mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CLOTURE MOTION
James Lankford (Republican, OK) \u2014 2019-3-12

China is no doubt a Communist country. It also has the largest population on Earth, which means it has the largest consumer market on Earth. It is a growing economy, although it has had a significant slowdown in the previous couple of years. It is a $400 billion market for the United States currently, in our trade, and it is a significant place of trade when dealing with agriculture in particular. prgtoken We have a lot of issues and differences with China, but we should be able to work out those differences long term, as we do with every other nation. We have to resolve some of these things. prgtoken I am proud that the administration is full force taking on the issue of China. Over the past couple of decades, every administration has tried to work out some kind of ongoing conversation with China on trade, and all of them have been somewhat successful, but significant issues are still prevailing. This administration has had a singular focus on trade in dealing with China and trying to resolve those issues with them, and I hope it is successful long term. I hope that we will be very specific in how we actually handle that strategy and that at the end of it, we will still be openly trading and reducing some of those barriers. prgtoken It is a Communist country. It doesn't always play by the rules. It also uses some of the rules to its own advantage in ways unlike any other country. For instance, when they joined the WTO--the World Trade Organization--they self-declared themselves as a ``developing nation.'' Developing nations are able to waive a lot of the World Trade Organization rules because they are developing. May I remind this body that China is the second largest economy in the world--second only to ours? They are not a developing nation. They have used the rules of WTO to call themselves developing so they do not have to live up to the international standard of basic trade. prgtoken On March 22, 2018, President signed a Memorandum on Actions by the United States related to what is called a 301 investigation. They are targeting what the White House calls ``economic aggression'' from China. Let me give some specifics on that. prgtoken China uses joint venture requirements on any foreign investment. They want to have ownership in those companies actually doing business there. They put pressure on technology firms to transfer their technology to China if they are going to actually sell to China. The result of that is that they may not take the product that is manufactured there, that those original companies sell back to the United States, but they will take that information and then actually sell to other parts of the world from that stolen information from a technology transfer. prgtoken Akin to that, China maintains unfair licensing practices. Typically, in other parts of the world, our intellectual property that we have is guarded by that nation, or we actually have a licensing agr
CONGRATULATING CRANE SYSTEMS
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2019-3-12

. Madam , in honor of National Vending Day, it is appropriate to celebrate the millions of Americans who get beverages, snacks, and unlimited items from vending machines. prgtoken Crane Merchandising Systems of Williston, South Carolina, managed by Rich Tucker, is a leading full-service vending solutions provider and employs over 700 associates. Crane is one of the largest employers of the Barnwell County region, and I am grateful for their success creating jobs. prgtoken The automatic merchandising industry in America promotes an economic impact of nearly $25 billion with 150,000 employees. Not only does the industry meet the needs of consumers around the world, it also contributes $7.21 billion in wages to the economy and pays $3.5 billion in taxes. prgtoken In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.
ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-3-12

moving right along, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 9:30 a.m Wednesday, March 13; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, morning business be closed, and the Senate resume consideration of the Rao nomination under the previous order.
COMMEMORATING THE TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CRYSTAL CHORDS
Tom Reed (Republican, NY) \u2014 2019-3-12

. Madam , I rise today to commemorate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Crystal Chords. prgtoken The Crystal Chords are a group of extraordinary women who come together to share their love of music and sing a cappella in the barbershop style. For twenty-five years the women of Crystal Chords have graced the communities of the Corning-Elmira area, singing at a variety of community functions. They are a proud chapter of Harmony, Inc a non-profit international organization, whose mission is to empower women through education, friendship, and a cappella singing in the barbershop style. prgtoken The barbershop quartets of the Crystal Chords share their talents throughout the year, singing for civic and charitable events. They have sung at community events such as the Corning Parade of Lights and Horseheads' Holly Days, and regularly perform at local churches. The Crystal Chords are committed to charity in their communities as they fundraise for the Food Bank of the Southern Tier at all of their concerts and events. prgtoken The Crystal Chords are proudly directed by the husband-wife team of Bill and Donna McKay. Their years of barbershop quartet experience and unwavering dedication have led the Crystal Chords from its inception twenty-five years ago to continued success today. prgtoken Twenty-five years of uniting members of our communities with music is certainly a cause for celebration. I congratulate the Crystal Chords on this impressive milestone and look forward to their continued success in the years to come. prgtoken Given the above, I ask that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations and join me to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Crystal Chords.
HONORING MAURA DUGGAN
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-3-12

