mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PROTECT AGAINST CONFLICT BY TURKEY ACT
Will Hurd (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-10-29

I thank my friend from Texas for yielding, and I am proud to rise today in support of the bipartisan PACT Act to hold Turkey accountable for its destabilizing and dangerous decision to invade northern Syria and attack America's Kurdish allies. prgtoken After years of fighting side by side with American forces against ISIS, Syrian Kurds are now under siege and fleeing their homes. According to the United Nations, over 180,000 people have been displaced, including 80,000 children. Many are fleeing to the Kurdistan region of Iraq, which already hosts over 200,000 refugees from the Syrian civil war. prgtoken Turkey's reckless actions have created a humanitarian crisis that will strain our partners in the region and provide ISIS with an opportunity to reemerge as a threat to the United States. prgtoken The international community must come together to provide assistance to Kurds and refugees in both Syria and Iraq. prgtoken The U.S. Special Envoy for Syria also told Congress last week that there have been several incidents of potential war crimes committed by Turkey or its proxies, including the use of white phosphorus, which can be used as a chemical weapon on civilians and in extrajudicial killings. prgtoken We cannot stand idly by while Turkey undermines the fight against ISIS, attacks our Kurdish allies, and puts hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians in harm's way. prgtoken These sanctions are an appropriate response that holds Turkey responsible for its actions and provides incentives for President Erdogan to change course. prgtoken One thing I learned during my time as an undercover officer in the CIA is that America only succeeds when our enemies fear us and our allies trust us. prgtoken As members of NATO, both the U.S. and Turkey have committed to unite their efforts for collective defense and for preservation of peace and security. I hope our Turkish counterparts will recommit to these principles and work with us to address shared security concerns and protect the successes of joint U.S.-Kurdish efforts to drive ISIS out of Syria. prgtoken , I thank my friends, the gentleman from New York and the gentleman from Texas, for their work and their commitment on this important, bipartisan bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it.
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, TRANSPORTATION, AND HOUSING AND URBAN...
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2019-10-29

I appreciate my colleague from South Dakota's talking about this issue before us this week, which is these 1332 waivers, and he is absolutely right. Millions of Americans are getting less expensive healthcare. Isn't that the whole idea here, that healthcare needs to be affordable and that we need to have good, quality healthcare? prgtoken There is nothing in these waivers--by the way, many of which are going to States that have ic Governors--that prohibits people from getting coverage for preexisting conditions. In fact, that is the law of the land, so that these 1332 waivers cannot take away people's rights to healthcare should they have preexisting conditions. prgtoken I think this is the sort of thing we ought to be supporting in this Chamber, there being more affordable healthcare and healthcare for people who otherwise couldn't afford it. Appropriations prgtoken , my colleague from Maine, Senator Collins, is on the floor. We discussed earlier that we are actually legislating today. I think that it is great because we are passing spending bills. The Senate will pass four different spending bills, and she will manage all four of them. These are bipartisan bills that will end up getting passed here in this Chamber this week that will then go over to the House where they will be conferenced with the five bills they have passed. The bills aren't that far apart in terms of the total amount of money each bill has in the so-called 302(b) category, but there are some differences. We will work those out, and we will, hopefully, get those to the President for his signature. That is how this place should operate.
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, TRANSPORTATION, AND HOUSING AND URBAN...
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2019-10-29

before I begin, I want to say I was sad to hear of the death of former Senator Kay Hagan yesterday. Kay represented the State of North Carolina in the Senate. prgtoken She was a very dedicated public servant. I think she was someone whom all of us who were here at the time enjoyed working with and always was a very bright presence. As I said, she was tremendously dedicated to the people she represented and the issues she cared so deeply about. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family today. I ask all Members to continue to lift her family up.
SFC SEAN COOLEY AND SPC CHRISTOPHER HORTON CONGRESSIONAL GOLD STAR FAMILY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM ACT
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2019-10-29

