mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ACT--MOTION TO PROCEED--Resumed
Joe Manchin, III (Democrat, WV) \u2014 2019-2-6

. This package should be warmly received by both and s. It is truly a bipartisan effort. For starters, the package includes numerous land exchanges and conveyances, designates over 1.3 million acres of wilderness, designates 367 miles of wild and scenic rivers, and provides boundary adjustments, designation changes, and management improvements to numerous areas in all four corners of the country. All of this will improve access, provide recreational opportunities, and allow four of our Federal public land management Agencies--the Bureau of Land Management, the Forest Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Park Service--to better serve the public through their varying missions as directed by Congress. prgtoken Our public lands are truly one of the Nation's greatest treasures, and we are unique in how we set aside some of our most special places in the country to be conserved, protected, and easily accessible to the public so we can all enjoy the beauty these areas offer. Usually, these lands are located in rural areas, with few other economic opportunities, making these treasures economic engines for the surrounding communities. In fact, data from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Economic Analysis shows the outdoor recreation economy accounted for 2.2 percent of GDP and grew faster than the overall economy. prgtoken According to the Outdoor Industry Association, outdoor recreation supports 7.6 million direct national jobs and $887 billion in consumer spending. Overall, this contributes billions to the Federal, State, and local governments in tax revenue. prgtoken In West Virginia, outdoor recreation supports 91,000 direct jobs and $9 billion in consumer spending. Each year, 67 percent of West Virginia residents take to the outdoors to escape the hustle and bustle of their daily lives to enjoy the peace and certainty of our wild and wonderful outdoor heritage. It is truly almost heaven. If you haven't been there, we welcome you. prgtoken This package provides permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which Senator Murkowski has pointed out. This is something most every one of us--535 Members of Congress--is truly supportive of because it affects our States and our districts. LWCF is a simple yet highly effective conservation tool with unrivaled success over the last 50 years. Every year, $900 million in royalties paid by energy companies drilling for oil and gas on the Outer Continental Shelf are put into this fund. prgtoken Unfortunately, LWCF expired last September. The National Resource Management Act provides permanent reauthorization of the LWCF. That is enough to bring all of us together. prgtoken This permanent reauthorization ensures that States and Federal public land management Agencies have the ability to continue to protect and conserve our natural resources for the next generation, and it does so without relying on taxpayer dol
REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF MOZELLE W. MYERS
James E. Clyburn (Democrat, SC) \u2014 2019-2-6

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to an extraordinary woman who possessed an adventurous spirit and a big heart. Mrs. Mozelle Myers passed away on Thursday, January 31, 2019, but her legacy remains with us through the many lives she touched during her 82 years among us. prgtoken Mozelle, the daughter of the late Reverend Willie Williams and Inez Williams Brown, was born on March 16, 1936. She was an honor graduate of Burke High School and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Claflin University in 1958. She married her college sweetheart and classmate, AME Presiding Elder Samuel L. Myers. prgtoken Mrs. Myers had a passion for learning and service that led to a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. She continued her education at the University of Notre Dame, South Carolina State University, the University of South Carolina, and the College of Charleston. Mrs. Myers shared her deep appreciation for knowledge with future generations, devoting 30 years to teaching at Bonds Wilson and North Charleston High Schools. Her desire to learn extended beyond the classroom and inspired her to study the Bible and ancient history. prgtoken As a First Lady of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Mrs. Myers supported her husband's mission in ministry while remaining a leader in the church and her community. As a leader in the Women's Missionary Society for over 50 years she supported scholarship and community building efforts. prgtoken Her favorite words of inspiration were, ``Lord, when it's my time to leave, let me come home to you with a clean heart and a peaceful soul. I have fought a good fight; now let me rest in your loving arms.'' prgtoken In addition to her husband of 61 years, she is survived by her loving daughters, Ms. Angela Myers and Ms. Sarita Myers; a special grandson, Brandon Jackson-Williams; siblings, Rev. Dr. Alfred Williams, Mrs. Luethel McNeil, Mrs. Mildred Williams, Mrs. Leila Daniels, Mrs. Rebecca Small, Mrs. Bessie Simmons, Mrs. Gloria Edwards, Mrs. Susie Williams Manning, Mr. Leon Williams, and nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her devoted brother, Isaac Williams, who also served as an aide to me for many years. prgtoken Madam , I ask that you and my colleagues join me in offering our heartfelt condolences to Mozelle Myers' family and friends. Her extraordinary faith and dedication to serving others are the hallmarks of a life well lived.
RECOGNIZING THE EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF KAZAKHSTAN'S NUR OTAN PARTY
Alcee L. Hastings (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2019-2-6

