mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2020-3-10

the United States is poised for nationwide deployment of the next generation of internet technology-- 5G. 5G will mark a giant leap forward for internet technology, delivering speeds that are up to 100 times faster than what today's technology can deliver. It will be vastly more responsive than 4G technology and will be able to connect 100 times the number of devices that can be connected with 4G. prgtoken While that will make it even easier to do the things we do today, like check our email or stream our favorite shows, the biggest benefits of 5G lie in the other technologies that it will enable--precision agriculture, medical and surgical innovations, safer vehicles, and more. prgtoken 5G is already being deployed. Cities across the country, including Sioux Falls in my home State, are introducing 5G networks. There is still work to be done before 5G can be fully implemented nationwide. A big part of that work is freeing up adequate spectrum to support the technology. prgtoken Like all internet technology, 5G relies on radio spectrum, or what we commonly call the airwaves. In the United States, radio spectrum is owned by the American taxpayer but is licensed to companies that make use of the spectrum to broadcast TV and radio programs, connect cell phone calls, and transmit internet data. Radio spectrum is divided into bands--low-band, mid-band, and high-band--according to frequency and wavelength. Current wireless technology mostly relies on low-band spectrum, but 5G will require the full range of radio spectrum--low- band, mid-band, and high-band. prgtoken The United States has done a good job freeing up high-band spectrum for 5G, but we need to free up more mid-band spectrum to see full-scale 5G deployment. Mid-band spectrum is crucial for 5G. It combines strong data capacity with good geographical coverage and allows 5G signals to penetrate buildings in more urban areas. Mid-band spectrum is particularly crucial for rural 5G deployment, as it can provide the coverage and capacity to reach less populated areas. prgtoken As past chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee and current chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, I have been working on 5G for a number of years now. In 2018, Congress passed my MOBILE NOW Act, which laid the groundwork for freeing up more spectrum for 5G. prgtoken This past November, Senator Wicker and I introduced the 5G Spectrum Act to require the Federal Communications Commission to free up a critical portion of mid-band spectrum, commonly referred to as C band, for 5G use. While Congress did not enact our legislation, at the end of February, the Federal Communications Commission announced it would adopt a framework similar to that outlined in our bill to make 280 megahertz of C band spectrum available for 5G. prgtoken Currently, C band spectrum is licensed by satellite companies that use the spectrum to deli
SUPPORTING JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS OF SANCTUARY CITIES ACT
W. Gregory Steube (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-3-10

. Madam , I thank Mr. Budd for yielding. prgtoken Madam , I am honored to have the opportunity to stand for justice with the victims of sanctuary cities. prgtoken It is completely offensive to me as an American that we have cities and, in some cases, entire States declaring themselves sanctuaries for illegal immigrants who are mercilessly committing crimes in our Nation. prgtoken American citizens are being assaulted, raped, and murdered at the hands of illegal immigrants who should have been deported by ICE, but due to the blatant disregard of Federal law, cities are giving sanctuary to criminals and rapists while actual American citizens can do absolutely nothing about it. prgtoken Just last year, two illegal immigrants committed a horrific gang- related murder in the Seattle area. One took a baseball bat to the head and body of a high school student, killing him. Another took a machete to the teen, chopping off an arm and a leg and hacking at his neck. prgtoken This followed another gang-related murder in King County, Washington, that also involved an illegal immigrant that local authorities refused to turn over to ICE for deportation. prgtoken In the wake of the killings, King County officials have defended their policies and complained that ICE is harassing the county. Apparently, officials in King County, Washington, would rather have Americans be murdered by machete-wielding illegal immigrants than deport noncitizens who pose a risk to those who actually call America home. prgtoken Ken Cuccinelli, Acting Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, stated at the time: ``You're talking about literally crimes that never should have happened in this country because they're people who, upon their first interaction with the justice system, should have been deported.'' prgtoken Therefore, if cities are going to blatantly ignore the law of the land and provide sanctuary to illegal immigrants that commit crimes in our country, then those cities should be held financially accountable to the families of the victims, and those cities should be stripped of Federal funding until they comply with Federal law. prgtoken I will take a step further. It should be a criminal offense for elected officials to blatantly ignore Federal immigration law, and they should be held accountable for denying ICE the ability to protect our country. prgtoken I encourage all of my colleagues to support this important legislation.
S. 2657
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-3-10

