mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CITIZENSHIP FOR CHILDREN OF MILITARY MEMBERS AND CIVIL SERVANTS ACT
Ben Cline (Republican, VA) \u2014 2019-12-3

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4803, the Citizenship for Children of Military Members and Civil Servants Act. prgtoken Most people believe that, in all circumstances, as long as one parent is a U.S. citizen, a child is automatically a U.S. citizen. In reality, the Immigration and Nationality Act lays out specific residency, physical presence, and other requirements for when a child is deemed a U.S. citizen and what procedures a parent must go through to claim that citizenship. prgtoken For instance, section 320 of the INA requires that a child of a U.S. citizen automatically becomes a U.S. citizen if the child is under the age of 18 and is ``residing in the United States in the legal and physical custody of the citizen pursuant to a lawful admission for permanent residence.'' prgtoken This creates a problem for some U.S. citizens and their families who are serving overseas in the military or other U.S. Government positions and who cannot return to the United States. prgtoken Until very recently, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, USCIS, had been interpreting the term ``residing in'' to cover children of U.S. citizen government employees or members of the U.S. Armed Forces who were employed or stationed outside the U.S. That interpretation, however, was inconsistent with other parts of the INA and inconsistent, even, with the State Department's interpretation. prgtoken Thus, there were instances when a U.S. citizen parent was told by USCIS that their child was automatically a U.S. citizen, but when the parent tried to obtain a U.S. passport for the child, they were told that the child was not yet a U.S. citizen because the proper process had not been followed. prgtoken In late August, USCIS issued policy guidance aimed at correctly interpreting ``residing in'' to be consistent with the INA and the State Department's interpretation. prgtoken It should be noted that, even if H.R. 4803 is not enacted, the children affected by USCIS' new guidance will still be able to claim U.S. citizenship; however, their families will have to jump through many more hoops to do so. prgtoken Luckily, this issue affects fewer than 100 families per year, most of whom are cases of adoption or where the child is a teenager when the parent naturalizes. prgtoken USCIS was legally correct to do what it did, but we in Congress are also right to make the technical change that allows the affected child to be automatically considered a U.S. citizen. prgtoken The committee ranking member worked closely with Chairman Nadler to craft H.R. 4803. The bill deems the child of a U.S. citizen parent to be in compliance with the residence requirements of INA section 320 in circumstances where: one, the U.S. citizen parent is an employee of the U.S. Government stationed abroad or a spouse of that employee residing abroad with that employee; or, two, the U.S. citizen parent is a member of
Tribute to Johnny Isakson (Executive Calendar)
Lamar Alexander (Republican, TN) \u2014 2019-12-3

I will bet Senator Isakson is a little bit surprised that his farewell address would produce such an eruption of bipartisan speeches, both in the luncheon we just had for nearly 100 Senators--almost everybody was there, and s--and then the 50 or so Senators who are going to speak on the floor. prgtoken As I listened carefully to Senator Isakson's own remarks about bipartisanship, it kind of reminded me of the preacher on Sunday talking to the congregation saying: I am not so worried about what you do during this 1 hour during church. It is what you do between now and the next Sunday during the 1 hour in church. prgtoken I think what Johnny Isakson is saying is that the speeches about bipartisanship are honorable and good, but what he would like to suggest to us is that what we need to do is have a little bit better behavior, follow those speeches a little bit better between now and the next time we have a group of speeches. prgtoken Johnny learned a long time ago that if all you want to do is take a position or make a speech, you don't need to go to all the trouble to come to the U.S. Senate. You can get a radio program or get a street corner. If you want to come to the U.S. Senate, you are supposed to get something done. prgtoken I like to say to our constituents in Tennessee that I encourage them to look at Washington, DC, as if it were a split-screen television set. On the one side, you see where most people are watching. You see impeachment, tweets, and Supreme Court controversies. On the other side, where very few probably watch, you see Senators like Johnny Isakson working to pass an opioids bill or Senators working to pay songwriters a fair amount for what they do or Appropriations members working to set a record, as Senator Blunt and Senator Murray have, for example, in terms of funding for biomedical research. All of that is on the side of the television screen where Johnny Isakson has spent most of his 15 years. prgtoken Senator Murray of Washington, during her remarks, talked very accurately about what happened in 2015 when we were working on fixing No Child Left Behind. That was not easy to do. Working on legislation to try to set rules for elementary and secondary education is like being at a University of Tennessee football game, where you have 100,000 people in the stands, all of whom know what the next play ought to be, and when the coach doesn't call it, they have an opinion about that. prgtoken Well, everybody has had a little education, and so they had a lot to say about how we would fix No Child Left Behind. Finally, we just ground to a halt over preschool education and what the Federal role ought to be. Senator Murray felt very strongly about it. As she said, she is a former kindergarten teacher. So I stepped back and said: Why don't you and Senator Isakson sit down and see if you can come up with a solution, and if you do, we will take that. prgtoken
Tribute to Johnny Isakson (Executive Calendar)
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2019-12-3

