mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NATO
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-4-3

first I want to take a moment to thank NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg for his remarks at this morning's joint session of Congress. I am proud that the Secretary General could be here with us in Washington as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization celebrates its 70th anniversary this week. prgtoken It is no exaggeration to say that over these seven decades, with steady American leadership, NATO shaped world history for the better. The proud history of alliance and solidarity has paid huge dividends to NATO's member states and to the world. prgtoken NATO, with American leadership, kept the peace and created the conditions for an unprecedented period of prosperity for the United States, as well as its allies. It has deterred major Soviet and Russian aggression and prevented a third world war. prgtoken When communism's Iron Curtain fell over much of the world, we stood together for democracy. When the post-Cold War transformation could have roiled Eastern and Central Europe, we stood together for stability. When brutal killers trampled human rights in the Balkans, we stood together for innocent lives. And when terrorist fanatics killed thousands of Americans on September 11, we stood together for freedom. NATO allies remain with our troops in Afghanistan to this very day. prgtoken It is essential that we keep the alliance healthy and strong. The threats we face are numerous, and not least among them, in a kind of throwback to the alliance's founding, is an assertive Russia that has barely even pretended to honor international commitments, brazenly violated arms control agreements, invaded and occupied Ukraine and Georgia, and conducted cyber operations and so-called active measures against NATO allies. As President has made it clear, keeping NATO strong means that all allies must commit to NATO's collective security. prgtoken For our own part, after years of President 's defense cuts, the United States has turned the corner on defense spending, investing more in readiness and modernization. We need to sustain that progress, but, of course, NATO allies must live up to their promises to invest in their own defense. This isn't about meeting an arbitrary budget number but about building real capabilities that are needed to meet real requirements identified by the alliance's military commanders. As the Secretary General has pointed out, our allies are starting to follow our lead. They are on track to contribute an additional $100 billion in defense spending. prgtoken There are also other ways NATO must adapt to meet the threats of the 21st century. It is essential that the alliance follow through on the reforms championed by former Secretary Mattis. NATO must modernize its capabilities to address interoperability challenges, enhance military mobility across the continent, and improve the speed at which it makes decisions. prgtoken For today, I just want to thank the Secretary General fo
COLORADO RIVER DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN AUTHORIZATION ACT
Cory Gardner (Republican, CO) \u2014 2019-4-3

. Yes, the statements Senator Cortez Masto and Senator McSally have made regarding the existing environmental compliance documents and actions contemplated in the DCP agreements and the Secretary's expected immediate implementation of those agreements once acted upon by the basin states are consistent with my understanding. prgtoken This legislation is an important steppingstone to helping assure the long-term sustainability of the Colorado River. It enables the seven Colorado River Basin States to take advantage of flexible water management tools they have created under the Upper and Lower Basin Drought Contingency Plans to address variable water supply conditions in the face of an almost two-decades-long drought that has no end in sight. prgtoken The Upper Basin Drought Contingency Plan involves planning for how to move water from the Initial Units of the Colorado River Storage Project Act, otherwise known as the CRSP Initial Units, to protect critical elevations at Lake Powell and subsequently recover storage at the Units. It also provides a mechanism for the upper basin to conserve water to help assure continued compliance with the Colorado River Compact which will improve the resiliency of the entire Colorado River System. In the Upper Basin DCP, the ``applicable Colorado River System reservoirs'' include and are limited to the Initial Units of the Colorado River Storage Project Act, which include the Glen Canyon, Flaming Gorge, Aspinall, and Navajo facilities. prgtoken This legislation enables the goals of the DCP to be met by authorizing the storage and release of water in CRSP initial units, without charge, for a demand management plan approved by the Upper Division states and the Upper Colorado River Commission. This water will be delivered into such storage pursuant to the law of, and at the direction and control of, the State from which the water is delivered, subject to approval of the Upper Colorado River Commission. Development of the Demand Management Plan, which will include water accounting mechanisms and other operational factors, will require hard work by all four upper basin States, but once completed will be a critical tool for these states to improve their water security. prgtoken I ask Senator Bennet, who has been involved throughout the development of this bill, does he agree with my characterization?
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2019
Debbie Lesko (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2019-4-3

. This bill, thirdly, also takes away gun rights in 2 cases: One with ex parte orders of protection; that is when a woman, like myself, would go in to see a Justice of the Peace; we would get an order of protection. Under this bill, the perpetrator's gun rights would be taken away, even though they weren't there in court. prgtoken Also, it would take away someone's gun rights if they were convicted of a misdemeanor, which is very rare. prgtoken So, again, I don't think this bill is going to get heard in the U.S. Senate, which, I hope that my friends on the other side of the aisle-- this is an important issue to all of us, and I hope that we can work together so it is something that I can support, something that we all can support, because it is a really important issue.
COLORADO RIVER DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN AUTHORIZATION ACT
Lisa Murkowski (Republican, AK) \u2014 2019-4-3

