mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ISSUES OF THE WEEK
Louie Gohmert (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-2-7

under the new rules of this Congress, since the rules have been changed that only allow one Special Order per week, and despite for years my having encouraged members of our conference to sign up for Special Orders, it is our chance to get messages out that we feel need to be out. prgtoken As I have said for years to our conference, you need to sign up for the Special Orders because you don't want my face to be the face of the party. And I am very encouraged, we have got more people signing up now. prgtoken But under the 's new rules, as of this Congress, only one per week per person, so I am pleased, , to be here for my one Special Order of the week. prgtoken And what a week it was. Wow. The impeachment proceedings came to the conclusion that most everybody who had studied the situation knew that they would; no matter how long it got drug out, it was going to be this conclusion. prgtoken The State of the Union address Tuesday night; most people, or at least around here, most people know the Constitution requires a State of the Union report or address, but it doesn't require that it be done orally. And originally, the very first were provided in writing. prgtoken But it is an opportunity for us to come together, even though it has not been quite as homogenous a body as it has been at times when it comes to the State of the Union. prgtoken It has just been interesting. You know, some call it Derangement Syndrome, some call it PTSD, President Stress Disorder. But apparently, he causes stress, in some cases derangement, so people that normally think straight just have trouble reaching the same wise conclusions that they used to. So that has been an interesting thing to observe. prgtoken But here we are, end of the week of impeachment, end of the week after a State of the Union address. prgtoken I was honored to have my friend, Nigel Farage, who has been fighting for about a decade, actually, to make the point that President has been making here in America; that unless our country is strong, we cannot take care of other countries' disasters and problems or assaults on freedom around the world. We can't. We have to make sure we are strong first. prgtoken And the example that has been given before of being on a jet plane, and the instructions, for good reason, say that the adult must put the mask on in the event of a loss of cabin pressure, which means there will be a loss of oxygen. So put your mask on first, so that you will be conscious and helpful to your children and others who are not able to put the mask on themselves. prgtoken If we are not strong, if we don't take care of the United States of America, as our oath should require us to do, then we are not able to be that shining light on a hill. We are not able to be that hope for freedom. prgtoken There are a lot of countries around the world that don't care for the United States. Some of it is simple jealousy. prgtoken But some call the Unit
HONORING THE LIFE OF TROOPER JOSEPH BULLOCK
Brian J. Mast (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-2-7

. Madam , I speak to honor the life of Trooper Joseph Bullock, whose watch ended on the morning of February 5, 2020, when fatally shot in the line of duty. prgtoken Trooper Bullock's life was devoted to protecting those he had never met, in the Air Force and the Florida Highway Patrol for 19 years, and he paid dearly that others would be safe. prgtoken There are no words or actions that can repay the debt we each owe heroes like Trooper Bullock. It would be fruitless for me to attempt words to remove grief from his family or fellow troopers. prgtoken I can only offer from our Nation the most ardent thanks for sharing him as a protector and pray to our Father in Heaven that every thought of him is a cherished memory and pride that he was a man who laid down his life for others.
THE FLANNEL CHECK CHALLENGE
Pete Stauber (Republican, MN) \u2014 2020-2-7

. Madam , I rise today to raise awareness of the need for annual physicals through my participation in the Flannel Check Challenge. prgtoken The goal of Flannel Check is simple: Wear flannel; schedule your annual physical screening; and cure diseases early. prgtoken Some may ask, why flannel? The answer is that every individual disease has a color to raise awareness, like pink for breast cancer, light blue for prostate cancer, red for heart disease, and so on. Flannel and plaid patterns, which come in countless color combinations, create one identifiable pattern for all diseases. prgtoken The unfortunate reality is that disease is all around, and the key to defeating any disease is by catching it early through annual physicals. However, only 20 to 25 percent of males and prgtoken 60 to 65 percent of females go in for physicals every year. prgtoken Madam , we must work together to raise awareness on this important issue. So I encourage everyone to participate in Flannel Check's challenge by wearing flannel and scheduling an annual physical today. prgtoken Together, we can help save lives.
PRAYER AND RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Dusty Johnson (Republican, SD) \u2014 2020-2-7

. Madam , yesterday's National Prayer Breakfast brought to my mind the quote by President Lincoln: ``I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go.'' prgtoken I, like Lincoln, feel inadequate to my task at times. I, like Lincoln, seek strength and discernment from prayer. I need prayer. prgtoken It is not just Members of Congress that should be allowed to call upon prayer. Students, like my three sons, and millions more, deserve this powerful tool. That is why I thank the administration for their recent decision to protect the right to pray in schools. prgtoken The freedom to seek strength from someplace other than ourselves enriches this Nation, just as it enriched President Lincoln.
EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR DISASTER RELIEF AND PUERTO RICO DISASTER TAX RELIEF ACT, 2020
Tom Cole (Republican, OK) \u2014 2020-2-7