the State motto of Georgia is ``Wisdom, Justice, and Moderation.'' Those three words aptly describe Senator Johnny Isakson's more than four decades of service to the people of Georgia and to our Nation. prgtoken He has indeed served with wisdom, justice, and moderation, setting an example for all of us. prgtoken I would add to that description that Johnny is extraordinarily effective and beloved on both sides of the aisle. His life of public service is characterized not only by his extraordinary integrity, intelligence, and statesmanship but also by his kindness to everyone. prgtoken As was mentioned several times at our luncheon honoring Johnny today, if ever there were a poll held in the Senate to determine the most popular Senator, he would win, hands down. prgtoken It has been such a pleasure and honor to serve with this remarkable leader on issues ranging from supporting research and cures for rare pediatric diseases to improving education. Johnny is always thoughtful, informed, and determined to achieve a result to make a difference. prgtoken As a veteran himself, and as chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, Johnny has led the way in reforming veterans' healthcare to make the VA more responsive to those who have served. What a wonderful legacy to leave, to know that you have been responsible for improving healthcare for those who have worn the uniform of our country. prgtoken Johnny, as we have heard today, has always sought common ground rather than partisan advantage. I thought it was so telling, as I listened to his farewell remarks today, that Johnny did not take the time to list his own legislative accomplishments, even though they are so impressive and so numerous. prgtoken Instead, he posed a challenge to us. He called on us to put aside the petty bickering that has prevented progress in America. He called upon us to work together. He reminded us that we achieve the best legislation when we sit down and negotiate with one another, when we listen with respect to each other. Those were his final words to us as a U.S. Senator. prgtoken I have had so many wonderful experiences with Johnny, whether it was working on legislation or having an informal dinner, but perhaps the most memorable experience occurred this past June on a bipartisan codel that Johnny led to France to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-day. prgtoken It was a privilege to join him in honoring the American heroes who began the liberation of Europe from Nazi tyranny. prgtoken Johnny, I thank you for your service but, most of all, for your friendship. You have indeed set an example of civility and bipartisanship that everyone who serves in this great institution should emulate. prgtoken I wish you and your wonderful wife Dianne, whom I enjoy so much, all the best, and I want to tell you that I will always miss your friendly greeting, your big smile, and your even bigger heart. prgtoken Thank you for all you have done.
TRIBUTE TO MARK COVALL
Patrick J. Toomey (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-12-3

I rise to recognize Mr. Mark Covall, who, after 34 years with the National Association for Behavioral Healthcare, NABH, is retiring. prgtoken For the past 24 years, Mark ably served as the president and CEO of the NABH, which was founded in 1933 to advocate for the interests of behavioral healthcare systems and providers that treat children, adolescents, adults, and senior citizens with mental health and substance use disorders. Under Mark's steadfast leadership, NABH helped to secure parity in mental and general healthcare services, paving the way for the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. More recently, Mark and NABH helped to ensure that Congress enacted the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act and 21st Century Cures Act in 2016 and the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act in 2018. prgtoken Mark's leadership in coalition-building, as well as his work to develop strong relationships with behavioral healthcare providers, government officials, and associations such as the American Hospital Association, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Mental Health America, and the Kennedy Forum, explain why he has been as effective in influencing regulation as he has been in advancing legislation. I am told others in the behavioral health field would go to Mark for his insight, knowing he is one of the behavioral healthcare community's most well-informed and strongest advocates. prgtoken Today, I join others in the mental health community in thanking Mark Covall for his decades of leadership, dedication, and passion for ensuring that millions of Americans have access to quality mental health and addiction treatment services.
Tribute to Johnny Isakson (Executive Calendar)
Pat Roberts (Republican, KS) \u2014 2019-12-3

