mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Bipartisan American Miners Act (Executive Session)
Joe Manchin, III (Democrat, WV) \u2014 2019-11-21

I want to first say thank you to my colleagues, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senators Capito, Portman, Jones, Kaine, Duckworth, Brown, Casey, Durbin, Warner, Sinema, Van Hollen, and Reed, who have cosponsored this legislation with me, for standing with me to protect coal miners' pensions and healthcare, and specifically Senator Capito, who will be joining me here on the floor today. prgtoken Yesterday marked the 51st anniversary of the Farmington No. 9 disaster, where 78 coal miners lost their lives in the Consolidation Coal Company's No. 9 mine in Farmington, WV, which is my hometown. I lost my uncle John Gouzd in that mine explosion, I lost my neighbor John Sopuch, and I lost several of my classmates in that tragedy that rocked my hometown. It seems like only yesterday. prgtoken I have always said that one life lost while on the job is one too many. It prgtoken shouldn't happen. This tragedy shows the risk our coal miners take every day to provide our country with the energy we need, which is why I am here today. prgtoken When coal companies go bankrupt, coal miners' benefits are at the bottom of the priority list, which is how we have ended up in this situation today, and that is unacceptable. It should be unacceptable to all of us. prgtoken The person who earns the wage should be on the front end of the line when a bankruptcy happens, and whatever happens, they are taken care of first. Time is running out for our coal miners. We need it fixed now-- not in a few weeks, not in 2020, but now. Year after year, our coal miners risk their lives to bring America the energy needed to become the world leader that we are today. Our coal miners made a commitment to our country, and now, it is our turn to uphold the commitment we made to them in 1946 by securing their hard-earned pensions in healthcare. prgtoken Let me tell you about the coal that we have in our country and has been mined by our hard-working coal miners since the beginning of the 20th century. That coal basically has fueled every war that we have been in, helped us win every war, helped propel us to the industrial might that we are today, built our factories. It has done everything for us, and all we are doing now is trying to make sure that the people that sacrificed all these years are taken care of. prgtoken We have 1,000 coal miners who will lose their healthcare coverage on December 31 of this year, a little over a month from now. We also have 12,000 more coal miners who will lose their healthcare in March of next year, and that is only 4 months away. This is an issue that must be dealt with immediately, and time is running out. If you are one of those 1,000 coal miners and one of your family members is depending on their healthcare--probably life-supporting healthcare--and they are thinking they are going to lose it at the end of this month, it is unconscionable for us to walk out of here and not get this piece of
DELAY MEDICAL DEVICE TAX
Anthony Brindisi (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-11-21

. Madam , I rise today in support of the advanced manufacturing that is happening in New York's medical device industry. prgtoken Medical device companies across New York employ nearly 20,000 people, paying good wages, helping patients live healthier lives, and making products here in the United States. prgtoken Companies like Welch Allyn and ConMed are expanding manufacturing prgtoken in upstate New York and creating hundreds of new jobs. But this growth could be hurt if we see the return of the medical device tax. prgtoken The current suspension of the device tax expires on December 31. Allowing this tax to return could erode gains in employment in the med- tech sector from the last 4 years, ultimately hurting innovation and patient access to new technology. prgtoken Madam , I hope we can work together this year as and s to delay this tax and keep supporting American manufacturing.
SUPPORTING NATIONAL RURAL HEALTH DAY
Ann M. Kuster (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2019-11-21

. Madam , I rise today on National Rural Health Day to bring attention to the importance of healthcare in rural communities across this country and in New Hampshire. prgtoken Far too often, there are substantial health disparities for those living in rural America. Our rural communities face growing and unique healthcare challenges exacerbated by distance and the time it takes to see a provider. prgtoken That is why I am a proud cosponsor of H.R. 4995, the Maternal Health Quality Improvement Act. This legislation would create rural maternal network grant programs and ensure maternal health providers are eligible for telehealth. prgtoken This is especially impactful for Granite State families that face long distances and deal with extreme workforce shortages that make it difficult to access much-needed care. For them, having access to telehealth for maternal care is a real life-changer. prgtoken We must all continue to support and lift up the innovation, quality, and service of rural healthcare providers and facilities.
Nomination of Dan R. Brouillette (Executive Session)
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2019-11-21

