mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Impeachment (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2020-1-9

I think it is safe to say that most s here in the Senate expect that at some point we will be receiving Articles of Impeachment from the House of Representatives, at which time we will conduct the Senate's business. We will give the President a fair opportunity to be heard--something that was lacking in the House of Representatives. prgtoken I heard the ic leader's suggestion that the reason the House had to sit on this is because if they sent this over to the Senate, somehow the Senate would dismiss this earlier, immediately, or something along those lines. I have no idea where that comes from. That has never been the intention here for s in the Senate. s in the Senate know full well that we have a job to do under the Constitution in which we hear the case, hear the arguments, ask questions, and consider the possibility of additional evidence being presented. We have said all along that is how we intend to treat this. But we want to make sure it is a fair process--a process that isn't rushed, a process that isn't partisan, as it was in the House of Representatives. prgtoken We have gone so far as to suggest that the precedent to be used be the Clinton precedent--in other words, the precedent that was used during President Clinton's impeachment process back in 1999. At that time, there were 100 votes in the Senate-- and -- supporting that particular process, which, as I pointed out, allows for both sides to make their arguments. The managers in the House of Representatives come over and make their case, and the President and his team have an opportunity to respond to that, and then there is an opportunity for Senators to propound questions. It seems to me, at least, that is a fair process. prgtoken So far, we haven't seen the articles; nor have we seen any cooperation from the Senate about a process that would do all the things I just mentioned. So the ic leader's suggestion that they needed to wait all this time because they have to somehow ensure that s were not going to dismiss this is a false argument. prgtoken I would argue that the House of Representatives sitting on this and stalling it undermines the very point they made about why it was so important that they do this. If they rush it, if they do not hear some of the witnesses, if they do not subpoena some of the witnesses--some of the very people they want the Senate to subpoena and hear from are people they could have subpoenaed and heard from. prgtoken They have now evidently concluded that--while at one time ``We just have to get this through because this President is such a clear and present danger to the country. We have to do this fast and do it with a sense of urgency,'' now, all of a sudden, the brakes have been put on and for no apparent reason other than, I would argue, they see political advantage in doing that. prgtoken But the fact is, t
Nomination of Paul J. Ray (Executive Session)
Ron Johnson (Republican, WI) \u2014 2020-1-9

I rise to ask the Senate to confirm the nomination of Paul Ray to be the Administrator for the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs of the Office of Management and Budget. prgtoken OIRA, as this office is commonly called, is the Federal Government's principal authority for reviewing executive branch regulations, approving government information collections, and overseeing the implementation of government-wide policies related to information policy, privacy, and statistical practices. The OIRA Administrator is responsible for reviewing and approving both rules and then final rules to ensure agencies conduct appropriate cost-benefit analyses. prgtoken Under President , OIRA has conducted between 200 and 400 rule reviews each year, and it has made it an administrative priority to reduce the regulations and to control regulatory costs. That includes the important work of reviewing existing regulations to identify those that are outdated, harmful, or counterproductive and achieving this administration's initial goal of eliminating at least two regulations for every significant new one added. prgtoken The good news for our economy is that the administration far exceeded this initial goal by eliminating 22 outdated or harmful regulations for every new one added in 2017, and it has achieved a rate of 7\1/2\ regulations removed for each new regulation over the course of the administration. This has saved American families and businesses billions of dollars in compliance costs and has allowed businesses to spend that money and concentrate their efforts on growing their businesses and creating new products, services, and good-paying jobs. prgtoken I continue to believe this administration's dedication to regulatory reform and reduction is the single most important factor in the success of our economy, record low levels of unemployment, and growing wage levels, with wage growth being at its strongest at the lower end of our income spectrum. prgtoken It is important to note that Mr. Ray has already played a key role in this regulatory rationalization and its resulting economic success. prgtoken In his having previously led OIRA as its Acting Administrator and as its Associate Administrator, Mr. Ray has demonstrated the ability to carry out the office's multifaceted mission. In addition to his direct leadership experience at OIRA, he currently serves as the Senior Adviser to the Director of Regulatory Affairs, where he advises on regulations and the regulatory process. He also served as counselor to the Secretary of Labor, where he had a similar role. prgtoken Prior to these public service roles, Mr. Ray was an associate at Sidley Austin LLP, and he served as a law clerk to Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, as well as to Judge Debra Livingston of the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Mr. Ray graduated magna cum laude from Hillsdale College and Harvard Law School. prgtoken Becau
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2020-1-9