I ask unanimous consent to enter into a colloquy with my colleagues from the Colorado River Basin and with Senator Manchin, the ranking member on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, regarding the Colorado River Drought Contingency Plan Authorization Act. prgtoken I am pleased that we are considering this bill so quickly on the Senate floor. We need to act now as the historic drought conditions in the basin are a real threat to the water supply of 40 million people and 5.5 million acres of farmland. prgtoken As the chairman of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, I think it is important that we spend some time clarifying the intent behind this bill. We started last month with an oversight hearing in the Water and Power Subcommittee to examine the Colorado River Drought Contingency Plan, which was chaired by my colleague, the Senator from Arizona, Ms. McSally. prgtoken We also need to understand what the legislation that we are passing today does and does not do. As I read it, the measure directs the Secretary of the Interior to implement the Drought Contingency Plan agreements upon their execution by the seven basin States. The 2007 final environmental impact statement on Colorado River Interim Guidelines for Lower Basin Shortages and Coordinated Operations for Lake Powell and Lake Mead enables the Secretary to do so immediately as this document covers all of the Federal actions contemplated in the agreements. prgtoken I ask Senator McSally, is that the correct reading of the bill?
TRIBUTE TO BRYAN POEPPERLING
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-4-3

today I recognize Bryan Poepperling, the Hendry County Teacher of the Year from Clewiston High School in Clewiston, FL. prgtoken In Bryan's classroom, his teaching of philosophy is based off a quote from Thomas Edison, ``There is no substitute for hard work.'' He works to instill this mentality to both his students in the classroom, and the student-athletes he coaches. prgtoken Bryan is the social studies department lead and teaches advanced placement U.S. history and U.S. history classes to sophomore and juniors at Clewiston High School. He also coaches cross country and junior varsity basketball. He earned his bachelor's degree in secondary education and social studies at the Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. prgtoken I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to Bryan for his dedication to helping his students succeed in school. I look forward to learning of his continued good work in the coming years.
IN RECOGNITION OF BAYLISS BOATWORKS
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2019-4-3

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of Bayliss Boatworks of Wanchese, North Carolina, a team who every day applies their experience and unique craftsmen touch in creating the perfect vessels for their clientele. prgtoken Bayliss Boatworks was established in 2002. The team was able to draw up a number of contracts to begin their brand-new shop to create their exquisite boats used for fishing, travel and entertainment. Each boat is custom made to fit the needs and preferences of each client. These boats begin as a jig until it surpasses benchmarks like the ``Whiskey Plank,'' hull rollover, and engine install. From there, the boats will have their cabins installed, flybridge and mezzanine build-out, interior cabinetry construction, paint, sea trial, and lastly, delivery to the client. The hard work of the employees can be seen on the water around the world. Since its establishment in 2002, Bayliss Boatworks have received mentions in magazines such as Marlin, being classified among the top builders in the world. It is a prestigious honor to be considered among the world's best boat craftsmen. prgtoken Madam , I ask you to join me in recognizing the accomplishments of Bayliss Boatworks as they celebrate 17 years in operation. May God bless the hardworking employees of Bayliss Boatworks, and I look forward to seeing their excellence for many years into the future.
Nomination of David Bernhardt (Executive Session)
James Lankford (Republican, OK) \u2014 2019-4-3