this is one of my most momentous occasions here in the House of Representatives. We are recognizing the men and women who died in service of this great Nation and understanding that when they left here, they left families behind. prgtoken These are two--Sean Cooley and Chris Horton--who died in service of this great Nation. I have got their pictures up here to show what warriors they were. But they left families behind. prgtoken We are establishing this Gold Star Fellowship Program to honor these men, and many other men and women like them, who have given their all to defend this Nation. prgtoken Ronald Reagan used the words of Thomas Jefferson when he said, the blood of patriots is needed from time to time to refresh the tree of liberty--something to that effect. We have to make sure that we always honor those who give the ultimate sacrifice for this great Nation. prgtoken We have many Gold Star families here today. My friend Jane Horton came up with the idea for this bill. This is her husband who is pictured in this bill. Thank God that we have men prgtoken and women who not only serve this Nation, but families who serve this Nation by allowing their family member to serve. Such bravery and such patriots. As long as we have them, this Nation will always sustain. prgtoken When we lose these types of patriots who are willing to give everything to this beautiful, wonderful Nation, then we no longer will have a Nation. Freedom is not free. But the least we can do is allow their family members to learn how to get engaged in the congressional process on a national and strategic level and to influence our decision so that we take care of those great patriots who left this country behind. prgtoken We will never forget, and we will never leave behind a fallen comrade or their survivor. So for our Gold Star families, thank you and God bless you. Their sacrifice was not in vain.
HEALTHCARE
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-10-29

on another matter, this week, we will vote on another effort by our ic colleagues to undo successful administration policy. In recent days, our colleagues across the aisle have forced two failed votes on similar resolutions. One would have cut taxes for the wealthiest residents in blue States at the expense of working families everywhere else. The other would have resurrected an -era proposal to bury American energy under redtape. prgtoken Both of those efforts failed, but our ic colleagues are back at it--back at it--with another bad policy. This time, they would like to reverse administration guidance that has reduced healthcare premiums for American families and reaffirmed protections for those with preexisting conditions. prgtoken Section 1332 of Care gives States the opportunity to escape some of that law's worst burdens. States have the opportunity to apply for waivers that allow for more types of health insurance plans and more options for consumers. prgtoken More than a dozen States have already had these waivers approved, not just red States. ic Governors in places like Colorado, Delaware, and Rhode Island have applied for and received these waivers. Where Governors of both parties are embracing this opportunity, good things are happening. According to one analysis, in the seven States where new waivers were implemented during the administration, it seems that premiums declined--declined--by 7.5 percent. prgtoken The administration guidance continues this success and gives States even more of what they asked for--even more flexibility to escape Care's burdens and more choices for consumers and lower premiums. But, apparently, our ic colleagues are not terribly fond of letting States shake off the unhelpful strictures of Care. Perhaps, it makes their signature law look bad that Governors of both parties are so eager to escape it. prgtoken That can't be their public argument. In their effort to reduce this flexibility, some are rehashing tired, old claims about a conspiracy to hurt Americans with preexisting conditions. s have been clear, and we have been consistent. We support protections for Americans with preexisting conditions. prgtoken The CMS Administrator, Seema Verma, has specifically stated that ``a section 1332 waiver cannot undermine coverage for people with pre- existing conditions.'' That is the head of CMS. prgtoken In fact, it is this administration's policy that will help American families, including those with preexisting conditions, by helping to bring down the soaring premiums and restore the dwindling options that Care's failures have brought about. prgtoken I urge the Senate to reject this misguided resolution. We don't need healthcare policy from the supporters of ``Medicare for None,'' ' grand scheme to take away the health insurance plans of 180 milli
A LASTING LEGACY FOR ZIMMERMAN
Tom Emmer (Republican, MN) \u2014 2019-10-29

I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mayor Tom Ryan, a great public servant for the city of Blaine in Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District. Mayor Ryan's life is the definition of public service. prgtoken Mayor Ryan grew up in St. Paul. He was drafted and served in the U.S. Army in South Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1966 and returned home to Minnesota where he settled in what is now the city of Blaine. For decades he has served the city as a councilman and now mayor. He also serves as co-leader of Blaine's Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program which provides community support to our servicemembers and their families. prgtoken Recently, Mayor Ryan received the Seven Seals Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. This award recognizes his commitment to help servicemembers find work upon their return home. prgtoken , I thank Mayor Ryan, for the city of Blaine, and for our servicemembers, and congratulations him on his Seven Seals Award. prgtoken Recognizing Presidential Excellence Award Winner Professor Eugenia Paulus
REVEREND SUAREZ
Francis Rooney (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-10-29

. Madam , I rise today to honor Reverend Israel Suarez for his over 40 years of community service to Southwest Florida. Reverend Suarez is the founder and CEO of Nations Association Charities. Reverend Suarez and Nations Association have given four decades helping disadvantaged residents and youth in Southwest Florida by providing food for struggling families, scholarships assistance for college-bound youths, job counseling and placement help, and drug prevention programs, all impacting thousands of lives over the years. prgtoken In 2019, Reverend Suarez's focus has been to serve primarily at-risk youth through mentoring, drug and suicide prevention, academic assistance, leadership development, community service, and financial literacy. In 1990, President George H.W. awarded Reverend Suarez with a Points of Light Award and in 1994 the News-Press named Reverend Suarez and his wife Ruth, the `People of the Year'. prgtoken Every year, Reverend Suarez and Nations Association Charities provide an annual Thanksgiving meal distribution event, Christmas Celebration, and a ``Back to Basics Health Fair'' that provides free medical screenings to hundreds of families in our community. prgtoken I thank Reverend Suarez for his years of service to our community.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY AND THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES...
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-10-29