this week I have the honor of recognizing Tim McAllister, a 96-year-old veteran who served in World War II. Tim is currently the oldest veteran living in Judith Basin County. prgtoken Tim is a humble man who speaks quietly about his military service. In fact, he spends more time reflecting on the service of his two brothers, both of whom were soldiers in the D-Day invasion at Normandy. Tim's military service took him to the South Pacific, where he was engaged in the liberation of the Philippines with the American Division in the region of Cebu City. prgtoken Tim's impact on the community is pronounced. This past November, Tim wasn't able to attend the Veterans Day celebration at the local elementary school, and his presence was missed. Because of his absence, students in first and second grade at the school made a massive card to thank him for his service and delivered it to his home. This small act of kindness was very meaningful to Tim. prgtoken Tim's roots in Montana run strong and deep. His father rode the range with the legendary Charlie M. Russell. Tim carried on those western values from his father and developed a love for ranching and horses. Tim truly understands and loves the Montana way of life. prgtoken I am proud of Tim for his service to our country and his tremendous impact on his community. I am confident his legacy of service will live on for generations to come, and I am honored to recognize him today.
MONROE COUNTY BICENTENNIAL
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-1-9

at the beginning of a new year, most of us look ahead with plans, expectations, and resolutions. The residents of Monroe County in the Pennyroyal region of South Central Kentucky, however, are spending the first days of the new year looking back on their unique history. They are looking two centuries back, in fact, to the county's founding in 1820. I would like to join with these Kentuckians in kicking off a year of bicentennial celebrations of the county's blessings and its rich heritage. prgtoken At its founding, local leaders looked to Presidential leadership when selecting the name for the county and its seat. President James Monroe was honored with the county's name while his Vice President, Daniel Tompkins, was the inspiration for the county seat's name, Tompkinsville. prgtoken Early Monroe County residents took advantage of the area's fertile soil and its close proximity to the Cumberland and Barren Rivers. In this beautiful setting, they began developing deep agricultural roots with livestock and staple crops like tobacco and hemp. prgtoken Like many Kentucky counties, Monroe's early economic development was stunted during the Civil War. Many local residents joined the war effort, and support for the Union led to the establishment of Camp Anderson and the raising of the 9th Kentucky Infantry. Unfortunately, Monroe County's location on the Kentucky-Tennessee border also caused multiple invasions by both Union and Confederate forces throughout the war. During one of these raids, a Confederate unit captured Tompkinsville and burned much of the town, including the courthouse, causing lasting devastation. prgtoken Although the local economy was slow to rebound immediately after the war, the new century helped Monroe County get back on track. Since that time, families in the region have continued developing their rural traditions while making important investments into new local industries. A little over a decade ago, I was proud to partner with local officials in Monroe County to deliver Federal funding for a new water treatment facility, along with other upgrades. Together, we are helping to encourage new opportunities for economic growth and good jobs for Kentucky families. prgtoken In addition, I greatly enjoy working with a proud son of Tompkinsville, Congressman James Comer, who is a strong champion for his hometown and all of the First District of Kentucky here in Washington. prgtoken The yearlong bicentennial celebration will feature a wide range of Monroe County's history, as well as some of its local specialties. From its famous barbecue to a Gospel music event, the festivities will showcase the many talents of Monroe County families. They will also pay tribute to local veterans, honoring the county's long and distinguished record of contributing to our Nation's defense. prgtoken In celebrating their wonderful history, these Kentuckians are also preparing to take advantage of their
IRAN WAR POWERS RESOLUTION
Christopher H. Smith (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2020-1-9

