mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Trump Administration (Executive Session)
Doug Jones (Democrat, AL) \u2014 2019-9-26

I have to admit that I haven't had a heck of a lot of sleep the last few nights, and I don't think anyone has. If anyone has rested well the last few nights, it is because they are either not paying attention or they are here for the wrong reason. prgtoken We are in some troubled times. Events of the past 2 weeks have been nothing short of stunning. They have been stunning in the speed in which they have unfolded. They have been stunning and disturbing in the allegations that have been made regarding the conduct of the President of the United States. These are allegations that go to the heart of national security and allegations that go to the heart of whether or not the President is upholding his oath to the Constitution of the United States or abusing the power of the Presidency. prgtoken We have to remember in this body, and we have to remind our colleagues, we have to remind the media, and we have to remind the public that we are just now beginning this process. The facts have not come out. We are just now beginning to see facts and determining what happened over the course of this past summer--where things were, what happened, what was said, and who said it. We have to determine the allegations and whether or not they have merit based on the facts that come out, not just reports in the media or even the allegations in a complaint. I am a lawyer. Allegations in a complaint are just simply allegations made, but they have to be proven. prgtoken The reason I rise today is that already we are seeing this becoming political. People are going to their political corners. The partisan tribalism is taking over already, and that is unfortunate. It is a sad commentary when a process that is so rooted in the Constitution of the United States--something so fundamental to our democracy--is almost immediately cast in political terms. My colleague and friend, Senator Sasse from Nebraska, used the term ``partisan tribalism'' in today's world that is ``insta-certain.'' No matter what you see, no matter what you read, it doesn't matter because you are going to take a side, and when we take sides, the American public immediately take sides and no one listens to the facts. prgtoken We are called as Senators, we are called as Members of the House, and we are called as Members of this body to a much higher duty than that-- a much higher duty. Our duty is to carefully analyze and review the facts--facts, not mere allegations; facts, not reports or leaks; facts, not what some political talking head on the television says their opinion might be. Our duty is so much higher than that. prgtoken We have seen already some of what appear to be very disturbing facts. We have seen a summary of a telephone call between the President of the United States and the President of Ukraine. Ukraine is a country dependent on countries like the United States. The balance of power between the United States and Ukraine is not balanced at
U.S. BORDER PATROL MEDICAL SCREENING STANDARDS ACT
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-9-26

thank you very much for the leadership of the chairman, and I appreciate the ranking member on the floor. prgtoken I have had the privilege of traveling with Congresswoman Underwood to the border in some very challenging circumstances, and I appreciated, as a nurse, as a trained nurse, as she is a trained nurse, I appreciated the astuteness with which she viewed this matter. prgtoken Let me say to my good friend, the doctor, we are always looking forward to trying to work with our colleagues on the basic humanity of every person, recognizing that this is not about healthcare for undocumented immigrants. It is about individuals who are in the custody of the United States. prgtoken Just picture for a moment, having gone to the border now for almost two decades as a resident of Texas, just imagine that there are moments when there is an influx of individuals fleeing for their lives. It happened under President 's administration in 2014, and we managed it. There was no hysteria. There were facilities that were built. There was medical care that we were able to access. prgtoken In this instance, it did not happen. And the glaring reality of children who died and those who were working hard, the law enforcement personnel, I saw them trying to do as much as they could, but without a structure, we lost lives. So the importance of this legislation is particularly one that I think is important. prgtoken Picture for a moment, when we were in the midst of the crisis, Coast Guard medical personnel, doctors with a table, some medicine on the corner, their medical paraphernalia out in the open where files were, no place to deal with the medical needs of anyone. That is not American. prgtoken We are not asking to provide healthcare. This is not Medicare or Medicaid. It is a basic dignity of protecting the American people by ensuring that these people are treated for whatever might be necessary. prgtoken So the e-record process is powerful because it allows the accessing of medical care by having a record system and also by having that system being accessed by all DHS components operating on the border. It is just a simple case of protecting those of us in the United States, protecting those who are in our custody. prgtoken Why not? Why not be proactive and positive for dealing with fellow human beings? prgtoken Let's get away from this undocumented and realize this is a land of laws and immigrants. We all, collectively, together, want to abide by that. prgtoken But we also realize that, when 9-month-old Roger is in my hands, and he crossed the border in the arms of his sister, that 9-month-old Roger, even though I saw him in one of the HHS centers, probably needed care. prgtoken Or the woman who had given birth 45 days earlier and holding in her hands a 45-day-old baby who had not seen a doctor, she had not been to the hospital. This might help give aid to those individuals. prgtoken So let me be very clear: This is an importa
RECOGNIZING THE WORK OF JOHNNY MAGIC
Darren Soto (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2019-9-26