I had the pleasure of meeting with advocates from the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance here in Washington, D.C last week. It was great speaking with them to express my strong support for the continuation of funding for the Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Research Program in the fiscal year 2020 Department of Defense Appropriations Act. prgtoken Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, or TSC, is a genetic disorder that can cause tumor growth in vital organs in the human body. It occurs in approximately 1 in 6,000 births. prgtoken I am proud to share the story of the Miller family, constituents of mine from Bucks County, Pennsylvania. prgtoken Nearly 5 years ago, Lindsey and her husband, Dave, welcomed their daughter, Ellie, into the world. While Ellie was born with TSC, she has not let it stop her from being just like every other kid. She is developmentally on track, she enjoys preschool with her friends, and she sees her doctors regularly at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. prgtoken However, there is no way to currently gauge how TSC will affect Ellie in the years to come. That is why funding for the Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Research Program is so vitally important. prgtoken This program has my full support, and I encourage all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support it as well. s, Mr. Mullin from Oklahoma and Mr. Loebsack from Iowa, for their leadership on this issue. prgtoken Again, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in this very worthy cause on behalf of all dealing with this across our Nation.
TRIBUTE TO STEVE CANNON
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2019-3-12

I congratulate Steve Cannon, who is retiring after a 42-year career in Idaho television. prgtoken Steve Cannon translated his deep interest in weather as a youth into a longtime career. He retired this month from his position as weatherman for KIDK Eyewitness News 3, which has coverage in my hometown of Idaho Falls and the Pocatello area. He got his start in front of the camera in 1977, when he went to work for the former KID TV 3, but he began his broadcasting career in radio, working for a radio station in Rexburg. Leading up to his career in weather reporting, Steve graduated from Idaho Falls High School, studied journalism at Brigham Young University, served a mission in Great Britain, and finished his degree at Idaho State University. prgtoken Steve's love for his profession and deep understanding and appreciation for the people of eastern Idaho show in his thoughtful reporting. He is known for his humor, relatability, dependability, and strong work ethic. Steve has reported with agility and skill, as he has navigated significant advancements in weather reporting over the past four decades. Steve's weather reporting has shaped how countless Idahoans have planned their days, and his attentive reporting has been instrumental as he has reported on the major weather events that have had considerable impacts on lives. prgtoken In addition to his career, Steve has given his time and talent in support of service projects in the community. This includes his assistance with the creation of the Idaho Falls Citizen's Watch Patrol for the Idaho Falls Police Department. prgtoken I understand that Steve has looked forward to being able to dedicate all his time to his family and loved ones during retirement that begins as his wife also retires from teaching. I wish you both well, and thank you for your outstanding work in our community.
CRIMEA ANNEXATION NON-RECOGNITION ACT
Steve Chabot (Republican, OH) \u2014 2019-3-12

