prgtoken Lithuania celebrated 102 years of continuous statehood on the 16th, and Latvia will in November. prgtoken This is significant not just because the Baltic States are close American allies with shared values; it is worth noting because Russia has been waging war on historical truth. prgtoken Vladimir Putin recently made the absurd claim that Poland was to blame for World War II. prgtoken In 1992, Boris Yeltsin made public the secret annex to the Molotov- Ribbentrop Pact, making it clear that the Nazis and Soviets colluded to carve up Poland and the Baltics. prgtoken That also puts to lie the myth that the Baltics ``joined'' the Soviet Union. The United States recognized them as occupied sovereign states. prgtoken We ought to continue to defend their sovereignty as well as historical truth.
Abortion (Executive Calendar)
Ben Sasse (Republican, NE) \u2014 2020-2-24

. Thank you, Senator Daines of Montana and Senator Ernst of Iowa. I know Senator Braun is going to be here shortly. I want to speak about both pieces of legislation we are going to be considering tomorrow. Both of them are very important to distinguish. I know it has been brought up a few times tonight, but just to be sure we are all on the same page, Senator Graham's Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act is a very important piece of legislation, and I think my Born-Alive Abortion Survivor's Protection Act--both of them, which my colleagues here have spoken on, are very important pieces of legislation. They are important pieces of legislation, but they are distinct and have to be clarified to the American people, via the press, on how they differ. prgtoken These two bills are different, but they are connected by a simple question, which is, Will the Senate vote tomorrow to protect babies? This is about as straightforward a question as you can possibly have. Will the Senate vote tomorrow to protect babies? prgtoken Let's talk first about Senator Graham's legislation. Every mom and dad knows what it is like to see your child hurt, to see somebody fall down, maybe with something as minor as a scraped knee or a burnt hand on the stove or a finger slammed in a car door or a bedroom door. You know that experience of a deep breath that is going to be followed by the piercing cry. Something drops in the pit of your stomach. Every parent knows this feeling. You want to scoop them up. You want to grab them. You want to hold them, and you want to take away the pain. You would take Tenex for the pain, if you could, to protect your baby from that pain. You want to make it stop, and you want them to know that they are going to be okay. When your child hurts, you hurt, and it is far worse to watch your child hurting than to feel the pain yourself. prgtoken So we have this gut feeling when it comes to pain. When we see someone hurting, we know this is not the way the world is supposed to be. Pain is not natural. This is not the order of things as it was meant to be, and so our heart leaps at the sight of someone in pain-- not just a child, but especially when it is a child, a family member, or a friend, or even a complete stranger. When you see somebody in pain, we want to make it stop. Human beings are compassionate; that is, we feel along with others. When they suffer, we suffer, and so we reach out to protect. We want to give comfort. prgtoken Tomorrow, we have the opportunity to extend that reach of care and comfort and protection. The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act would protect babies as early as 20 weeks into pregnancy--that is halfway through--by inscribing in law our responsibility to protect innocent babies in the womb from the pain that is inflicted by abortion. prgtoken The responsibility that we have when a 2-year-old skins her knee is also a responsibility that we have when a 20-week-old baby in the
Veterans (Executive Session)
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2020-2-24

