mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO MS. SOMHITA CHATTERJEE AND RECOGNIZING THE UNI-CAPITOL WASHINGTON INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME
André Carson (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2019-2-13

. Madam , I rise today to honor the Uni- Capitol Washington Internship Programme, (UCWIP). Our great nation has benefited from the cross-cultural exchange and dedication to public service that a group of remarkable Australian college students have demonstrated during their time on Capitol Hill. prgtoken The Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Programme champions the positive growth of Australian undergraduate students through leadership and development on key political issues and in crucial policy areas. For two decades, UCWIP has matched some of the most outstanding young leaders with offices in the United States Congress. I am honored, once again, to be a host this year. Though each program participant is unique, I am proud to say that the reaction to working with them is universally positive. Our interns are known for being extremely bright, and their meaningful contributions regularly exceed our expectations. This has been especially true for our UCWIP intern, Somhita Chatterjee. Somhita came to us from the University of Melbourne, as an honor student pursuing Politics, International Studies, Media and Communications. Over the past month, I have watched Somhita work as an incredible leader, making assessments that are logical and well-thought out. She is dedicated and not afraid to champion issues that are important to her. She has also taught us so much about her home country and the many values we have in common. I have absolutely no doubt that Somhita's dynamic personality and skillset will help her to be the best that she can be in all her future endeavors. Somhita's generosity in serving Hoosiers, hard work, and positive presence have all been an incredible asset to our office, and we look forward to seeing her future success. prgtoken Moreover, the program would not be where it is without a dedicated leader with a strong vision, and an unwavering spirit, making it all possible. I would like to thank Eric Federing for his continued leadership as the director and founder of the Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Programme. Under Eric's supervision, we see individual U.S.- Australia relationships are thriving, forging new friendships that are a testament to our shared prosperity. Today's political climate calls for a global vision, and I am thankful that Eric continuously works to promote the exchange of views and ideas among leaders of the future. It has been an honor to have Somhita in our office, and I thank her for her hard work and commitment to public service. I wish her the best wherever her next journey may take her.
REMOVAL OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES FROM HOSTILITIES IN YEMEN THAT HAVE NOT BEEN AUTHORIZED BY CONGRESS
Gerald E. Connolly (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2019-2-13

. Mr. Chair, I thank the distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. It is a delight to call him that title. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I rise in support of H.J. Res. 37, directing the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in or affecting Yemen within 30 days. prgtoken Since 2015, the United States has provided support to the Saudi-led coalition in its war against the Houthi rebels in Yemen. prgtoken In addition to claiming an estimated 60,000 Yemeni lives, this war is fueling the world's largest humanitarian and refugee crisis. Humanitarian agencies estimate that 85,000 children have died from malnutrition, more than half the population currently requires emergency food assistance, and 1 in every 10 Yemeni children has been forcibly displaced from their homes due to the conflict. prgtoken In September of 2018, Secretary Pompeo certified to Congress that the Saudi and Emirati Governments were mitigating harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure in Yemen. Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition conducted attacks killing dozens of civilians at a time, often with U.S.-provided munitions. prgtoken Article I, Section 8, Clause 2 of the United States Constitution states unequivocally that Congress shall have the power to declare war and to raise and support armies and other Armed Forces. That is Congress' prerogative in the Constitution. prgtoken Pursuant to the War Powers Resolution, the President must remove U.S. Armed Forces engaged in hostilities outside U.S. territory without a specific statutory authorization from Congress. prgtoken Congress must reclaim its constitutional role, and American complicity in the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen must end. That is why I am glad to support H.J. Res. 37, which prgtoken would direct such a removal of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities associated with the Saudi-led coalition war in Yemen. prgtoken Importantly, this legislation defines hostilities to include in- flight fueling of non-U.S. aircraft conducting counter-Houthi missions. prgtoken , I urge support of this resolution.
RECOGNIZING OLD GLORY HONOR FLIGHT
Tammy Baldwin (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2019-2-13

