mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
REMEMBERING E.A. CARMEAN, JR.
Steve Cohen (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2019-10-16

. Madam , I rise today to note the passing of art historian E.A. Carmean, Jr who died Saturday in our nation's capital at age 74. Mr. Carmean was the founding curator of 20th century art at the National Gallery of Art in Washington from 1974 to 1984, working to open the I.M. Pei-designed East Building for its Modernist collection in 1978. During his tenure at the National Gallery of Art, he curated important exhibitions on Georges Braque and David Smith, and on individual works, such as Picasso's The Saltimbanques, in 1980. He also acquired important works for the national gallery, including Jackson Pollack's Number 1, 1950 (Lavender Mist), and commissioned some of the last public works by such masters as Joan Miro, Henry Moore and Alexander Calder. In 1984, he was appointed director of the Modem Art Museum of Fort Worth and, from 1992 to 1997, led the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. prgtoken In Memphis during his tenure, the Brooks hosted exhibitions on the watercolors of John James Audubon, the Jewels of the Romanovs and medieval icons. Mr. Carmean left the Brooks to enter Memphis Theological Seminary and later joined the staff of St. George's Episcopal Church in Germantown, Tennessee, and was named Lay Canon for Art and Architecture by the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee with a license to preach. prgtoken Born in Springfield, Illinois, Mr. Carmean received a B.A. in Art History from MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Illinois, and worked toward but did not complete an M.A. at the University of Illinois, while teaching. He was later given an honorary doctorate from MacMurray. prgtoken After leaving the museum world, he continued to write about art and religion, often for The Wall Street Journal, which in September published his ``A Choice at the Final Minute,'' a meditation on the 15th century Hieronymous Bosch alterpiece Death and the Miser. He also wrote the forward to Elvis: The Personal Archives, a selection of Elvis photographs that were part of an exhibit at the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, in 2005. prgtoken I would like to extend my condolences to his wife, Kathryn Shelton Carmean, his daughter, Elizabeth Carmean Adams, and his two grandchildren, as well as members of the St. George's community in Germantown and his many friends and admirers. He led an inspired life
HONORING ROCKLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Nita M. Lowey (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-10-16

. Madam , I rise to honor Rockland Community College as the institution begins a year-long celebration of its 60th anniversary this month. prgtoken Six decades ago, a group of community leaders boldly transformed an old almshouse and 27 acres of farm land into an institution of higher education. Since then, Rockland Community College has provided quality, affordable education to students of all ages and been an important resource to the residents of the Lower Hudson Valley. prgtoken The institution's motto--``to learn, to search, to serve''--has guided students in their academic journeys ensuring they are supported every step of the way. With more than 500 full and part-time faculty members, support and one-on-one help is readily available to all students. prgtoken Madam , I urge my fellow Members of Congress to join me in expressing congratulations and thanks to both former and current Rockland Community College administrators, Board members, faculty, staff and students for making and keeping the college such a vibrant part of our community for 60 years.
United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (Executive Calendar)
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-10-16

I would like to start by thanking my friend and colleague from the State of Maryland, Senator Cardin, for bringing this resolution to the floor of the Senate--as he said, we will be voting on it tomorrow--but also for his longstanding support and efforts in trying to protect our environment, to protect the Chesapeake Bay, and to address the urgent issue of climate change, which anybody with eyes can see is already having a devastating impact on communities throughout our country and, indeed, throughout the world. prgtoken I am also very pleased to be here with our colleague, the Senator from Rhode Island, Mr. Whitehouse, who has made this such an important cause and has kept the Senate focused on this pressing issue. prgtoken As Senator Cardin indicated, under the previous administration, under the leadership of President , as a country we adopted something known as the Clean Power Plan rule. This was a historic step forward. It was a blueprint to create more good-paying jobs in the clean energy sector. In fact, we have seen a tremendous growth of those jobs in the area of solar and wind power and other jobs. prgtoken That Clean Power Plan rule, under the administration, also really addressed the issue of carbon pollution in the atmosphere, beginning to reduce it significantly, to offset the damage and real costs we are already experiencing in communities from that climate change. prgtoken As Senator Cardin said, this is an area where there are huge communities, if our country moves forward, in the area of clean energy jobs. Right now, with this new administration action, we are ceding the playing field to China, which is happily seizing the initiative and moving forward and creating more and more jobs in the clean energy sector. If we don't wake up, we are going to lose that important global competition in the vital sector to China, which has established a goal of dominating the area of clean energy technologies by 2025. prgtoken Instead of building on the progress of the administration, on June 19, the administration decided to repeal and roll back these important rules that have been put in place and substitute them with something that, in the worst case, actually makes the situation much worse than even before these rules and, at the very least, is a huge retreat from the progress we were headed toward under the rules of the previous administration. prgtoken Let me just point out the analysis that was done by a very good organization called Resources for the Future. They looked at their analysis of this proposal, which I agree with Senator Cardin is better termed the `` dirty power plan,'' and they concluded it would do very little, if anything, to address climate change and would have an adverse air quality impact in many of our States. prgtoken Some people may recall when the version of this power plan, the ``dirty power plan,'' was relea
Hong Kong (Executive Calendar)
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2019-10-16