according to ABC News, General Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs said that the ``Dec. 27 attack on the Iraqi base near Kirkuk that killed a U.S. civilian contractor and wounded several U.S. and Iraqi forces . . . was designed and intended to kill, and [Soleimani] approved it. I know that 100 percent.'' prgtoken General Milley said that the trigger for the drone strike that killed Soleimani was ``clear, unambiguous intelligence indicating a significant campaign of violence against the United States in the days, weeks, and months,'' and that the administration would have been ``culpably negligent'' if it didn't act. prgtoken Former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said on NBC's Meet the Press that ``whether Soleimani was a terrorist or a general in a military force that was engaged in armed attacks against our people, he was a lawful military objective.'' prgtoken , Soleimani is responsible for killing over 600 Americans and disabling thousands more. He is directly responsible for massive death and injury of innocent civilians in the region. In the last two months alone, he orchestrated 11 attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq-- killing an American contractor and wounding four soldiers--and for the attack on our embassy in Baghdad. prgtoken After yesterday's classified briefing by America's top diplomatic, military and intelligence leaders, I came away convinced that the action by President was justified, proportionate and above all necessary to protect American lives. prgtoken That said, it is astonishing that the resolution under consideration by the House today has absolutely no legal power, is non-binding--and by design can neither be signed nor vetoed by the President. prgtoken Remarkably, the text of H. Con. Res. 83 also sends a mixed message. While purporting to ``terminate the use of United States Armed Forces to engage in hostilities in or against Iran. . . .'' the non-binding resolution goes on to say that such a prohibition is null and void if ``such use of the Armed Forces is necessary and appropriate to defend against an imminent armed attack upon the United States, its territories or possessions, or its Armed Forces, consistent with the requirement of the War Powers Resolution.'' prgtoken Imminent armed attack on our Armed Forces and diplomats is precisely the Administration's justification for the drone strike against Soleimani. prgtoken According to the Council on Foreign Relations, no president used drone strikes more than President who ordered 542 drone strikes killing an estimated 3,797 people including 324 civilians.''
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H. CON. RES. 83, IRAN WAR POWERS RESOLUTION
Debbie Lesko (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2020-1-9

. Madam , in June 2019, Iran shot down a U.S. drone. said, no, we are not going to retaliate because no U.S. lives were lost. Iran attacked Saudi oil fields. Iran-backed militia killed a U.S. citizen and wounded four troops. Then, an Iran-backed militia attacked the U.S. Embassy. prgtoken Soleimani was a terrorist designated by the administration. prgtoken Let me read very quickly what the Joint Chiefs of Staff have said. He has had 40 years of military experience under all different administrations.
TRIBUTE TO CALVIN BAKER
Martha McSally (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2020-1-9

in April of 1981, President George H.W. said ``think about every problem, every challenge, we face. The solution to each starts with education.'' These words were true then, and they are just as true today. Education is the bedrock of our society, and it allows our country to advance. prgtoken It is difficult to think of someone who exemplifies President 's words more than Vail School District Superintendent Calvin Baker. I have been privileged to get to know Cal and his wife Nancy over the last many years. I also live in Vail School District--VSD--so I have seen the impact he has made in our community firsthand. prgtoken Cal moved back to Arizona in 1987 to become the principal of the only school in the Vail School District, serving 500 students. He was appointed as the superintendent of the district in 1988 and has been at the helm ever since. During his nearly 33 years of service to students and families in our community, Cal led the growth to now 22 schools serving over 14,000 students. The growth was not by accident. Families want to move to VSD so their kids can experience the world-class educational experience thanks to Cal's extraordinary leadership and success. prgtoken As with any organization, leadership matters, and for effective leadership, character matters. Calvin Baker sets the example of integrity, selfless service, and humility for all to follow. He is truly a good man. prgtoken In his tenure, Cal built an impressive team of educators and support staff and created a culture of innovation, parent involvement, and dedication to students. Cal's vision for success was based on the principle that education is a community effort. He has been the glue that kept our growing and diverse community together united with a common goal of educational excellence. In a recent letter Cal sent to parents in his district, he said, ``I encourage each of you to invest deeply in your child's education and our local schools. It is that investment that is the `secret sauce' of Vail's success.'' prgtoken Calvin Baker is a trailblazer on innovation in education for so many other districts in the State and country to follow. Empire High School was the first school in the United States to eliminate textbooks in favor of computers. He pioneered the Beyond Textbooks program that combines Vail's successful instructional methodology with an online delivery system. Cal didn't just want Vail students to benefit from this effective approach. Now, 115 school districts across Arizona and six other States use this program, some of which have become top performing districts in their States. prgtoken Baker's creative and visionary leadership didn't stop there. When enrollment in the district surpassed capacity, he developed a year- round track system to ensure educational standards were high while new infrastructure was planned and built. Under his leadership, Vail schools are consistently labeled as ``A+'' b
IRAN WAR POWERS RESOLUTION
Steve Watkins (Republican, KS) \u2014 2020-1-9

