mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Iran (Executive Session)
Tom Udall (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2020-1-8

I begin by saying that my prayers are with our Armed Forces and their families. They stand watch despite the threat of danger, and they rely on their leaders to make wise decisions. I am grateful that there were no casualties during last night's missile attack. prgtoken For well over a year, I have been sounding the alarm that this President could bring us to war with Iran through mistake, misjudgment, or miscalculation. I have urged this body to assert our constitutional authority and pass our bipartisan bill to prevent a war with Iran. prgtoken In 2018 and 2019, I introduced the Prevention of Unconstitutional War with Iran Act. In June of last year, my amendment to prevent unauthorized war earned bipartisan majority support in the Senate, and it passed in the House of Representatives. It may not have become law, but the Constitution has not changed. Now, on the brink of war with Iran, it is long past time for Congress to step up to its constitutional responsibilities and stop the march to an unauthorized war. prgtoken Americans oppose another war in the Middle East. Despite the President's claim to the contrary, war with Iran would certainly not ``go very quickly.'' That is what the President has said--``go very quickly.'' Any war with Iran would be prolonged, bloody, and costly. Yet, even if you support a war with Iran, we all swore an oath to uphold the Constitution, and Congress--and Congress alone--has the authority, under article I of the Constitution, to declare war. prgtoken Any country would consider the President's strike on one of Iran's highest ranking military commanders--someone whom many consider to be the second most powerful person in Iran's Government--to be an act of war. Now, predictably, Iran has prgtoken responded. So Congress must no longer hide from its constitutional responsibility. prgtoken If Congress does not stop the military conflict with Iran, this President will continue to take a wrecking ball through the Middle East, making one impulsive decision after another while having no long- term plan or strategic goal in sight. The President's speech made it clear he has no strategy to defuse the situation or to achieve a diplomatic result. He will continue the provocative warpath we are on. prgtoken While we may now be in a period of relative calm, the position we are in is untenable, and it is because the President abandoned diplomacy and created this crisis. The administration did not consult Congress before carrying out the strike, which is something that, typically, an administration would do before carrying out a strike like this; it would have a true consultation with the top leaders in the Congress. The administration did not consult our allies or try to form a coalition around what is clearly a highly provocative action that has ramifications for international security. prgtoken This is kind of a reminder of the run-up to Iraq. What did that look like, the run-up
TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM MOEN, JR.
Cory A. Booker (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2020-1-8

I rise today to recognize a member of my staff in the great State of New Jersey. We are all fortunate to have offices full of staff members passionate about working for the betterment of our country. William Moen, Jr or Bill Moen, as we affectionately call him, is a shining example of what patriotism looks like in government service. prgtoken The son of a disabled Vietnam veteran and the grandson of a WWII veteran, Bill Moen's commitment to public service is a family legacy. prgtoken Even prior to his Federal work in my Senate office in Camden, NJ, Bill has worked at all levels of government in New Jersey. Hes interned at his local police department and the First Congressional District of New Jersey. He worked in the New Jersey State Legislature, with the Gloucester County Board of Chosen Freeholders and even as an elected Freeholder himself in Camden County. prgtoken On December 9, 2013, I welcomed Bill Moen to my staff in Camden, NJ. Bill was with me on one of my first official events as U.S. Senator. He helped organize a visit to Cape May County--the southernmost county in New Jersey--where I spoke with residents who were still struggling to recover from the devastation of Superstorm Sandy. The past 6 years are full of memorable events, stories, projects, and cases like this one. He has managed my South Jersey office with compassion and integrity. prgtoken , I wish to recognize Bill Moen today because he is leaving my office to set up his own as assemblyman representing New Jersey's Fifth Legislative District in the New Jersey State Assembly. I am sad to see him go but grateful for his work and proud of the new role he begins in what will surely be a long and brilliant career in public service.
U.S. SOLDIERS IN HARM'S WAY
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-1-8

4,559 U.S. soldiers have been killed in Iraq since the 2003 invasion and occupation. Despite their sacrifices, 17 years later, Iran now owns and controls Iraq today. prgtoken 2,430 U.S. soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan, and today we are negotiating for peace with the Taliban, the terror organization that is most responsible for the killing of our soldiers. prgtoken These wars have cost nearly $5 trillion and have taken nearly 7,000 lives of U.S. soldiers. prgtoken Before going after Qasem Soleimani, the 5,200 U.S. soldiers still stuck in Iraq should have been evacuated and out of harm's way. But they weren't. They were put in harm's way by our Commander-in-Chief during Iran's highly predictable retaliatory attack last night on U.S. military installations in Iraq.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE GRAND RE-OPENING OF THE MICHIGAN UNION
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2020-1-8