the Disabled American Veterans is celebrating 100 years of helping military veterans, and I rise to recognize this remarkable occasion. prgtoken Throughout its history, the DAV has been influential in identifying ways to best support our veterans--from pushing for the consolidation of veterans programs, in its early years, to direct outreach to veterans in communities with the launch of the Field Service Unit Program, to pressing for more funding for VA healthcare and benefits. prgtoken There has been so much progress in advancing veterans services thanks to the DAV's efforts. The organization's members and partners have a lot to be proud of. DAV members have been leading advocates for injured and ill veterans and their families, which has made a difference for countless wounded warriors. The DAV's advocacy has helped and continues to build better lives for disabled veterans. We are thankful for the more than 1 million DAV members and auxiliary members who are doing great work to ensure our country keeps the promise we made to the men and women who have served in uniform. prgtoken This week, members of the DAV Department of Arkansas are visiting the Nation's Capital to share the organization's legislative priorities for 2020. They are part of an extensive network that has been influential in identifying how the Department of Veterans Affairs can strengthen its services. They are among the DAV members from across the country who are in Washington, DC, to advocate on behalf of veterans. prgtoken There is simply no substitute for coming to our Nation's Capital and visiting with Members of Congress to let them know of DAV's priorities. These include strengthening veterans mental healthcare and suicide prevention programs, improving benefits and services for women veterans and ensuring veterans who have been exposed to toxic substances receive full and timely benefits. The good news is we are working on these priorities because we all agree that our veterans deserve nothing less than quality care and the benefits they have earned. prgtoken Last month, the Senate's Committee on Veterans' Affairs advanced the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act. This comprehensive legislation will strengthen our ability to provide veterans with the mental healthcare they need. It includes language Senator Warner and I authored to leverage the services of veteran-serving nonprofits and other community networks in our overall strategy to reduce veteran suicides. prgtoken VA Ranking Member Tester and I are also working to improve services to our women veterans. Our Deborah Sampson Act legislation would eliminate barriers to care and services that many women veterans face and would help to ensure the VA could address the needs for women, which is so critical because they are more likely to face homelessness, unemployment, and to go without needed healthcare. We are pleased to have the
RECOGNIZING 175 YEARS OF HOSPITALITY IN FRENCH LICK
Todd Young (Republican, IN) \u2014 2020-2-24

I rise to recognize 175 years of tourism, history, and hospitality that the French Lick Resort has brought to my home State of Indiana. prgtoken In 1832, two Hoosier brothers, Thomas and Dr. William Bowles, purchased 1,500 acres of property near French Lick, IN. Part of the property's allure was the abundant mineral springs loaded with Epsom salt and sulfur. As a physician, Dr. Bowles became intrigued by the medicinal benefits that the mineral springs possessed, which famously turned into the Hoosier tonic Pluto Water. In 1845, the brothers welcomed their first guests after building a unique, three-story, wood- framed hotel. prgtoken In 1901, a small group of investors, including former Indianapolis mayor Tom Taggart, bought the property from the Bowles brothers. Mayor Taggart's vision and political expertise aided in the development of the hotel and the expansion of the Monon Railroad from Chicago to the front entrance, encouraging more tourists to ``take to the waters.'' By 1905, the French Link Springs Hotel had become a grand destination, and its services were greatly sought after by all of Indiana society. Soon enough, it had gained worldwide recognition. With the hotel's stunning success, Donald James Ross, ``the Michelangelo of golf course design'' and a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, was hired to build the French Lick Springs Golf Course. In 1924, the course hosted a PGA championship, attracting more national attention and further success. By 1931, the hotel became the unofficial headquarters of the national ic Party and became the site for the 1931 ic Governor's Conference. As a socialite destination, numerous notable guests visited the springs, including Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, Ronald Reagan, John Barrymore, and Howard Hughes. prgtoken Because of its heritage of tourism and hospitality, in 2003 the French Lick Springs Hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places--a distinction of notable merit. In 2005, the French Lick Springs Hotel and its former competitor, the West Baden Springs Hotel, were purchased by the Cook Group, Inc a family-owned company headquartered in Bloomington, IN. After a complete 1-year renovation, the French Lick Resort was born, continuing its legacy of attracting visitors from the around the world to Southern Indiana with a variety of events. prgtoken The French Lick Resort and its world-class amenities have served millions of guests and has greatly added to the cultural history of the United States. On behalf of the State of Indiana, I wish the resort continued success for another 175 years and beyond.
TRIBUTE TO VICE ADMIRAL JOSEPH MAGUIRE
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-2-24