on another matter, this week, we have the opportunity to pass major legislation to strengthen our domestic energy. Chairman Murkowski, Senator Manchin, and the Energy and Natural Resources Committee have assembled a strong, bipartisan bill. I look forward to passing it. prgtoken I was disappointed yesterday when the Senate failed to advance the legislation and clear a path toward completing the bill. The committee's product includes about 50 different bills and contributions from nearly three-fourths of the Members of this body, and contrary to the ic leader's assertions on the floor, I am certainly not blocking any bipartisan amendment. I have stated right here on the floor that I hope and anticipate that we will vote on amendments this week. prgtoken Don't be fooled by the finger-pointing. I am not standing in the way of bipartisan amendments. What is really prgtoken happening is that the ic leader is moving the goalposts. There had been a bipartisan understanding about how to finish this bill, but yesterday the ic leader decided to change his tune and demand a vote on something outside the scope of the current debate. I hope we can get past this showmanship, finish this bipartisan legislation, and send it to the House so we can get it on the President's desk. Let's don't squander this real opportunity. prgtoken Chairman Murkowski's and Senator Manchin's compromise product will help our Nation move toward greater energy security, energy efficiency, and energy affordability for years to come--new support for energy efficiency efforts, new incentives for innovation, new tools to secure our electrical grid, and new ways to strengthen our domestic supply chain for important minerals, and on and on and on. prgtoken This Chamber got it right last week when it proceeded to the bill by a vote of 90 to 4. It hasn't suddenly become controversial overnight. Everyone knows there are plenty of outside issues that Senators do not agree on. We should let ourselves agree on what we do agree on. Let me say that again: We should let ourselves agree on what we do agree on and complete this legislation this week. prgtoken Let's keep legislating. Let's get this done. The American people deserve it.
REQUIRING EVALUATION BY GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE OF SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND HISTORIC CONTRIBUTIONS BY MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Carol D. Miller (Republican, WV) \u2014 2020-3-10

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of H.R. 6020, a bill requiring a Government Accountability Office evaluation of the social, economic, and historic contributions that Minor League Baseball has made to American life and culture. prgtoken This past year, Major League Baseball proposed eliminating at least 40 minor league teams. MLB says their goal is to modernize the minor league system, but communities say the plan is misguided. Minor league teams are often found in smaller cities. I have two in my own district, and I visited with these teams. prgtoken I know they have a vested interest in our communities, and they have a positive economic impact and contribute to our diversification. I have spoken with the fans, and they tell me how the teams provide a sense of community, pride, and togetherness, and improve livability in the region. prgtoken , there are many other benefits that minor league teams provide. For example, the average cost of a major league ticket is over $30, compared to the under $10 for the minor's, and that cost rises exponentially when you factor in parking, concessions, and souvenirs. prgtoken Minor League Baseball also offers an affordable alternative to those families that wish to teach their kids about America's pastime. prgtoken In addition to these individual benefits, Minor League Baseball teams donated over $40 million to local charities in 2018 alone. The minor leagues have also established initiatives providing opportunities to athletes around the world. These initiatives grow the game of baseball. Some of these initiatives include providing training and equipment to Latin-American players and expanding the sport by encouraging young girls to play. prgtoken Minor League Baseball also creates programs and hosts summer camps for kids in their local communities. These programs and camps promote a healthy lifestyle and teach teamwork and leadership. prgtoken , for these reasons, I support this bill, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. prgtoken , .
REMEMBERING DOROTHY MAE BURNS
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2020-3-10

. Madam , I rise today to remember the life of Ms. Dorothy Burns, who passed away on Sunday, February 16, at the age of 84. prgtoken Throughout her life, Ms. Burns was a trailblazing woman who was heavily involved in Georgia government, advocating for candidates she thought were best for our State. prgtoken Within the State, she served as the very first vice chair of the Georgia Party. Ms. Burns held leadership roles on countless successful campaigns, including Georgia Senators Johnny Isakson, Mack Mattingly, and Paul Coverdell and Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. . Additionally, she served numerous times as a delegate to national political conventions and as a Presidential elector. prgtoken But her dedication did not stop with politics. In Gainesville, Georgia, Ms. Burns taught the speech and hearing impaired how to read braille. She founded the K-12 school, Lakeview Academy, which continues to thrive today. prgtoken Ms. Burns is leaving our State much better than she found it and will be deeply missed. Her family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
RECOGNIZING THE 10TH ANNUAL WOMEN BUILD EVENT
Jefferson Van Drew (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2020-3-10

