mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CLIMATE CHANGE
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2018-9-4

I am very grateful to my colleague from New Mexico, Senator Udall, for joining me today for my 218th ``Time to Wake Up'' speech. Senator Udall is a formidable advocate for conserving public lands and protecting endangered species--helping to ensure that future generations will inherit a healthy and beautiful planet. These lands and creatures Senator Udall fights so hard to protect are under direct attack from the current administration and the heavy hand of industry that guides it both through regulatory rollbacks and other efforts to weaken protections for special places and special wildlife. These species and places are also under siege from the consequences of climate change. prgtoken Just last week, both the Washington Post and The Atlantic reported on a recent study in the prestigious journal Science. The titles of their articles were foreboding--``Climate change could render many of Earth's ecosystems unrecognizable'' from the Washington Post and ``No Ecosystem on Earth Is Safe from Climate Change'' from The Atlantic. The study looked at historic vegetation and temperature records to predict how global warming will transform our world. prgtoken Dr. Stephen Jackson, a scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey and the lead author, told The Atlantic: Anywhere on the globe, the more you change climate, the more likely you are to see major ecological change. Having this kind of change occur at such a massive scale in such a short period of time is going to create unprecedented challenges. prgtoken Dr. Dorothy Peteet, a researcher with NASA who commented on the article, said: ``There are notable effects of climate change we are seeing today . . . and they will probably be much more exacerbated in the future.'' prgtoken From the mountains to the sea, from the North Pole to the South, climate change is wreaking havoc on our natural systems and the living creatures that rely on them for survival. A study from Global Change Biology earlier this year found ``a strong association between rapid climate warming and declines of bird and mammal populations . . . showing that population declines have been greatest in areas that have experienced most rapid warming.'' prgtoken Birds are often seen as sentinels of an ecosystem's health and are especially vulnerable to climate change. In particular, migratory birds, some of which travel thousands of miles each year to breed, rely on a delicate balance of temperature cues and food availability to successfully make their impressive journeys. prgtoken Here on the east coast, Delaware Bay enjoys an annual visit from the rufa red knot, a bird with a body not larger than a teacup but whose wings carry it on a more than 9,000-mile journey from Tierra del Fuego on the southern tip of South America to the Canadian Arctic. After spending the summer nesting in the north, they make their return trip back south to winter in the Southern Hemisp
CLIMATE CHANGE
Elizabeth Warren (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2018-9-4

I rise to pay tribute to a true American hero, my friend and my colleague, John McCain. prgtoken To know John was to know a man who was fiercely devoted to his family, his constituents, and his country. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. prgtoken As a nation, we all share in the sense of emptiness his passing has left behind, but we also share a profound sense of gratitude for the life John lived and the legacy of service and unwavering commitment he has left us to cherish. prgtoken Many Americans felt a personal connection to John McCain. Our men and women in uniform always knew he was on their side. He was one of them. John understood better than anyone what it meant to send people into combat. So much of his work in the Senate was devoted to making sure our troops got the training, the equipment, and the pay they need. prgtoken Last year, I had the honor of traveling with John on one of his final trips to the Middle East. I had the chance to see how deeply revered he was by everyone in uniform. They all knew the story. They know how John McCain, the war hero, spent nearly 6 years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam; how, when offered an abrupt release less than a year after his Navy jet was shot out of the air, John McCain refused to be released while his brothers were still in captivity; how he was isolated, tortured, and beaten so badly that he carried the physical consequences of his loyalty to our country with him for the rest of his life; how he could have avoided it all but endured out of love and loyalty to his fellow servicemembers. They knew the story, and every single servicemember we saw treated John like a celebrity rock star, and that is because he was. prgtoken John was a deeply principled man. I had the honor of working with John closely in the fight to reinstall Glass-Steagall, and, boy, was it a fight. Throughout the entire battle, John would tease me about pulling my weight in ``getting this thing done.'' ``Show some fight, girl.'' ``Don't tell me you're afraid.'' ``Get in there--throw some punches.'' That was John's approach to life: If you are going to be in a fight, you had better give it your all. prgtoken Don't get me wrong, John and I disagreed on many things, and sometimes quite forcefully, but even when we disagreed, I always respected that his heart was focused on doing what he believed was right for the American people. prgtoken I remember expressing to John my views on the most effective strategy in Iraq and Afghanistan; that there are simply some problems that cannot be solved through military action alone. We can't simply fight our way to peace. We need to bring our troops home. Respectfully, John would disagree and then proceed to energetically walk me through why he believed in the benefits of staying longer. prgtoken or , foreign leader or President of the United States, John McCain would g
NOMINATION OF ELAD ROISMAN
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-9-4

