mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
SHILOH NATIONAL MILITARY PARK BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT AND PARKER'S CROSSROADS BATTLEFIELD DESIGNATION
Sander M. Levin (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2018-12-20

I thank Mr. Neal, and I salute his eloquent statement. I hope everybody listens. prgtoken Usually, legislation has either rhyme or reason, or both. This bill has neither. It is dramatically unreasonable. It adds insult to injury. It would further increase our growing Federal debt, this time by almost $100 billion. prgtoken Driven by the irresponsible 2017 tax law, our projected annual deficit has already more than doubled since President came into office, more than doubled; mainly to benefit, as Mr. Neal has spelled out so well, the very wealthy. prgtoken The majority thought the first tax bill of theirs would at least be helpful politically. It turned out, for voters, sour music. It was, as described earlier, hyper-partnership at its worst; no hearings. Nothing like it. prgtoken So, on this last day of votes this session, and close to my last of thousands and thousands of votes over 36 years, I will proudly vote ``no.''
PANDEMIC AND ALL-HAZARDS PREPAREDNESS AND ADVANCING INNOVATION ACT OF 2018
Anna G. Eshoo (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-12-20

such time as I may consume. prgtoken I don't have any other speakers, but let me just close by saying I think that, between the chairman of our subcommittee and my two colleagues and their remarks--and mine included--that these are very good bills that are going to accomplish good things for the American people. So whether it is what was rolled into H.R. 7328--PAHPA and the underlying bill, the Over-the-Counter Monograph Safety, Innovation, and Reform Act--I feel very confident that, with its passage, we will have accomplished something that is excellent for the American people. prgtoken , .
IN RECOGNITION OF JONATHAN SHARKEY
Julia Brownley (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-12-20

I rise to recognize Jonathan Sharkey, a dedicated public servant to the City of Port Hueneme for the past 24 years. As a city councilmember and mayor, Jon has been a prgtoken leader on improving both the physical and cultural infrastructure of the city, and he has consistently and effectively work towards improving the quality of life of the many people that call the City of Port Hueneme home. prgtoken As a city councilmember, Jon led the effort to write and pass the city charter, making Port Hueneme the second charter city in Ventura County. Additionally, Jon was instrumental in securing funding to rebuild the city's aging wastewater system, and has been a strong advocate at both the state and local level for library funding. He also led the successful effort to grow housing availability within Port Hueneme, revitalizing the city's core. prgtoken Throughout his career in public service, Jon has been recognized as a regional leader in coastal advocacy. Jon has continually provided the City of Port Hueneme with guidance and leadership in his roles as chair and boardmember of the Beach Erosion Authority for Clean Oceans and Nourishment (BEACON), one of the first regional organizations in the country dedicated to providing a public response to the challenges of coastal erosion and resiliency. I have also had the opportunity to work closely with Jon and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to ensure continued sand replenishment at Hueneme Beach. prgtoken Jon has also contributed to prosperity of our region as a whole. As chair and boardmember of the Ventura Regional Sanitation District (VRSD), he led the effort to secure approval from the State of California to site and operate the only publicly owned landfill in Ventura County. Subsequently, the Toland Road Landfill has been recognized as a national leader in the use of landfill gas for electricity generation; and, the biosolids processing facility, during its operation, not only provided a local solution to biosolids disposal but also took nine million truck miles per year off the road. prgtoken In addition, Jon has served as Port Hueneme's representative to the Regional Defense Partnership for the 21st Century (RDP-21), a public- private partnership formed to support the military mission in Ventura County. RDP-21 has been instrumental in enhancing the mission of Naval Base Ventura County, bringing thousands of jobs to the area. prgtoken As he heads into retirement, Jon is representative of a steadfast dedication and tireless commitment to serving his community. For these reasons, it is with great enthusiasm that I join a grateful city and its residents in offering Jonathan Sharkey our heartfelt appreciation for his countless contributions to the City of Port Hueneme throughout his 24 years of public service. I wish him continued success and only the best in all of his future endeavors.
SYRIA
Amy Klobuchar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2018-12-20