I rise in support of the Congressional Review Act resolution of disapproval of the administration's so- called affordable clean energy rule, which really should be called President 's dirty power plan or unclean energy rule. prgtoken To be clear, I believe that the Environmental Protection Agency has an urgent moral responsibility and economic imperative to reduce the global warming pollution from powerplants, which are by far the largest stationary source of carbon pollution on our planet. I also believe that those of us in Congress must act now to protect the American people from the dangers posed by poor environmental quality and the worsening impact of climate change. That is why we are holding this vote tomorrow--to send a clear message to this administration and to take a strong stand for the American people. prgtoken Truth be told, I am not typically a staunch supporter of the Congressional Review Act. It is a blunt procedural tool, and I prefer to embrace a better way to express our disapproval of the administration's failure to address one of our Nation's major sources of carbon pollution. prgtoken For Senate , this vote is about holding supporters of this shortsighted, irresponsible policy accountable for surrendering America's global leadership and for jeopardizing the health of our planet and the promise of our children's future. prgtoken Nearly 4 years ago, the Clean Power Plan set the first Federal targets to reduce carbon emissions from our Nation's powerplants. The Clean Power Plan set meaningful but achievable carbon limits for fossil fuel powerplants and gave flexibility and time for States to meet those standards. It was not a one-size-fits-all deal. It provided quite a bit of time and flexibility for States to try to figure out how they would go about meeting those standards in their own way. This administration's alternative to the Clean Power Plan--President 's unclean power plan--allows States to decide whether to regulate harmful emissions. At the same time, this rule will, at best, have essentially no impact on powerplant carbon emissions--no impact. prgtoken Let me say that again. At best, this rule will have essentially no impact on powerplant carbon emissions. At worst, it will increase emissions by extending these plants' lifespans and allow them to burn more coal each year. prgtoken Today our Nation's utilities are already on track to meet and surpass the emission reduction goals set by the Clean Power Plan way ahead of schedule. All the while, the vast majority of Americans are now enjoying lower utility bills, not higher utility bills, and more than 3 million Americans went to work today in the clean energy sector, which includes jobs in renewable energy generation and energy efficiency. Yes, you heard that right. There are more than 3 million jobs in the clean energy sector today. prgtoken The President's dirty power plan does not build
OPPOSING THE DECISION TO END CERTAIN UNITED STATES EFFORTS TO PREVENT TURKISH MILITARY OPERATIONS AGAINST SYRIAN KURDISH FORCES IN NORTHEAST SYRIA
Joaquin Castro (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-10-16

we are in the midst of a foreign policy disaster that will be a stain on the conscience of our Nation for many years to come. The situation in Syria is costing lives as we speak. prgtoken Until recently, our strategy to defeat ISIS by, through, and with our allies was working. Our small military presence in Syria was a sustainable force that denied ISIS the ability to plan and launch attacks from Syria or resurge back into Iraq. prgtoken The President's impulsive decision to leave Syria without any deliberation has ignited a conflict in one of the most volatile regions on Earth. This administration has managed to turn our Middle East policy on its head in a week's time. prgtoken Turkey is slaughtering the Kurdish forces that have fought and died on our behalf in the fight against ISIS. In our place, Syria and Russia have quickly filled the void of American leadership. prgtoken We have betrayed our allies. This is not a foreign policy that displays America's core values. It is a shameful choice that will cause irreparable damage to American interests and alliances around the world. prgtoken I believe this joint resolution is what we need in this moment to combat this President's worst instincts. The joint resolution will rebuke the White House and attempt to rebalance the situation in Syria. I urge all of my colleagues, and , to support it.
Immigration (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-10-16

