mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
BANK SERVICE COMPANY EXAMINATION COORDINATION ACT OF 2019
Michael F. Q. San Nicolas (Democrat, GU) \u2014 2019-9-10

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in strong support of H.R. 241, the Bank Service Company Examination Coordination Act of 2019. prgtoken I thank the gentleman from Texas, Representative Williams, for his work on this bill that would promote better coordination between Federal and State banking regulators as they oversee third-party vendors and companies that provide a wide range of services for banks. prgtoken In recent years, technology has disrupted every industry, including banking, and has given the significant cybersecurity risks that come with that technology. prgtoken In light of the recent Capital One data breach, which involved consumer data the bank stored on a cloud server provided by Amazon Web Services, a third-party service provider, or TSP, used by the bank and many other companies, it is important that Congress ensure there is strong oversight over these third-party companies that work with banks. prgtoken Currently, the Bank Service Company Act authorizes Federal regulators to examine TSPs to assess the risks they may pose to the banks with which they work. Similarly, many State banking regulators are authorized to examine bank TSPs under various State laws. These State regulators are responsible for ensuring that these third-party relationships do not pose undue risks to the State-chartered banking system, which accounts for nearly 80 percent of all banks in the United States. prgtoken However, the Bank Service Company Act is silent regarding State bank regulators, which could hamper information sharing among State and Federal regulators. prgtoken While H.R. 241 would not give States any new authority to conduct TSP exams, it would recognize at the Federal level the supervisory authority that many State regulators already have under current State law and encourage Federal regulators to coordinate with them. prgtoken Given the increase in fintech companies that partner with banks, especially State-chartered banks, it is important that we consider ways to encourage innovation, coordination, and consistency among Federal and State regulators in the oversight of TSPs. prgtoken Furthermore, in its 2017 annual report, the Financial Stability Oversight Council recommended that Congress pass legislation to strengthen oversight of third-party companies that prgtoken work with banks to improve cybersecurity. To that end, last Congress, and s of the Committee on Financial Services voted unanimously, 56-0, in support of this legislation. prgtoken H.R. 241 will promote consistency and strengthen oversight of our banks and the technology companies with which they work. Therefore, I encourage Members to support H.R. 241, and .
CROATIAN SONS LODGE NUMBER 170 GOLDEN MEMBER BANQUET ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2019
Peter J. Visclosky (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2019-9-10

. Madam , it is my distinct honor to congratulate the Croatian Sons Lodge Number 170 of the Croatian Fraternal Union on the festive occasion of its Golden Member banquet, which will take place on Sunday, September 15, 2019. The Croatian Fraternal Union will hold its biennial gala at the Croatian Center in Merrillville, Indiana. Traditionally, the celebration entails a formal recognition of the Union's Golden Members, those who have achieved at least fifty years of membership. This year's honorees who have attained golden membership include the following individuals: Leslie G. Aulie, Valentine W. Bahun II, Edmund Bartowski, David Charles Batusic, Shirley Marie Blaney, Magdalene Douchette, Marlene B. Dravet, Richard Wayne Falatic, Corrine L. Fandrei, Michael W. Farrenkopf, Barbara Ann Glutting, Cheryl L. Gognski, George J. Haralovich, Peter P. Haralovich, Margaret Ispas-Hennessey, Katica Kirincic, Stjepan Kirincic, Andrew A. Klobuchar, Suzanne Kolodzeij, Donald Kometz, Linda Kronberg, Carol Elaine Licari, Ana Listar, Gregory Livovich, Doris J. Loggins, Nicholas Scott Malich, Harold A. Mathews, Charles W. Mauder, Donna Lynn Mauder, Gerald Michael Medved, Susan Irene Meges, Yvonne M. Miller, Frank Joseph Mosca Jr Mildred Preiboy, Barbara A. Saunders, Jeffrey Jon Sikora, Richard Allen Stiak, Nicholas S. Svetich, Tina Svetich, Vladimir Tadej, Joseph George Tropsich, Gerald Joseph Unmisig, and Barbara J. Zurawski. Madam , I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Lodge President John Miksich and all members of the Croatian Fraternal Union, Lodge Number 170, for their loyalty and radiant display of passion for their ethnicity. The Croatian community has played a key role in enriching the quality of life and culture of Northwest Indiana. It is my hope that this year will bring renewed prosperity for all members of the Croatian community and their families.
RECOGNIZING THE BAT MITZVA OF LEAH WENDY SELTZER
Theodore E. Deutch (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2019-9-10