. Madam , I spent somewhere around 8\1/2\ years in conflict environments and post-conflict environments between Iraq and Afghanistan. And all that time I knew many people who suffered at the hands of Qasem Soleimani. prgtoken One in particular takes me back to 2006 or 2007. I was smoking and joking at the embassy in Baghdad. I was doing so with a friend--really a brother, a West Point classmate--who shortly thereafter went out on a mission and was ultimately killed in a complex attack perpetrated by Qasem Soleimani. prgtoken I understand that action leads to risk, but inaction leads to more risk in the long run. And when searching for this divine strategy, look to what tactical operators know to be true, and that is, when we go throughout our work on the ground with the assault rifle in one hand, a sat phone in the other, we need to know that should anything happen to us, our President is going to have the freedom to rain fire down upon our enemies, and I am thankful for that.
Tribute to Doug and April Moore (Executive Session)
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2020-1-9

it is the end of the week here, a Thursday at least, on the Senate floor, and it is that time of the week that I usually come down and talk about somebody who is making my State such a great place to live in, somebody who is doing great things for their community, somebody I refer to as a group or individuals as our Alaskan of the Week. prgtoken So this is kind of exciting. The pages usually see this as the most exciting speech of the week because they learn about Alaska. prgtoken This is our first Alaskan of the Week of the year. I am sure the Presiding Officer is even excited about that. It is actually the first one of the whole decade, so stand by. prgtoken Now, usually I give these speeches and talk a little bit and update about what is going on in Alaska. prgtoken I just spent a glorious holiday, New Year's, Christmas in Anchorage and Fairbanks over the last couple weeks. prgtoken We passed the winter solstice. That is the shortest day of the year. Now, it might not feel like that in Alaska, but actually the days are getting longer, getting more sunlight, but the cold has hit, winter has come. prgtoken In Anchorage, our largest city, my hometown, temperatures just last weekend when I was home were dropping into the 15-below-zero range. In the interior of Alaska--that is a little more north--it hit 65 below zero in Manley Hot Springs on December 27. That rivals the winter temperature on Mars. OK? It is cold. prgtoken I was in Fairbanks. That is part of the interior, beautiful Fairbanks, where it has been close to 40 below the last couple weeks. I went out and took a run. I am not sure I realized it was that cold. It was only about 20 below on my run. It was kind of cold, but it was still a nice run. We have a lot of folks who get out and enjoy the beautiful winter, beautiful temperatures. prgtoken I mentioned in the interior--the elementary school in Nenana recently posted that they were going to cancel school if it hit 55 below zero. prgtoken So these are tough people, especially having just witnessed Washington, DC, close the whole darn city because they had a half inch of snow, but I am digressing here. prgtoken We live in extremes in Alaska, but, for many of us, that is exactly why we live in Alaska. Toughing out these extreme temperatures together certainly makes us closer, brings communities together, makes people rely on each other. We are a huge State geographically, but a small, tight-knit State in terms of population, and we get through things like these tough winters, really cold winters, by gathering together in small and large places all across the State, places of warmth, particularly when it is cold outside. prgtoken So today I would like to recognize an Alaskan couple who has provided one of those places of warmth for the community of Talkeetna and the surrounding areas. Talkeetna is about 100 miles north of Anchorage. It is a must-visit stop when you come to Alaska. Why? Well, it is
IRAN WAR POWERS RESOLUTION
Dan Bishop (Republican, NC) \u2014 2020-1-9

I thank the ranking member for yielding. prgtoken , if it were but a matter of offering three cheers for the legislative branch, that would be fine, but this is dangerous and simply makes no sense. prgtoken If the majority wished to assert Congress' authority, as several have argued, it would not use a nonbinding resolution, but let me take the majority at its chosen words, as if binding. prgtoken The words of the resolution would literally prohibit the President from ordering the shoot-down of Iranian ballistic missiles inbound for Haifa or a surface-to-air missile locked onto a Ukrainian airliner. prgtoken And the resolution's chosen words, as argue them, would prevent the President from the strike on Soleimani itself even if devastating harm to American soldiers were imminent but second-guessed that judgment. prgtoken The language they have chosen is designed to debilitate the President from protecting Americans. prgtoken The intemperate words of the past week have cost many their credibility. Now ' spite for President has cost them their good judgment.