. from Louisiana. We have worked on things together, and I hope we will continue to do so in the future. prgtoken This is controversial, but it is so timely and important. The hundreds of people who demonstrated against this Senator last Sunday were people I welcomed into this country and believe will be an important part of our future. I am willing to find a solution to the problem, and I am willing to work on a bipartisan basis to do it. Your help will be invaluable.
Trump Administration (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-10-16

the House of Representatives continues to investigate the circumstances of the President's interaction with Ukrainian President Zelensky and whether he used the power of his office to pressure prgtoken a foreign leader to intervene in an American election on his behalf. The facts that are already in the public domain are so deeply troubling and must be taken very seriously. I know that our colleagues in the House of Representatives did not run for office to begin an impeachment inquiry, but this task was thrust upon them by the President's alleged conduct and the demands of the Constitution of our Republic. prgtoken Here in the Senate, our job is even more austere. We are assigned the power not only to examine the evidence but to render judgment. We all have a solemn duty to follow the facts impartially and let ourselves be governed by reason, rather than by passion or by politics. That role means that we have a responsibility to behave impartially, in a nonpartisan manner from the outset. As my friend Leader McConnell said during the 1998 impeachment debate, ``it's been my view that I don't, as a potential juror, if it's serious enough to warrant a potential impeachment proceeding, I don't think I ought to pre-judge the case.'' prgtoken Yet already a few of my Senate colleagues seem determined to turn this serious inquiry into another partisan exercise. My friend the leader, here on the floor yesterday, made the sadly predictable attack of calling the work of the majority in the House partisan. Another of my colleagues, Senator Graham, said he was trying to organize a letter of Senate s promising they would not vote to convict the President before the House even completes its inquiry--before any articles of impeachment are even drafted, let alone voted on, before a scrap of evidence was considered in the Senate trial, if it comes to that. Senator Graham seems to be advocating ``Alice in Wonderland'' justice--first the verdict, then the trial. I hope he will rethink that. prgtoken Over the State work period, the leader ran an advertisement in which he declared: ``The way that impeachment stops is a Senate majority with me as majority leader.'' That is a far cry from what he said in 1998: ``not prejudging the case.'' prgtoken We are several steps away from a potential trial in the Senate. The House continues to do its work diligently, even handedly, with only the facts in mind. So I remind my colleagues in this Chamber that committing today to vote not guilty is contrary to their oath to do impartial justice. That is their oath. Instead of prejudging, I remind my colleagues in this body that you have a responsibility to put country over party. Our national security, the rule of law, and our democracy are at stake.
IN HONOR OF DONALD L. VITTUM
Chris Pappas (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2019-10-16

. Madam , I rise today to honor Director Donald L. Vittum, who is retiring after nearly 50 years of service to the citizens of New Hampshire. Throughout his distinguished career, Director Vittum has served as a Durham Police Officer, NH State Trooper, Chief of Police for Lebanon and Rochester, and, most recently, as the Director of the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council since 2006. prgtoken Director Vittum has always distinguished himself as a person of the highest integrity and a champion of law enforcement training. He has received numerous awards, including the 2018 New Hampshire Congressional Law Enforcement Award for Career Service. A graduate of the 139th FBI National Academy, Director Vittum has not only helped keep our communities safe but he has also shared his expertise with the next generation of aspiring community servants by serving as an adjunct professor of criminal justice. prgtoken Law enforcement today looks very different than when Director Vittum began his career. But Director Vittum's high integrity and commitment to serving his communities have helped him adapt to the changing landscape and remain effective in every position he has held. This commitment has left a lasting impact on the law enforcement community-- in nearly every police department across our state, one can find officers and officials who count Director Vittum as both a mentor and friend. prgtoken On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to thank Director Vittum and his family for their decades of dedication to our community. I congratulate him on his accomplished law enforcement career, and I wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.
Introductory Statement on S. 2612
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-10-16

today I am introducing a bill with Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsay Graham for the private relief of Maria Isabel Bueso Barrera and her parents. Ms. Bueso is a Guatemalan national living in Concord, California. She has a rare medical condition and her removal from the United States would deprive her of lifesaving medical care. prgtoken Ms. Bueso suffers from a rare, life-threatening disorder called Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VI (MPS-VI)--a rare genetic condition caused by the absence of an enzyme that is needed for the growth of healthy bones and connective tissues. Ms. Bueso uses a wheelchair for mobility, has a shunt in her brain, and requires a tracheotomy to help her breathe. prgtoken In 2003, Ms. Bueso and her family came to the United States at the invitation of doctors who were conducting a clinical trial to treat her condition. That trial led to Food and Drug Administration approved treatment for MPS-VI. Ms. Bueso now receives this life-saving treatment every week at UCSF Children's Hospital in Oakland, CA, where she undergoes a 6-hour infusion of a prescription drug that replaces the enzyme that people with MPS-VI lack. Ms. Bueso has participated in six other medical trials. prgtoken For the past 10 years, Isabel and her family received deferred action from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services so that she could continue receiving the treatments that keep her alive. This treatment is not available in Guatemala. prgtoken On August 13, 2019, USCIS notified Ms. Bueso and her family that their extensions of deferred action were denied, and that they would be deported if they did not leave the United States within 33 days. This decision was effectively a death sentence for Ms. Bueso. On September 3, 2019, USCIS announced that they would reconsider her case, but a final decision has not been made. prgtoken Ms. Bueso has beaten the odds because of the life-saving treatment that she has received in the United States. She is now 24 years old, and a 2018 graduate of California State University, East Bay. She has become an outspoken advocate on behalf of people with rare diseases. Her family pays taxes, owns a home, and is active in their community. prgtoken The Bueso family should be allowed to remain in California, where they will continue to enrich their community, and where Isabel will be able to receive the care that allows her to survive and thrive. prgtoken The legislation that Chairman Graham and I are introducing today would provide a permanent solution for Isabel and her parents. I ask my colleagues to support this private bill, which makes the Bueso family eligible for issuance of an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status.
BENJAMIN MOORE
Josh Gottheimer (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-10-16