I rise to honor and pay tribute to one of the most tenacious and dedicated Kentuckians I have had the pleasure of knowing, Mr. Jim Milliman. prgtoken Jim began his career in 1964 after graduating from the University of Notre Dame. He subsequently graduated magna cum laude from the University of Louisville School of Law in 1970. He married Nan Milliman, and they made their home in Louisville, KY. They have been married for 48 years. prgtoken When I first met Jim, I knew him as one of Kentucky's finest attorneys, who represented Brown & Williamson during the tobacco litigation and the State s in election law matters. I knew him as an accomplished managing partner of the Louisville-based law firm, Middleton Reutlinger. I also knew him as the fiery conservative cohost who often sat opposite Congressman John Yarmuth on WAVE 3 TV's political show ``Hot Button.'' He was known for his spirited debate and for not backing down. prgtoken After having over 40 successful years in commercial litigation and receiving numerous awards from his peers, such as being named one of the top 50 attorneys in Kentucky, Jim decided to retire--from the law, at least. In 2010, right after I was elected to the Senate, I convinced Jim to come out of retirement and be my State director for Kentucky. I am truly grateful that he said yes because, for nearly a decade, Jim has served in that role and has been one of my most trusted advisers. prgtoken Anyone who knows Jim knows that he is a force to be reckoned with. He is fiercely loyal, a real problem solver, and a highly accomplished legal mind. Moreover, he is an incredibly kind person who cares deeply about his friends and colleagues. When I ran for President, Jim spearheaded the approval of a caucus for Kentucky so I would not be kept from the ballot for President and the U.S. Senate. prgtoken Recently, Jim has decided to transition from the daily State director duties into more of an advisory role. Considering he tried to retire over 10 years ago, I think it is well-deserved. No matter in what capacity, I will always be thankful to have Jim as a part of my team as an ally and an adviser. prgtoken He has dedicated so much of his time to the pursuit of liberty and freedom, to defending the principles that made this Nation great, and to supporting a pro-Kentucky policy agenda. prgtoken Thank you, Jim, for your service to Kentucky and to this country. prgtoken .
SFC SEAN COOLEY AND SPC CHRISTOPHER HORTON CONGRESSIONAL GOLD STAR FAMILY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM ACT
James R. Baird (Republican, IN) \u2014 2019-10-29

I rise today in strong support of the Congressional Gold Star Family Fellowship Program Act sponsored by my colleague, Mr. Kelly. prgtoken , our men and women in uniform are part of a long line of patriots whose unwavering commitment to our Nation has preserved the rich legacy of freedom that we each enjoy every day. prgtoken Our military families are the forces behind our Armed Forces, and it is our duty to also support and care for them, especially when their loved one pays the ultimate sacrifice in service to our Nation. prgtoken I am proud to support this legislation, named after two fallen American soldiers, Sergeant First Class Sean Cooley and Specialist Christopher Horton. This resolution will provide fellowships in congressional offices to Gold Star family members, giving them the opportunity to drive policy change here in Washington and serve our country in their own way. prgtoken Our fallen men and women in uniform stepped forward and answered the call to serve. It is our turn to do our part to honor their legacy of service and sacrifice by keeping the ones that we leave behind in the forefront of our minds as we make decisions in this body. prgtoken With passage of this legislation, we will send a message to our Gold Star families that they are not forgotten, and the American people stand behind them and support them. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
SFC SEAN COOLEY AND SPC CHRISTOPHER HORTON CONGRESSIONAL GOLD STAR FAMILY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM ACT
Barry Loudermilk (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-10-29

