mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2019-10-17

there is very little question today that our democracy is under attack. The threat is not only from outside our country but from within with the threat to our rule of law, our basic values, and our democratic institutions. prgtoken From outside the country, that threat is reaffirmed by the Senate Intelligence Committee, which recently released a bipartisan report offering a sobering warning of fresh signs of interference by Russia and other foreign actors in the upcoming election. prgtoken The fact is that the lights are flashing red. The warning has come to us from multiple sources. Our intelligence community has warned us. The FBI has warned us. Our national security professionals have warned us. Still, the majority leader has refused to permit us a vote on commonsense measures that will better guarantee election security. prgtoken We need to move forward on these measures that safeguard our democracy from outside interference--cyber attack and social disinformation. And, of course, I have sponsored some of these bills. Many of them are bipartisan. We can move forward with that effort even as we confront the challenge and the obligation, which we must do in the ongoing impeachment proceedings. prgtoken What saddens and angers me is that in the midst of this crisis and the threat from outside our Nation from Russia and other countries, our Commander in Chief has essentially refused to believe that threat exists. He has in fact and in effect denied that there is any threat. That is what happened when the President used the power and authority of the Oval Office to pressure a foreign leader, President Zelensky of Ukraine, to investigate a political opponent, . This action is not only a breach of his oath of office and his constitutional duty, it is unpatriotic, immoral, criminal, and it is a prgtoken threat to our national security because, again, it invites interference. In fact, it pressures interference in our democracy. It validates and strengthens Vladimir Putin, not this Nation. prgtoken That is why the impeachment inquiry is being conducted by the House and why it is so important. Impeachment is not a remedy we take lightly or happily; it is a serious, last-resort remedy for the worst abuses of power and an unchecked, rogue President who cannot be held accountable in any other way. But the President has given us no choice. He may not be upholding his oath of office, but we must uphold ours. prgtoken The most powerful proof here comes from the words of the President himself in that July 25 conversation. There is no Member of this body who is unfamiliar with those words inviting, soliciting, in fact extorting the President of a foreign nation to interfere in our democracy. He involved officials at the highest level who joined in trying to cover it up, who now have a whistleblower complaint, as well as those call notes between President and President Zelensky that repeat the Pres
TURKEY AND SYRIA
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-10-17

on Syria, yesterday, the U.S. military carried out airstrikes to destroy what only a few weeks ago had been the headquarters of the American campaign to destroy ISIS in Syria. Nothing encapsulates the failure of President 's decision to stand aside for Erdogan more than the fact that we are now bombing our own bases rather than allow them to fall into the hands of Assad, Erdogan, or Putin. prgtoken If Erdogan, Putin, and Assad are such great allies or no problem, as President told us yesterday at the White House, then why do we have to bomb our own headquarters after American troops evacuated so it doesn't fall into Syrian or Turkish or even Russian hands? That one thing encapsulates the absurdity, the awfulness of President 's lack of policy and erratic, impulsive, and whimsical movements on the Syrian front. prgtoken Yesterday the President said this withdrawal was a ``strategic move.'' It certainly is not that because this is not the action of a military that carried out a deliberate withdrawal. It is the action of a military that was given a fly-by-the-seat-of-his-pants decision of the President contrary to the recommendations of the commanders on the ground. prgtoken has the nerve, the gall, to think he knows more about the military than these generals who have served our country for decades. It is appalling. How does America put up with this? How do our colleagues put up with this? He doesn't consult the generals. What a blunder, and it seems to be the result of the President's inability to say no to dictators. He seems to like a Putin and an Erdogan and even a Kim more than our allies. This is also a clear demonstration of the President's fecklessness and recklessness, both, or as my colleague Senator Lindsey Graham, and one of the President's staunchest allies in Congress, said, ``I fear that this is a complete and utter national security disaster in the making.'' prgtoken Yesterday afternoon, congressional leaders went to the White House, at its request, to meet with the President about the rapid disintegration of the situation in northern Syria. Pelosi and I talked about it ahead of time, and we talked about it with Senators Reed and Menendez as well. We had a serious purpose: to find out if the President actually had a plan to contain ISIS and fix the mess precipitated by his decision to green-light Erdogan's military incursion into Syria. prgtoken Alarmingly--alarmingly--President had no plan. The greatest insult that occurred in that room was not any of the name-calling that did. A far greater insult to America, to all of us, was the lack of any policy guidance, any policy decisions, any direction from the President and his top national security advisers on how to contain ISIS. prgtoken I reminded the President that as two New Yorkers, we probably knew better than most the damage a small band of terrorists can do, even from a
TRIBUTE HONORING LATHRAN J. WOODARD
James E. Clyburn (Democrat, SC) \u2014 2019-10-17