every Senator knows the House is now in the middle of an impeachment inquiry. Here in this Chamber, the Senate has been considering the nomination of Dan Brouillette to be Energy Secretary, replacing Rick Perry. prgtoken In my view, questions about Secretary Perry's conduct in Ukraine--and what Mr. Brouillette may know about that conduct--tie this nomination to the impeachment inquiry in an important way. I have come to believe there are several significant unanswered questions about Secretary Perry's role in changing the board of a state-owned energy company called Naftogaz. prgtoken What Secretary Perry, his campaign donors, and certain crooked associates of Rudy Giuliani stood to gain from those changes is something the Senate ought to be digging into. We have been hearing about Secretary Perry's role in 's scheme with respect to withholding a meeting and military aid until Ukrainian President Zelensky agreed to interfere in the 2020 elections in the United States. prgtoken The investigations seem to be piling up. Every time a new piece of information comes to light, it raises yet more and more questions about schemes that sure look, based on the facts, to be corrupt. Somehow, Secretary Perry seems to be making his way out the door without facing much, if any, scrutiny. Now the Senate is trying to fast-track his replacement. prgtoken I will put it simply: Enough, enough. It is time for the Senate to get some answers instead of just saying everything is A-OK at the Energy Department. prgtoken I am going to take just a few minutes to explain what this is all about. Mr. Perry is famously one of the ``three amigos'' who took control of U.S. ties with Ukraine under the direction of the President and his personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani. Secretary Perry attended President Zelensky's inauguration in May. They held a private meeting. It has been reported that Secretary Perry pushed President Zelensky to fire members of the board of Naftogaz--a Ukrainian energy giant--and replace them with Secretary Perry's own political donors. prgtoken At a second meeting with Ukrainian government and energy sector officials, Secretary Perry reportedly said the entire board ought to be replaced. The Associated Press reported that one person who attended the meeting said that ``he was floored by the American requests because the person had always viewed the U.S. government `as having a higher ethical standard.' '' prgtoken The changes Secretary Perry was seeking lined up with changes sought by two shady characters named Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman, associates of Rudy Giuliani's. They also wanted different leadership at Naftogaz. prgtoken I am going to read now from an Associated Press report. As Rudy Giuliani was pushing Ukrainian officials last spring to investigate one of 's main political rivals, a group of individuals with ties to the president and his personal lawyer wer
CLOTURE MOTION
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-11-21

right now, as we are gathered here on the Senate floor, the Senate and House conferees are in the process of trying to negotiate a final agreement on the NDAA. That is the National Defense Authorization Act. One of the key issues in the final discussions over the NDAA involves a provision designed to protect the integrity of American elections against outside interference from Russia or any other adversary. It is a provision based on bipartisan legislation that Senator Rubio and I introduced over a year ago to deter Russian interference in a future American election. The legislation is called the DETER Act, the idea being: Let's deter Russia from attacking our democracy. prgtoken I believe it would be grossly negligent for the conferees to the National Defense Authorization Act to bring back to the House and the Senate a measure that does not include a provision to defend our democracy from Russian interference. The entire Senate must share that sentiment because we unanimously voted on a resolution just a short time ago to include such a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act. prgtoken I have in my hand a copy of that resolution. It was S. Res. 330. It instructs the managers on the part of the Senate on bill S. 1790--that is the National Defense Authorization Bill--to require certain measures to address Federal election interference by foreign governments. prgtoken It goes on to instruct the Senate conferees to require the appropriate official of the executive branch, after each Federal election, to promptly submit to Congress a determination as to whether the Government of the Russian Federation, or any other foreign government, has interfered in such election and a detailed assessment of any such interference that identifies, to the maximum extent practicable, the individuals responsible for the interference and to promptly impose sanctions on any foreign government that has been determined to have interfered in a Federal election, including specified individuals and entities within the territory of the government. prgtoken That is what the U.S. Senate unanimously voted on to instruct our conferees to the National Defense Authorization Act negotiations. What I just read is the guts of the idea in the bipartisan DETER Act that Senator Rubio and I have introduced. prgtoken Here is what we know. We know that Russia interfered in the 2016 election. How do we know that? It was the unanimous verdict of the entire U.S. intelligence community, including the leaders of intelligence agencies appointed by this President. It was also the bipartisan verdict of the Senate Intelligence Committee--a committee that painstakingly documented the fact that election systems in all 50 States were targeted by Russia in 2016--to different degrees but in all 50 States. In fact, that Senate Intelligence Committee report was the first public--the first public--acknowledgement of how extensive the Russi
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PREVENTION FOR HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICE WORKERS ACT
Joe Courtney (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2019-11-21