today I rise to recognize the Old Glory Honor Flight organization, as it makes its maiden flight to Vietnam to bring 53 veterans back to the place where they risked their lives for our Nation. I am honored to pay tribute to this important first flight and to honor their sacrifices. prgtoken The all-volunteer organization, Old Glory Honor Flight, was founded in 2009 by individuals who had a dream of creating an honor flight experience for military veterans in northeast Wisconsin. A dedicated board of volunteers launched the first official flight on October 27, 2009, when they hosted 95 World War II veterans on a trip to our Nation's Capital to experience firsthand the national memorials honoring American military servicemembers. prgtoken The honor flight's mission is to create a safe and memorable experience for veterans who call Wisconsin home. Until now, each honor flight has taken place within a single day, sending veterans to Washington, DC, to thank them for all they sacrificed to keep our Nation safe and free. Since its inception, Old Glory Honor Flight has flown more than 3,500 veterans on more than 40 missions. prgtoken Through the generous support of individuals and businesses, Old Glory Honor Flight has grown tremendously in the past decade. This month, for the first time in its 10-year existence, the organization is sending 53 veterans who served in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand back to Vietnam for 2 weeks. prgtoken Wisconsinites owe a debt of gratitude to these servicemembers who answered our country's call to serve and defend the United States. These veterans served with honor and endured the horrors of war. When they returned home, prgtoken they were shunned and denied their rightful hero's welcome. We must vow to never let this happen again and to always honor those who serve in our Armed Forces. Let this flight be a reminder that we can all do our part to keep the sacred trust we have with our veterans. Let it be a reminder that there is still more work to do to honor their service, and let us be inspired by their selfless and heroic service to a grateful nation. prgtoken I am honored to recognize the very first Wisconsin Honor Flight to Vietnam and I commend Old Glory Honor Flight on this extraordinary mission to honor our Wisconsin military veterans. It is my sincere hope that this momentous trip will bring some peace to these brave men traveling back to Vietnam.
Nomination of William Barr (Executive Session)
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2019-2-13

in just a matter of hours, we are expected to vote on the nomination of William Barr to be Attorney General of the United States. This office is one of paramount importance to the people of this country, and as a former U.S. attorney, the chief Federal prosecutor in Connecticut, I have deep respect--indeed, reverence--for this office and the legal authority it commands and the moral powers it embodies. prgtoken So the stakes of this nomination, especially at this point in our history, could not be higher. prgtoken I believe William Barr should not be confirmed, and it has more to do with the role of the Attorney General of the United States than with his specific positions or policies on issues where we may disagree. prgtoken I do disagree with William Barr on positions he has taken on civil rights, women's healthcare, reproductive rights, and the powers of the Presidency. prgtoken At this moment in time, at this hour of our history, an imperial Presidency, such as envisioned by many of the doctrines that William Barr has espoused, in my view, would be an absolute catastrophe. Giving the President the power, in effect, to override statutes or refuse to enforce them or disregard Supreme Court precedent, especially with this President, would be a recipe for disaster. prgtoken An imperial Presidency at any point in our history is unwise. At this moment in our history, it would be catastrophic. That view of a unitary Executive and all that comes with it is one of the reasons I would have reservations about this nominee, but for me, the transcendent issue--as it was with Jeff Sessions, our former colleague--is whether this nominee will be the people's lawyer or the President's lawyer. Will he put first the interests of the American people or of President ? Will he have foremost in mind the public interests or the personal interests of the President who appointed him? prgtoken Unfortunately, I am left with deep concerns, doubts, and questions that prgtoken are disqualifying. The best example is his position on the release and disclosure of the special counsel's report. There were doubts--and there continue to be--among some of my colleagues about whether he will, in fact, allow the special counsel to do his job. He said that he would resist firing the special counsel and that he would allow Robert Mueller to finish his investigation, but he was pretty careful to avoid specifically committing that he would permit subpoenas to be issued, indictments to be brought, resources to be provided, and other essential factors that go into the effectiveness of the special counsel. prgtoken Even giving him the benefit of the doubt on those issues, there remains his refusal to commit that he will provide the evidence and findings of the special counsel directly to Congress and directly to the American people. For me, that refusal to commit is one of the factors that are disqualifying. prgtoken The American
Nomination of William Barr (Executive Session)
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-2-13

cyber attacks are one of the greatest threats to our national security today. As our world becomes increasingly connected, bad actors are trying to infiltrate our most critical networks, from our military systems and our electrical grid to our financial institutions and our small businesses. prgtoken We face a rising number of cyber attacks that have the potential to expose our sensitive, personal information or disrupt nearly every aspect of our lives. These cyber security vulnerabilities cut across every industry. Whether you are a small business trying to protect your customers' credit card details, a doctor's office with private medical insurance information, or even a sophisticated tech startup that needs to safeguard your customers' passwords, cyber security protections are absolutely vital to your success. prgtoken We have seen the dangerous consequences of attacks that exposed the private data of millions of Americans--from companies like Equifax and Target to Federal Agencies like the Office of Personnel Management and the IRS. Government Agencies of all sizes are at risk of a breach that could jeopardize the sensitive information they are trusted with, and these threats will only continue to grow. prgtoken We need a skilled cyber workforce of professionals to shore up our cyber protections, fortify our legacy systems, and build new and innovative infrastructure with safety and security in mind. Despite the glaring need for more cyber security professionals, we face a serious shortage of highly trained cyber experts to fill these positions. Estimates indicate there is a global shortage of approximately 3 million desperately needed cyber security professionals, including nearly half a million in North America, where government and the private sector are competing to hire the best talent. prgtoken The Federal Government faces serious challenges in this competition. Agencies often cannot offer the same top salaries and benefits that Silicon Valley uses to entice and to retain employees. Our cyber workforce is on the frontlines of every aspect of our digital security, and we need policies that address that reality and sustain and grow our ranks. prgtoken While thousands of dedicated public servants choose to work in government because they are motivated by the mission of serving our country, there is more we can do to grow the pool of cyber workers and recruit them to government service. Congress has made strides in recent years to improve incentives and attract skilled cyber professionals to join the ranks. prgtoken Moving forward, we can make cyber positions in government more attractive by providing cyber professionals with unique opportunities to enhance their careers while they help protect our country's security. That is why I introduced the Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act with Senator Hoeven. Our bipartisan legislation helps the Federal Government develop an integrate
CONFLICT IN YEMEN
Anthony G. Brown (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-2-13