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding South Carolinian and a proven health care champion for the people of South Carolina and the nation. Lathran Johnson Woodard has devoted her career to promoting the health and well-being of South Carolinians, especially those who struggle to access quality health care. prgtoken A Columbia, South Carolina native, Ms. Woodard received her primary and secondary education in Richland County public schools, graduating from C.A. Johnson High School in Columbia. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Southern Wesleyan University and began her career at the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). Over the course of her fourteen-year tenure, she was promoted to various positions at the agency. Her hard work and dedication earned her the position of Deputy Director for the Division of Maternal Health. While at DHEC, Ms. Woodard helped write and initiate the state's Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program and led initiatives to ensure access and improve the quality of services provided to mothers and children in South Carolina. prgtoken Ms. Woodard has achieved over 30 years of service in the health care field. In 1987, she became the Assistant Director for the South Carolina Primary Health Care Association (SCPHCA), where she now serves as the Chief Executive Officer. As CEO of SCPHCA, Ms. Woodard has worked relentlessly to ensure the strength and capacity of the state's primary care safety net, focusing primarily on assistance to those health care centers that provide vital services to medically underserved communities. Her primary interests are community systems design, the development of integrated systems of healthcare, and youth self-enhancement. prgtoken Beyond her work in South Carolina, Ms. Woodard has promoted health care on a national level as well. She is currently the Chair-Elect of the National Association of Community Health Centers. She holds membership in the National Association of Female Executives, the National Rural Health Association, the American Society of Association Executives, and the South Carolina Public Health Association. She has earned several awards and honors. Most recently, Ms. Woodard was a recipient of the Order of Palmetto, the highest honor a civilian can receive in the State of South Carolina. prgtoken Madam , I ask that you and my colleagues join me in offering congratulations and sincere gratitude to Ms. Lathran J. Woodard for her unwavering service to the people of South Carolina and the nation. Her many contributions have improved the quality of life for so many South Carolinians and helped advance healthy communities throughout the country. I am pleased to honor her for exemplifying what it means to be a true public servant.
SAUDI FUGITIVE DECLASSIFICATION ACT OF 2019
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2019-10-17

I have come to the floor to fight for answers--answers that are long overdue. prgtoken In 2018, my hometown newspaper, The Oregonian, identified a handful of cases where Saudi nationals accused of serious crimes in the United States, like manslaughter and sexual assault, fled the country and escaped American justice. prgtoken Since then, The Oregonian has identified numerous similar cases--in fact, almost two dozen such cases across the United States. That includes 19 in just the last 7 years. prgtoken Today I want to tell the Senate about just one of those cases. prgtoken Three years ago, not far from my home in Southeast Portland, a young woman had her life taken from her. Fallon Smart was then a rising sophomore at Franklin High School, and she was aspiring to be a teacher. By all accounts, she would have been a terrific teacher. prgtoken She was 15, and according to everybody who knew her, Fallon was warm and smart and friendly. She had her whole life ahead of her. prgtoken According to police, she lost her life when she was crossing the street in front of stopped traffic, and a vehicle illegally swerved into the left-hand lane and hit her at 55 or 60 miles per hour. Her mom was in a car half a block away and ran to her daughter. Fallon died in her mother's arms, and the car that hit her just sped away. prgtoken A Saudi Arabian college student named Abdulrahman Sameer Noorah later returned to the scene and was arrested. He was eventually charged with manslaughter in Fallon's death and then released on $1 million bail. The Saudi consulate posted his $100,000 bond, according to The Oregonian newspaper. prgtoken In the United States, in our country, there was every expectation that Mr. Noorah would get a fair shake from the justice system. Our justice system was working the right way here until 2 weeks before Mr. Noorah was scheduled to go to trial. His tracking bracelet was somehow cut, and he disappeared. Mr. Noorah has never stood trial for Fallon Smart's death. prgtoken Eventually, this spring, the State Department confirmed in a letter to me that Mr. Noorah had returned to Saudi Arabia. prgtoken I felt then, and I do today, this raises an important and a serious question: How does a foreign national charged with manslaughter, whose passport was seized, disappear from the United States without a trace? How does this person escape the country and make it thousands of miles back to Saudi Arabia with there being no record of his doing so? prgtoken News reports in 2018 suggest that the Saudi Arabian Government knew about Mr. Noorah and these other fugitives and potentially helped them flee justice. prgtoken I have five children. I cannot imagine the grief I would feel if one of them was taken from me, and the person responsible somehow managed to evade the justice system. It is almost impossible to comprehend the anger and the helplessness and the frustration any parent would feel in a situation like thi
HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE YEMENI AMERICAN BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-10-17