in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I want to recognize Claudia Camacho. prgtoken Claudia Camacho is a bilingual professional and experienced administrator in the areas of admissions, academic affairs, faculty supervision, and training at Ana G. Mendez University. prgtoken Claudia has over 20 years of a strong background in customer service. In 2002, she started working at Walt Disney World, providing orientation and mentorship to new cast members in all aspects of merchandise operations in the park and assisting managers. prgtoken In 2005, she started working as an integrated services officer at Ana G. Mendez University, Metro Orlando Campus. prgtoken Through her 14 years of experience working in various positions at the university, she has championed the admissions and academic affairs departments. Along with recruitment and personnel training, she has continuously succeeded in the development of program initiatives and special projects. prgtoken As an associate director, she has participated in various events across central Florida in support of the Hispanic community. In addition, she has served as a liaison between the university and different organizations across central Florida, providing assistance and resources to the community. prgtoken Claudia has been a member of the Academic and Student Affairs Commission; the Academic Leadership Team; and the Discipline, Curriculum Development, and the Commencement Coordination Committees of the university. prgtoken Ms. Camacho earned a bachelor's degree in industrial chemistry from the Universidad de Puerto Rico, Humacao campus in 1991. In 2005, she graduated from the Universidad Metropolitana at Ana G. Mendez University with a master's degree in business administration. prgtoken Claudia also promotes a respectful, inclusive environment that embraces diversity. As a leader, one of her top priorities is to serve and support the Hispanic community and other fellow Boricuas from central Florida. prgtoken For that, we honor Ms. Claudia Camacho. Honoring Yanidsi Velez Quiles
REMEMBERING MARY GAUTREAUX
Jeff Merkley (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2019-9-26

it is with a heavy heart today that I honor the incredible life of Mary Gautreaux, an Oregonian who never stopped fighting to make our State and our world a better place for all. Throughout her decades-long career working with my colleague Senator Wyden as a fellow, a field representative, and as deputy State director, she was deeply committed to not only preserving Oregon's natural treasures but making sure Oregonians in every comer of our State had the opportunity to experience them. prgtoken Her love for helping others was only paralleled by her passion for Oregon's incredible public lands, which was a cornerstone of her life even long before she joined Senator Wyden's team. Previously, she fought wildfires and maintained our forests--strenuous, courageous work that is critical to keeping our communities safe. When she transitioned to Senator Wyden's office, her hard work continued and culminated in countless accomplishments that will shape the lives of Oregonians for generations to come. prgtoken On behalf of all Oregonians, I thank her for her generous spirit and her unwavering dedication to serving the people of Oregon. Her contributions will be felt for generations to come, and she will be dearly missed and never forgotten.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF S.J. RES. 54, TERMINATION OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY DECLARED BY THE PRESIDENT ON FEBRUARY 15, 2019
Joseph D. Morelle (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-9-26

the balance of my time. prgtoken First of all, I should note that I probably shouldn't get into a football argument with the distinguished gentleman from Georgia, with its long history of that sport. I also shouldn't do it because if my wife is watching, she will be very unhappy that I used a sports analogy, which she decidedly does not like. prgtoken But just to torture the analogy a little more, because Mr. Woodall raised it, misdirection does have a quarterback, but the whole point is to fool the opposition. prgtoken I think that is what, frankly, some of my colleagues here today were trying to do, is to fool the American public about what this resolution before us is all about. I think that is unfortunate because the resolution on the floor is critically important. prgtoken Before I close, I want to compliment my friend. I do enjoy this. I know this is a serious topic--and no one should see it as anything else--but I always appreciate his passion, his intellect, his eloquence. It is always a joy to be with him in the Rules Committee and here on the floor, and I so appreciate that. prgtoken , I do want to thank all of my colleagues in the Rules Committee for their support of S.J. Res. 54, relating to a national emergency declared by the President on February 15, prgtoken 2019, and I urge a ``yes'' vote on the rule and a ``yes'' vote on the previous question.
TSA REACHING ACROSS NATIONALITIES, SOCIETIES, AND LANGUAGES TO ADVANCE TRAVELER EDUCATION ACT
Dina Titus (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2019-9-26