today the House is asserting its constitutional responsibility by cutting off U.S. involvement with the Saudi-led coalition in the devastating conflict in Yemen. I thank Representative Khanna for leading on this issue. prgtoken This brutal war has caused mass starvation and cut off humanitarian aid from reaching those most in need. The number of casualties has exceeded half a million men, women, and children. We don't know if this legislation will reach the President's desk or whether he will sign it, but with reporting that Saudi coalition members have transferred U.S. weapons to terrorist groups in Yemen, and the administration choosing to ignore a deadline last week to report on whether Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is responsible for the death of journalist Khashoggi, we must keep up the pressure to end U.S. involvement in hostilities in Yemen. prgtoken At the end of the day, U.S. participation in this war is illegal, having never been authorized by Congress. prgtoken When the United States became involved with the Saudi-led war, this action was not covered by the Authorization for Use of Military Force issued by Congress in the wake of 9/11. The Houthis, against whom the Saudi coalition is engaged, are not affiliated with al-Qaida. But because of the 60-word 2001 AUMF, three Presidents have warped that limited authorization into enabling a global-spanning war, broad enough to cover airstrikes in the Khyber Pass and to boots on the ground in Niger. This AUMF contains no time limits, no geographic constraints, and no need for congressional consent or oversight. prgtoken In the last 17 years, the 2001 AUMF has been cited as statutory authority for unclassified military actions in more than 18 countries, and Congress has been left in the dark about many of these operations. Our men and women in uniform have deployed time and again, shouldering a heavy burden while at the same time the public is becoming more removed from the conflicts in which we are engaged. prgtoken Today, less than 20 percent of the Members of the 116th Congress were present when this vote was taken in 2001. But after more than a decade of putting more and more war-making power in the hands of the President and greater burden on the shoulders of our troops, Congress must take a prgtoken stand. We cannot continue to be sidelined from the decisions critical to our national security. prgtoken The Constitution is clear. Congress, not the President, has the power to declare war. The President can respond to an imminent threat to the homeland or to U.S. personnel abroad, or if we are attacked, but this is the only situation in which he may dispense with congressional approval, because as current law dictates, once the President initiates hostilities against a new enemy, Congress, not the President, dictates whether hostilities can continue. prgtoken It would be wrong for Congress to allow any President solely on his or her own a
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-2-13

. Madam , I was unavoidably detained on February 7, 2019, and, as a result, I missed four votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on roll call vote no. 68, ordering the previous question providing for consideration of H.R. 840, the ``Veterans Access to Child Care Act;'' ``aye'' on roll call vote no. 69, on agreeing to H. Res. 105, the rule providing for consideration of H.R. 840 and adopting H. Res. 86, providing for the expenses of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis and Modernization of Congress; ``aye'' on roll call vote no. 70, final passage of H.R. 450, the ``Preventing Crimes Against Veterans Act;'' and ``aye'' on roll call vote no. 71, final passage of H.R. 507, ``Put Trafficking Victims First Act.''
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JON ANDERSON
Michael F. Q. San Nicolas (Democrat, GU) \u2014 2019-2-13

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Jon Anderson. Jon was a proud, adopted son of Guam, a media influencer, and a mentor to many in the community. His recognizable voice has been over Guam's airwaves since 1977. The bulk of his career on the island was spent as a talk show host, informing the Guam public of the latest news in our community and imparting wisdom at the same time. prgtoken Jon's distinct style of journalism is easily remembered for his fairness and diligence. His calming demeanor as an interviewer and orator had effortlessly captured his audiences throughout the island and the region. Many listeners to his shows would tune in to his morning radio show to discuss various topics of interest and hear the latest issues impacting our home. He spent his life encouraging and improving the lives of those in our community and serving as a senior member and mentor in his profession. prgtoken I am deeply saddened by the passing of Jon Anderson, and I join the people of Guam in remembering and celebrating his life and the legacy he left behind. My heartfelt condolences to his wife, Mahie, and their children, Debbie, Darren, Keoki, Maka, and Tony. Jon will be deeply missed, and his memory will live on in the hearts of the people of Guam and all those he had profoundly impacted.
CHARLES WARREN POPE
Donald Norcross (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-2-13