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the grand re- opening of the Michigan Union. prgtoken The Michigan Union is a cornerstone of the University of Michigan. Opened in 1919, the Michigan Union is one of the oldest college unions in the country. For nearly a century, the Michigan Union has given students, faculty, and members of the Ann Arbor community a space to gather, study, and socialize. Throughout the years, the Michigan Union has undergone a great deal of transformation and witnessed some of our nation's greatest historical moments. On the morning of October 14, 1960, ic presidential nominee John F. Kennedy gave an impromptu speech that laid the groundwork for the Peace Corps. Later, during a visit to the University of Michigan, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. joined students in the Michigan Union to discuss his thoughts on discrimination and the future of integration in America. To carry on this impactful legacy and adapt to meet the needs of 21st century students, the Michigan Union closed in May 2018 to undergo an $85.2 million renovation. prgtoken Today, we celebrate the Michigan Union as it opens its doors once again. While maintaining the architectural integrity of the 1919 original structure, Michigan Union has vastly remodeled internal features. Aside from technology upgrades and infrastructure renewals, the Michigan Union now includes expanded lounge and study rooms, a revolutionary idea hub, an enclosed courtyard, collaborative spaces, and a host of different food vendors. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the grand re-opening of the Michigan Union. Through the historical renovation, the Michigan Union will continue to be an iconic symbol of the University of Michigan for generations to come.
REMEMBERING KAY HAGAN
Elizabeth Warren (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2020-1-8

Kay Hagan was a kind and passionate public servant. She fought from the heart for women, children, students, servicemembers, and working people in North Carolina and across the country. prgtoken In 2013, when interest rates on Federal student loans were about to double so that the government could increase profits off of the backs of our students, Kay said no. Together, with our colleague Senator Jack Reed, we put forward commonsense legislation to keep interest rates low for students across the country. In this instance and so many others, Kay stood for fairness and served as a voice for those who needed it most. prgtoken Kay and I may not have agreed on every issue, but on those key issues that matter to working families--like equal pay, raising the minimum wage, and helping students getting crushed by debt--we were proud to fight side by side. prgtoken My thoughts are with her husband Chip, their children and family, and the people of North Carolina as they mourn Kay's loss and celebrate her memory.
Iran (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-1-8

last night, the Department of Defense confirmed reports that Iran launched missiles at a number of our installations in Iraq that housed U.S. and coalition forces. As details continue to emerge, it appears that there have been no casualties. We commend the professionalism and bravery of our servicemembers and other personnel in harm's way. prgtoken While we are thankful that there were no casualties and we are thankful for the safety of American forces and personnel in the region, I condemn the attack by the Iranian Government and remain concerned about the risk of further escalation of hostilities in the Middle East. Now, more than ever, the prgtoken United States must be clear-headed and sure-footed about what comes next. The American people do not want a war with Iran, and the President does not have the authority to wage one. prgtoken Yesterday, we learned that the President had ordered the deployment of at least as many as 4,500 soldiers to the region--potentially more. Beyond Iraq, the U.S. military now has more than 70,000 troops in the Middle East, from Kuwait to Qatar, to Afghanistan, to the UAE, to Saudi Arabia, to Jordan, Oman, and Bahrain. prgtoken The President has promised to get the United States out of these forever wars in the Middle East, but the arrow is headed in the wrong direction. prgtoken , how many more is it going to be? How long will they remain abroad? What is their objective? How will we assure their safety? Will more be deployed in the weeks and months ahead? prgtoken These are urgent questions. The administration must answer them. But so far, there has been a profound lack of information provided to Congress from the Department of Defense concerning what the Department is doing in response to Iran. prgtoken So I join Senators Reed and Durbin in requesting regular briefings and documents from the administration detailing the number of troops the President has deployed and plans to deploy in support of contingency plans with respect to Iran. We need to know if the administration is committing additional troops to the region and for how long. prgtoken Our letter urges the administration to clarify to the American people and our military that international law prohibits the deliberate targeting of cultural sites and that such an order would be unlawful and should not be followed. prgtoken The American people, rightfully, have serious concerns about a war with Iran and whether we are safer today because of this President's foreign policy, which is so often impulsive and erratic. I am afraid these impulsive and erratic actions throughout the world are making us less safe.
REMEMBERING CORPORAL FRED B. McGEE
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2020-1-8