I rise today in response to the President's announcement on the withdrawal of troops from Syria. prgtoken Like many of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle, I am deeply concerned that prematurely withdrawing American troops from Syria is contrary to the advice of senior national security officials and that the President's announcement will have negative consequences for our country's national security interests. I am also concerned about the implications of U.S. withdrawal for the security of our allies and for innocent civilians in Syria. prgtoken Since August of this year, the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of State, and National Security Advisor have all suggested that the Syrian conflict requires sustained U.S. commitment. Just last week, the administration's Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS said that ``we can't just pick up and leave'' Syria. This week, the U.S. Special Representative for Syria Engagement said that the U.S. would remain in Syria until the U.S. achieves three objectives: ensuring the defeat of the Islamic State, reducing Iranian influence, and reaching a political solution to resolve the crisis. The President's announcement contradicts the advice of our diplomats and military leaders and fails to address these issues. prgtoken These concerns are shared by our key allies, including Israel and Jordan. The withdrawal of U.S. troops will also abandon the Kurds, who have been our partners in the region. Once again, we see the U.S. abandoning critical alliances in favor of narrow and ill-defined aims. prgtoken I have seen firsthand the devastating effects of the ongoing Syrian conflict and resulting humanitarian crisis, which has led to the worst refugee crisis since World War II. In 2015, I visited a Greek refugee center and met with officials who are dealing with the crisis. I saw groups of children who had traveled alone to try to find better lives, but when we tried to ask one little boy about his story, he did not want to tell us because he and all his friends were afraid that they would be sent back home. I also visited the Za'atari refugee camp in Jordan, where we heard about atrocities taking place in Syria that one refugee said would ``make stones cry.'' prgtoken This crisis is not over, and it requires an international response and clear U.S. policy. There are no easy solutions in Syria. But what we need is leadership and a comprehensive plan based on the expertise of those on the frontlines, not hasty and ill-informed decision-making. prgtoken Thank you.
HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FORDHAM RAM, FORDHAM UNIVERSITY'S JOURNAL OF RECORD SINCE 1918
José E. Serrano (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-12-20

it is with great pleasure that I rise to celebrate and honor the 100th anniversary of The Fordham Ram, a publication of true purpose and high achievement, whose exemplary programs and accomplishments have made many contributions to the Nation and our communities. The Fordham Ram, hosted by one of New York City's distinguished institutions of higher education, Fordham University, is the newspaper of record and student voice at Fordham's Rose Hill Campus. The newspaper has served students, staff, alumni, and The Bronx community through award-winning, fair, and professional journalism since 1918. The staff and alumni of The Fordham Ram have remained dedicated to objective journalism in the public's interest for 100 years. The Fordham Ram's 100th anniversary is an auspicious occasion to recognize the accomplishments of the distinguished alumni who have also written for the newspaper during their time at Fordham University. Notable alumni include Louis D. Boccardi ('58), the former President and CEO of the Associated Press; Loretta Tofani ('75), Pulitzer Prize winner at the Washington Post; Malcolm Moran ('75), former reporter for the New York Times and USA Today; Thomas Maier ('78), author and prize- winning investigative journalist for Newsday; Jim Dwyer ('79), two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and columnist for the New York Times; Michael Kay ('82), the voice of the New York Yankees on the YES Network and ESPN Radio host; Jack Curry ('86), analyst for the YES Network; and the legendary Vin prgtoken Scully ('49), the voice of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Baseball Hall of Fame broadcaster, and Radio Hall of Famer. The significant contributions these individuals have made to the field of journalism are a testament to the true spirit of excellence instilled in them at The Fordham Ram I respectfully ask that my distinguished colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives join me in honoring the Fordham Ram for its 100 years of remarkable dedication to fair journalism and its longstanding commitment to improving The Bronx.
BORDER SECURITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY FOR THE DEATH OF JAKELIN CAAL
Robert P. Casey, Jr. (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2018-12-20

I rise today to speak about the tragic passing of a 7-year-old child, Jakelin Caal, on December 8 of this year. prgtoken Jakelin died in Customs and Border Patrol custody, reportedly due to shock and dehydration. It is an understatement to say that we need a thorough and independent investigation to understand exactly what happened in this case and to make sure it never happens again. prgtoken Jakelin entered Customs and Border Protection custody and was held with her father overnight with about 160 migrants, nearly half of whom were minors, at the Antelope Wells border station. prgtoken Customs and Border Protection has stated that food and water were made available, but the child's father and news articles have stated that water was not--was not--available. prgtoken It is not visible from a distance, but I will just hold up a story and a headline from today's Washington Post. The headline reads: ``Lawyers: No water provided to migrant who died.'' prgtoken Here is what the first paragraph of this Washington Post story, dated today, says: El Paso. Seven-year-old Jakelin Caal and her father, Nery, were not provided water during the eight hours they were held in a remote Border Patrol facility with 161 other migrants, the family's lawyers said Wednesday, contradicting statements by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. prgtoken The story goes on from there. prgtoken Similarly--and I am getting back to my observations of this--although health screenings were reportedly conducted, news reports indicate that none of the agents on duty had advanced medical training. prgtoken Though the father signed a DHS Form I-779, which is titled ``Juvenile Medical Screening,'' and he apparently also signed other medical paperwork, there are questions as to whether he understood the form itself. I believe it is critical that we evaluate this form and also evaluate the medical screening that children undergo. prgtoken I would like to know--and I am sure many Americans would like to know--whether the American Academy of Pediatrics and our Nation's medical professionals believe the current system is adequate. I would add this: When this form and other protocols and procedures were put in place, were those experts, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, consulted? Was this process or the forms informed by the expertise that is available? That is another set of questions. prgtoken This has to be about improving the conditions at our Border Patrol stations to make sure they are safe, including ensuring that there is sufficient food, water, and medical attention at every one of these Border Patrol stations. If that means that the administration comes forward to the Senate or the House in the appropriations process to have more dollars appropriated for this purpose, not just general appropriations but for this purpose--to make sure that food and water and appropriate medical attention is available,
JUSTICE AGAINST CORRUPTION ON K STREET ACT OF 2018
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-12-20