. Madam , I rise today to honor United States Navy Veteran, Petty Officer Third Class Charles Warren Pope of Somerdale in New Jersey's First Congressional District. prgtoken PO3 Pope was born in Hope Mills, North Carolina on August 22, 1946. He joined the Navy in 1966 and during the Vietnam War he was stationed on the USS Saratoga, an aircraft carrier. During this time, he worked as a Yeoman to the Chaplain and earned the rank of Petty Officer Third Class. prgtoken Upon his return to the United States he was stationed in the Philadelphia Naval Yard for maintenance and repairs. In 1972, PO3 Pope made the decision to serve his community as a law enforcement officer with the Somerdale Police Department. After thirty years of protecting the lives and property of citizens, PO3 Pope retired as Chief of Police in 2002. prgtoken Afterwards, PO3 Pope continued his lifelong public service career with the New Jersey State Assembly, Sergeant at Arms. Meanwhile, for more than a decade and a half he was a substitute teacher, primarily in the special education classroom at Sterling High School. prgtoken After his service to the United States Armed Force concluded, PO3 Pope's contributions to our country continued through his service to the community, as a volunteer with the Somerdale Fire Department, serving on the Somerdale Planning & Zoning Board and presently he serves as the President of the Somerdale Fire Department. prgtoken Petty Officer Charles Warren Pope has four daughters, Dawn, Amy, Meredith and Carrie, and three grandsons Robert, Joshua and Elijah. prgtoken PO3 Charles Pope is an honorable American, having served our great nation in a time of war, the State of New Jersey, his community and his service to the public for over a half century merits our collective appreciation. prgtoken Madam , I ask you to join me in honoring Petty Officer Third Class Charles Warren Pope for his contributions and dedication to the safety of our nation.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.J. RES. 37, REMOVAL OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES FROM HOSTILITIES IN YEMEN THAT HAVE NOT BEEN AUTHORIZED BY CONGRESS; WAIVING A REQUIREMENT OF CLAUSE 6(a) OF RULE...
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2019-2-13

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , let me say to the gentleman from New York that I appreciate his comments, but that is not what we are talking about here today. prgtoken I would just say to him, while we appreciate the cooperation of the minority in the Rules Committee and trying to facilitate a process dedicated more to regular order--and we are going to continue to work that way--that he should make sure that these bills have hearings and markups and that the Members of the House have an opportunity to be able to deliberate on them, and then bring them to the Rules Committee and we can have that debate. prgtoken But I am going to say to the gentleman, this is a new day. We, hopefully, will discuss process less and ideas more. prgtoken I would also say that we have an emergency right now when it comes to Yemen. It is one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. I am a little bit struck by the fact that the last couple of speakers haven't even used the word ``Yemen'' once. prgtoken So, in any event, there is a right way to bring legislation to the floor. We want to have regular order. We want to do this the right way. We did this bill the right way. It did pass the Senate. We had a hearing, we had a markup. It came to the Rules Committee. We made in order a bipartisan amendment, a amendment, one that I strongly disagree with; but, nonetheless, we hope we can defeat it on the floor. If not, that is the way it goes. prgtoken That is the process we ought to adhere to. And I would say that, if we adhered to a better process, we are going to end up with better legislation and more, hopefully, bipartisan legislation. prgtoken Madam , .
REMOVAL OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES FROM HOSTILITIES IN YEMEN THAT HAVE NOT BEEN AUTHORIZED BY CONGRESS
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-2-13

I thank the gentleman for yielding. Also, I thank Representative Khanna, Representative Pocan, and Chairman McGovern for their work in bringing this very critical measure to the floor. prgtoken Of course, I rise in strong support of H.J. Res. 37. Today, I am remembering our dear friend and colleague, Congressman Walter Jones, who was an original cosponsor. I miss him tremendously. I know he would be down here speaking on behalf of this resolution. prgtoken Since 2015, the United States has participated in the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen without authorization from Congress. We have helped create and worsen the world's largest humanitarian crisis. 22.2 million Yemenis, 75 percent of the population, need humanitarian assistance. At least 85,000 children under the age of 5 have died from war-related hunger and disease. prgtoken Our involvement in this war, quite frankly, is shameful. That is why this bipartisan measure to end the United States' unconstitutional role in this war is so important. I have long pushed efforts to repeal the overly broad 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.J. Res. 37 and to support this bipartisan bill to end the United States' role in the war on Yemen.