I thank the gentleman for yielding and I thank the Member across the aisle for his bipartisan support. prgtoken , I am proud to represent Las Vegas; it is the entertainment capital of the world. prgtoken Last year, almost 50 million people passed through the gates of McCarran International Airport in my congressional district. They were tourists, business travelers, and friends and family of my ethnically diverse constituents. Many of them were from international airports of destination. They came from all parts of the world, and they didn't speak English. prgtoken Yet, much of what TSA communicates to travelers and transportation workers is through signs, announcements, and videos that are all in English. prgtoken Let's be clear. As you have heard the speakers before me say, you shouldn't have to worry about missing a plane at an airport in the United States just because you don't speak English. prgtoken That is why I am excited that the House is passing the TRANSLATE Act, which I introduced to make sure that TSA goes the extra mile in Las Vegas and at airports all across the country to communicate with the traveling public. It is a basic courtesy. prgtoken I know we all appreciate seeing signs in English when we are traveling abroad, so there is no reason we shouldn't make U.S. airports as welcoming as possible to those who don't speak English or who may be visually impaired. prgtoken , s for supporting this bill.
SECURE AND FAIR ENFORCEMENT BANKING ACT OF 2019
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2019-9-26

. Madam , I include in the Record the following letters of endorsement for H.R. 1595, the SAFE Banking Act. National Association of Attorneys General, Washington, DC, May 8, 2019. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, of the House, Washington, DC. Hon. Mitch McConnell, Majority Leader, Washington, DC. Hon. Steny Hoyer, Majority Leader, Washington, DC. Hon. James E. Clyburn, Majority Whip, Washington, DC. Hon. Mike Crapo, Chair, Senate Committee on Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs, Washington, DC. Hon. Kevin McCarthy, Minority Leader, Washington, DC. Hon. Charles E. Schumer, Minority Leader, Washington, DC. Hon. Steve Scalise, Minority Whip, Washington, DC. Hon. Richard J. Durbin, Minority Whip, Washington, DC. Hon. Sherrod Brown, Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs, Washington, DC. Dear Congressional Leaders: We are a bipartisan group of state and territorial attorneys general who recognize that the states, territories and federal government share a strong interest in protecting public safety and bringing grey market financial activities into the regulated banking sector. To address these goals, we urge Congress to advance legislation that would allow states and territories that have legalized certain use of marijuana to bring that commerce into the banking system. This issue is of broad relevance: for example, thirty-three states and several U.S. territories have legalized the medical use of marijuana. However, because the federal government classifies marijuana as an illegal substance, banks providing services to state-licensed cannabis businesses and even to other companies which sell services and products to those businesses could find themselves subject to criminal and civil liability under the federal Controlled Substances Act and certain federal banking statutes. This risk has significantly inhibited the ability of financial institutions to provide services to these businesses and companies. Despite the contradictions between federal and state law, the marijuana industry continues to grow rapidly. Industry analysts estimate 2017 sales at $8.3 billion and expect those totals to exceed $25 billion by 2025. Yet those revenues are handled outside of the regulated banking system. Businesses are forced to operate on a cash basis. The resulting grey market makes it more difficult to track revenues for taxation and regulatory compliance purposes, contributes to a public safety threat as cash-intensive businesses are often targets for criminal activity, and p
DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM DOCUMENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF THREATS IN AMERICA ACT
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-9-26

I rise in strong support of H.R. 3106, the Domestic and International DATA Act. I am proud to join the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson), the chairman, my colleague and friend, in support of this most important legislation. prgtoken This bill improves our understanding of the Federal Government's response to the threat of domestic terrorism at a time that extremist- related attacks in the United States are on the rise. prgtoken In May 2017, the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI released a joint intelligence bulletin that predicted that the number of white supremacist movement attacks were likely to continue to present a lethal threat in the future. prgtoken Tragically, that prediction has proven to be true. After the horrific acts of domestic terrorism committed in Charlottesville and the Tree of Life shooting in Pittsburgh, I urged my congressional colleagues to take action to counter hate crimes and domestic terrorism. prgtoken Chairman Thompson's H.R. 3106 helps increase transparency and research on domestic terrorism. By requiring the Homeland Security and Justice Departments to publish an annual public report on terrorism, this bill will provide information that will help policymakers develop and execute evidence-based counterterrorism strategies. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to pass H.R. 3106.
CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020, AND HEALTH EXTENDERS ACT OF 2019-- Resumed
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-9-26