. Madam , I rise today with my colleagues, Representatives Alcee Hastings and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, in honor of Leah Seltzer on the occasion of her Bat Mitzvah at Congregation Kol Tikvah in Parkland, Florida. We know that Leah has been eagerly looking forward to this moment, and we are honored to share this special day with her friends and family. prgtoken As a seventh grader at Donna Klein Jewish Academy, she excels at English and Art where she is known by her classmates and teachers to have a great eye for detail. Outside of the classroom, Leah loves to sing, dance, and play soccer, as well as travel with her whole extended family. prgtoken Leah's passions also include helping less fortunate members of her community, through programs organized by the Children's Services Council of Broward County. Her Bat Mitzvah project, which was making peanut butter and jelly lunches and stocking shelves for LifeNet for Families, further speaks to this passion and demonstrates that Leah lives by the Hebrew phrase ``Tikkun Olam'', to repair the world. prgtoken We join in wishing ``Mazel Tov'' to Leah and her family. We also wish her every success in her promising future as she continues her personal and academic pursuits. It is with great pleasure that we honor this remarkable young woman on her special day.
HONORING AVIATION MACHINIST MATE FIRST CLASS BERNARD BARTUSIAK ON HIS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
Daniel Lipinski (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-9-10

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of Aviation Machinist Mate First Class Bernard Bartusiak of Chicago, Illinois, who is being honored with two Distinguished Flying Cross medals and seven additional service medals. Mr. Bartusiak is a veteran who bravely served our nation in the United States Navy during World War II. prgtoken Even as a young boy, Mr. Bartusiak felt a sense of duty to his community and his country. Since he was ten years old his dream was to join the United States Navy Air Force and at seventeen, he realized his dream and enlisted. Mr. Bartusiak served as a Navy Flight Engineer and bravely flew in over forty combat missions during World War II. prgtoken Following the war, Mr Bartusiak worked as a corporate accountant before opening his own accounting and tax service. He was married to Dolores for 65 years and they raised two daughters together, Candy and Jill. He now has two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Mr. Bartusiak is a loving father, grandfather, and friend to many. prgtoken For Mr. Bartusiak's heroism and extraordinary achievement as aircrew of a PB4Y Liberator Aircraft in the European Theater of World War II, he has been awarded two Distinguished Flying Cross medals as well as seven additional service medals. These decorations exemplify Mr. Bartusiak's dedication to the Navy's core values of honor, courage, and commitment, as well as his country. prgtoken Mr. Bartusiak's sacrifice and dedication to our country are an inspiration to us all. He is a man who defended our country at a time of tremendous need. I ask my colleagues to Join me in honoring his service, bravery, and dedication to his family and community.
RAISING AWARENESS OF DAMAGE DONE BY MANDATORY ARBITRATION AND SUPPORTING THE FAIR ACT
Jackie Speier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-9-10