s believe, regardless of who the President is, they should be able to hire their staff. I can say we not only believe that, we practice that. prgtoken In 2013, there was an ongoing debate over nominations with President . and s came together to resolve the time issue for nominations under President . asked s to join them to say: Let's fix the problem we have with the length of time on prgtoken nominations because it is taking too long, and so they made a proposal. It was 2 hours, equally divided--so it would actually be 1 hour--for district court judges, 8 hours for other nominees, which again equally divided would actually be 4 hours total for other lower nominees, 30 hours for circuit court, Supreme Court, Cabinet officers. prgtoken s joined with in 2013 and with 78 votes at the beginning of President 's second term--and may I remind this body, s were not excited about President 's second term-- s joined with on this one principle: Every President should be able to hire their own staff and their staff not be blocked. When the American people vote for a President, this body should respect the vote of the American people and allow that President to hire their staff. Now, when President was elected, have 128 times blocked President from getting his nominees--128 times. prgtoken I have, for now 2 years, met with my ic colleagues, and I have asked, let's put back into place exactly what s voted with to do. I am asking to now vote with s to do that. They have said no for 2 years. prgtoken So I simplified the proposal and said: Let's just make it straightforward and simple, taken from the same principles Harry Reid put forward under President . Let's make that permanent, no matter who the President is now or in the future. Let's make it consistent and straightforward. prgtoken I was told no by every single , with this one exception. I will vote for that proposal as long as it starts in January of 2021. I am glad you s joined with , they would say, to help President get nominees, but we will not help President and will block him all the way through. Now, if you want to open this up for 2021, we will be glad to be able to help. prgtoken I want to reiterate that s believe whoever the President is, when the American people select a President, they should be able to hire their staff. I wish my ic colleagues believed the same thing. Because of that, we are making a change today. I have worked for months, meeting with ic colleagues, trying to find some way we could come to an agreement as was done in 2013, where s and came together to resolve this. I have been rebuffed for 2 years. Not a single has been willing to join us i
Nomination of David Bernhardt (Executive Session)
Tom Cotton (Republican, AR) \u2014 2019-4-3

we raise this point today, not just because of what has happened to 's nominees over the last 2 years, but we reached this point because 16 years ago the Senator from New York started this Senate down a path that was unprecedented in 200 years. For 200 years, any President's nominees got an up-or-down vote. That was the custom, the unwritten rule, if you will. prgtoken Starting in 2003, specifically geared toward a brilliant young lawyer named Miguel Estrada, the Senator from New York warped those unwritten rules and customs. That has brought us to where we are today. So today Senator Schumer will reap what he sowed. I will call it Miguel Estrada's revenge. prgtoken . prgtoken .
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2019
Louie Gohmert (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-4-3

. Mr. Chair, I rise out of concern for violence that has been done against women. prgtoken As someone who has prosecuted such things and has sentenced many men to prison for such things, I want to be part of the solution toward mitigating and stopping the violence against women, but I can't vote for this bill in its current form when politics, as my friends have said, have been played with it here, because I have heard the prgtoken testimony repeatedly, as a judge, from experts. prgtoken I have read the studies. The literature, psychiatric literature, indicates that the studies show that women who have been through sexual assault are more likely to experience post-traumatic stress disorder than even soldiers, on a percentage basis. prgtoken One of the things that can trigger the trauma coming back is a man coming into a confined space like a restroom, like a dressing room, like a battered women's shelter, and they are living it again. prgtoken Why would we do that? Why would we have a bill that forces that kind of trauma back on women who have been through enough? prgtoken This bill, in the name of equality, says women are not going to be able to have a safe place from biological men. No. We are going to force them, and under this bill, there will be lawsuits. A homeless shelter, a shelter for battered women, and it is shocking how much of this still goes on, but they will be subject to lawsuits if this bill becomes law. prgtoken You will have people, the government with all its power, forcing shelters for battered women to accept biological men, no matter how traumatic it is for the women who have suffered domestic abuse from men, sexual assault from men. prgtoken For heaven's sake, can't we compromise in the name of really helping women? prgtoken I understand the concern from my colleagues across the aisle is that we don't want to hurt the feelings of someone who is biologically a man who thinks they are a woman. We don't want to hurt their feelings; therefore, it is worth the risk of all the trauma that will be relived by women by forcing men into those confined situations. There are other alternatives instead of making women suffer more than they already have. prgtoken This Violence Against Women Act, the way it is currently written in its current form, will do additional violence to women. It is something that I just can't support. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I wish my friends would worry about the concerns for men who think they are women and suffering from gender dysphoria in some other bill. Let's use this one to protect women.
HONORING REV. DR. ROBIN WEINSTEIN
Jefferson Van Drew (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-4-4

. Madam , I am grateful for the opportunity to honor an outstanding member of south Jersey. Rev. Dr. Robin Weinstein is a true believer in human potential and harnesses that power through extensive work and his community involvement. prgtoken In addition to being an associate professor at Wilmington University, he started the M25 Initiative to find ways to alleviate suffering, feed the hungry, end poverty, reduce crime, and revitalize the community. prgtoken Dr. Weinstein is also a cofounder of the Cumberland County Code Blue Coalition, which provides emergency winter shelter to those who are very much in need. prgtoken On top of all of these things, Dr. Weinstein serves as the founding pastor of Bethany Grace Community Church in Bridgeton, New Jersey. Under his leadership, the church has started a weekly soup kitchen, monthly food pantry and clothing closet, showers for the homeless, and many other programs that provide for the people of south Jersey who so desperately need them. prgtoken His tireless efforts make an impact on the community that is felt far and wide. prgtoken The people of south Jersey appreciate all you do, Dr. Weinstein.
CLOTURE MOTION
Mark R. Warner (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2019-4-4