. Madam , I would like to honor the 10th annual Women Build event held by the Salem County Habitat for Humanity. The event and the building took place in Penns Grove, south Jersey. The three homes that were built in Penns Grove will be dedicated on March 30 of this year. prgtoken Across the country and around the world, about 6,000 women will unite in more than 235 communities to build and improve 540 homes. The Women Build event also raises awareness about housing issues facing women and facing their families. prgtoken Madam , I thank all of the volunteers who helped at the event. They are changing lives for the better and making our community thrive. I thank them for what they do. prgtoken I would specifically like to recognize Stephanie Williams. Stephanie has put her tools to great use to help families in her community. prgtoken It inspires me to see such great work happening in our own backyard, and I thank them for all of their dedicated service, their kind hearts, and their hard work in changing the lives of those who are very much in need.
ADVANCED GEOTHERMAL INNOVATION LEADERSHIP ACT OF 2019--Continued
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2020-3-10

the fact is that America's firefighters put their lives on the line every day to keep people safe. They do it here at home, and they do it when they go abroad. prgtoken This resolution applauds the brave men and women who responded to the Australian people in their hour of need. It also promotes the sharing of critical resources, research, and best practices. This will help us prevent and suppress future fires. prgtoken Be assured that the American-Australian firefighting alliance will continue to protect us in the time of crisis. Our bipartisan resolution celebrates this enduring partnership. prgtoken Thank you. prgtoken .
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL NENG VANG
Richard Hudson (Republican, NC) \u2014 2020-3-10

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Lieutenant Colonel Neng Vang, a true American hero and inspiration to many throughout North Carolina's Eighth Congressional District. Lt.Col. Vang was born on January 5, 1942 in Phuv Luam, Xieng Khouang Province, Laos. After graduating from Nai Leoui Dong Heng Military Academy in 1963, he felt compelled to defend his country from the rising threat of communist forces. Lt.Col. Vang proved to be instrumental in many American operations throughout the region and assisted the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in rescuing fallen American pilots, securing U.S. radar stations, and preventing Northern Vietnamese assets from reaching South Vietnam. He served alongside the United States at great personal risk until the fall of Laos on May 15, 1975. Following the war, Lt.Col. Vang led a refugee camp in Thailand where he established post offices, implemented a system of law and justice, and provided valuable vocational training to fellow refugees. Lt.Col. Vang fled with his family to the United States on December 24, 1982 and later settled in Troy, North Carolina. He became an American citizen on April 2, 1993 and dedicated the remainder of his life to the preservation of Hmong heritage and tradition. I am honored to join our community today in remembering his remarkable life and service. Madam , please join me today in honoring the life and legacy of Lieutenant Colonel Neng Vang.
HONORING THE HEROISM OF LIEUTENANT ERIC VARNER AND DETECTIVE EUGENE WATLINGTON
Eric A. "Rick" Crawford (Republican, AR) \u2014 2020-3-10

I rise today to honor the heroism of two police officers in Forrest City, Arkansas, Lieutenant Eric Varner and Detective Eugene Watlington, who stopped a potential mass shooting in progress on February 10. prgtoken On that fateful morning, a gunman entered a Wal-Mart in Forrest City and began threatening customers. Officers Varner and Watlington responded within minutes, despite not wearing body armor, as plainclothes officers. When they confronted the suspect and tried to peacefully deescalate the situation, the gunman opened fire. Both officers were struck, but they were able to return fire and kill the shooter. prgtoken Both officers were seriously injured, and I ask that my colleagues join me in praying for a speedy and full recovery. prgtoken Lieutenant Varner and Detective Watlington saved many lives that day without regard for their own safety, and I invite Congress to join me in honoring them.
MOVING OUR DEMOCRACY AND CONGRESSIONAL OPERATIONS TOWARDS MODERNIZATION RESOLUTION
Dan Newhouse (Republican, WA) \u2014 2020-3-10