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the Nur Otan party in Kazakhstan for its twentieth anniversary and the convening of its eighteenth Congress in Astana, Kazakhstan later this month. The Nur Otan party has made Kazakhstan's growth in the region, and around the world, its core mission through ``Kazakhstan 2050''. prgtoken This strategy seeks to place the country in the top 30 global economies by 2050 by investing in not only economic sectors; but through social initiatives as well. For instance, President Nazarbayev, Chairman of Nur Otan, has singled out investments in public housing, education, small business, economic diversification, and energy. prgtoken Madam , we must encourage such development, but we must also never forget the role Kazakhstan has played in our fight against terrorism and the immense role the country has played in the global cause of non-proliferation. In Afghanistan, Kazakhstan has provided invaluable support for supply lines used by the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Coalition, while also conducting joint military training programs with American and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces in the Central Asian steppes. As for non-proliferation, Kazakhstan, under President Nazarbayev's steady leadership, has not only relentlessly championed the cause of nuclear disarmament, but it has also established the world's first-ever Low Enriched Uranium Fuel Bank, in order to ensure stable civil nuclear energy use worldwide. prgtoken Madam , it is abundantly clear that Kazakhstan has been, and continues to be, a strong partner of ours in Central Asia, and it is my hope that the U.S.-Kazakhstan relationship will continue to strengthen to the benefit of both countries.
INF TREATY
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-2-6

today I wish to express my deep concerns regarding President 's suspension of U.S. participation in the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces--INF--Treaty and decision to withdraw from the treaty in 6 months. prgtoken Before diving into the substance of this misguided decision, I am compelled, as the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, to object to the process. prgtoken The President is pulling out of this treaty, a treaty that was approved by the U.S. Senate by a vote of 93-5 and that has been in force for three decades, without official notice or any meaningful consultation with the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, the congressional committee charged with responsibility and jurisdiction over treaties and without the approval of the Senate. prgtoken This was despite multiple opportunities to explain the rationale for this decision, including a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on arms control and Russia. In that hearing, senior officials from the Department of State and the Department of Defense provided no indication that a decision to withdraw was even imminent, nor that U.S. forces envisioned any military operational benefit from near-term withdrawal. prgtoken Article 2 of the Constitution endows the President and the Senate with shared power over treaties, including an exceptionally high bar for advice and consent. This President's unilateral decision to withdraw from the INF, without any meaningful engagement with the Senate, much less the approval of this body, is impossible to square with this shared constitutional power. prgtoken In that vein, I urge all of my colleagues to focus not just on the substance of the President's decision but also on the process. INF is not alone; it is one of several treaties that the President has jettisoned without any input from the Senate. He is eroding the constitutional powers and institutional prerogatives of this body, and we cannot be silent. prgtoken Even if the President had followed a sound process, this decision is misguided on substance. It is another example of the President and his team's apparent belief that destroying international agreements, with little or no thought given to how to address the underlying problem, is the solution to a complex security issues. prgtoken In this case, there is no doubt, what the problem is and where it comes from. prgtoken Russia, and Russia alone, bears the responsibility for the degradation of the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty. It has brazenly violated the treaty and has been unwilling to take the steps necessary to come back into compliance. prgtoken Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats has succinctly laid out Russia's efforts to undermine the INF treaty. He stated ``the Intelligence Community assesses Russia has flight-tested, produced, and deployed cruise missiles with a range capability prohibited by the Treaty.'' prgtoken Why is Russia doing this? Ag
FREE PETER BIAR AJAK FROM SOUTH SUDAN
Madeleine Dean (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2019-2-6

. Madam , I rise today to speak about Peter Biar Ajak, a husband, father, and renowned peace activist unlawfully detained in South Sudan. prgtoken In July of 2018, Peter was arrested by South Sudan security forces. He has been held without charge or trial ever since, and has frequently been denied access to his family, counsel, medical care, and adequate food. prgtoken Peter was one of Sudan's Lost Boys who resettled to Philadelphia and attended La Salle University where I taught for 10 years. I knew Peter as a brilliant student and leader. He later went on to Harvard and Cambridge. prgtoken He is a dedicated peace activist, who cofounded South Sudan Young Leaders Forum. In his work, he has criticized South Sudan's leaders for failing to secure permanent peace for their people. prgtoken Incredibly, Peter is now under investigation for crimes, including treason and terrorism. If charged and convicted, Peter could be sentenced to death. In reality, he is being persecuted for speech. I call on President Kiir to release Peter and all political prisoners in South Sudan.
NEED FOR COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM
Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Democrat, MP) \u2014 2019-2-6