I rise today to honor a heroic Ohio veteran whom we lost this month, CPL Fred B. McGee. Corporal McGee served in Korea, where he and his squad leader were both wounded in the bloody Battle of Hill 528. prgtoken With his leader down, and despite his own injuries, Corporal McGee took command--he wasn't next in line, but he stepped up, and he saved lives. He was hit again, and his squad was given the order to withdraw. Yet still, with shrapnel in the face and leg, he voluntarily remained behind to evacuate his fellow soldiers who were wounded and killed. His acts of bravery earned Corporal McGee a Silver Star and two Purple Hearts. prgtoken For too long, he did not receive the recognition he earned serving our country. Like so many veterans, Corporal McGee rarely spoke about his service and never drew attention to his own courage. While recalling the battle earlier this year he said, ``No, I'm not brave. I just did what was a necessity.'' prgtoken And in the 1950s, the color of his skin surely also contributed to the lack of recognition for Corporal McGee's heroism. He was drafted in 1951 into a newly integrating Army and was one of the first African- American soldiers to serve in Korea. Jefferson County's sheriff talked about how someone made a comic book in 1953 illustrating 10 stories of soldiers' heroics, they depicted Corporal McGee as a White man. prgtoken We owe a hero like Corporal McGee a tribute that befits his service and sacrifice. At the end of last year, the Jefferson County Veterans Service Commission honored Corporal McGee as its Veteran of the Year. And I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring him on the Senate floor today. prgtoken We thank CPL Fred McGee for his heroism and his sacrifices for our country and we send our thoughts to Corporal McGee's family. May the tributes from the many lives he touched bring you comfort, and know that we will keep alive the story of his heroism.
SECURE 5G AND BEYOND ACT OF 2020
Abigail Davis Spanberger (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2020-1-8

. Madam , I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 2881, the Secure 5G and Beyond Act. prgtoken First, I thank my fellow members of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs for approving this legislation, and I thank the House Energy and Commerce Committee for passing my bill out of committee on a strongly bipartisan basis last year as well. prgtoken I also thank my colleagues, Representative Brooks, Representative O'Halleran, Representative Rooney, Representative Slotkin, and Representative Stefanik, for joining my effort to protect the next generation of U.S. telecommunications systems. I am proud to have such a strong bipartisan coalition backing my bill. prgtoken I also thank my colleagues in the Senate, Senator Cornyn and his bipartisan colleagues, for their work in prioritizing this very important issue. prgtoken When you turn on the TV, you might hear a lot of commercials advertising 5G and the expansion of U.S. 5G networks. It is true: This technology holds incredible potential for future economic growth here in the United States, particularly in our rural communities, as they rely on these high-speed technologies to connect to the rest of the world. prgtoken However, the adoption of certain 5G wireless technologies present many serious national security challenges for our country and the American people. Chinese companies like ZTE and Huawei continue to grow their global 5G footprint around the world, and as their equipment becomes more integrated into the economies of the United States and our allies, China's leverage grows, as does the threat of Chinese exploitation. prgtoken It is difficult to overstate the long-term effects of the global transition to 5G. An article in The Atlantic earlier this week said: ``The rollout of speedy, new cellular networks is a geopolitical turning point.'' And China is working hard to take advantage of this rare moment. prgtoken Unfortunately, China's long-term strategy and ambitions extend far beyond global commerce and communications. For example, a 2018 NATO report warned that Huawei's close ties to the Chinese Government could lead to Huawei's 5G technology being used to spy on adversaries, monitor foreign companies and governments, and support Chinese military operations, all of which could be targeted at the United States and the American people. prgtoken The adoption of Chinese 5G could invite a deluge of foreign influence, espionage, and interference into U.S. mobile networks and wireless systems. prgtoken But, simultaneously, China's innovation edge is also growing through companies like Huawei and ZTE. As of February 2019, Chinese tech companies owned 36 percent of all key 5G patents, while U.S.-based companies only owned 14 percent. prgtoken This makes clear to me that the United States needs a comprehensive strategy, a strategy to respond to this growing level of economic competition and to protect against the security risks posed by ZTE, Huawei, and other 5G-fo
FEDERALIST 62
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2020-1-8

there is a story that we often hear about in high school and government classes where George Washington is said to have told Jefferson that the Senate was created to ``cool'' House legislation as a saucer is used to cool hot tea. prgtoken Whether that is historically accurate or not, it is a good summation of the role of the U.S. Senate. Now I am going to quote from Federalist 62 what Madison said. He could have made this quote a little easier to understand, but here it is anyway: ``The necessity of a senate is not less indicated by the propensity of all single and numerous assemblies to yield to the impulse of sudden and violent passions, and to be seduced by factious leaders into intemperate and pernicious resolutions.'' prgtoken That is the end of Madison's quote, Federalist 62. prgtoken Now, considering Madison's admonition, it should be no surprise to anyone whatsoever that the Senate passes fewer bills than the House and always has. But how come those who parrot the partisan talking points that the Senate is a legislative graveyard don't also talk about the over 200 Senate bills on Pelosi's desk? prgtoken .
Iran (Executive Session)
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2020-1-8