I am honored to pay tribute to Johnny Isakson. I don't know how I could top anything that has been mentioned by Senator Perdue and, especially, Senator Coons--Senator Chris Coons has given us a charge to follow Johnny's example--and Senator Grassley and now Senator Murray and everybody who will follow me. prgtoken I have a problem. I did all of this on Veterans Day. I tried to point out that his committee has passed 57 bills. I don't know of any other committee that has done that on behalf of the people who wear the uniform of the United States--who do so much on our behalf--and, more especially, for the VA and what that is all about. There has never been a better chairman than Johnny Isakson. I said all of that. I also said, in this body, there are those who choose ideology and partisan issues while Johnny is someone who works with his colleagues to pass legislation that benefits not only our Nation's veterans but every American's pocketbook and daily life. prgtoken The reason I just sort of read through that is that we have just had lunch wherein nearly every Senator was in attendance with the exception of those who are running for President, and they would have liked to have been there. By my count, there were seven standing ovations-- seven. Each Member, both of the leaders, and the people who have served with Johnny either as a minority member or as a chairman gave their amazing tributes to this wonderful man. prgtoken Isn't it amazing that in this very difficult time in the Senate, when the bar of civility is about forehead high--you don't want to run into it here--that here is a man who has given us a way out? I have never seen that before. prgtoken Johnny has had, I think, 50 years of public service. I have him beat if you add in staff time and 40 years of public service--by the way, of being elected 24 to 0. I have never seen such an outpouring of affection and genuine admiration for an individual, be he a Member of the House or the Senate, as was experienced at this lunch. prgtoken It was Chris Coons who, during his tribute, said: Why don't we use this as a wonderful way to see if we can get past all of the trials and tribulations that we have gone through in the Senate and work together for a change? People talked about, when they had come to the Senate, that it wasn't this way. Actually, it was. Yet we look very fondly upon the past. So I hope that people can take Chris's challenge to heart. prgtoken It is a pretty easy deal. Johnny knows it by heart, for that is who he is; yet, if a person or a group of people or Senators in this body love to come down here and make speech after speech--in many cases, they are very partisan, and many of the younger Members do this--I give them that. I mean, that is their right. I remember, in the early days when I was in the House, that I did that a couple of times and then was talked to by some of the senior Members who said: We don't do that here
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF CHIP MABUS
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2019-12-3

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the life of Chip Mabus, who passed away on Saturday, November 16th, at the age of 43. Chip, a resident of Fulton, Mississippi, was a dedicated employee of FL Crane & Sons for 21 years. Chip also served on the American Subcontractors Association National Board and was a member of the Floor Covering Installation Contractors Association, Associated Builders and Contractors, and Associated General Contractors. Chip attended the University of Mississippi and was an avid football fan. Left to cherish his memory are his three children, Madeline Mabus of Starkville, Mississippi, Mallory Mabus, of Fulton, Mississippi and Samuel Mabus of Fulton, Mississippi; his father, Larry Mabus of Fulton, Mississippi; his sister, Teresa Estes, of Mooreville, Mississippi; his niece, Ashlyn Estes; his nephew, Brody Estes of Mooreville, Mississippi, as well as many more extended family members and friends. Chip's life was one of grace, love for his family, and community. He will be greatly missed by all whom he encountered.
IN RECOGNITION OF UNT TAMS STUDENT ENTRIES IN THE CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-12-3

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and congratulate Vishok Jonnalagadda, Kate Liang, Ernest Lu, Mayur Pabba, Shubh Sharma, Tarush Verma and Connie Xu, participants in the first 26th District of Texas Congressional App Challenge and all students attending the University of North Texas as Texas Academy of Math and Science (TAMS) students. The Congressional App Challenge encourages students to learn how to code through an annual competition hosted by Members of Congress. prgtoken Structured as a competition, the Congressional App Challenge is a great way for Congress to engage students in computer programming and technology-related careers and encourage them to develop the skills that are becoming increasingly important for jobs contributing to our growing economy. By participating in the App Challenge, the students have the opportunity to create their own apps for mobile, tablet or computer device and compete with other students, receiving feedback from leading experts in the field. I thank each of the students competing in this year's endeavor as well as the judges who contributed their time and expertise to the process. prgtoken The Congressional App judging panel assembled was comprised of Dr. Jennifer Moore, Associate Professor and School Librarian Certification Faculty Lead at Texas Woman's University School of Library & Information Sciences; Dr. Stephani Ludi, Professor, Undergraduate Coordinator and Co-Director of Research in the Software Engineering Lab at the University of North Texas' (UNT) Department of Science & Engineering; and Mr. Mark Payne, Executive Director, Denco Area 911. After reviewing each of the Apps submitted, the board scored the entries, resulting in a tabulated outcome recognizing ``Mindful Minutes'' by Ms. Connie Xu and Kate Liang as the winner. ``Mindful Minutes'' is an app designed to combat the societal challenge of forgetfulness by allowing users to count anything, including hours worked or hours exercised, or even creating custom counters for any repetitive activity or subject they choose. Their app will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol and shown on the U.S. House of Representatives web site. The students will also be invited to the House of Representatives' Code Demo Day reception in Washington, D.C. prgtoken I am proud to participate in the Congressional App contest as a way of encouraging the development of the math and science education our country requires to remain competitive. Ms. Xu and Ms. Liang have displayed their creativity and skill through their submission, providing an example of the bright future they, and our country, have ahead. I am honored to represent these two bright young women and wish them and all the representative UNT TAMS program students involved, much continued success in their education and careers.
TRIBUTE TO JOHNNY ISAKSON
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-12-3