. Madam , very much for her comments. prgtoken Madam , I just realized that today, this Special Order, we had four speakers, three of whom are immigrants: the gentleman from New York, the gentleman from Illinois, and this gentleman from the Northern Marianas. We are immigrants. The sky hasn't fallen. prgtoken There is nothing to be afraid of. We are a country of immigrants. prgtoken Madam , , Mr. Espaillat, for organizing this evening's Special Order on the need for immigration reform. prgtoken Madam , .
NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ACT--MOTION TO PROCEED--Resumed
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-2-6

last night, most of America was tuned in to the President's State of the Union Address, and I attended it with most of my colleagues in the U.S. Senate. prgtoken The State of the Union Address is an opportunity for the President, once each year, to speak directly not just to Congress but to the American people. The President had an opportunity last night to bring us together and to talk about ways we can solve the challenges facing our great Nation. Sadly, time and again, the President chose to use divisive language when he could have used unifying language. prgtoken What is the state of the Union under this President? prgtoken Affordable health insurance is at risk. Last night, President said he wanted to protect healthcare for people with preexisting conditions like cancer, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease. What he did not say was that at this very moment, his administration is trying to eliminate those protections for people with preexisting conditions. That is right. A lawsuit--filed by attorneys general, led by the Texas attorney general--is supported by the administration and the President, and it would declare the entire Affordable Care Act unconstitutional, including those provisions that protect people with preexisting conditions. The President can't stand before us and give a speech to the American people and say: I am all about preexisting conditions--and then tell his Attorney General to join in a lawsuit and try to eliminate that protection. That is exactly what is happening at this moment. prgtoken Last night, President said he wanted to help people with HIV/ AIDS and children with cancer. Who could argue with those goals? But people with HIV/AIDS and children with cancer are some of the people who stand to lose the most if President sabotages the Affordable Care Act. prgtoken Let me say a word about the childhood cancer issue. What a heartbreaking, tender moment it was to look up into the Gallery and see that little girl, that 7-year-old girl, who, fighting a brain tumor, was still out raising money for St. Jude's Hospital. It was beautiful, and she was just as pretty and loveable as any child can be as she applauded everyone and had what is clearly the night of her life to be at that joint session. I looked up there, and I am sure every parent and grandparent in the audience saw in her exactly what we love about little children. prgtoken Let's be honest about what the President said last night. When he said he wanted to fight childhood cancer, he said how much he would spend. That is an important thing because your values in Congress and in the government are often measured by how much you are willing to invest in your values. prgtoken The President suggested that he wanted to spend $500 million on childhood cancer. That is breathtaking, $500 million, until you listen to the rest of the sentence--over 10 years, so $50 million a year. To t
HONORING THE LIFE OF MR. DAVID ARIAN
Ted Lieu (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-2-6

. Madam , I rise to remember and celebrate the life of Mr. David Arian, a tireless defender of the rights of dockworkers and an invaluable member of our community. Over the course of his remarkable career, Dave rose to be the International President of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and later served on the Los Angeles Harbor Commission. prgtoken Born and raised in San Pedro, California, Dave began working on the docks of the Wilmington waterfront when he was only 18 years old. Dave became involved with International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and served three terms as local president before being elected as the International President. Despite reaching the highest office of the union, Dave always described himself as a ``rank and filer,'' and maintained his open and down to earth demeanor. prgtoken After his retirement, Dave was appointed to the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners, where he used his decades of expertise to reduce air emissions and set a record for cargo volume. Dave served on the commission until his death, all the while fighting for what was best for the dockworkers and maintaining a vision of the port's future. prgtoken Dave is survived by his children, Sean and Justine, his sister Laraine, five grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Dave is also remembered by countless friends and colleagues on whom he left a lasting impression.
NEED FOR COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM
Veronica Escobar (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-2-6