first, this afternoon I would like to recognize the career and public service of retired VADM Joseph Maguire, whose prgtoken tenure as Acting Director of National Intelligence and Director of National Counterterrorism Center concluded last week. prgtoken Joe Maguire spent 36 years serving our Nation as a U.S. Navy special operator. His leadership record included SEAL Team 2 and the U.S. Navy Special Warfare Command, where he guided some of our Nation's most sensitive military operations. prgtoken Admiral Maguire retired from the Navy in 2010, but it was not long before public service came calling again. In 2018, the President asked him to direct the NCTC. The Senate confirmed him on a voice vote. prgtoken He took on an even more challenging assignment last summer when he agreed to follow our former colleague Senator Dan Coats and act in the role of the DNI. prgtoken Our Nation asks our intelligence community to fulfill an enormous array of sensitive missions. These men and women work day and night to protect the homeland from terrorists. They fight nuclear proliferation. They keep watch on dangerous adversaries, like Russia and China. They guard against what hostile intelligence services are doing in our Nation, and they work to protect American elections from foreign interference that seeks to sow division and chaos and reduce public confidence in our democracy. prgtoken Recent reports suggest that adversaries, including Russia, are likely continuing efforts aimed at dividing Americans, sowing chaos in our politics, and undermining confidence in our elections. Fortunately, in stark contrast to the failures of the administration in 2016, the administration, once again, appears to be doing the right thing-- in this case, by promptly providing a specific counterintelligence briefing to a ic Presidential candidate in question. This is just the latest example of the vigilance and the action we have seen from this administration on this crucial issue. prgtoken In parallel with hundreds of millions that Congress has appropriated in new election security assistance for State and local authorities, the administration has taken major proactive steps. The Treasury Department has sanctioned numerous Russian entities involved in the 2016 interference. The Department of Homeland Security has worked closely with States, local jurisdictions, and the private sector to bolster our cyber security defenses. prgtoken The administration's naive and belated efforts failed to deter or to defend against Russian interference in 2016 and failed to provide substantive counterintelligence briefings to the and Clinton campaigns. By contrast, the administration has been vigilant and appears to be providing timely warnings to candidates affected by foreign intelligence activities. This is critically important work, and it wouldn't be possible without the hard work of our intelligence communi
Cloture Motion (Executive Calendar)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2020-2-24

. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Burr), the Senator from North Dakota (Mr. Cramer), the Senator from Arizona (Ms. McSally), the Senator from Alaska (Ms. Murkowski), the Senator from Florida (Mr. Rubio), and the Senator from Pennsylvania (Mr. Toomey). prgtoken Further, if present and voting, the Senator from Florida (Mr. Rubio) would have voted ``yea.''
Abortion (Executive Calendar)
Mike Braun (Republican, IN) \u2014 2020-2-24

a little over a month ago--or a year ago--I was here with Senator Sasse and asked for a unanimous consent vote. I was here, mostly curious to see who might object to a bill that wants born alive--where you do everything you can to keep that child alive. I was appalled then, and here again, we are talking about the same thing, but I think we have got room for optimism. prgtoken We have got two bills that have gotten, I think, more support at this stage of the game than in a long time. First on the Pain Capable bill, last month, two researchers, with broadly different views on abortion, published research in the Journal of Medical Ethics, stating conclusively that ``the neuroscience cannot definitely rule out fetal pain before 24 weeks.'' prgtoken As we continue to learn more about the science of when unborn children can feel pain in the womb, the moral imperative to provide a cutoff point for abortions grows stronger and stronger. I hope that my colleagues, especially on the other side of the aisle, will not deny science by allowing abortions to be performed on unborn children capable of feeling pain. prgtoken The Born Alive bill--again, we are closer than ever. On a procedural vote, we have 53 votes, bipartisan, almost there, with 3 s not able to vote. So, theoretically, 56 votes possibly. I stepped up here a year ago, and I do it again because I also sense, across the country, things are starting to change. prgtoken Millennials are now leaning towards what the solemnity and sanctity of life is about, and I think, if we just take guidance from that younger generation, it ought to be able to move four Senators to get in line and do what seems to be so clear from a moral point of view. prgtoken Some will say that a bill to ensure medical care for babies born after failed abortions is unnecessary because it doesn't happen that often. That is not a good reason. It doesn't matter how common it is. It matters if it is right or wrong. Even if my colleagues do not agree with me that every baby conceived has the right to be born, we should at least agree that every baby that is born has a right to live. If you go back a few years ago, 2015, there were 38 votes for the same bill. In 2017, there were 36. A little over a year ago, there were 53, or 56, however you want to look at it. prgtoken I plead to citizens across this country, just as I did a little over a year ago, to get ahold of your Senators. In States where the sanctity of life--the solemnity of life--is important, get ahold of your Senators and tell them that we need their votes. prgtoken .
TRIBUTE TO BETTY COLBERT
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2020-2-24

