mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PUERTO RICO'S MEDICAID PROGRAM
Jenniffer González-Colón (Republican, PR) \u2014 2019-9-24

. Madam , on September 19 the House passed a Continuing Resolution to give us additional time to agree on a funding package for Fiscal Year 2020 without the disruption caused by a government shutdown. prgtoken I am grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for including a provision to extend the application of the 100 percent FMAP to Puerto Rico's Medicaid Program for the next 7 weeks. We know that action was taken in recognition of the unfairness in which the Americans who live in the territories are treated by under our Medicaid program. prgtoken Federal spending for Puerto Rico's Medicaid program will likely reach the $374 million-dollar cap before the expiration of the Continuing Resolution. Because of this, we must act quickly to approve H.R. 2328, which aligns the statutory spending cap with the actual program expenditures, in order to provide a more long-term solution for such an important federal program for our fellow Americans who depend on it.
SOUTHEAST ASIA STRATEGY ACT
Michael T. McCaul (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-9-24

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in strong support of Congresswoman Wagner's Southeast Asia Strategy Act. prgtoken This bill will promote U.S. cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and establish a comprehensive interagency strategy for engagement in Southeast Asia. prgtoken ASEAN is the center of Asia's strategic and economic future and critical to the administration's Indo-Pacific strategy. Southeast Asia has been a critical global crossroads for hundreds of years, and it is growing even more important in the 21st century. Trillions in trade pass through regional sea-lanes, including vital energy supplies for U.S. allies and adversaries. prgtoken China's territorial aggression in the South China Sea and its predatory Belt and Road Initiative are central to the region's geopolitics. Southeast Asia's rising economies are becoming important drivers of regional growth as its developed economies begin to slow. prgtoken The Southeast Asia Strategy Act is a welcome step to ensure that this critical region receives the interagency focus that it deserves and that it requires. prgtoken , therefore, I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and .
EXPAND MARKETS FOR AMERICAN DAIRY
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-9-24

last month, I had the pleasure of hosting U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue for a dairy and agriculture summit in Pennsylvania's 15th District at Mount Aloysius College in Cresson, Pennsylvania. prgtoken Joining the Secretary and I was Gary Groves, Executive Director of the USDA Pennsylvania Farm Service prgtoken Agency; Russell Redding, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture secretary; and my colleagues Representative John Joyce and Representative Fred Keller, among others. prgtoken The purpose of the event was to learn from our farm families about what is working, what is not, and where they need support the most. It was a privilege to host so many hardworking dairy farmers and to learn from their experiences. prgtoken It is important that there are resources available to help the dairy industry strengthen and grow. At the summit, we discussed these resources, like the USDA's new Dairy Margin Coverage Program. Programs like these are strengthening the safety net for farm families everywhere nationwide. prgtoken This revamped, voluntary program is one of the many tools available to dairy farmers around the Nation that offers more options, more flexibility, and a better return on investment. prgtoken Our Nation's farmers are always working hard. Owning and operating a farm is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year job. No matter where you are from, a strong agricultural industry benefits each and every one of our lives. prgtoken Of course, the hard work of these men and women would be lost without strong market opportunities. We must do more to expand opportunities for American dairy products, both domestically and internationally. prgtoken That means making pending trade agreements like the USMCA a reality by bringing it to a vote in the immediate future because Pennsylvania deserves freer markets, fairer trade, and increased economic opportunity. prgtoken As the Commonwealth's number one industry, the importance of a strong agricultural sector cannot be overstated. As the largest sector of the Pennsylvania agricultural industry, dairy production remains critical. prgtoken USMCA brings good news for dairy farmers in Pennsylvania and across the country, thanks to the elimination of Canada's class 6 and class 7 dairy pricing, which has unfairly limited our export potential. prgtoken Our agricultural industry, particularly our dairy farmers, are the backbone of Pennsylvania's economy, and their success directly impacts the well-being of the Commonwealth. prgtoken Passing USMCA is long overdue. It is time to signal to our Nation's farmers, manufacturers, small business owners, and two closest trade partners that we are serious about securing a bright future for American exports.
HONORING CHRIS HULSEY
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-9-24

. First, this morning, I join the Kentucky families and first responders in Meade County in mourning the loss of volunteer sheriff's deputy Chris Hulsey, who was killed in the line of duty over the weekend. According to reports, on Saturday evening, Deputy Hulsey was attacked while investigating a suspect and pronounced dead at the hospital hours later. prgtoken Deputy Hulsey proudly answered the call of public service with a decades-long career that also included time as a firefighter and a paramedic. His service left his community safer, and his sacrifice left it in grief. I stand with them in mourning his loss and honoring his service. The community will hold a candlelight vigil tonight to honor this Kentucky hero. The prayers of the Senate will be with them.
WELCOMING PRIME MINISTER MODI
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2019-9-24