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise as well in support of S. 2896, the Justice Against Corruption on K Street Act of 2018, also known as the JACK Act. prgtoken The JACK Act would require lobbyists to publicly disclose any State or Federal convictions for certain crimes of character, such as bribery, extortion, embezzlement, illegal kickbacks, tax evasion, fraud, conflicts of interest, making false statements, perjury, or money laundering. prgtoken As many of you have known, this bill impacts lobbyists and impacts individuals, such as Mr. Abramoff, who pleaded guilty to a number of counts in 2006. prgtoken This is an important bill that was sponsored by Mr. Cohen, and I ask my colleagues to support this legislation, again, S. 2896, the Justice Against Corruption on K Street Act of 2018, the JACK Act. prgtoken , .
SYRIA
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2018-12-20

yesterday, Christmas came early to the Kremlin. First, we have President 's announcement to pull our troops out of Syria. Second, the administration wants to delist three companies controlled by Oleg Deripaska, though, I am not sure he has adequately relinquished control of those companies. Third, the administration has done nothing to respond to Russian aggression in the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait. This is a trifecta for Vladimir Putin and sends a global message that creates real concerns. Christmas has indeed come early to Moscow. prgtoken The administration's withdrawal from Syria lacks any strategy, is foolhardy, and it puts U.S. security in the Middle East--including our ally, the State of Israel--at great peril. This is not simply an error. It is dangerous. It is dangerous. prgtoken Let me be clear. Withdrawal from Syria without success is failure. American credibility will take a horrible hit prgtoken if the President moves forward with this decision. prgtoken As a country, we have said that Assad, who has butchered his people, cannot stay in power. Assad is likely to stay in power into the foreseeable future. Second, we have said we cannot leave Syria because we have strategic interests. By leaving, and doing so precipitously, the President is willing to leave these strategic interests in the hands of Iran and Russia, and Moscow will be given a solid foothold in the Middle East--something it has aspired to for some time, and now it will happen. It will have developed bases there, and it will have unfettered determination as to what to do. prgtoken Third, this move will strengthen Iran's ability to attack Israel. prgtoken We are entering a very dangerous time, as it is increasingly clear to all--including many of my Senate colleagues and especially our international allies and adversaries--that this President is completely incapable of addressing our security challenges. Only in 's parallel alternate universe has ISIS been defeated. There is no one who would suggest that is reality at this point. We have made gains, and we have had successes, but they have not been defeated. prgtoken His erratic decision making indeed poses a great threat to our security interests. prgtoken tweeted that Russia is ``not happy'' about his decision to withdraw our forces from Syria. Well, I guess he missed President Putin's end-of-the-year press conference where, in his own words, he showed this morning that Russia is indeed thrilled with this abdication of U.S. leadership. prgtoken I worry that we are sending the wrong global message, as well, if this plan is executed. The Kurds have been the most significant fighting force on our behalf and in our interest in Syria. They have been our partners. By pulling out, we are abandoning them. Turkey will come in and seek to destroy them. They will be hit not only by Turkey, they will be hit by Assad, and they will be hit by
CHILD PROTECTION IMPROVEMENTS ACT OF 2017
Tim Ryan (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2018-12-20