. Madam , I am here to correct the Record, to bust the myth, to make sure that Americans know the truth about my wonderful, generous, incredible community, El Paso, Texas. prgtoken Last night, in this Chamber, as I was seated in the audience listening to the State of the Union Address, I heard our President misinform the American public. He said that El Paso, Texas, was once one of the most dangerous cities in America, and then a wall was built. prgtoken Well, Madam , that is not true. El Paso is one of the safest cities in America. However, we have been a safe community; we have been a safe city. We are right on the U.S.-Mexico border, and we have been safe for decades. prgtoken The wall was built in El Paso, Texas, in 2008. Our ranking as one of the safest communities in America dates back to the 1990s. prgtoken Many people wonder why El Paso is so safe. Why is El Paso, which is, again, right on the U.S.-Mexico border, one of the safest communities in America? Last night, in those conversations, I pointed to my guest at the State of the Union Address, Senaida Navar, who is a Dreamer; she is a teacher; she is an activist; she is exactly the kind of community member, constituent, citizen who makes El Paso and the country great. prgtoken As these debates over comprehensive immigration reform, over border security, continue to get louder and, in fact, uglier here in Washington, D.C El Paso has been, in many ways, at the center of those debates and those discussions. prgtoken I will tell you, they should be. El Paso should be at the center of that debate. prgtoken The reason why El Paso should be at the center of that debate is not because we were the site of the President's zero-tolerance policy, not because we were the site of the tent city at Tornillo, not because our processing center is the site where detainees are right now being force-fed through a nose tube against their will. We should be at the center of deciding the future of this country in terms of comprehensive immigration reform because of our generosity, because of our goodwill, because of our kindness. prgtoken El Paso has absolutely set an example for our country, and we have done it with the way that we have opened up our arms to everyone and treated people with the dignity that they deserve. prgtoken Madam , I thank Congressman Sablan for the opportunity to correct the Record.
NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ACT--MOTION TO PROCEED--Resumed
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-2-6

last night President had the opportunity to bring our parties together and offer the Congress and the country a new vision for the next 2 years of divided government. President squandered the opportunity with a forgettable and, oftentimes, incoherent speech. At times, he called for unity without specifics, and at other times he served up divisive campaign rhetoric that he has used so frequently in the past. prgtoken The President's speech was like a 90-minute performance of ``Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,'' calling for comity but lacing it throughout with invectives. Unfortunately, President seemed more excited and placed more emphasis on the Mr. Hyde parts of the speech than on the Dr. Jekyll parts. prgtoken Listen to a few of the contradictions in the speech. There were so many that I can't mention all of them. prgtoken President says he believes in legal immigration but not illegal immigration, but every bill he has pushed on immigration has cut legal immigration as well as illegal immigration, including the proposal he has now sent over, in the debates, where he changes the asylum process dramatically. prgtoken President said he would only work with us in Congress if we abandoned our oversight duties. He is back to his old tricks--hostage- taking. He said: I am not going to advance the causes of the American people if Congress investigates me. prgtoken Congress is supposed to do oversight of the executive branch. It is one of the things the Founding Fathers put in the Constitution. They were weary of overweening Executive power. They wanted Congress to be a check. prgtoken What is President afraid of? If he weren't afraid of these investigations and if he weren't afraid of something that might be there that he did that was wrong, he would shrug his shoulders and say: Let them go forward. prgtoken But, instead, he threatens. He threatens the American people by saying: Unless these investigations stop, I am not going to move forward on anything. prgtoken How about this one? This one made everybody's eyes roll, even on the side. He said if he weren't elected President, we would be in a war with North Korea--what hyperbole. It is not just hyperbole-- what untruth, what selective memory. President began his time in office by precipitously ramping up tensions with North Korea. They were much lower under President than they were with President . prgtoken Maybe the most blatant contradiction of all, which makes you just lose respect for the integrity and honesty of the President, was when President spoke about the need to defend protections for Americans with preexisting conditions, while at the very same time his administration is waging a lawsuit that would eviscerate protections for preexisting conditions. How can the President have the nerve to get up on the podium last night and say he wants to preserve preexisting conditions and wage
REVERSE TRANSGENDER MILITARY BAN
Chris Pappas (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2019-2-6

. Madam , yesterday, I welcomed a transgender veteran from New Hampshire named Tavion as my guest to the State of the Union. I am proud to say that he was warmly received here in the people's House. prgtoken Tavion didn't give a big speech last night but he still delivered a powerful message. His story and exemplary service stand as a direct rebuttal to the false claims and flimsy logic used to justify the administration's ban on transgender military service. prgtoken By politicizing our military and marginalizing patriot servicemembers, this unjust policy is weakening America's Armed Forces. Any American who is prepared to risk life and limb in defense of our Nation deserves our undying respect. prgtoken In spite of our political differences, my sincere hope is that members of both parties can come together to support our men and women in uniform, regardless of gender identity. prgtoken Madam , the American people sent us to Washington to stand up for our constituents and our values. We can live up to that responsibility by reversing the transgender military service ban and honoring brave trans vets like Tavion.