. Madam , on Sunday, I was grateful for the opportunity to participate in the ``Howdy, Modi'' welcome celebration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India in Houston attended by over 50,000 Indian Americans. prgtoken With President attending, this event was historic for being the largest such welcome for a world leader in the history in the United States. It was an extraordinary day to appreciate India as the world's largest democracy, with America being the world's oldest democracy. prgtoken The Prime Minister praised President as a true friend in the White House, describing the President as ``warm, friendly, accessible, energetic, and full of wit.'' Mr. praised Mr. Modi for doing a truly exceptional job for India. He also paid tribute to the Indian American community for its dynamic contributions with success in America. prgtoken I appreciate being invited by President KV Kumar of the Indian American International Chamber of Commerce and being hosted by Ambassador Harsh Shringla and Consul General Swati Kulkarni. prgtoken In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism with the leadership of President .
United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (Executive Calendar)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-9-24

I want to address an issue for my colleagues, something a lot of Senators have been talking about more recently, and none too soon--the Mexico-Canada agreement with the United States, a very important trade agreement. prgtoken President and the leaders of Mexico and Canada signed the USMCA on November 30, 2018, which was 43 weeks ago. More than 3 months have passed since Mexico ratified the USMCA, and Canada's ratification is well underway. However, the U.S. Congress must do its part, and time is running short. prgtoken We have a limited opportunity to ratify the USMCA before election politics get in the way of securing this very critical win for literally every broad industry sector in America. I therefore urge the administration and House not only to intensify discussions on the USMCA but also to expedite those discussions and to present USMCA to the Congress. prgtoken By now, everyone should know very well that Mexico and Canada are by far America's most important trading partners. In 2017, America sold more than a half trillion dollars of exports to Mexico and Canada. Those were more exports than we sold to the next 11 largest export markets combined. For Iowa, my State, 130,000 jobs were supported by the $6.6 billion of exports to Mexico and Canada in the same year of 2017. prgtoken These numbers are not just academic statistics. During the August State work period, I completed my 39th year holding Q and A's in every one of Iowa's 99 counties, and I consistently heard from Iowans that passing the USMCA ought to be a very top priority for the Congress. prgtoken I joined the former Governor of Iowa and former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, at a dairy processing plant in Des Moines. This meeting, with one and one appreciating the great contributions of Iowa agriculture to our Nation and to exports, demonstrated what I heard at my town meetings--that passing the USMCA should be a bipartisan priority. prgtoken In Cedar Falls, IA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary, Bill Northey, and I held a roundtable discussion with various commodity groups about the farm economy and the certainty that passing USMCA would bring to the agricultural community, particularly to the family farmers. prgtoken USMCA was also a focal point when I held meetings at manufacturing plants, such as Altec in Osceola, IA, and AIM Aerospace in Orange City, IA. I can state firsthand that people in the real world--people living outside of the Washington Beltway--want Congress to pass the USMCA as soon as possible. prgtoken My county meetings help me better represent Iowans, and it is clear to me that Iowans support the USMCA. We can't squander this opportunity to update NAFTA, which has been critical to American farmers and businesses but is now a quarter century old. Issues negotiated in the USMCA were not issues 25 years ago, showing just how out of date NAFTA is
FIRE DANGER MITIGATION
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2019-9-24

. Madam , I rise tonight to commend Vicki Christiansen, the Forest Service Chief, for proposing a new rule to add to our fire danger mitigation that we need to do in California and across the West. prgtoken Building upon my bill from a year and a half ago, the Electricity Reliability and Forest Protection Act, this allows the streamlining of the process to clear trees and brush, et cetera, around power lines, that make it a fire hazard. prgtoken We have certainly suffered enough fire loss in California. I had the Camp fire right in my own district, the Carr fire last year as well and, this year, already 54,000 acres burned in Plumas County. prgtoken As it is right now, our utilities have a hard time being able to get out and do the work because the permit process can be difficult. So they resort to lately, right in the middle of my district, what is known as the public safety power shutoff as a precaution, with the wind conditions and heat perhaps being able to cause additional wildfire. prgtoken We shouldn't put the utilities in that position of being cursed if they do or cursed if they don't for a possible fire. We need to get the work done around the power lines. So I hope this rule put through by the U.S. Forest Service will help us accomplish that.
TRIBUTE TO JERI BARR
Johnny Isakson (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-9-24

today, I am honored to recognize in the Record Mrs. Jeri Barr of Marietta, GA, who announced earlier this year that she would step down from the Center for Family Resources and whose service to the community will soon be celebrated at a special event in her honor. prgtoken The Center for Family Resources provides service to families and individuals who are homeless or who are in danger of becoming homeless. Through short-term housing, job-hunting help, food assistance, and other services, the organization accomplishes much for the community. prgtoken Jeri Barr has been at the helm of the Center for Family Resources in Cobb County, GA, for 35 years. Cobb is my home county, and I have been glad to watch this organization grow under her leadership. prgtoken When Jeri took over in 1984, the organization had a staff of 11 and a budget of $350,000. Today, the Center for Family Resources owns and operates the Mansour Center, a $10 million, 60,000-square-foot facility that offers space to other nonprofits and conference space for the public, allowing for additional revenue to benefit the center's mission. Now, there are 25 staff members, and the organization's budget is nearly $3.5 million. prgtoken For many years, Jeri has given back to the community. She served the United Way, including as the director of their Volunteer Cobb service. She also led the East Cobb Newcomers Club, Cobb Christmas, Cobb County Rape Crisis Center, and Cobb County Community Council. Numerous other organizations have also benefitted from her work on their boards. Thanks to her leadership, each of these organizations has benefitted. prgtoken While she will be missed by the staff and all those involved with the Center for Family Resources, I am confident that she has prepared the organization well for the future. As Jeri and her husband, former U.S. Representative Bob Barr, prepare for this next exciting chapter, I congratulate them and wish them much happiness enjoying their children and grandchildren.
WELCOMING ROBERT W. IULIANO
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-9-24

. Madam , it is my honor to recognize Robert W. Iuliano as he is installed as the 15th President of Gettysburg College on September 28, 2019. prgtoken Mr. Iuliano is a tremendous addition to Gettysburg College, which has been educating students in Adams County since 1832. A leader in the academic community, he has two decades of experience in higher education. prgtoken Before assuming office in July, Mr. Iuliano served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Deputy to the President at Harvard University. In this position, he helped to shape the university's progress in important areas such as admissions, student life, athletics, governance, and finance. prgtoken Mr. Iuliano is a graduate of Harvard College and the University of Virginia School of Law. After clerking for the Honorable Levin H. Campbell of the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, he worked in the labor and litigation departments of the Boston law firm Choate, Hall & Stewart. Subsequently, he was a federal prosecutor in the United States Attorney's Office in Boston. prgtoken As this new chapter of Gettysburg College history commences, I welcome Mr. Iuliano and his family to Pennsylvania's 13th District and look forward to working together.
Budget Deficit (Executive Calendar)
Michael B. Enzi (Republican, WY) \u2014 2019-9-24

I rise to call attention to our Federal Government's unsustainable fiscal path. prgtoken Earlier this month the Congressional Budget Office reported that Federal prgtoken revenues are up 3 percent, or $102 billion, compared to the same time period last year. The problem is that Federal spending grew by 7 percent, or $271 billion, over that same period. CBO projects the deficit for this year to reach $960 billion, which means that 22 cents of every dollar the government spends is borrowed. prgtoken All of that borrowing doesn't come cheap. In the first 11 months of the year, net interest payments on the public debt totaled $391 billion. That is up $48 billion, or 14 percent, over the previous year. prgtoken To put that in context, $391 billion is roughly 2\1/2\ times what we spend each year on the U.S. Air Force. It is more than 12 times the size of the budget of the entire U.S. Department of Justice and more than 5 times the size of the budget for the U.S. Department of Education. That is $391 billion spent with nothing to show for it. It is just like running up credit card debt and owing a whole bunch of interest without getting anything for it. That is what our future generation is really going to have to worry about. prgtoken What is worse, unless something is done to change our current trajectory, annual net interest costs are projected to more than double in the next 10 years. CBO projects that over the next decade we will spend more than $5.8 trillion on net interest costs. All the while, our debt will continue to mount. That doesn't pay down anything; that just pays the interest, and that is calculated at a pretty low interest rate. We could be faced with higher interest rates, which could easily double what we are paying right now. prgtoken We have been fortunate that despite Congress's spendthrift ways, the U.S. dollar remains the dominant global reserve currency, which allows our government to borrow more cheaply than anybody else. But what if that changes? What if foreign interests decide that our fiscal dysfunction is simply too great and the dollar is no longer a safe bet? prgtoken The threat of a fiscal crisis is not something anyone should take lightly. Last month, the CBO--that is the Congressional Budget Office, which does all the calculations--warned: ``If Federal debt as a percentage of [gross domestic product] continued to rise at the pace the Congressional Budget Office projects that it would under current law . . . [t]hat debt path would [ultimately] pose significant risks to the fiscal and economic outlook.'' prgtoken While the Congressional Budget Office notes that those risks are not currently apparent in financial markets, it goes on to warn that the projected path of rising debt would increase ``the risk of a fiscal crisis . . . in which the interest rate on federal debt rises abruptly because investors have lost confidence in the U.S. government's fiscal position.'' <|
HONORING DR. BRUCE STENDER
Pete Stauber (Republican, MN) \u2014 2019-9-24