today I wish to oppose the nomination of Elad Roisman to be a Member of the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC. prgtoken Members of the SEC are charged with the critical tasks of protecting investors and their hard-earned savings and ensuring that capital markets are fair and transparent. prgtoken In the aftermath of the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, these responsibilities are more important now than ever before. prgtoken That is why the Senate must confirm SEC Commissioners who have learned the lessons of the financial crisis and will prioritize investor protections and maintaining a fair marketplace for all. prgtoken Unfortunately, I am not confident that Mr. Roisman fits the bill. prgtoken As the majority chief counsel for the Senate Banking Committee, Mr. Roisman was instrumental in developing legislation that rolled back essential rules put in place after the financial crisis to protect consumers and help prevent another crisis from occurring. prgtoken According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, passing that legislation into law has increased the probability that a large bank will fail or that another financial crisis will occur. prgtoken During the last financial crisis, more than 2 million Californians were unemployed, and nearly 200,000 Californians filed for bankruptcy. prgtoken We simply cannot return to that time, and Mr. Roisman's work on the Dodd-Frank rollback bill should raise concerns about his commitment to protecting consumers and promoting fair markets. prgtoken In addition, the manner in which Mr. Roisman's nomination has proceeded breaks with a longstanding Senate tradition to confirm SEC nominees in bipartisan pairs. prgtoken The President has yet to nominate a replacement for a ic Commissioner whose term expired in June 2017 and is slated to step down later this year. prgtoken I believe the Senate should follow its tradition of waiting until the President nominates a ic Commissioner before advancing Mr. Roisman, a conservative pick, in the Senate. prgtoken Proceeding in a bipartisan fashion is critical for ensuring that no President can stack independent agencies like the SEC with a large partisan majority. prgtoken For these reasons, I must regretfully vote no on Mr. Roisman's confirmation.
MISCELLANEOUS TARIFF BILL ACT OF 2018
Bill Pascrell, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2018-9-4

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken For decades, the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill Act of 2018 has had longstanding and broad bipartisan support in both Chambers of Congress. It has been used as a means to bolster United States manufacturing and competitiveness by temporarily reducing or suspending tariffs on certain imported goods and components. prgtoken I cosponsored this bill when it was introduced last November. I supported it when we considered it on the floor earlier this year in January. prgtoken The MTB returns to the House today for consideration of amendments made by the Senate on July 26. prgtoken As the House takes up this bill again, I intend to support the bill, as amended. I have always supported and will always support American manufacturers, and will do everything I can to boost their ability to compete. And I commend the chairman. prgtoken My home State of New Jersey will benefit greatly from the program, with firms projected to save more than $100 million over the course of a 3-year period. From chemicals to textiles, our State's industries will benefit. prgtoken The largest industry in New Jersey is chemical manufacturing, employing directly or indirectly over 100,000 workers. Several of those firms will receive tariff relief from numerous imported chemicals that I dare not try to pronounce. prgtoken I can't overlook the relief given to little, green peperoncino for those subs and pizzas we all love. Even in Texas, they have that. prgtoken But today's vote raises important questions about what I consider to be the chaotic approach to trade from this President and some of my colleagues, their unwillingness to challenge. prgtoken Since the passage of the MTB in January, this administration has imposed tariffs on up to $47 billion of steel and aluminum imports from around the world and $50 billion on imported goods from China. prgtoken The administration is now in the final week of a public comment process to determine $200 billion of additional imports from China that it intends to subject to tariffs. prgtoken This administration can and should take strong measures to make China accountable for cheating our global trade system and ripping off American companies and workers. On that, we can agree. prgtoken But what is confusing right now is the fact that, while the administration continues to move forward with tariffs that will cover nearly half of all imported products from China, the MTB will reduce or remove tariffs on many of the same products. That is a little confusing. To me, it is. prgtoken For the $50 billion in Chinese imports currently subject to Section 301 tariffs, there are up to 150 products that are covered by today's bill. For the list of proposed goods valued at $200 billion in Chinese imports that the administration is currently considering subjecting to additional tariffs, the overlap with today's bill could be as high as 1,000 products. prgtoken Now
SENATOR INHOFE NEXT CHAIRMAN OF THE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-9-5