this has been a really interesting debate, because our friends on the other side, , it is like they have amnesia and nothing happened before the election a couple of years ago. prgtoken All of these promises about a border wall were followed by the cheers and the chants of: And who is going to pay for that wall? prgtoken And you remember all your fans would stand up: Mexico is going to pay for that wall. prgtoken Who? prgtoken Mexico. prgtoken And here we are today getting ready to shut down the Government over you asking the American taxpayer to pay for this border wall. And then some of you even are saying that we have hollow words, that our words don't mean anything, when this President is going back on the promise that he made. prgtoken He said Mexico was going to pay for it. He said it at the rallies. He was in Ohio. He was in the swing States. prgtoken And now he is going back on his word on that. And he just went back on his word where he promised the entire Senate he was going to support the continuing resolution, and you are calling us and saying our words are hollow. Are you kidding me? prgtoken Now, look, I am for border security. I am for border security. But I am not for a wall. You know what, I like cars, too. I am for cars. I am not for the Model T. prgtoken I like planes. I don't want a glider that was designed and built by Wilbur Wright. prgtoken I like my phone, but I don't want to go back and get the rotary dial out. prgtoken You guys are living in the past. And this Government is in chaos. It is in a free-fall. The market is in a free-fall. The staffing at the White House is in a free-fall. The Secretary of Defense is gone. We are pulling out of Syria. prgtoken What is going on? You are in charge of the House, the Senate, and the White House. Get a grip, and learn how to govern the country.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF SENATE AMENDMENT TO H.R. 88, SHILOH NATIONAL MILITARY PARK BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT AND PARKER'S CROSSROADS BATTLEFIELD DESIGNATION ACT; PROVIDING FOR PROCEEDINGS DURING...
Norma J. Torres (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-12-20

the balance of my time. prgtoken , it is just about time to finish up here and return home for the holidays, time to see our loved ones and give them a hug. But for Savanna's family and the countless other Native American families destroyed because of this violence, there will be no return home for them, and we will have failed these families by not passing Savanna's Act today. prgtoken Instead, we are here because of a wall--not the wall that you are assuming, not talking about our southern wall. I am talking about the wall of debt, a massive wall of debt that this Congress has built, trillions--trillions--of dollars of debt towering over our children and grandchildren's future. This rule will build it even higher. That is why I urge my colleagues to oppose the previous question and the rule. prgtoken , .
HONORING PASTOR KENNY FOREMAN
Zoe Lofgren (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-12-20

I rise today to honor Pastor Kenny Foreman, who passed away on December 16, 2018. I spoke three years ago on the impact he made on Santa Clara County and it saddens me that he has left us so soon. He was a beloved member of our community whose passing is deeply felt. prgtoken Pastor Kenny Foreman dedicated his life to the ministry. He started to travel the country at age seventeen as an evangelist minister. With his wife, Shirley, he continued his commitment to his beliefs and established the Cathedral of Faith in 1965. Since then Pastor Foreman was a pillar in our community's spiritual life. He has touched thousands of lives with a congregation of more than 12,000 members with over 70 ministries. prgtoken As his life's work, the Cathedral of Light, serves the spiritual needs ofthe community and gives help to those in need. One of the ministries, ``Reaching Out,'' is a food assistance program that operates one of the largest and most efficient food programs in the state of California. Their mission is to serve the low- prgtoken income, disadvantaged, and homeless in Santa Clara County. Other ministries serve those recently released from incarceration, give support to those with addiction, and aid parents with children who have special needs. These programs are just a few that support our community and are emblematic of Pastor Foreman's life-long service to others. prgtoken I first met and worked with Kenny Foreman nearly forty years ago. I know personally of his love for God and his dedication to our community and especially to those in need. He was a remarkable man and someone I was privileged to consider a friend. prgtoken Pastor Kenny Foreman is survived by sons, Ken and Kurt; their mother, Shirley; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and countless friends our Santa Clara County community mourns his passing, but we are grateful for his life, his generosity, and his contributions. He has left our world a better place and will be dearly missed.
CHILD PROTECTION IMPROVEMENTS ACT OF 2017
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2018-12-20

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. prgtoken What a sad day. prgtoken Chairman Frelinghuysen, I feel badly that you are leaving on this note. I know it is not your wish. I know that, if you were in charge, we would have reached agreement. I know, under your leadership, we passed--we didn't pass them. Six bills were forged in a bipartisan way, not our bills, your bills. prgtoken , the seventh bill is also agreed to, save one item, so that approximately 96 percent of the legislation has been agreed to by both sides, and the United States Senate has passed a continuing resolution based upon those bills by voice vote. Yet here we are, twisting in the wind at 7 p.m. on the day before the government shuts down. prgtoken What a sad performance. What a regrettable lack of responsibility, how we have undermined the faith of our people, treated the Federal employee terribly, and given cause for the rest of the world to think: What are they doing? prgtoken There is not one person on the side of the aisle who believes that, if they pass this bill, it will be accepted by the Senate. Not one of you believes that. So we are playing political games here to pander to the President of the United States, who sadly rejected a compromise that was reached by all of us. prgtoken The majority leader of your party and the were for this compromise. We were for this compromise and the Senate was for this compromise. One person, why are we here? prgtoken I will shut down the government, absolutely. I am proud to shut down the government. That is what the President of the United States said just a few days ago. And today, he put the entire Congress in a tizzy. prgtoken How sad it is that the leadership of this Congress and the last Congress have consistently been unable to meet their fiscal responsibilities.