today I wish to recognize Ms. Betty Colbert on the occasion of her retirement from her position as program assistant for the U.S. Senate Youth Program, USSYP, after 57 years of remarkable service. prgtoken Ms. Colbert started working for the USSYP during its first program in 1963 and has continued her impressive tenure ever since. With her guidance, the program has provided unparalleled educational opportunities and experiences for countless high school students. prgtoken Her involvement with the program started thanks to her late husband, Mr. George Colbert, a Tuskegee airman who served as Mr. Randy Hearst's driver while Mr. Hearst was helping to develop the USSYP. Despite working full time with the National Institutes of Health, Ms. Colbert took leave each year in order to devote herself to the USSYP's administration. A thoughtful, giving woman, she took a hands-on approach, doing everything from taking calls from Senate offices and the White House to making sure each participating student got an individual flag flown over the Capitol to recognize their accomplishment. prgtoken The success of USSYP alumni is in part thanks to Ms. Colbert's tireless efforts. I participate in the program every year, including serving as cochair in 2019, and I can attest firsthand to her unfailing work ethic and the level of care she puts in to every aspect of the USSYP. prgtoken Students, Senators, and staff members have all bore witness to Ms. Colbert's extraordinary commitment to her role. Not only does she ensure everything runs smoothly for all involved, but she also focuses on the small details. Her driven, considerate nature plays a significant part in giving students the most enjoyable and transformative experience possible. Ms. Colbert leaves behind a legacy that will continue to positively shape the USSYP for years to come. prgtoken I applaud her over half a century of service and hope my colleagues will join me in congratulating Ms. Betty Colbert on her well-earned retirement.
Coronavirus (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-2-24

well, the World Health Organization has now reported that there are 79,000 cases of coronavirus across at least 30 countries, with at least 53 confirmed cases here in United States. prgtoken As the virus continues to spread, the global economy is already beginning to suffer. All of the warning lights are flashing bright red. We are staring down a potential pandemic, and the administration has no plan. We have a crisis of coronavirus, and President has no plan, no urgency, no understanding of the facts or how to coordinate a response. prgtoken We must get a handle on the coronavirus and make sure the United States is fully prepared to deal with its potentially far-reaching consequences, but the administration has been asleep at the wheel. prgtoken President , good morning. There is a pandemic of coronavirus. Where are you? Where is your plan? prgtoken It is just amazing. As the crisis grows and grows, we hear nothing. prgtoken Coronavirus testing kits have not been widely distributed to our hospitals and public health labs. prgtoken President 's State Department overruled the recommendations of the scientists in the CDC and allowed infected passengers from a cruise ship to be flown back into the United States. prgtoken Amazingly, at a time when we know that these pandemics can spread, this administration cut the CDC--the agency in charge of fighting these global viruses--with a 16-percent senseless cut to its budget. prgtoken My fellow Americans, that is what they do on all these things. They just cut, and then the President tries to claim credit after we restore the money. He did it in his State of the Union. He was claiming, because of his great work with NIH, we are curing cancer. He has cut the NIH every budget, including this one. prgtoken It is a disgrace how this man can say one thing and do another and confounding that it doesn't catch up with him with too many Americans and none of my colleagues on this side of the aisle, and it is probably, right now, most dangerous and most egregious when it comes to coronavirus. prgtoken It wasn't just that the President cut CDC last year. It follows years of drastic cuts to the global health division at CDC by the administration. prgtoken In 2018, CDC was forced to reduce the numbers of countries it operated in from 49 to 10. That is how bad it is. prgtoken We have crises, and we have a world that is different, and this administration, instead of stepping up to the plate, runs away, listening to the clarion call of the far right: Just cut, cut, cut, cut, cut, no matter how it affects people. prgtoken In 2018, even worse, President ordered the National Security Council to scupper its entire global health security unit and asked the Department of Homeland Security to do the same. We don't have epidemic teams in the National Security Council or DHS. prgtoken I hope and pray to God that corona doesn't spread here, but if it does, we