. In reserving the right to object, I would simply point out to my colleague from Kentucky that the intelligence community, in its January 2017 report, reached a unanimous conclusion. That conclusion was that Russia massively interfered in our elections. Russia did it in the form of hacking into personal information and releasing it subjectively, and Russia did it in terms of at least touching the electoral systems in 21 of our States in prgtoken ways that, frankly, found a great deal of vulnerabilities. Russia also did it in ways that manipulated social media that, quite honestly, caught our Intelligence Committee and the social media companies off guard. prgtoken Our Intelligence Committee spent a year in its review of the conclusions of the intelligence community, and in January of 2018, it unanimously agreed that the intelligence community's findings were correct--that the Russians interfered and that they did it on behalf of one candidate, Mr against another candidate, Mrs. Clinton. prgtoken For those reasons, I respectfully object to the request of my colleague from Kentucky.
HONORING STEPHEN ``POPS'' CULVER
Jimmy Panetta (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-4-4

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and honor the life and legacy of Stephen ``Pops'' Culver. prgtoken Pops, as he was fondly known, lived his life to serve his country during the Vietnam war; his students as an elementary schoolteacher; and his community as an advocate for suicide prevention and awareness, something that was personal to him after the tragic loss of his son. prgtoken It was that sense of service that guided Pops on an epic 10,000-mile motorcycle ride across this great country to raise money for the brand- new Central Coast Veterans Cemetery on the former Fort Ord. During this trip, Pops and his fellow American Legion brothers of Post 31, Crash and Phin, the group known as the Black Sheep, carried an American flag, which you see here in this photo, from the Central Coast Veterans Cemetery to Arlington National Cemetery, where that flag was flown over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. prgtoken Now on Memorial Day each year, that flag is flown over the Central Coast Veterans Cemetery to honor those who served and sacrificed. prgtoken Based on Pop's service, he was honored as the 2017 Veteran of the Year in Monterey County. prgtoken Today, we here in Congress honor Pops Culver not just as a veteran but as an American who not only served but understood and lived up to his obligation to serve those who served us.
END SUPPORT TO SAUDI ARABIA
Tulsi Gabbard (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2019-4-4

. Madam , right now, the United States continues to support Saudi Arabia's genocidal war in Yemen. This support has been ongoing since 2015 yet has never been authorized by Congress. It must end now. prgtoken U.S. support for this war has resulted in dire consequences. Just last week, the Saudi coalition bombed a hospital. They have bombed school buses, weddings, markets, funerals--tens of thousands of Yemen civilians killed. Millions more are in dire need of humanitarian aid, starving and sick, without access to food and water or basic medicine. This has created the worst humanitarian disaster in the world. prgtoken We are voting later today on an important resolution to finally end U.S. support for Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen. We need to put politics aside. Lives are at stake. We cannot afford to delay. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to recognize the urgency with which we must act, to vote against any attempts to delay or block this resolution, and to vote to pass S.J. Res. 7 today.
REMEMBERING LILLA WEINBERGER
Edward J. Markey (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2019-4-4

I wish today to recognize the life of Lilla Weinberger, a beloved daughter, friend, and activist who devoted her life to the causes of democracy and the literary arts. prgtoken Lilla Weinberger was born in 1941 in Pasadena, CA. She became involved in the women's movement while at CalArts. After college, she worked at the Library of Congress and carried out research and worked on speeches for President Lyndon Johnson's landmark education legislation. She moved to Lenox, MA, and there, she was integral to the building of the first-ever domestic violence shelter in the Commonwealth. prgtoken In 1991, Lilla moved to Sonoma, CA, and founded Readers' Books, which became a cherished institution. She became deeply involved in the independent bookstore community and served on the board of the Northern California Independent Booksellers Association from 1997-2003. prgtoken Lila was a strong believer in political participation and grassroots democracy. She was an active member of the Presidential campaigns in 2008 and 2012. She became the northern California regional head of the campaign in 2012 and later became 's field director in Maryland. In 2013, Lilla returned to Massachusetts and became the regional field director for my first U.S. Senate campaign. She was our warrior in western Massachusetts and became an indispensable member of our campaign operation. prgtoken I am honored to commemorate the remarkable achievements of Lilla Weinberger, a distinguished leader, our dear friend, and a truly great American.