I would like to take a few moments today to talk about the current situation with regard to Iran. prgtoken First, the decision to take out Qasem Soleimani. Let's remember who he was. He was leader of the Quds Force and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps--both of these groups, by the way, having been designated as terrorist organizations. prgtoken He was responsible for providing the Shia militias in Iraq with explosively formed penetrators. What does that mean? These were the extremely deadly improvised explosive devices--so-called roadside bombs--that were responsible for killing over 600 American soldiers and injuring many more, at least a couple thousand. prgtoken Some of those maimed or killed were from my home State of Ohio. My heart goes out to their families for their sacrifice. prgtoken I got a chance to see some of these brave Americans in visits to the Landstuhl military hospital in Germany and the Walter Reed Hospital here in Washington, DC. We must never forget their courage and the sacrifices they and their families have made. prgtoken Over the past 2 months alone, Soleimani helped direct more than 11 attacks against our forces in Iraq. In fact, he was found recently to be plotting more. When he was killed, he was plotting additional and imminent attacks with the commander of the Shia militia--the same commander who directed both the rocket strikes that killed the American contractor and wounded four American service personnel in Erbil and the demonstration and assault against the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. prgtoken Thankfully, that commander was taken off the battlefield as well. prgtoken For reasons I have outlined, the killing of Qasem Soleimani was both legitimate and justified. His history of fomenting terror and murdering innocents goes back decades, and the world is a better place without him. prgtoken Some of my ic colleagues have been critical of the President's actions against Iran, to include the killing of Soleimani. Some argue that our actions have been unwarranted and belligerent. In fact, given the facts, I believe President has shown restraint in the face of continued Iranian aggression over these past 18 months. prgtoken By authorizing the killing of the leader of terrorist organizations that were actively plotting more violence against our brave men and women, I believe President reset the concept of deterrence and fulfilled his duties as President. prgtoken As GEN David Petraeus said after the Soleimani action, ``This was a significant effort to re-establish deterrence.'' I would call that peace through strength. prgtoken Last evening's Iranian missile attacks against our forces and air bases at Erbil and Al-Asad was a continuation of the reckless and provocative approach. Thanks to the professionalism and capability of our Armed Forces, despite over a dozen Iranian missiles aimed their way, there were, fortunately, no American or allied troop or Ira
CAPTURING ALL SMALL BUSINESSES ACT OF 2019
Steve Chabot (Republican, OH) \u2014 2020-1-8

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , I rise in support of H.R. 5130, the Capturing All Small Businesses Act of 2019. prgtoken Our next two bills focus on a longstanding goal of our committee: increasing small business access to the Federal marketplace. prgtoken The U.S. Government is the largest purchaser of goods and services in the prgtoken world. It is very important that small businesses have ample opportunity to compete for Federal contracts. prgtoken A vibrant small business presence in Federal contracting increases competition, increases quality, and, most importantly, lowers prices for the American taxpayer. All of these things are good. This bipartisan legislation will make it easier for small firms to compete against larger firms. prgtoken Madam , this bipartisan legislation will increase our small businesses, and it will encourage them to grow successfully and competitively into the midsize marketplace. prgtoken We have heard too many stories of small businesses successfully providing significant value to the Federal Government and growing at a steady pace only to hit a wall once they grow out of their small size threshold. We need to ensure that there is a pathway for sustained development for our Nation's small manufacturers, and this bill takes us a step in the right direction. prgtoken I want to thank the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Kevin Hern), the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Joyce), and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Veasey), who all worked together and showed great leadership on this issue and, again, did it in a bipartisan manner. So I thank all three of them. prgtoken Madam , I urge the bill's adoption, and .
UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES ACT OF 2019
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-1-8

. Madam , I rise today in support of H.R. 5130, the Capturing All Small Businesses Act. As a member of the Small Business Committee, I have personally heard how important this act is. prgtoken Additionally, I want to speak today in support of H.R. 5146, the Unlocking Opportunities for Small Businesses Act, introduced by my friend and colleague, Mr. Hagedorn from Minnesota, and my fellow Pennsylvanian, Mr. Evans. prgtoken Federal contracts provide many businesses across the Nation with the opportunity to receive stable funding through which they can develop a reliable workforce, supply chain, or line of production. These contracts can be a lifeline to small businesses looking to grow or expand. Unfortunately, as designed, the current system limits smaller companies' chances to acquire these contracts. prgtoken This legislation implements a much-needed change to allow small businesses to use their previous experience to demonstrate their merits and to strengthen their abilities to compete for Federal contracts. prgtoken This is an important step in leveling the playing field for small businesses looking to grow their footprint in the Federal market. I look forward to the positive impact that this legislation will have on countless small businesses that I represent in south central and southwestern Pennsylvania and across our great country.