s on both sides of the aisle for bringing this measure forward and giving us an opportunity to do something so important for these families. prgtoken I am sure many of you, as you watch the television, see the different organizations that have evolved over the past several years to provide assistance to those families. One particular organization provides assistance in paying off the mortgages for these families. prgtoken I bring that up just as an illustration to the aspects of what these Gold Star families go through at the loss of their loved one. Sometimes it is the primary income earner from the family because, quite often, the spouse is at home taking care of the children and, all of a sudden, they are the primary breadwinner, their loved one is gone. They are left with these bills. They are left with, a lot of times, situations beyond just the grief of what they are feeling at the loss of their family member, they have to deal with these unbearable situations. prgtoken Providing them with an opportunity for the spouse or their children to find employment in something that they feel is also meaningful, because many of them have such a patriotic heart, they want to continue to serve. prgtoken One of the things that I have often said to many of my veterans and friends who have served is that when we take that oath of office, there are a lot of things that we swear to, to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States, up to and including giving our own lives, if necessary. But one thing that is not in that oath of office is an expiration date. prgtoken Many veterans and their families, even at the end of their regular service, still feel that need and that desire to serve. This will give an opportunity for those family members to continue to serve their country in a meaningful way.
HONORING BRANDON JACOB
Sam Graves (Republican, MO) \u2014 2019-10-29

. Madam , I proudly pause to recognize Brandon Jacob. Brandon is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1376, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Brandon has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Brandon has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Brandon has led his troop as the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, become an Ordeal member of the Order of the Arrow, and holds the rank of Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Brandon has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Brandon built storage shelving for the KC Pet Project animal shelter in Kansas City, Missouri. Madam , I proudly ask you to join me in commending Brandon Jacob for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.
RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT OF MAJOR GENERAL JEFFERSON S. BURTON
Rob Bishop (Republican, UT) \u2014 2019-10-29

on November 7, Utah will honor a soldier's soldier. prgtoken For the past 7 years, the men and women of the Utah National Guard have been inspired by Major General Jefferson S. Burton. General Burton was chosen for his battle-tested grit and resolve. prgtoken In 2003, this fourth-generation Utahn led the 14-57th Engineer Battalion into Iraq. Living under constant threat of IEDs and ambush, General Burton was even tasked with luring the hyenas, bears, and lions of the Baghdad Zoo back into their enclosures after the Iraqi Guard released them into the streets. prgtoken His troops tell me that General Burton is a leader who takes the time to teach and mentor others, helping them recognize their own potential. prgtoken General Burton is highly educated. He is kind. He is deeply spiritual. But what he values most is his wife, Charn, whose support has allowed him to serve. prgtoken General Burton often tells his soldiers: ``I am asking a lot, but we will accomplish the mission.'' prgtoken After 37 years of service, we say to General Burton: Mission accomplished.
SCHOOL SAFETY
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2019-10-29

. was presiding before and I heard several speeches by my colleagues on the ic side of the aisle speaking about the 1332 waiver process that the administration is using to lower insurance premiums, and the kind of common refrain is: This is a terrible thing. We are eroding protections in the Affordable Care Act, and we should preserve the Affordable Care Act as it is. This is so ironic because the people who want to get rid of care right now are running for President on the ic side of the ticket. prgtoken If you ask Bernie Sanders if he wants to get replace care, he raises his hand. If you ask Elizabeth Warren if she wants to replace care and force people to give up their employer-provided insurance, she raises her hand. prgtoken Now, why do the Presidential candidates--ic Presidential candidates sit there and say: Hey, let's get rid of care? And when the administration does something to lower premiums, my ic colleagues stand up and decry this kind of assault upon whatever value they are speaking to. prgtoken What I think is the ic candidates running for President are so aware that healthcare costs under have skyrocketed. Let me see if I can find my figures here, but it's quite remarkable. prgtoken Let's just speak a little bit about what has happened. Since 2013, the deductible for someone with single coverage has increased by 53 percent. And despite deductibles going up, say, $10,000, premiums have increased 20 percent. So the patient's out-of-pocket exposure is increasing both in the deductible and with their premium. For a family of four in Louisiana--we looked on healthcare.gov just walking here-- $25,000 for the policy with an over $10,000 deductible. prgtoken Now, this is not affordable. So clearly there is a concern about affordability. That is what the administration has been trying to address. And frankly, that is what Bernie prgtoken Sanders and Elizabeth Warren wish to have Americans sacrifice their employer-sponsored insurance to address. prgtoken But my ic Senate colleagues don't want to do this. They would rather have all the protections of care, even if you cannot afford the policy. And truly, that is what we are doing now. And now, we get to speaking about the waivers that the administration is giving, somehow they are saying these are terrible things. prgtoken Let me point out that, in the seven States with 1332 waivers granted under the administration, health insurance premiums have decreased by 7.5 percent. Some States have had a double-digit reduction. Maryland, for example--and I will come back to Maryland--has had a 30-percent reduction in their health insurance premiums under the 1332 waiver given by the administration. North Dakota had a 20- percent reduction. prgtoken And what about if you didn't get a waiver? In my State, which didn't apply for a waiver, premiums are ex