. Madam , I thank the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky) for her comments on this Special Order. As she said at the end, she is one of the loudest voices to make sure there is justice in this country. prgtoken Madam , we could tell many more stories tonight, but I am going to close now by thanking all of my colleagues from the ic Women's Caucus for sharing the stories of women and men who are hurt by forced arbitration and demonstrating the human impact of this corrupt and abusive practice. prgtoken We are eager to have the House of Representatives take a vote on the FAIR Act on the House floor because survivors deserve their day in court and workers deserve dignified and respectful workplaces. prgtoken Madam , .
UNITED STATES-MEXICO-CANADA AGREEMENT
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-9-10

agriculture and the family farmers of America depend upon exports for prosperity. Passing the U.S.-Mexico- Canada Agreement is then critical to provide farmers and ranchers with the certainty they need to make long-term business decisions. prgtoken Over $10 billion worth of agricultural products are exported each year to our neighbors, and that supports more than 86,000 jobs. Modernizing and improving our trade relationships with Canada and Mexico is a bipartisan no-brainer. prgtoken Former Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and I discussed the USMCA in Des Moines last month at a local dairy processing plant. Secretary Vilsack and I agree we must pass the USMCA to help our farmers. prgtoken .
Nomination of James Byrne (Executive Calendar)
Johnny Isakson (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-9-10

we have a second to certify our growth in the VA by nominating James Byrne and approving his appointment. We have all worked hard to see that the VA is responsive. We get good news in the papers, not bad news. We are helping our veterans get back to work. The VA is working. We have some problems, but we have a lot fewer than we used to have. A lot of that is because of James Byrne. He has been working already, and we need to make him permanent. Please help us to confirm James Byrne. prgtoken I yield to the Senator from Montana, Mr. Tester.
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2019-9-10

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the prgtoken sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
Debbie Smith Act (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-9-10

for nearly 15 years, the Debbie Smith Act has been the driving force behind our progress to eliminate the Nation's rape kit backlog. prgtoken Though exact numbers are difficult to estimate, experts believe there are hundreds of thousands of untested rape kits in the United States. Each one of them, of course, represents a different story--the story of a sexual assault victim. Also, as a result of DNA science, it holds the key to apprehending a violent criminal and stopping them from committing further assaults. prgtoken Since the Debbie Smith Act was signed into law in 2004, more than $1 billion has been invested in State and local crime labs for DNA testing. This program also supports training for law enforcement, correctional personnel, forensic nurses, and other professionals who work with victims of sexual assault. Though the primary goal of the program is to reduce the rape kit backlog and identify attackers, processing this DNA evidence can assist investigations into other nonviolent crimes as well. prgtoken Once evidence is tested, it is uploaded into the FBI's DNA database, called CODIS. This is similar to the criminal fingerprint database but provides DNA evidence that can help identify and convict people who commit other crimes. So if it is collected as a result of a sexual assault, you may, in fact, be able to get a hit that will help you identify someone who has committed a burglary, a murder, a robbery, or some other crime. This is particularly true when somebody commits a crime in one State and moves to another State--to be able to connect the identity of the person based on their DNA, not based on where the offense was committed. According to the National Institute of Justice, 42 percent of hits in the FBI's DNA database system are the direct result of Debbie Smith Act funding--42 percent. prgtoken In addition to helping us get more criminals off the streets, this information could also be the key to exonerating individuals who were wrongly prgtoken accused and preventing innocent people from being put behind bars for a crime they didn't commit. DNA evidence is very, very powerful. prgtoken States have seen the positive results of this program at the national level and have been following suit. Texas has led the Nation in passing mandatory rape kit testing laws, conducting audits of the backlog, and using Debbie Smith funds to analyze untested sexual assault evidence. prgtoken Since 2011, the Debbie Smith Act has helped Texas reduce its backlog of previously unsubmitted rape kits by approximately 90 percent--from over 20,000 kits to now around 2,000. This program has allowed us to provide victims of sexual assault with the resources they need and the answers they deserve while more effectively identifying criminals across the board. prgtoken The benefits of this law simply cannot be overstated, and that is why the Debbie Smith Act was readily reauthorized in 2008 and 2014. Now it is
200TH ANNIVERSARY OF F.O. BAILEY
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2019-9-10