. Madam , I rise in reluctant opposition to this bill. Long before I was privileged to come to this House, I was Secretary of State in Oklahoma at the time of the Oklahoma City bombing, and I was tasked by the Governor to work with my friend, our colleague Mr. Lucas, to work with the Congress to see that we received timely assistance for a disaster that was clearly not of our own making. We got that assistance, and I am forever grateful to this body and the people in it that worked with us at that particular time. prgtoken Madam , since I arrived in Congress, I never forgot the help that we received from the Congress of the United States. So I routinely voted for almost every supplemental that related to disaster relief. I was one of 49 s who voted for Sandy relief, and I have no doubt that our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico are in dire need and certainly need help at this particular time. prgtoken I was very proud, as I know many Members were in the last Congress, to vote for over $40 billion of relief to Puerto Rico. It needed that money. There was no question about it. prgtoken Madam , we are moving prematurely here. That money, that $40 billion, roughly half has yet to be expended. It is available for immediate use right now. prgtoken We still have $42 billion in the Disaster Relief Fund. That money is available for immediate use right now. prgtoken There is an ongoing FEMA investigation to determine the precise needs of Puerto Rico. That has yet to be completed and reported to Congress. We should wait for that disaster relief, not because it may tell us that we need less, but it might actually tell us that we need more. We should not act without appropriate information. prgtoken So, Madam , I think the appropriate thing to do is to send this back to the committee and wait for the information to move. If we move now, precipitously, it is almost certain that the United States Senate will not pick up this relief, and the President will probably not sign this bill if it got to his desk. prgtoken If we wait for the appropriate information, use the available funds that we have right now to help people in Puerto Rico, we have a much better chance of getting our fellow Americans the help they need, when they need it, in the right amounts, and in the right way. prgtoken There is no doubt in my mind that this Congress will respond appropriately to an emergency. I have seen us do it time and time again on a bipartisan basis. I know we will do it again at the appropriate time. prgtoken So Congress will respond, if necessary. Frankly, Madam , I simply move that we recommit the current legislation to the Appropriations Committee, wait on the information, and then act in the interests of our fellow Americans. prgtoken Madam , .
HONORING JAMES BLACKBURN
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2020-2-7

. Madam , I rise today to remember the life of Mr. James Blackburn, who passed away on January 22 at the age of 94. prgtoken Mr. Blackburn dedicated his life to practicing law and using his craft to make the Savannah area a better place to live. He was sworn in to the bar over 70 years ago and worked as the city attorney for the city of Savannah until he was 86. He even continued to legally represent the Savannah Airport Commission until just last year, when he was 93 years old. prgtoken But his service to the public went much further than the law. He served in the United States Navy during World War II as a radarman on a tugboat, was a recorder with the Alee Shrine, and was a former president of the Kiwanis Club of Savannah. Through all of his work, he believed in treating all people with fairness, dignity, and compassion. prgtoken His family and friends will be in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
INDIANA'S EARLY COLLEGE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Greg Pence (Republican, IN) \u2014 2020-2-7

. Madam , I rise today to recognize seven high schools located in Indiana's Sixth District for their extraordinary Early College Development Program that I observed when I was at Lawrenceburg High School. prgtoken Participating in this program are also high schools in Greensburg, Connersville, Richmond, Muncie Central, Delta, and the New Castle Career Center. prgtoken The Early College Development Program provides students the ability to earn both a high school diploma and an associate's degree or up to 2 years' college credit towards a bachelor's degree. The Early College Development Program also provides higher learning at a much lower cost, with early college tuition waived for some students. prgtoken I am proud to see the Hoosier State being a leader in education, preparing our students for the future, and finding solutions to fight the rising cost of higher education.
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Steve Scalise (Republican, LA) \u2014 2020-2-7