I rise today to recognize Dr. Bruce Stender for his exceptional contributions to the State of Minnesota as an educator, businessman, and community leader. prgtoken From 1975 to 1981, Bruce worked as the first lay President of the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota. At the time of his appointment, he was the youngest president of any Catholic college in the United States. prgtoken Following his tenure at St. Scholastica, Bruce joined Labovitz Enterprises, serving 25 years as president and CEO. His hard work and success eventually earned him title of Businessperson of the Year in 2005 from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, Labovitz School of Business and Economics. prgtoken Committed to the betterment of his community, Bruce has also served on a number of healthcare, business, and statewide boards. prgtoken , this next month, the College of St. Scholastica will publicly honor Bruce's illustrious career through the naming of the Stender School of Business and Technology. The naming of this department after Bruce will ensure generations to come will remember his service and generosity. prgtoken , I am happy to see Bruce receive this recognition, and cannot think of a better way to celebrate his life's work.
CONGRATULATING INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR BRUCE D. JENNINGS
Jackie Walorski (Republican, IN) \u2014 2019-9-24

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Bruce D. Jennings on being named the 2018 Indiana High School Principal of the Year. prgtoken Annually since 1992, the Indiana Association of School Principals has recognized outstanding principals across our great state of Indiana. In his 12 years as principal at Bremen High School, Mr. Jennings has truly been an extraordinary educator, and it is clear this high honor is well-deserved. However, his impact goes far beyond the walls of Bremen High School. prgtoken In addition to his role as principal, Mr. Jennings has served his community in compassionate and philanthropic ways that have helped to advance educational opportunities for the next generation. As a member and advisor of organizations like the Marshall County Community Foundation, the Bremen Dollars for Scholars Organization, and Indiana University's Educational Leadership Program, Mr. Jennings works hard to build a bright future for Hoosier students and lead by example for educators across the country. His record of leadership and dedication reflects positively on Bremen High School and the northern Indiana community, and I am grateful for his innovative ideas that promote creativity, confidence, and discovery. prgtoken Mr. Jennings' ability to connect with students and teachers and share his passion for learning empowers everyone at Bremen High School to reach the next level of success. He is a true inspiration and valuable role model to us all, and I have no doubt Bremen students are well- equipped for whatever their futures may hold. prgtoken Madam , on behalf of 2nd District Hoosiers, I want to thank Bruce Jennings for all he has done to educate, guide, and support his students and faculty. It is a privilege to represent principals like Mr. Jennings who help make our schools vibrant and our students' futures bright.
Budget Deficit (Executive Calendar)
David Perdue (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-9-24

I rise to talk about a topic that is boring at times but is absolutely critical, as you just heard in the last few minutes. My good friend from Wyoming, Senator Enzi, is a certified public account. He lived in the real world before he came here, like I did. He is chairman of the Budget Committee. When he speaks about this, he speaks with the level of experience and current information that we all should listen to. prgtoken I want to highlight some things he has already talked about but then talk about the potential we are looking at this week in terms of having our 187th continuing resolution since the 1974 Budget Act was put into law. Why is this important? As Senator Enzi just pointed out, our problem in America is twofold; one, we have a global security crisis, and we have a financial crisis. I use the word ``crisis'' in both because the world has never been more dangerous in my lifetime. prgtoken Today we have $22 trillion in debt. Let me put a little history behind it. In the year 2000, we had $6 trillion on about a $12 trillion economy. At the end of President 's time, it went to $10 trillion of debt--again, on something like a $14 trillion or $15 trillion economy. At the end of President 's term, it went to $20 trillion. Under that administration, this government doubled America's debt to $20 trillion. After just a couple of years of President , we are now at $22 trillion. prgtoken The projection is very draconian over the next decade, even though, by growing the economy in the last couple of years, the administration has actually lowered the debt curve by an estimate that CBO says is about $3 trillion over the next decade. That is not good enough. That is only a fraction of our problem. prgtoken This chart on the right talks about the problem. I call it the Lamar Alexander chart because when we talked about it 2 years ago, we started bringing this chart up. Working on the budget process is one of the ways we deal with this. This burgeoning debt that we have to talk about is really made up of one major contributing factor; that is, mandatory expenses. prgtoken This chart tries to explain that. It shows that the top line here is total U.S. spending. Today we spend about $4.5 trillion--a little bit more--but about $4.5 trillion funding the Federal Government. That includes everything: Military, Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid--the whole bit. The Federal Government spends about $4.5 trillion on everything. prgtoken The red line is today. Today, however, we only spend $1.3 trillion on discretionary spending. Yet in terms of the total, in 2000 we spent less than $2 trillion. Now we are spending more than $4 trillion. That has doubled in the last two decades. These are constant 2019 dollars. prgtoken In the next 20 years, this is projected to go from $4 trillion to $12 trillion per year, each year. In 1 year projected out here, we would almost double the amount of debt