. Madam , in 1819, young Henry Bailey opened a general store on Ingraham's Wharf in Portland, ME, and began auctioning salvaged goods. Two hundred years later, the F.O. Bailey Company is still going strong, and I am delighted to congratulate this outstanding Maine business on its bicentennial anniversary. prgtoken The company was purchased in 2014 by the husband and wife team of real-estate broker David Jones and antiques professional Nancy McInnis- Jones, who continue the two-century tradition of integrity, expertise, and experience. prgtoken Founded 1 year before Maine achieved statehood, F.O. Bailey exemplifies the traditions of entrepreneurship, innovation, and hard work that define our State. In 1827, the Bailey Company diversified by manufacturing rolltop desks and display cabinets and moved to a larger facility on Exchange Street. Despite national and local economic ups and downs and the disruption of the Civil War, the auctioneering business was a solid foundation for growth. prgtoken In 1866, the booming city of Portland was devastated by the Great Fire, the worst urban fire in America to that date. Among the many impressive buildings destroyed by that catastrophe was the Bailey store. prgtoken Henry Bailey died the following year, and the company was carried on by his son, Frederick Orville Bailey. As Portland rose from the ashes with a new downtown of brick, stone, and cast iron, F.O. Bailey led the family business into a new era of growth. prgtoken Today, under the leadership of David and Nancy, F.O. Bailey's real estate and antiques and auction divisions provide 38 good jobs. It is significant that, in addition to antiques, the company promotes contemporary Maine art and quality handcrafted furniture. prgtoken The F.O. Bailey Company was founded when Maine was just coming into its own. The optimism and confidence of that time continue today, and I wish this remarkable company great success in the years to come.
Francis Rooney (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-9-10

the majority of this activity is right along the area east of the military mission line at longitude 86 degrees 41 minutes, which we can see right here. This blue line is the military mission line. prgtoken As we can see, the military forecast is that the majority of testing is to take place adjacent to the east of this line--not out in here, but right in here, where it is most critical. prgtoken I have circled here all of the major bases, including one of the largest ones in the country, Eglin Air Force Base. prgtoken , I urge all of my colleagues to protect both this military mission line and Florida's tourist-based economy by voting ``yes'' on the rule.
PROTECT PATIENTS FROM SURPRISE MEDICAL BILLS
Ross Spano (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-9-10

. Madam , I rise today to announce a bill I recently introduced in the House, the Protecting Patients from Surprise Medical Bills Act, which is a companion bill to Senator Scott's recent legislation. prgtoken No one seeking medical care should ever have to worry about incurring unexpected, crippling expenses, especially when they have done everything right by obtaining health insurance. That is why then- Governor Rick Scott and I worked to pass a bill in Florida to solve this issue. prgtoken This law takes patients completely out of the billing process, protecting patients from surprise medical bills for emergency services and for mistakenly seeing an out-of-network healthcare provider at an in-network hospital. prgtoken This bill has experienced widespread success in Florida, which is why we are prgtoken introducing legislation to apply these policies to healthcare plans regulated at the Federal level. prgtoken I have personally known the fear of being rushed to the emergency room. In that moment, no one should have to worry about their finances. prgtoken This bill not only seeks to save Americans money but also provides the peace of mind for them to focus on healing.
Debbie Lesko (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2019-9-10

such time as I may consume. prgtoken If we defeat the previous question, I have an amendment to the rule to prohibit the use of Federal funds for payments in support of campaigns for the offices of Senators or Representatives. prgtoken I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of the amendment in the Record, along with extraneous material, immediately prior to the vote on the previous question.
CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF MRS. THELMA ROMBERGER
Scott Perry (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-9-10