I thank the gentleman for yielding back and for going through those items that are going to be up on the House floor next week. prgtoken I would like to ask the majority leader with respect to some of the things that were discussed at the State of the Union--and I am sure we are going to be talking about a few things that happened during the State of the Union. prgtoken The President identified a number of items where he challenged us in Congress to work with him on addressing some of the challenges that are facing our country. And he identified some items by executive order that he is working on, but he also identified some items from infrastructure--where I noticed there was applause on both sides of the aisle--to some areas on educational opportunities, school choice--where unfortunately, the remarks weren't received as equally as maybe they should have been--but it also provides us some opportunities to find some areas where we can work and achieve some things that would benefit people all across this country. prgtoken I would ask the gentleman, first, starting with infrastructure, there is tremendous interest that I have heard from Members on both sides to try to work on a package that we can get agreement on. prgtoken I haven't seen the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure tasked directly with doing that, but I have heard there is interest from Chairman DeFazio and from Ranking Member Sam Graves in trying to reach that common ground. prgtoken Is there an emphasis that is placed from the leadership of the majority on tasking the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure with actually going and working and going and finding that common ground, which we know is there, to try to put together an infrastructure package in these next few months? prgtoken , from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer).
HONORING THE LIFE OF THOMAS RAILSBACK
Darin LaHood (Republican, IL) \u2014 2020-2-7

. Madam , I would like to honor and remember the life of Congressman Thomas Railsback, who passed away on January 20, 2020, at the age of 87. prgtoken Born in Moline, Illinois in 1940, Tom displayed a natural gravitation towards leadership. He began his studies at Grinnell College in Iowa and then Northwestern Law School in Illinois. Not long after he finished his formal education, Tom served in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959. After the completion of his military service, Tom returned home to the Quad Cities to practice law. prgtoken Tom had a resilient passion for ethical leadership, which pushed his desire to hold public office promoting just ideals, supporting bi- partisan solutions advocating for good constituent service. In 1962, he was elected to the Illinois General Assembly as a republican state representative, where he served for two terms. In 1966 he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he represented Illinois' 19th congressional district for 16 years. While serving in the House, Tom played a key role in the passage of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, which provides critical support for state programs that assist communities to take a comprehensive approach to juvenile justice. Tom was the second ranking republican on the House Judiciary Committee and a key member during the Nixon presidency. prgtoken Tom found joy in his life through his family and many lifelong friends. He and his first wife, Patricia (Sloan) Railsback, raised four daughters: Kathryn, Julie, Maggie, and Lisa. Tom married Joyelyn Railsback on Oct. 23, 1998. They enjoyed golfing together, playing word games, and traveling during their 21 years of marriage. prgtoken Congressman Tom Railsback's steadfast work to improve the lives of American citizens stands as a model for progress to further the greater good and prosperity of the union. He set the standard for the values and priorities which current--and future--public servants should strive to uphold in order to better our communities. It's my honor to commemorate his life and his tireless bi-partisan work to improve the lives of Americans and strive for ethical leadership. My deepest condolences go out to his wife, family, colleagues, and friends during their time of mourning.
RECOGNIZING LIEUTENANT COLONEL DAVID KELLEY'S RETIREMENT FROM THE ARMY RESERVE
Brad R. Wenstrup (Republican, OH) \u2014 2020-2-7

. Madam , I rise to recognize LTC David Kelley from the Army Reserve for 24 years of service and to congratulate him on his upcoming retirement from the military. prgtoken A decorated Officer, LTC Kelley has exemplified the true meaning of dedicated service. He's established himself as a leader both in the Army Reserve and our Ohio law enforcement. In addition to his role in the Reserves, LTC Kelly serves as a local prosecutor. prgtoken As a fellow Reservist, I appreciate and recognize the outstanding military career LTC Kelley has had. I also thank him for his commitment to serving the people of Southern Ohio, most recently as the elected Prosecuting Attorney in Adams County. prgtoken I wish LTC Kelley the best of luck moving forward. prgtoken A grateful nation salutes LTC Kelley. prgtoken Hooah.
DECORUM AND MAINTAINING CIVILITY IN THE HOUSE
Gary J. Palmer (Republican, AL) \u2014 2020-2-7

. Madam , I rise to respond to the assertion of the Majority Leader that the act of destroying the copy of President 's State of the Union address that the President--as required by the Constitution--presented to Pelosi was speech protected under the 1st Amendment. The Majority Leader should be reminded that not all speech that is protected under the 1st Amendment is allowable in the House chamber under the Rules of the House. prgtoken Moreover, the act of destroying the official House copy of President 's State of the Union address in of itself is a violation of what is and should be expected for the conduct of every member of the House. The premeditated and wanton disregard of the rules governing decorum that we all commit to abide by diminishes the civility and undermines the prgtoken order that is essential to the functioning of the House as a deliberative body and that is expected of every member of the House of Representatives including and especially the of the House. I would add that if such conduct is ignored and not addressed by the leadership of both Parties our ability to govern will be seriously compromised.
EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR DISASTER RELIEF AND PUERTO RICO DISASTER TAX RELIEF ACT, 2020
Jenniffer González-Colón (Republican, PR) \u2014 2020-2-7