. Madam Chair, just really quickly, it is true, yesterday that notice went out scheduling that panel. I would just note, that is the third time the department has sent out such a notice, and they have canceled the prior panels. We will see whether or not it actually happens in January. prgtoken We are in the third year of this administration, after a GAO report, again after statistics and hearings, where we have asked questions of the department to move on this, and frankly, we are talking about adopting OSHA's own guidelines in the interim standards. prgtoken This is not some farfetched, radical proposal. It is their own recommendations about how you can safely and effectively reduce workplace violence. prgtoken Madam Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Bonamici), a great member of the Education and Labor Committee.
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PREVENTION FOR HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICE WORKERS ACT
Antonio Delgado (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-11-21

. Madam Chair, I just want to piggyback on that, if I may, and say, with over 27,000 small businesses in my district, it is a priority of mine. As somebody who is a part of the Small Business Committee, I take very seriously the ways in which our government is able to aid and not frustrate the workings of our local economy. prgtoken I would like to, once again, thank Congressman Courtney for introducing this critical legislation, and I urge Members on both sides of the aisle to support my amendment. prgtoken Madam Chair, .
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF STAN JONES, TULALIP TRIBES LEADER
Suzan K. DelBene (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2019-11-21

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Stan Jones, Sr Scho-Hallem, a former leader of Washington state's Tulalip Tribes who passed away this month at the age of 93. Like many Native households during the 1930s, Stan grew up poor, often without access to running water or electricity. But Stan persevered, and made the brave decision to join the U.S. Marines Corps when he was 17-years-old. He served during World War II in the 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division in the Pacific. He was sent to Nagasaki, Japan not long after the Atomic bomb was dropped on the city. Upon returning home, Stan began his life's work improving the lives of his people. He served on the Tulalip Board of Directors for 44 years, including 26 years as Chairman. Stan travelled across the country and the world representing Tulalip, teaching people about the rich history and culture of his tribe. During his time on the Board, Stan met with legislators, presidents, and foreign leaders to advocate on behalf of his people. His work helped his community to thrive and the tribal payroll grew from three to today's 3,500 employees during his tenure. As his daughter Teri said, ``Dad lived and breathed Tulalip.'' Stan was a pillar of the Tulalip community. His dedication and commitment to his people will never be forgotten.
CLOTURE MOTION
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2019-11-21

I rise today to express my concerns about the President's recent interference in war crimes cases involving members of the U.S. military and the President's inappropriate public statements regarding these cases. prgtoken The President has the power to pardon, but he has a responsibility to use that power wisely, not recklessly. The way he has gone about it in this instance does a real disservice to our troops and the entire American military justice system. prgtoken Good order and discipline are critical and time-honored traits of the U.S. military, not only to enable military readiness and effectiveness but also to ensure that military men and women remain firmly tethered to our Nation's moral and ethical principles in the most demanding wartime environments. prgtoken A few have argued that the President has the authority to pardon, but that is a false defense. The issue is that the President's intervention in these cases sends a damaging message to the world, our adversaries, and, most importantly, our men and women in uniform. The Commander in Chief's actions should make us safer and stronger in the world, but President 's actions do not. prgtoken The cases in which the President intervened fall far outside of the norm. The President's pardon authority has traditionally been reserved for nonviolent infractions, including draft evasion and desertion. I am aware of no other instance in which a President has intervened to grant clemency for violent crimes committed while in uniform, especially for war crimes including murder. prgtoken Especially concerning is the President's decision to intervene in a case prior to its even going to trial--an action that I believe is an insult to our entire system of military justice. prgtoken Just this morning, the President again intervened--via tweet--to stop a Navy administrative review process that could have resulted in the removal of a servicemember from the Navy SEALs, despite the fact that the servicemember was previously found guilty of posing for photos with a dead ISIS fighter. We must expect more from our military men and women, especially those in our Special Operations forces. prgtoken Regrettably, President has repeatedly advocated for a return to torture, stating that we should ``take out the families'' of terrorists and expressing his view on standards of military conduct by saying: ``You have to play the game the way they are playing the game.'' The President's statements are reminiscent of former Vice President 's embrace of the ``dark side'' of counterterrorism--the very kind of thinking that underpinned later abuses at Abu Ghraib and the CIA's use of torture as part of its so-called Detention and Interrogation Program. prgtoken President tweeted in October that ``we train our boys to be killing machines, then prosecute them when they kill!'' prgtoken No, , the U.S. military does not prosecute its own for carr
IN RECOGNITION OF THE LONGTIME SERVICE OF MAYOR RICHARD ZIEGLER
Haley M. Stevens (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-11-22