. Madam , I rise in support of H.R. 596, the Crimea Annexation Non-recognition Act, and I thank my good friend from Virginia, Representative Gerry Connolly, for his work and his leadership on this legislation and many other pieces of legislation that we have worked on in a bipartisan manner in this House. prgtoken They say there is no bipartisanship here, whether it is under ic or control, and we found a way to make that happen on the Foreign Affairs Committee over the years. prgtoken As a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the principal cosponsor of this legislation, let me state clearly and emphatically that the United States--and the world, for that matter--must never recognize Vladimir Putin's reckless Crimean land grab, which is all too reminiscent of Soviet Cold War tactics. prgtoken This bill not only definitively sets out U.S. policy that we will not recognize Putin's bogus claims of sovereignty over Crimea, but it will also prohibit our government from taking any actions that might imply our recognition of Russian claims. prgtoken Representative Connolly and I first introduced this legislation back in 2014, shortly after Putin seized Crimea. Despite the intervening years, we must never grow accustomed to Russian control over the peninsula. That is one reason that makes this legislation even more vitally necessary, because over time, the world sometimes does grow accustomed to things. We must never let that happen with Putin's grab of Crimea. prgtoken Last May, Putin opened a bridge over the Kerch Strait, which separates Russia from Crimea, in an attempt to better link it, to grab it and keep it. The bridge is too low for many large vessels, which has reduced economic activity at Ukrainian ports on the Sea of Azov, thus further harming Ukraine. Even more concerning, in November, Putin's thugs illegally seized three Ukrainian naval vessels and their crews at the entrance to the Kerch Strait. prgtoken Plain and simple, Putin's illegal annexation of Crimea, as well as his adventures around the Kerch Strait and in Eastern Ukraine, have no place in a modern, democratic Europe. We must prgtoken not abandon Ukraine to Putin's bullying. prgtoken That is why I am pleased to cosponsor this legislation along with my friend, Mr. Connolly, which is but a step toward a once-again free Crimea. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to support this bill so that we will never recognize Russian domination over the Crimean peninsula.
FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACT AMENDMENTS OF 2019
Mark Meadows (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-3-12

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , I rise in support of H.R. 1608, the Federal Advisory Committee Act Amendments of 2019. I thank the sponsor of this legislation, my colleague from Missouri (Mr. Clay). In spite of the fact that he is not wearing his stylish red glasses today, I want to acknowledge the great work that he has done. He has been a tireless advocate on this important reform over many Congresses. prgtoken H.R. 1608 will help improve the governance and transparency of Federal advisory committees. The Federal advisory committees are groups of experts and stakeholders who provide advice and recommendations to Federal policymakers. prgtoken Currently, Madam , there are over 1,000 advisory committees that are covered by the transparency and accountability requirements in the Federal Advisory Committee Act. But many more advisory committees are exempt from the law and may not receive the same level of scrutiny, due to a lack of transparency of their own operations. prgtoken The gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Clay) has been right in working tirelessly to make sure that advisory committees covered under the law are required to report on their operational costs. Those reports show advisory committees cost the Federal Government, many times, over $300 million annually, Madam . prgtoken We need to make sure that we are getting the most from the hardworking American taxpayers' dollars. The 1972 act does not do enough to ensure transparency and openness to the Federal decisionmaking process. prgtoken This bill provides the needed transparency for how committee members are selected and how committee activities function. I encourage all my colleagues to support this particular legislation. prgtoken Madam , .
SOCIALISM LEADS TO HUMAN MISERY
Mo Brooks (Republican, AL) \u2014 2019-3-12