. Madam , today I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Thelma Romberger, a resident of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, who is celebrating 100 years young on Thursday, December 12, 2019. prgtoken Mrs. Romberger was born in her grandmother's farmhouse in rural Carlisle and has since claimed Southcentral Pennsylvania as her lifelong home. She married her husband of 53 years, World War II Veteran Chester E. Romberger, in May of 1941. Throughout her life, Mrs. Romberger owned and operated both a grocery store and a mobile home park; she also mowed her own grass with a push lawn mower well into her eighties. prgtoken She previously enjoyed camping and is now both an avid salt and pepper shaker collector and Checkers player. prgtoken I join Thelma's friends and family in extending my best and warmest wishes to her on this special day, and in celebrating her life and contributions to our great Commonwealth and Country. prgtoken On behalf of Pennsylvania's Tenth Congressional District, I extend God's blessings and my heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Thelma Romberger on her 100th Birthday.
400TH ANNIVERSARY OF SLAVERY
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-9-10

now on an entirely different matter, today Congress observes the 400th anniversary of a reprehensible moment in the history of our land. In August 1619, an English ship landed at the tip of Virginia's Lower Peninsula. On board were 20-some Africans whom the crew had captured from a Portuguese slave ship. These men and women were sold to the Colonies, and with that, England's American Colonies had taken their first step into the already massive transatlantic slave trade. The shameful history of slavery in what would become our Nation had begun. prgtoken In many ways, slavery is the original sin of the United States of America. This systematic racial exploitation wove its way into the Colonies' economies and societies. Almost two centuries later, the disgusting practice was a stumbling block in our founding debates. It ultimately was allowed to continue for the sake of union. prgtoken Some of our Founders participated personally even as they argued the philosophical case for equality under God and under law. Thomas Jefferson owned slaves while he wrote the Declaration of Independence-- and the shameful inconsistency was not lost on him. Jefferson wrote: ``Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that his justice cannot sleep forever.'' prgtoken Indeed, justice did not sleep forever. The last century and a half has seen the moral truths on which this Nation is founded slowly overcome one racist evil after another. After an unthinkably bloody Civil War, slavery in America was no more. Almost a century later--much too late--the failures of Reconstruction and the cruelty of Jim Crow began giving way to the heroism of the civil rights movement. prgtoken Change has come too slow. The process has been incredibly imperfect. But every American should take pride in the undeniable progress we have made prgtoken in overcoming the terrible chapter that was opened 400 years ago. We should take pride that our American ideals of equality and justice--not the sins of our forefathers--are the true, deepest bedrock of this great Nation. prgtoken Today, with the Nation, Congress looks back to 1619 and remembers the size and scope of slavery's stain on our history. We mark this somber anniversary with grief for all the slaves whose God-given freedoms were so brutally denied. We reflect gratefully on the tremendous, rich contribution that generations of African Americans have made to this Nation despite this violence and adversity. We give thanks that true American values slammed the door on this unjust part of our Nation's history and continue to prevail today.
BANK SERVICE COMPANY EXAMINATION COORDINATION ACT OF 2019
Steve Stivers (Republican, OH) \u2014 2019-9-10

such time as I may consume. prgtoken H.R. 241 will help reduce duplicative examinations and better coordinate the exams that State and Federal agencies give to our financial system to better identify vulnerabilities of individual institutions in the overall system. It is a bipartisan act that will do great things for our financial services system. I would urge its adoption. prgtoken .
SUPPORTING INDIANA'S NATIONAL GUARD
Greg Pence (Republican, IN) \u2014 2019-9-10

. Madam , I rise today in strong support for the Army National Guard's proposal to station a cyber battalion at Atterbury- Muscatatuck in Indiana's Sixth District. prgtoken The Indiana National Guard's existing capabilities, programs, and infrastructures make the Hoosier State an prgtoken ideal location for a cyber battalion. Home to the Department of Defense's only live, full-scale cyber range, Muscatatuck Urban Training Center boasts cutting-edge technology that is only a stone's throw away from national experts at the Naval Surface Warfare Center--Crane. prgtoken I am thankful for the opportunity to have visited Camp Atterbury and Muscatatuck a few weeks ago, and I hope that soon we are able to welcome the next cyber battalion to the Hoosier State. Supporting the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration