mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
The Green New Deal (Executive Session)
Pat Roberts (Republican, KS) \u2014 2019-3-26

I thank you for your hard work on the sometimes powerful Senate Agriculture Committee. I would have liked to respond to the leader--but I know he is busy, and he is leaving the floor--just to say that I think all s understand there is climate change, and all s know that human activity does contribute to it, and, yes, we ought to do something. The point I am trying to make here is we don't want to do the wrong thing and cause a great deal of disruption in the process. prgtoken I also thank Senator Thune for allowing me to speak out of order. I know this is a hardship on his schedule, but he has been very kind to let this happen. prgtoken I thank the sponsors of the Green New Deal for enabling all Senators the opportunity to discuss the practical challenges this resolution actually presents. For me, as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, it allows me to discuss the real stewards of our land--our farmers, ranchers, growers--and how this legislation will affect them and their ability not only to feed this country but a troubled and hungry world as well. prgtoken Those of us who represent farm country are grateful for the opportunity to underscore something that too many take for granted. Farmers, ranchers, and growers in the United States now grow the safest, most affordable and abundant food supply in the world. As I just said, we know that it is a troubled and hungry world that needs farmers, ranchers, growers, and their protection to help feed and clothe the world's increasing population. Yes, and I think it will probably go longer than 12 years. prgtoken As chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I am proud of our bipartisan record on behalf of American agriculture and, in turn, our record of respecting our Nation's natural resources. These things go hand in hand. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle on the Agriculture Committee and those privileged to work in agriculture have always sought to grow and raise more, using as few resources as possible. prgtoken The men and women who make their living off the land have an imperative and keen interest in the responsible use and management of our natural resources. Show me a farmer who does not practice conservation or does not have access to precision agriculture or the latest technology, and I will show you a farmer who is really in trouble. prgtoken In short, within agriculture, there is nothing new with the Green New Deal. It calls for ``working collaboratively with farmers, ranchers, and growers in the United States to eliminate pollution, greenhouse gases, and emissions from the agricultural sector as much as is technologically feasible''--that is the language--``by supporting family farming''--that is also in the language--``investing in sustainable farming and land use practices that increase soil health,'' and ``building a more sustainable food system that ensures universal access to healthy food.'' Tha
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2019-3-26

as a matter of fact, I would say to my friend, the Senator from New York, that he asked me those three identical questions on this floor about 2 or 3 weeks ago, and my answer today is the same as it was then. You are welcome to go back to the Congressional Record. I recommended this to the Senator from New York, and I bet I wrote in the New York Times in December that said: Yes, I do believe that climate change is real, and, yes, I believe that humans contribute to it, and, yes, I believe we have a responsibility to do something about it. prgtoken I highlighted the role of innovation, not taxation or regulation, in coming to those solutions. I highlighted legislation that has passed the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and was even signed into law by the President, something called the FUTURE Act, which works on capturing carbon dioxide and using it productively. We talked about a bill called the USE IT Act, which is now coming through the committee. We are working on it. It has bipartisan support, and it passed last session. It didn't get all the way to a signature. We talked about the future of nuclear power and the advanced nuclear powerplants that are being done, and we paved the way for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to do things because nuclear power has zero emissions. prgtoken These are bipartisan pieces of legislation, passed with overwhelming support by the Senate and the House and signed by the President. These areas with carbon capture and nuclear power works are things that actually President 's Secretary of Energy, Ernie Moniz, testified to the Senate Energy Committee are the two things that actually can work at scale. Anything else that the United States, I will tell you, does unilaterally, will not contribute to a solution because emissions from the United States are only 13 percent of all the emissions in the world. prgtoken I would once again recommend to the Senator from New York an op-ed that I had written about dealing with climate change through innovation, not regulation or taxation, and I hope, in that way, that I have answered the Senator's three questions. prgtoken I would say to the Senator from New York that if he is actually serious about discussing climate change on the floor of the Senate and looking for solutions, then, what he ought to do today is instruct his Members--and I believe he may have instructed them to vote present--to vote to get on the bill, to get on this to discuss it and to debate it. But it doesn't sound like even the cosponsors are willing to stand up and vote for something they have cosponsored. A dozen of them have done it. prgtoken Three of them were leading a rally outside the steps of the Capitol within the last couple of hours, with one Senator chanting: What about the Green New Deal and having a vote on it? When do we want it? And the crowd was chanting: Now. prgtoken It will be instructive to see how those Senato
CALLING FOR DEBATE ON THE GREEN NEW DEAL
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-3-26

I rise to call for debate in this Chamber on H. Res. 109, referred to as the Green New Deal. prgtoken This resolution lays out an agenda that is, frankly, anti-American and goes against everything our Constitution is all about. prgtoken The resolution states: ``It is the duty of the Federal Government to create a Green New Deal.'' prgtoken The main components of this deal include: net-zero greenhouse gas emissions; creating millions of good, high-wage jobs; and upgrading all existing buildings and building new buildings to achieve maximum energy efficiency, water efficiency, safety, affordability, comfort, and durability. All of this is to be accomplished in 10 years' time. prgtoken Among the things the Federal Government has meddled in beyond the scope of its limited powers, completely overhauling every building and method of transportation in the country would be, by far, its most egregious transgression to date. prgtoken However, the Green New Deal certainly will require Congress' constitutional authority to levy taxes and borrow money to pay for it. prgtoken This so-called ``deal'' would come at the cost of trillions to the middle class prgtoken and spend taxpayers' hard-earned money, as if they don't know best how to use their money and need the government to do it for them. prgtoken The Green New Deal reflects zero understanding of moral hazard and the government's capacity for waste, suggesting the government assume the risks in the unchartered research and development this socialist experiment would require. The way the resolution's supporters see it, money will simply be put back into the economy and create millions of new jobs. They think nothing of the fact that these actions actually take power away from ``We the people.'' prgtoken Now, in light of the Senate taking up this resolution for a vote this week, I would like to offer some thoughts as to why it needs deeper thought and debate in the House. prgtoken America is currently on a sustainable plan with its all-of-the-above energy strategy, including renewable, oil, gas, coal, and nuclear sources. prgtoken Renewables presently make up 17 percent of U.S. electric power generation, and despite enormous subsidies, are far from capable of serving as exclusive energy sources that are reliant and affordable. Yet, since 2005, use of cheap natural gas has reduced carbon emissions from power generation by 30 percent. prgtoken Our current approach encourages development of renewable sources and accounts for both environment and monetary costs. prgtoken This resolution instead throws money exclusively at renewables and entirely eliminates the oil, gas, and coal industries. prgtoken Secondly, if the goal is to build the middle class and create jobs, why go in completely the opposite direction of what has worked to create over 5 million jobs in the past 2 years? prgtoken Reducing the Federal footprint with regulatory reform and middle- class tax cuts have caused wages to
COMMEMORATING THE LIFE OF DR. LLOYD DARBY, III
Rick W. Allen (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-3-26

I rise today with a heavy heart to commemorate the life of Dr. Lloyd Darby, III. prgtoken Dr. Darby was a Georgia-12 native and lifelong resident of Vidalia, Georgia, and the lasting impact he leaves behind on behalf of the local community, his friends, and his family will be remembered for generations. prgtoken With a deep love for our Nation and a strong passion for serving others, his many years as a U.S. Navy lieutenant, prominent dentist, and instrumental political figure speaks volumes about his character. prgtoken Dr. Darby was a former chairman of the Toombs County Party, district chairman and member of the state GOP board, and a delegate to the 1972 and 1976 National Conventions. prgtoken Additionally, he served as chairman of the Friends of Mattingly campaign during Mack Mattingly's tenure as U.S. Senator. He was the first Senator from Georgia elected since the Reconstruction era. prgtoken Lloyd Darby was a man passionate about his faith. He cherished his local community, loved his wife of 60 years, and his entire family beyond measure. prgtoken Lloyd's passion was to give back a smile and to help those who otherwise could not help themselves. prgtoken Robin and I send our heartfelt condolences and prayers to all of Dr. Darby's family, friends, and community on a life well lived.
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019--MOTION TO PROCEED
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-3-26

I appreciate the majority leader's bringing the Green New Deal to a vote today so that every Senator had an opportunity to go on record. I voted no. prgtoken Some of my ic colleagues may argue that a vote against the Green New Deal demonstrates an unwillingness to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and to tackle serious environmental issues of the day, but nothing could be further from the truth. prgtoken Contrary to popular belief, the United States is not a bad actor on the world stage. The United States has reduced its carbon emissions by 758 million metric tons per year since 2005. This is the largest decline of any country in the world. prgtoken Meanwhile, China's and India's carbon emissions have grown. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, U.S. consumption of biofuels and other renewable energy has more than doubled from 2000 to 2017. The United States will only continue to increase renewable energy consumption through 2050 as we see more investment in wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, and other alternative energies. prgtoken Let's be very clear. A ``no'' vote on the Green New Deal is a vote against a government takeover of our economy that would stifle economic growth, bankrupt our Nation, and endanger the prosperity of all Americans. A ``no'' vote is a vote in favor of continuing an open and free economy that has made America the richest country in the world. We find that the best way to make environmental improvements is to use the wealth of a nation to accomplish that goal, and as a nation becomes more wealthy, the more apt it is to have the ability to protect the environment. prgtoken The fact is that the Green New Deal is wholly unrealistic in its goal of obtaining net-zero carbon emissions within 10 years. We are not going to be successful at reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and lowering our carbon emissions through virtue signaling. That is all the Green New Deal boils down to--virtue signaling. It is all lofty goals and aspirations with no concrete plan or concern as to its feasibility. prgtoken It is easy to support a vaguely worded, nonbinding resolution calling on the Federal Government to accomplish certain goals, but guess what. That is us--we, in the Congress. Congress is part of the Federal Government with the responsibility under our Constitution to write the laws. If Members of Congress have concrete ideas about what the Federal Government should be doing, they should introduce real legislation detailing who should do what to accomplish these goals. prgtoken Instead of a ``green dream,'' as Pelosi called the Green New prgtoken Deal, we need to focus on commonsense, bipartisan approaches that have an actual shot at making a difference. In other words, a resolution is a resolution; it is not a law. It doesn't accomplish anything. It states these goals that we ought to seek, but nobody has come forth with a concrete plan to accomplish th
The Green New Deal (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2019-3-26

from Kansas, the chairman of the Senate Ag committee, who was incredibly instrumental in getting that last Farm Bill passed. I have the privilege of serving on his committee, and we do a lot of important work for our farmers and ranchers in this country. As he very aptly pointed out, one of the things that could undo a lot of the good work we hope will improve the economic outlook for farmers and ranchers, which today is a very difficult one--something that could really undo that is passage of something like this Green New Deal. It could do irreparable harm to the Ag economy in this country and would be disastrous for farmers and ranchers. prgtoken This afternoon, Senate will have a chance to vote on the Green New Deal, and the American people will have a chance to see just how many embrace this new government expansion. prgtoken The Green New Deal, as the name suggests, is largely about energy policy, but there is a lot more to unpack. The Green New Deal is a comprehensive socialist fantasy that would put the government in charge of everything from healthcare to the way you heat your house. prgtoken Do you like your car? With the Green New Deal you almost certainly will not be able to keep it. The Green New Deal also wants to eliminate fossil fuels, which means the engine that currently powers your car will likely be illegal. It also means, roughly, 3.5 million American truckdrivers will be out of a job. prgtoken Presumably airplanes would also be grounded, drying up the aviation sector and the travel, tourism, and business it supports. prgtoken Do you like your house? That may not matter if the government decides your house doesn't meet the Green New Deal's guidelines. Enjoy rebuilding your home according to plans provided by Washington. prgtoken Do you like your job? The Green New Deal will eliminate millions of current energy jobs, but that is not all. The energy industry in this country powers the American economy. Our supply of reliable, affordable energy allows businesses to flourish. So what happens when the Green New Deal drives up the price of energy or when businesses are hit with Green New Deal taxes or when American manufacturers can't meet the Green New Deal's stringent emissions goal? Well, I will tell you what will happen: American jobs will be lost or move overseas. prgtoken I mentioned Green New Deal taxes. That is because paying for this plan would require massive tax hikes on just about everybody. One think tank has released a first estimate of what the Green New Deal would cost, and the answer is between $51 trillion and $93 trillion over 10 years. That is almost an incomprehensible amount of money. Ninety-three trillion dollars is more than the amount of money the U.S. Government has spent in its entire history. That is right. Since 1789, when the Constitution went into effect, the Federal Government has spent a total of $83.2 tril
HONORING ANNE BEILER
Lloyd Smucker (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-3-26

March is Women's History Month. I would like to honor a notable woman from my district, Ms. Jackie Pfursich, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. prgtoken Jackie currently serves as the Lancaster County clerk of courts, where she has served since 2016. Since then, she has improved the court system by modernizing the criminal court with an electronic filing system. This allows attorneys and case participants to file documents electronically and helps speed up our court process and make it more efficient. prgtoken Jackie began her legal career as an assistant attorney for the Pennsylvania Office of General Counsel, Department of Labor and Industry, where she prosecuted those who violated the Commonwealth's labor laws. prgtoken She resides in East Hempfield with her husband, Ed; and children, Ella, Nathan, and Tyler. Jackie is an example of a strong, innovative, and hardworking woman. I am honored to recognize her on the floor of the House today. Honoring Peggy Steinman
Nomination of Bridget S. Bade (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-3-26

yesterday the Senate voted to advance the nomination of Bridget Bade of Arizona, the latest of President 's qualified judicial nominees. Today we will vote on her confirmation as a judge on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. prgtoken Ms. Bade's nomination comes with the bipartisan support of our colleagues on the Judiciary Committee and a ``well qualified'' rating from the ABA's Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary. prgtoken Given that 77 Senators voted yesterday to advance this nomination, it is obviously clear to the vast majority of us that the President has made yet another excellent choice to the Federal bench. I hope each of my colleagues will join me in voting for Ms. Bade later today.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-3-26

I rise to speak about the flooding that has devastated wide swaths of the Midwest in recent weeks. prgtoken A harsh winter, combined with unseasonably warm weather and heavy rains, created conditions that overwhelmed much of our flood mitigation infrastructure up and down the Missouri River and its tributaries. In Iowa alone, the flooding has caused an estimated $1.6 billion in damages. Thousands of homes have been damaged or destroyed, and nearly 250 miles of levees will need to be repaired or rebuilt. Thousands of acres of farmland have been impacted, with there being losses to the ag sector in excess of $200 million. Fremont County, which is our furthest southwest county in the State of Iowa, has lost $7 million worth of grain. prgtoken I spent much of last week on the ground in Iowa, visiting hard-hit areas of the State and meeting with local, State, and Federal officials. In my years as a member of the Iowa National Guard, I was on the frontlines of several of our major flood events, including the 2008 Cedar Rapids flood and the 2011 Missouri River flood. I can tell you that what I witnessed in this flood event was the worst flooding and destruction that I have ever witnessed. The devastation is simply incomprehensible, with the most severe damage being concentrated in Iowa's western most counties. prgtoken I have spent most of my life in southwest Iowa. So this hits particularly close to home for me. When I toured the affected communities last week and this past Sunday, the folks I met with were not just Iowans and not just constituents. Many of them were friends whom I have known for a very long time. In this part of the State, down there in southwest Iowa, I am just as likely to be called ``Joni'' as I am ``Senator Ernst.'' It was heartbreaking to see what these folks have gone through. Again, they are not just constituents. These people are family and friends to me. prgtoken It will take a lot of hard work and determination to get our communities back up on their feet. But do you know what, folks? Iowans are a resilient people, and I know they are up to the task. Since the first signs of trouble over a week ago, our State and local emergency response teams have been working together seamlessly, around the clock, to keep our Iowans safe. prgtoken I credit Governor Reynolds and her office for quickly gathering damage assessments from all around the State in order to make a strong case to the President that a Federal disaster declaration was warranted. I also thank President for recognizing the gravity of the situation on the ground in Iowa and for swiftly approving our request. Nearly 60 of Iowa's counties will now have access to much needed Federal assistance. prgtoken In the near term, our focus is on recovery efforts, and I will do everything in my power to make sure Iowans have every bit of the help they need. We need to get our farms and small businesses back up and running
COMMEMORATING WORLD DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS DAY
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2019-3-26

I thank my friend from Kansas for yielding. I appreciate him organizing an opportunity to come to the House floor and talk about this important issue. prgtoken As the father of two children, I have been committed to policies for a safe and enduring future for all kids and understand that we have to ensure the protection of kids no matter what their walk in life, particularly those with developmental disabilities. prgtoken , over 200,000 in the United States live with Down syndrome, and one in 792 babies is born with this genetic disorder. While there have been great advances in medical research and public policy to enhance the lives of those affected by Down syndrome, there is still much work to be done. prgtoken Individuals with disabilities face many challenges, and I understand the need to ensure access to vital services and medical equipment to support independent and active lives. This is critical to help effectively live with Down syndrome. Getting our kids the proper development path at a young age helps them ensure they will be healthier adults with a bright future. prgtoken For over 20 years, I have watched with such pleasure young people begin to build that proper developmental path at Access Academy in Little Rock or Easter Seals Academy at Riverdale. prgtoken As a former member of the board of directors of Arkansas Children's Hospital, I saw firsthand how important it was that parents are given the tools they need to keep their children healthy. This is particularly important for families who have a child with a disability. prgtoken Back in 1990, President George H. W. signed the ADA into law, the Americans with Disabilities Act. I was proud to have been working on President 's staff at that time. It was an amazing piece of legislative work that brought this Congress together and that has benefited thousands and millions of Americans and families since. prgtoken I look forward to working with my colleagues to build upon that legislation so that all Americans can reach their full potential, no matter what challenges they face. I will continue to support efforts that provide services to individuals and families who are impacted by Down syndrome. prgtoken Regardless of political ideology, I think we can all agree that every single child deserves protection. When I think about the kids over the past two decades whom I have watched grow up, who had incredibly nurturing parents who got them on that developmental path in the right way, who sacrificed so that they had that opportunity to talk about what my colleague did, the pursuit of happiness, and I see them smiling at workplaces when I visit in Conway, North Little Rock, and Little Rock, that they have a job, that they are out working, that they have that self-sufficiency and excitement of the work they do, it gives me such a warm feeling to see their success with all the hard work they have put into that pursuit of happiness. prgtoken Finally