. Madam Chair, the school that I am showing you here is one from Guanica. Maybe many people here will not know that the schools in Puerto Rico are used for shelters during hurricanes, so this is having the place for shelters being destroyed and many of them not compliant right now and during the assessment. prgtoken Let me give you an example. When we had the first earthquake, 6.4, and then the replica, the government of Puerto Rico has to do an assessment of the infrastructure in all schools. But weeks later, we got more aftershocks of 5, 5.4, 4.9. So that assessment continued to happen, and it is an ongoing situation every week in order to have our kids and teachers safe. prgtoken So right now, I told you already the number of schools that are deemed unsafe to return to classes. But if we do have another replica of 5 or 4.9 during these next days, and we are having between 8 and 12 tremors a day, that may be that many more schools can be included. prgtoken Actually, originally, there were just six towns included in the mayor's declaration of disaster. Right now, it is 29, because the infrastructure gets weakened with all the tremors, and that is the reason I do support this amendment. prgtoken The mental health issue for students, for parents, for kids is a real situation on the island. We don't want to lose more kids. We don't want kids to lose their semester. So I think this amendment would provide that much-needed help. prgtoken Madam Chair, .
MODERNIZING ENTITLEMENTS
David Schweikert (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2020-2-7

my family accuses me of being incapable of speaking without moving my hands or without displays, so we are going to see if we can do a little bit of both that we are good at. prgtoken , about every week, I try to take a block of time and come here to walk through both what I see happening math-wise and what I see happening demographic-wise. I know as soon as I use those words, most anyone who is watching this is now falling asleep. But the math is important. prgtoken I put this board up because I am a believer that there is a way to save the country from being buried in debt. There is a way that the next 30, 40 years can be incredibly prosperous, but we need to invest in this magic device, which is called a calculator, because much of what we do here is rhetorical. prgtoken We do policy by feelings, and we engage in just absolute absurdity in our unwillingness to talk about the reality of what is going on. prgtoken So, first, a bit of premise, and then we will do a little bit of what happened in today's job report to demonstrate there is a path, but that path doesn't exist until we start to be honest with each other. prgtoken So just a top-line understanding, the next 5 years, just the growth in Social Security and Medicare--it is mostly Medicare--and healthcare entitlements, just the growth equals the entire Defense Department. prgtoken , you have to understand what is happening. It is not or . It is demographics. There are 74 million of us who are baby boomers, and we are moving into our retirement years. We have earned benefits, and there is no money in the bank. It is all going to be borrowed. prgtoken So think of that: Over the next 10 years, just the growth of Social Security, Medicare, and healthcare entitlements is the entire discretionary budget. Everything else is on autopilot. prgtoken Yet how many of our brothers and sisters who are elected, and who have this incredible opportunity and responsibility to come tell the truth, are comfortable coming behind this microphone and saying: Hey, it turns out that we are getting old very fast as a society. We have stunning numbers of promises that we have an obligation to keep. And we are unwilling to have the honesty of the discussion of what we are about to do to our kids in crushing them. prgtoken I have a 4-year-old daughter. Doesn't she deserve to have the same opportunities we all have had? prgtoken It turns out there is a path, but we need to stop delusional thinking. Forgive me when my brothers and sisters on the side say, ``Well, if we just got rid of waste and fraud,'' it is a rounding error. It is important, and we need to do it. ``We just have to tax rich people more.'' It is delusional. It is fractions of a percent, and you could take all their wealth, Mr. . prgtoken We don't seem to have our heads around the scale of this math and the number of zeros that go with it. prgtoken Let's sort of walk through this. In the la
TRIBUTE TO EVELYN BIRKBY
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2020-2-10

I pay tribute to a remarkable Iowan. She is one of the longest serving newspaper columnists in America. prgtoken She has an uncommon work ethic, having never missed a deadline in 70 years. Her weekly commentary in the Shenandoah Valley News has blanketed her close-knit community in southwest Iowa for seven decades. prgtoken Now--get this--at age 100 years young, Evelyn Birkby--mother, farmer's wife, radio commentator--better yet, radio homemaker for KMA Radio--columnist, and author--is now retiring. prgtoken Her readers will miss her byline and storytelling. Her neighborly columns about ordinary life in rural America have brought extraordinary joy to generations of Iowans. prgtoken .