. Madam , I rise today in honor of the Yemeni American Benevolent Association, an outstanding service organization in Wayne County, Michigan, for its fifty years of service. prgtoken The Yemeni American Benevolent Association was founded in 1969 to promote empowerment of people, environmental protection, and respect for cultural diversity. They have worked to cultivate community leadership, as well as providing education and other services to the surrounding community. Aside from language classes, translation services, and tutoring, the Yemeni American Benevolent Association has grown its annual scholarship program to help young people achieve their dreams of pursuing higher education. The scholarship program is an amazing achievement that has provided a pathway to a better future and encourages young people to give back to their community. prgtoken I ask you to please join me in tribute to the Yemeni American Benevolent Association as they celebrate this milestone.
PHARMACEUTICAL INDEPENDENCE LONG-TERM READINESS REFORM ACT OF 2019
John Garamendi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-10-17

. Madam , today I introduce the ``Pharmaceutical Independence Long-Term Readiness Reform Act.'' I want to thank Congresswoman Hartzler for her support as an original cosponsor. prgtoken Our legislation would require the Department of Defense to acquire and purchase only American-made raw materials, medicines, and vaccines for our military. It would also require the Department of Defense to identify the national security vulnerabilities caused by our country's current dependence on Chinese pharmaceuticals. prgtoken As a result of the Chinese government's chokehold on the generic pharmaceutical market, our military servicemembers have been left vulnerable. China is a principal creator of generic prescriptions, which account for approximately 90 percent of the global pharmaceutical market. prgtoken The reality is that if the Chinese wanted to cripple the United States they could sabotage or cut off our supply of generic medications and antibiotics used by our military. This simply is a vulnerability that we cannot let continue to exist. We need to reinvigorate the prgtoken United States' industrial base to produce generic medicines and antibiotics domestically, ensuring the readiness of our military forces. prgtoken Madam , I urge all Members to join us in cosponsoring the ``Pharmaceutical Independence Long-Term Readiness Reform Act.''
RELATING TO A NATIONAL EMERGENCY DECLARED BY THE PRESIDENT ON FEBRUARY 15, 2019--VETO
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-10-17

in reserving the right to object, I would say the following: I have been on the floor of the Senate more often than any other Senator to ask for immigration reform. Our system is broken. As we debate this important issue, the Galleries are filled with people who are following this debate personally because it literally affects their lives and their families and their futures. This Senator has been willing to move forward on comprehensive immigration reform. Sadly, the Senator on the other side has not supported that. I hope he will consider doing it. prgtoken In the meantime, though, what are we going to do about the current issue of an annual quota of no more than 140,000 EB immigrant visas and more than 500,000 applicants of Indian descent who are asking for permission to move forward with EB-2 green cards and their lives? prgtoken What the Senator from Utah has suggested is that we shouldn't increase the 140,000 annual cap. I think that is wrong. If you follow Senator Lee's proposal and do exactly what he says--give these visas only to those who are waiting in line who are of Indian descent and give no visas to the rest of the world--in 10 years, there will still be over 165,000 people of Indian descent waiting in line, and the rest of the world will have been excluded. This is unfair. It doesn't make sense. prgtoken I will offer a unanimous consent request to lift that 140,000 cap, and within 5 years, all who are waiting in line will get their chances for green cards--5 years--but not at the expense of the rest of the world. Let's do this in a fair fashion. While we are at it, it is unfair that your spouses and children are being counted when it comes to the 140,000. My bill exempts that. They are no longer going to be bound by any quota. prgtoken Secondly, if your children are aging out, if they are reaching the age of 21--a new legal status and new worries for you and your family-- I eliminate that problem completely. My approach is one that will solve the problem by lifting the legal immigration for talented people like many who have gathered here today. prgtoken The Senator from Utah says he can't support that. I hope he will reconsider. Lifting that cap is what we need to do--lifting the country quotas, making certain that those in line finally get their chances. This is all within 5 years, which is something the underlying bill does not do. So I hope the Senator from Utah will agree to my bill that I will be offering as an alternative after this rollcall vote. prgtoken I object to this bill.
IN HONOR OF ERIN TIDERMAN-GROSS AND DEIRDRE ABRAMS
Russ Fulcher (Republican, ID) \u2014 2019-10-18