on a totally different matter, the Senate has set aside today to honor our distinguished colleague, the senior Senator from Georgia, Johnny Isakson. prgtoken It has been about 3 months since Johnny announced he would retire at the end of December. Since then, I think we have all been taking stock of everything our dear friend has accomplished and everything he means to so many people. I have long said, if the Senate were to hold a secret ballot popularity contest, Johnny Isakson would win in a bipartisan landslide--quite possibly in a unanimous vote. prgtoken He commands bipartisan respect and affection to a degree that is truly remarkable. Yet, if you think about it, it makes sense for a man whose personal mantra goes like this: ``There are only two kinds of people: friends and future friends.'' For most people, that might be a noble aspiration but unrealistic. For Johnny Isakson, it is a statement of fact. Nobody is an enemy, and nobody is a stranger--just a friend and future friend. That is it. With a motto like that, it is no wonder that Johnny's first career was a successful stint in real estate--a field in which relationships are everything. prgtoken It strikes me there could be two ways you could thrive in a business in which friendships and connections matter so much. You could be either good at faking a smile, at feigning interest in others, or you could genuinely love meeting everybody and learning how you might be able to help people. That second kind of person is exactly who Ed and Julie Isakson brought up in Atlanta, GA--warm, honest, forthright, incredibly kind. No wonder Johnny's neighbors jumped at the chance to hire him to be their State representative, then their State Senator, then their Congressman, and then their U.S. Senator. So his retirement this month will cap a 45-year career in public service, packed with one significant accomplishment after another. prgtoken First and foremost in Johnny's long legacy is his work for our Nation's veterans. He spent 6 years in the Georgia Air National Guard as a young man, and he has spent the half century since then as one of his fellow veterans' best friends at any level of government. prgtoken Under Johnny's chairmanship, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs has passed literally scores of bills: more accountability at the VA, more education benefits, better community care programs, better procedures for when veterans appeal determinations, an updated GI bill with no more expiration date, and, of course, Johnny's landmark bill--the VA MISSION Act. It is now law. It provides many of the most significant reforms in the history of the VA by taking power away from bureaucrats and giving it back to the veterans and their doctors. prgtoken Yet, somehow, in the midst of compiling this singular record for our Nation's veterans, Johnny racked up countless more legislative successes that impact literally every American--from securing pension pr
SECOND AMENDMENT WEEK
Roger Marshall (Republican, KS) \u2014 2019-12-4

this week is Second Amendment Week in our office to celebrate our God-given right to keep and bear arms. prgtoken Each year at the start of the hunting season, I can't wait to get out in the field and enjoy one of my very favorite pastimes. Hunting is an American tradition shared across generations; and this Thanksgiving weekend I was able to sneak away with my oldest son to go duck hunting near our home in Great Bend. prgtoken , I have to tell you, I have never seen so many ducks. The folks at D.U all the conservation groups are doing an incredible job. prgtoken Many Kansans use firearms for hunting, but also, in many of our most rural parts of the State, carrying a firearm can be the difference between life and death. In over 70 counties in Kansas, the closest law enforcement officer is often 30 minutes to an hour away; and, thus, you may need a firearm to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property. prgtoken In both rural and urban areas, many Kansans responsibly open or conceal carry on a daily basis for self-defense. Many more Kansans keep a gun for home defense as well, maybe locked away in a master bedroom or in a safe down in the basement. prgtoken Whether it be a handgun, rifle, or shotgun, whatever a citizen's firearm of choice, the right to defend ourselves must not be infringed upon. As I represent Kansas in Congress, I remain staunchly opposed to any laws restricting what kind of firearms a law-abiding citizen can buy or keep in their possession. prgtoken Any politician trying to implement mandatory buyback programs, which I really call gun confiscations, or unconstitutional red flag laws in Congress will be met with a groundswell of opposition because these types of laws violate our Second Amendment rights. prgtoken In Congress, we need to keep fighting for programs that address the underlying cause of gun violence, which is mental illness, to reach out to those who are struggling so they can get the proper care and attention early so they don't fall through the cracks and harm themselves or others. prgtoken We also need to make sure our existing background check system is working properly to continue to prevent tragedies, while not infringing on the rights of mentally stable, law-abiding citizens. prgtoken The solutions to preventing gun violence can be found at dinner tables, in our churches, and in our communities. Individually, we must practice and promote responsible gun ownership while collectively ensuring every law-abiding citizen's Second Amendment right is upheld with due process. prgtoken Gun ownership and hunting have been a tradition for my family and for this great land for many generations, each one passing on their knowledge and skills to the next. That is our way of life in Kansas. We must continue to uphold it and our constitutional right to keep and bear arms for the purpose of self-defense and individual freedom. Pass USMCA Now