I want to thank my good friend, Mr. Davis, for yielding and thank him also for all of his hard work bringing this resolution to the floor. I also want to thank him for being here in person himself to help us argue the good points of this resolution and its bipartisan nature. prgtoken , for over a year, the bipartisan Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress has worked together to discuss how Congress, as an institution, conducts business on behalf of the American people. prgtoken From broad subjects, like government transparency and congressional office payroll, to narrower topics, like formatting legislative documents, our goal is to bring Congress into the same century as the constituents whom we serve. prgtoken This resolution is a great first step in accomplishing that goal. It requires our technology offices to streamline the approval process for new and innovative technologies. It takes steps towards Housewide bulk purchasing of technology products and services and will save every Member money out of their MRAs. prgtoken Additionally, the resolution examines expanding or eliminating the cap on the number of employees for Member offices. Many Members, particularly in rural areas like my district in central Washington, have multiple district offices, and Members should be able to staff their offices as they see fit. prgtoken Empowering Members to adequately staff both district and D.C. offices can improve retention, but, more importantly, it can improve communication with our constituents. prgtoken , in closing, I would like to again thank Chairman Kilmer and Ranking Member Graves for their leadership and their work in bringing this resolution to the floor. prgtoken , I encourage all of my colleagues, all Members, to support the adoption of this resolution.
BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT ACCURACY AND TECHNOLOGICAL AVAILABILITY ACT
Roger F. Wicker (Republican, MS) \u2014 2020-3-10

I rise in support of S. 1822, the Broadband DATA Act, and in a moment I will make a unanimous consent request with regard to that legislation. prgtoken This bill will ensure that the FCC has the most accurate broadband coverage maps in the world today to deploy 5G networks. As you know, we were in a race to win that race globally, and I think we can still do it. prgtoken In December, the Senate unanimously passed this measure, S. 1822, but because the House passed a slightly amended version last week, we need to act again to get this bill across the finish line. prgtoken We have a digital divide in this country which threatens to leave rural America behind. We have done a lot to address that divide. However, an estimated 20 million Americans still lack access to broadband--Americans like those in Arizona or Mississippi or other States across our heartland. Every year, the FCC spends billions of dollars to promote deployment of broadband across the United States. S. 1822 will result in highly detailed and accurate maps so that the FCC can direct support to areas most in need. prgtoken This legislation represents extensive negotiation and work on a bipartisan and bicameral basis, for which I congratulate this Senate. My hat is off to our colleagues in the other body and thanks to all the staff who have helped on both sides of the aisle. prgtoken , I ask the Chair lay before the Senate the message to accompany S. 1822. prgtoken The Presiding Officer laid before the Senate the following message from the House of Representatives: Resolved, That the bill from the Senate (S. 1822) entitled ``An act to require the Federal Communications Commission to issue rules relating to the collection of data with respect to the availability of broadband services and for other purposes.'', do pass with an amendment. Motion to Concur
SUPPORTING JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS OF SANCTUARY CITIES ACT
Roger Williams (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-3-10

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken The greatest commitment I make to my constituents in Texas' 25th District is to keep them and their families safe. Unfortunately, some State and local governments are choosing to put politics over public safety by passing sanctuary immigration laws that prevent local law enforcement from cooperating with Federal immigration officers. prgtoken Sanctuary laws not only release dangerous criminals back onto our streets, but they also are a slap in the face to the millions of immigrants who went through the legal process to enter the United States and comply with our laws. prgtoken I believe that individuals who enter our country illegally should never be afforded the same privileges as law-abiding Texans. prgtoken I support President 's decisive and necessary actions to withhold Federal grants from sanctuary jurisdictions that proactively make immigration officers' jobs more challenging by refusing to follow the law. prgtoken Congress must take additional action to follow in the footsteps of the administration. For that reason, today, I am proud to speak in support of the Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act. prgtoken This important bill holds State and local governments accountable if they choose to put the public at risk by not following immigration laws. It allows for the victims to sue sanctuary jurisdictions if a crime was committed by an individual who was released back into the public instead of being turned over to Federal immigration enforcement officers. prgtoken A report by the Texas Department of Public Safety found that 214,000 illegal aliens were charged with over 340,000 crimes between 2011 and February 2020. Many were serious offenses that put the public at risk. There were over 600 homicides, 37,000 assaults, and 3,400 weapons charges, just to name a few. prgtoken The victims of these crimes deserve to have an avenue to fight back against sanctuary policies. This bill would force State and local governments to choose whether they will change their dangerous policies and get in line with Federal immigration laws or risk being sued when there is a serious crime committed by an illegal immigrant. prgtoken The Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act is the first step to holding rogue State and local governments accountable for exploiting our broken immigration system. prgtoken I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to put the safety of their constituents first by supporting our efforts to get this bill across the finish line. prgtoken In God we trust.