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Mayor Richard Ziegler. prgtoken Mayor Ziegler has served the City of Wixom for more than twenty-two years. Those decades of service include two years as Mayor, almost twenty years as a member of the Wixom City Council, and eight years as a Wixom police officer. prgtoken Mayor Ziegler's career is a quintessential model of civic engagement and leadership. In his many years of service, he has been intimately involved in the decision-making processes of his city; addressing public concerns and safeguarding the values of the community. He and his wife, Melody--who herself served the Wixom Police Department for twenty-four years--have chosen to devote their careers to promoting the quality of their community. We, in Michigan's 11th Congressional District, are so very grateful for their work. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in reflecting on the remarkable career of Mayor Ziegler and his many contributions to his community in Wixom, Michigan.
SUNRISE CENTER CELEBRATES CHILDREN'S GRIEF AWARENESS DAY
Paul Cook (Republican, CA) \u2014 2019-11-22

. Madam , Children's Grief Awareness Day was created in 2009 to foster awareness and understanding about the impact of death on children. As we approach the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, we enter a particularly difficult time for grieving children. One in five children will experience the death of someone close to them by age 18, one in twenty children will experience the death of a parent by age 18, and approximately 1.9 million children under 18 have lost one or both of their parents. prgtoken The Sunrise Center helps children dealing with grief, by offering a place of hope and healing for children, teens, and their families who are experiencing grief and loss due to the advanced illness or death of a loved one or being placed in foster care. Their hard work supports children suffering from grief in a safe, loving, and understanding environment. prgtoken Children's Grief Awareness Day is an important way for all of us to remember those in our society who are dealing with the emotional trauma relating to the death or loss of a loved one. I applaud the Sunrise Center for all they do to support local children dealing with these tragic circumstances, and I sincerely thank their volunteers and staff for making a difference in children's lives.
IN RECOGNITION OF CORPORAL HENRY KROLL EOR HIS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-11-26

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Corporal Henry Kroll, a World War II veteran, for his dedicated service. His commitment to our country and his community are worthy of commendation. prgtoken Corporal Kroll was born and raised in Detroit, where he attended Western High School. In November of 1943, Corporal Kroll was drafted alongside his two brothers and served in the artillery for the 106th Infantry Division. During the war, he fought in the Battle of the Bulge, where Allied forces repelled a German offensive in Belgium's Ardennes forest in December 1944 and January 1945. Of the 107 men serving in his Division, Corporal Kroll was one of only seventeen soldiers who survived the battle. In 1945, Corporal Kroll returned home on Christmas Day and worked as a mail carrier for 22 years. Today, Corporal Kroll is now a father of four and grandfather of nine. prgtoken Corporal Kroll has shown a tremendous love for his country and his community, and his dedication is finally being recognized. Just before his 95th birthday, Corporal Kroll received prgtoken the World War II Campaign Medal with four bronze stars, the Army Good Conduct Medal, and a World War II Victory Medal--awards that are long overdue. Throughout his years of service in the United States Military, Corporal Kroll dutifully earned these honors. He bravely defended and made sacrifices for our nation to ensure freedom would persevere for generations to come. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Corporal Henry Kroll for his exemplary service. We are grateful for his commitment to America, and I am proud that he is finally receiving the recognition he deserves.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
A. Donald McEachin (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2019-11-26

. Madam , I was unavoidably detained on November 21, 2019 during roll call No. 637, On Agreeing to the Amendment, H.R. 1309, Byrne of Alabama Part B Amendment No. 3. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call No. 638, On Agreeing to the Amendment, H.R. 1309, Harder of California Part B Amendment No. 4. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call No. 639, On Agreeing to the Amendment, H.R. 1309, Wexton of Virginia Part B Amendment No. 9. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call Mo. 640, On Agreeing to the Amendment, H.R. 1309, Delgado of New York Part B Amendment No. 10. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call No. 641, Table Appeal of the Ruling of the Chair, H.R. 1309, Workplace Violence Prevention for Heath Care and Social Service Workers Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call No. 642, On Passage, H.R. 1309, Workplace Violence Prevention for Heath Care and Social Service Workers Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''