speaking of continuing John McCain's legacy, I am also happy that our colleagues on the Armed Services Committee have officially chosen Senator Inhofe to serve as their next chairman. Jim Inhofe filled in for Senator McCain during a difficult year. He rose to the occasion and helped lead the committee in passing crucial legislation that honored the example of his predecessor and the volunteers who defend our Nation. He possesses rich experience on the committee, including decades of work on behalf of American servicemembers, as well as his own military service. Congratulations and thanks to Senator Inhofe.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST--S. RES. 581
James M. Inhofe (Republican, OK) \u2014 2018-9-5

while I have the floor, I want to make one comment about the statement that was made by my good friend from West Virginia. The States are looking at it now. In some of these areas, preexisting conditions, the Senator is correct; there is a broad support for this. For that reason, various States are now looking at it. prgtoken I want to share something, since I have the floor. We have had an exciting day with the addition of a new Member, Jon Kyl. I want to mention one thing about Senator Kyl. Many years ago, Senator Kyl and I were actually elected to the House of Representatives on the same day, and we were elected to the Senate on the same day. prgtoken I remember so well, many years ago, when I was first elected to the House, it happened that my father--I lived in Iowa at that time, and Jon's father was a Member of Congress. So the first thing he said to me was, when you get elected, go over and meet a guy named Jon Kyl. Never did I dream we would go through all of this, and we would be meeting again for the third time in another election. prgtoken He will be a great addition. Everyone knows that no one can fill the shoes of prgtoken our good Senator, John McCain, but certainly there is no one who comes closer than Jon Kyl, having served with Senator McCain for 20 years. prgtoken I had an experience that I want to share this afternoon, something that happened in church on Sunday. On Sunday, I was at a church. It is a little rural church in Oklahoma called Church On The Lake. A guy named Mark Deckard is the pastor there. This is not my church. In fact, my wife and I, our church is the First Presbyterian Church in Tulsa. That is the church she and I were married in a number of years ago, where all of our kids were married, and where all of our kids were baptized. My wife was baptized there over 80 years ago. So no one is closer to that church than we are, but occasionally I will go to another church. prgtoken Nobody actually knew I was going to be at this church last Sunday. I want to share an experience I had. A lady whom I didn't know came up to me. Her name is Lois Keene. She asked: Would you give this letter to President ? I don't think there is a Member of the Senate or the House who doesn't get this request quite often. It sounds quite easy to do, but it is not easy to do. After I read the letter, I decided this is something I really want to do. prgtoken She asked: Would you give this letter to President ? prgtoken I said: Is it OK if I read it? prgtoken And I read it. It was a letter supporting him, recognizing--and this is someone from Afton, OK. It is so obvious to her what the press has done unmercifully to this President. I have never seen anything like it. She has never seen anything like it, and so she had something she wanted to give to me defending the President. prgtoken I read it, and I said: You know, I have to say that these are not the words I would use. If I were defen
RECOGNIZING STEPHENS COUNTY CHAMBER'S COMMUNITY AMBASSADORS FOR 2018
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-9-5

I rise to recognize the Stephens County Chamber of Commerce's award recipients for 2018. On August 16, residents of Stephens County came together to honor the successes of the local business community at the 72nd Chamber Annual Awards Celebration. prgtoken The L.P. ``Bub'' Greer Industry of the Year award went to NIFCO-KTW, a German manufacturing company that specializes in manufacturing automobile parts for BMW vehicles. prgtoken Stephens County Farmers Market took home the Agriculture Business of the Year award, and the Chamber awarded CK Morgan and Company--a local gift shop--with the title of Retail Business of the Year. prgtoken Bowen and Watson earned the Ben F. Cheek III Service and Profession Business of the Year award. This Toccoa-based construction firm's president, Drew Watson, was also named this year's Young Professional of the Year. prgtoken The Chamber gave its Promotion and Tourism Award to Miles Through Time Automotive Museum and the Entrepreneur of the Year award to Alisa Adams of Cabe Crest Catering. prgtoken Food 2 Kids received the Nonprofit of the Year award for making strides in addressing local food security, and Emily Hayes was recognized as the 2018 Volunteer of the Year. prgtoken Alan Ramsey received the Senior of the Year award, John Dickerson earned this year's Lifetime Achievement award, and Jeremy Spradlin took home the Bob Evans Chairman's Award. prgtoken , these individuals and organizations have made significant investments in Stephens County's business community, and I congratulate each of them on these honors.
EMBASSY SECURITY AUTHORIZATION ACT, FISCAL YEAR 2019
Edward R. Royce (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-9-5

let me thank the gentleman for mentioning the State Department authorization. We are still working on that measure. We hope to move that. prgtoken In the interim, though, the ability to move on the floor now with the embassy security measure is important. prgtoken , I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. McCaul), the chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, of course, a senior member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and he is the author of this bill.
IN RECOGNITION OF DR. HANS MUMM
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2018-9-5