. Madam , I rise today to honor two wonderful teachers from Idaho: Mrs. Erin Tiderman-Gross of Meridian, Idaho, and Mrs. Deirdre Abrams of Donnelly, Idaho who have been awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. This award is the highest honor bestowed by the United States government for teachers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer studies. I am proud today to recognize the hard work of Mrs. Abrams and Mrs. Tiderman-Gross and their dedication, commitment, and passion for our students' success in the sciences. prgtoken At Rocky Mountain High School in Meridian, Idaho--my hometown--Mrs. Tiderman-Gross teaches advanced placement biology and has acted as a mentor to hundreds of students in the National Honor Society. Mrs. Tiderman-Gross is an adviser in one of the largest, most-active National Honor Society Chapters in Idaho. She has impacted countless families, students, and community members through her work, and after 24 years, continues to share her passion for biology with her students. prgtoken At Donnelly Elementary School, Mrs. Abrams has taken the world to her students through place-based learning. Mrs. Abrams has given her students hands-on educational trips to study rainbow trout populations, pollinator gardens, and cattle data to improve water quality. Her students even share their water quality data with local government agencies. Mrs. Abrams has been an educator for 23 years and continues to be a shining example of innovative teaching in the sciences. prgtoken I thank Mrs. Erin Tiderman-Gross and Mrs. Deirdre Adams for their passion and commitment to their students. This honor bestowed upon them is a testament to their dedication and I am so proud of their representation of the great State of Idaho.
REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF MARVIN H. ``MARK'' CHESSER
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-10-18

I rise today to remember the life of Mr. Marvin H. ``Mark'' Chesser who passed away at the age of 78 on September 25, the mayor pro tem of Ludowici in Long County in the First Congressional District of Georgia. prgtoken His friends and colleagues remember him as a valuable servant to the community who served tirelessly and did a great job. Even before becoming the mayor pro tem, Mr. Chesser spent countless hours dedicated to his local community. prgtoken One important example of his work includes his time driving school busses for the district there. In addition, he was very active within his church, both in the men's ministry and driving the church van for Wednesday night activities. prgtoken During his time as mayor pro tem, Mr. Chesser worked hard to promote policies that boosted the economy, and increased jobs in Ludowici. I am thankful that we had Mr. Chesser in the First Congressional District where his passion made our area a better place to live. prgtoken Mr. Chesser's family and friends will be in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
RECOGNIZING BETTY WIECHERT AS SHE CELEBRATES HER 100TH BIRTHDAY
Troy Balderson (Republican, OH) \u2014 2019-10-18

. Madam , I rise today to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Betty Wiechert, a resident of Muskingum County, who is celebrating her 100th birthday this Saturday, October 19, 2019. prgtoken Betty has lived a life characterized by devotion and an unyielding selflessness, making her a pillar of this congregation. A woman of family, community, and faith, Betty was a Sunday School teacher and taught my very first Sunday School class. Her devotion and unwavering loyalty for the Coburn Church community is still evident today as she attends each and every Sunday service, even if that requires taking a taxi to mass. Betty is an incredible inspiration and role model to us all and I am sure turning 100 will not slow Betty down in the slightest. prgtoken I join Betty'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 congregation and community. Happy 100th Birthday to Betty; it is an honor celebrating with her.
OUTSOURCING ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2019
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2019-10-18

. Mr. Chair, my friend from California, I think, is making the case that this bill is confusing and a burden because we don't even know internationally if these are American jobs that were moved or not. prgtoken You are just counting the people in foreign countries. I don't know that that is really relevant. And it weakens your argument, in my view, as well, that we are disclosing in the States, as my friend, the ranking member, made so eloquently. So I think it is a burden. prgtoken It is not about shipping jobs. We have the WARN Act, which directly deals with jobs that are shipped overseas, or moved, and makes sure that people are retrained and compensated in the right way. prgtoken Instead, this is another burden on our public companies, our public companies. We want more public companies. prgtoken I just formed the Entrepreneur Caucus with my friends Mr. Foster, Mr. Veasey, Stephanie Murphy, and Steve Chabot. We have asked GAO why we are not having more public companies at smaller sizes. prgtoken I submit to you, my friends from California and Iowa, it is because we have raised the cost of being public too high. This is another burden, and I think we should think long and hard before we add burdens. prgtoken Materiality is the way to bring balance back. prgtoken Mr. Chair, .