. Madam , I rise today to recognize a great American company with a steadfast commitment to American manufacturing and job creation headquartered in my District, the Fifth Congressional District of New Jersey. prgtoken Benjamin Moore currently employs approximately 1,000 individuals and is headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey. Since its founding in 1883, in Brooklyn, Benjamin Moore has maintained an unwavering commitment to selling only through authorized, independent, locally-owned and operated paint and decorating retailers. prgtoken From Benjamin's Moore's humble beginnings in 1883 with one product-- Moore's Prepared Calsom Finish--to now, one of America's leading manufacturers of paints, stains and finishes, is truly a great American story. prgtoken In the Fifth District of New Jersey, Benjamin Moore has maintained a commitment to creating jobs and manufacturing their paints and stains in America. prgtoken Benjamin Moore has also made sustainable manufacturing practices a major component of their company practice, leading to receiving the ``Green'' Good Housekeeping Seal and the Edison ``Best New Product Award for Sustainability.'' In 2015, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America announced that Benjamin Moore's most environmentally friendly paint, Natura, has been certified Asthma and Allergy Friendly. prgtoken As the Representative for the Fifth Congressional District of New Jersey, I am proud to recognize Benjamin Moore for their commitment to American jobs and manufacturing, sustainability, and all that the company has accomplished. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Benjamin Moore for the company's commitment to the Fifth Congressional District of New Jersey and to the country and look forward to many great years ahead.
OPPOSING THE DECISION TO END CERTAIN UNITED STATES EFFORTS TO PREVENT TURKISH MILITARY OPERATIONS AGAINST SYRIAN KURDISH FORCES IN NORTHEAST SYRIA
Lois Frankel (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2019-10-16

I rise in support of our Syrian Kurdish allies who have lost thousands of men and women in the fight against ISIS at the behest of the United States of America. prgtoken And I join my colleagues on a bipartisan basis to call on Turkey to end its invasion of northern Syria. Giving Turkey the green light to go into this area will go down in history as a moral and strategic disaster. prgtoken There so many consequences, . Our Kurdish friends were betrayed and slaughtered and are now forced to align with Syrian forces backed by Iran creating an even bigger threat to our friend Israel. ISIS is now unleashed, Russian troops filling our vacuum, and our other allies wondering if we can ever be trusted again. prgtoken The administration's weak sanctions are like an arsonist calling in the fire department we must protect United States soldiers, secure our nuclear weapons in Turkey, provide humanitarian support to the Kurds, and impose crippling sanctions on Turkey until they end their Syrian campaign, and most importantly, pursue a diplomatic solution to end the conflict. prgtoken I want to end by thanking Mr. Engel and Ranking Member McCaul for their bipartisan leadership. I urge adoption of this resolution.
PRESIDENTIAL ALLOWANCE MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2019
Harley Rouda (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-10-16

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , H.R. 1496 would amend the former President's Act of 1958 to cap a former President's annual pension at $200,000, indexed to inflation. The bill also would provide an additional annual allowance for expenses that would start at $200,000. prgtoken Under this bill, the annual allowance would be reduced dollar for dollar in instances in which a former President's adjusted gross income in a taxable year exceeds $400,000. prgtoken Taxpayers should not have to pay for a former President's allowance if the former President is making a comfortable living earning millions of dollars a year, as many former Presidents do. prgtoken This legislation would not affect any funding for the security and protection of former Presidents and their spouses. This legislation would update the pension amount for surviving spouses of former Presidents, which has been unchanged since 1958, by increasing it from $20,000 to $100,000. prgtoken , I believe this bill makes fiscal sense and urge Members to support it, and .