I rise today in recognition of Dr. Hans Mumm for his government service and significant contributions to the U.S. Military's Information Operations. Dr. Mumm is currently a futures researcher for the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency. In this position, he uses his UAV and robotics expertise to design policy for advanced technologies and studies the consequences of its future uses. This September, Dr. Mumm will be celebrating his 40th birthday. prgtoken Dr. Mumm began his military career as an enlisted service member. He gained notoriety for his leadership role in ``Operation Iraqi Freedom'' as the officer in charge of the ``Iraqi Regime Playing Cards; CENTCOM's Top 55 Most Wanted List.'' The Defense Intelligence Agency praised this Information Operations mission as one of the most successful campaigns in the agency's history. Dr. Mumm was recognized as one of the ``Ten Outstanding Young Americans'' and awarded the National Defense PAC ``American Patriot Ingenuity Award'' for his service during ``Operation Iraqi Freedom''. prgtoken After serving in the enlisted ranks and subsequently as a U.S. Army Captain, Dr. Mumm was medically discharged in 2010, becoming a Wounded Warrior. Following the completion of his active service duties, Dr. Mumm has continued to achieve remarkable feats. In June of 2014, Dr. Mumm was awarded the Exceptional Performance Award from the CIA for his work as a branch chief. In this capacity, he oversaw the development of the Continuous Monitoring Branch (CMB) and transformed this technology into an integral part of the CIA's cyber security framework. prgtoken Over the course of his career, Dr. Mumm has earned twenty-three personal military ribbons and combat medals. He is also the author of two international bestselling books detailing the leadership challenges and opportunities in the fields of technical investigation and military intelligence. In addition to his current job at the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, Dr. Mumm serves as an adjunct professor for the California University of Pennsylvania (CALU) and the American Military University (AMU). prgtoken , I ask you to join me in recognizing Dr. Hans Mumm for his acts of patriotism that have greatly benefitted our country as he celebrates his 40th birthday.
CELEBRATING SAM SNIPES' 99TH BIRTHDAY
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-9-5

I rise today to recognize a resident in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who celebrated his 99th birthday last month. prgtoken Morrisville resident Sam Snipes has lived a life defined by service and community. Following in his father's footsteps in the legal community, Sam founded the Yardley firm, Snipes & Collins, after graduating from Temple Law School and Haverford College. prgtoken Sam served as a dedicated public servant for nearly three decades as a Falls Township solicitor. For his community service, Sam was honored with the United Way of Bucks County Founders Award and the Mark E. Goldberg Award from the Bucks County Bar Association, among other distinctions. prgtoken Sam truly embodies dedication to our home of Bucks County. He still lives on Snipes Farm, where he grew up, makes frequent appearances in parades and other community events, and serves on several boards. prgtoken Sam is truly a legend, and we wish him a very happy 99th birthday and thank him for brightening our community. Recognizing Baby Bureau in Warminster, Pennsylvania
REQUEST FOR AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEE TO MEET
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-9-5

reserving the right to object, the majority on the Judiciary Committee is pressing forward with a confirmation hearing on a Supreme Court nominee whose record has been largely shielded from the Senate and the American public. Over 90 percent of Judge Kavanaugh's record has not been received by the Senate and may never be. What has been delivered to the committee was prescreened by a lawyer, with no guidelines as to what we were receiving and what we were not. It is just whatever entered his whim. Of that small subset of prescreened documents--less than 10 percent of Judge Kavanaugh's full record--Chairman Grassley is prohibiting large segments from being shared with the public, without explanation. prgtoken s are trying to jam through, with as little scrutiny as possible, a lifetime appointment to the Nation's highest Court, with the power to affect the lives of Americans for a generation. That is why it is so important for the Senate and the public to review the nominee's record--because healthcare, a woman's freedom to make medical decisions, civil rights, voting rights, and marriage equality all hang in the balance. The majority is deliberately obstructing the Senate's constitutional duty to fairly and thoroughly conduct our advice and consent powers. prgtoken As a result, we will not consent to business as usual on the Senate floor today. This means the Senate will adjourn for the day after my two colleagues finish speaking. prgtoken I object.