after Pelosi decided to open a formal impeachment inquiry on Tuesday evening, there have been several developments. Yesterday, the President released a memorandum of conversation of his July 25 call with President Zelensky of Ukraine. In plain text--plain text--no ands, ifs, or buts, the President pressured the leader of Ukraine to investigate one of his leading political rivals, confirming public reports. prgtoken Yesterday, as well, the House and Senate Intelligence Committees received the official whistleblower complaint that precipitated this series of events. I read the complaint yesterday afternoon and came away more concerned--even more concerned than when I had read the memorandum of the President's conversation. prgtoken This morning, the House Intelligence Committee made public the declassified portion of the complaint and the intelligence community's inspector general's cover letter. That was the correct decision. The American people have a right to read the whistleblower's complaint for themselves, and I hope that they will. prgtoken The whistleblower's complaint begins: In the course of my official duties, I have received information from multiple U.S. Government officials that the President of the United States is using the power of his office to solicit interference from a foreign country in the 2020 U.S. election. This interference includes, among others things, pressuring a foreign country to investigate one of the President's main domestic political rivals. prgtoken Those are his words. prgtoken The complaint goes on to describe specific, deliberate maneuvers by White House lawyers and officials to lock down records of the Presidential communications in question, including and especially ``the official word-for-word transcript of the President's phone call with President Zelensky.'' prgtoken The whistleblower complaint contains allegations of underlying crimes, a campaign of soliciting the interference of a foreign government in an American election, and using the power of an official government position for personal and political gain, as well as many allegations of an attempted coverup. prgtoken If this was all so innocent, why did so many officials in the White House, in the Justice Department, and elsewhere make such large efforts to prevent it from being made public? prgtoken Both sets of allegations are said to have multiple witnesses and multiple co-collaborators. If confirmed, the allegations contained in the whistleblower prgtoken complaint are nothing short of explosive. The complaint unquestionably validated Pelosi's decision to open a formal impeachment inquiry into these matters. prgtoken We are living in an incredibly delicate time for our democracy. We have a responsibility now to corroborate the facts in the whistleblower's complaint, solicit testimony from those involved, and pursue the relevant avenues of inquiry that aris
REMEMBERING BOB ANDERSON
Amy Klobuchar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2019-9-26

today, along with Senator Tina Smith of Minnesota, I rise to acknowledge the passing of a longtime advocate, mayor, and friend, International Falls Mayor Bob Anderson, who died unexpectedly on September 20, 2019. Described by those who knew him as the ``voice and face of International Falls,'' Bob spent five decades in public service to the hometown and community he loved. prgtoken A lifelong resident of International Falls and graduate of Rainy River Community College, Bob spent 51 years working for the local Boise paper mill, including 25 as the public affairs manager for the Boise Cascade Corporation. prgtoken Bob was passionate about his community, and his love was reflected in his years of dedication to the airport, hospital, Highway 53 Task Force, the county, anything and everything connected to his beloved International Falls. He truly left his mark on his beloved hometown from his seats on the city council, the chamber of commerce, and as its devoted mayor--serving first from 1968 to 1986 and then elected again in 2013. And he still wasn't done; he had made clear that he was fully intending to seek another term next year. prgtoken Bob was also dedicated to improving communities across Minnesota through decades of service on numerous statewide committees and advocacy organizations, including as a president of the League of Minnesota Cities, as a member of the Minnesota Forestry Association, and as chairman of our Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. prgtoken He also chaired the International Falls-Koochiching County Airport Commission for over 30 years, helping to secure Federal grant money for the airport that serves as a major corridor between the ``icebox of the Nation'' and those who flock to the area to hunt, fish, and enjoy the beauty of northern Minnesota. Earlier this year and in large part due to Bob's efforts, the International Falls Airport opened a brand new terminal. prgtoken The airport was just one of the many legacies Bob leaves behind. In the words of Representative Rob Ecklund of International Falls, ``You can't go anywhere in northern Minnesota without seeing his fingerprint on it, from airports to roads. He left a tremendous lasting imprint.'' prgtoken We are thankful we were able to work with Bob on so many of these projects--from economic development initiatives to youth programs--and will prgtoken always remember him as a tireless champion for small towns and the outdoors. prgtoken In his final state of the city address, delivered just weeks ago, Bob summed up progress in his community, saying ``There is a lot of sunshine and a few dark clouds, but overall it's positive.'' We hope during this time of loss for both our State and Bob's family, his wife Carol, three children, and five grandchildren will take solace in remembering all the sunshine Bob blessed us with.