a prominent American socialist politician recently proclaimed that ``capitalism is irredeemable.'' prgtoken , capitalism, better known as free enterprise, is based on freedom and liberty, not government dictate. prgtoken The claim that freedom and liberty should give way to government control and dictatorship is astonishing, sad, and alien to the America that I know. prgtoken It is a betrayal of the freedom and liberty Americans have fought and died for, a freedom that has given America the best gross domestic product, the most wealth of any nation in history. prgtoken In sum, the argument that free enterprise is bad and irredeemable is the height of economic hubris, economic ignorance, and economic stupidity. prgtoken , it is one thing for an argument to be economically ignorant and stupid, it is another thing for it to be dangerous to human life. In that vein, the argument that socialism is better than free enterprise is not only a betrayal of America's foundational principles of freedom and liberty; it is also dangerous and must be dealt with quickly and severely. prgtoken History is replete with examples of dead or dying nations that have paid a heavy price for succumbing to socialist politicians who care more about personal and dictatorial power, who care more about being the boss, than the welfare of their own people. prgtoken For those who refuse to learn from history, I suggest reading George Orwell's prophetic book ``Animal Farm.'' It explains all you need to know about how and why socialism fails and who rules in a Socialist society. prgtoken Venezuela's economic and humanitarian catastrophe is a present-day, glaring lesson that warns all tempted by the siren song of socialism. prgtoken Thousands of Venezuelans are dying from malnutrition, disease, and lack of food and medicine. The result: deadly riots. prgtoken In 2018 alone, a staggering 7,523 civilians were murdered due to clashes with military and state police forces. prgtoken Mothers are forced to choose which child to feed and which child goes hungry. prgtoken In 2017, the average Venezuelan lost 24 pounds because they could not get the calories necessary to maintain their body weight. Today, there are Venezuelans searching for food in trash cans who are fortunate if they can eat once a day. prgtoken As Venezuelans lose hope, suicide rates have skyrocketed to almost twice the global suicide rate. prgtoken Venezuela's socialist economy has collapsed. 2018's inflation rate soared to 80,000 percent. Nearly 90 percent of the population is living below the poverty line. prgtoken Even electricity is unreliable, as Caracas suffers from sporadic total power failures, casting Venezuela's capital city into darkness. prgtoken Worse yet, Venezuela's socialism promotes crime and lawlessness by desperate citizens. According to a 2018 report by the World Economic Forum, Venezuela is the second most dangerous country in the world, with Caracas coming in as the second m
HONORING LOUISE WILLIAMS
Lloyd Smucker (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-3-12

. Madam , March is Women's History Month, and I am proud to honor some remarkable women in my district this month. prgtoken Today, I would like to honor Judge Louise Williams, who was elected in 1973 as the first female district judge in Lancaster County. She served for 26 years, and also was the first female Black district judge in Pennsylvania. But she did so much more than that. prgtoken She was a member of the Lancaster City Council for three terms, served as council president during two of those terms, and she was also appointed to the State Board of Pardons, where she became the first victims advocate, serving 18 years there. She was involved in many other community organizations, including terms as president of the Lancaster NAACP, and of Girls, Inc. of Lancaster County. prgtoken Ms. Williams was a trailblazer for women in our community and always found ways to give back to our community and encourage others. She is one of the most respected civic figures in our district. It is an honor to recognize her today.
HONORING THE CASPER CHAPTER OF FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA WINNING THE NATIONAL FFA FARM AND AGRIBUSINESS MANAGEMENT CONTEST
Liz Cheney (Republican, WY) \u2014 2019-3-12

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate the Casper Chapter of Future Farmers of America on their victory at the National FFA Farm and Agribusiness Management Contest. prgtoken Future Farmers of America is a national organization dedicated to educating and encouraging young people on the importance of sustainable farming and agribusiness. The young men and women of the Casper Chapter have distinguished themselves among chapters from all across the nation. They truly are some of the best that Wyoming has to offer. They are the future of agribusiness in Wyoming, and the country. prgtoken Again Madam , I extend my congratulations to the Casper Chapter of Future Farmers of America on their victory and applaud their commitment to an industry that is vital to our nation.
CONGRATULATING TOM DORSETT
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-3-12

I rise to salute Mr. Tom Dorsett of Yadkin County in North Carolina's Fifth District. Mr. Dorsett is about to retire from his very successful business, Dorsett Technologies, which, since 1977, he has grown into the innovative and thriving business it is today. prgtoken Mr. Dorsett, his wife, Jo, and their excellent employees have built the business from a small heating and air-conditioning supply and service business to one of the most innovative businesses in the area. Today, the company specializes in automation for buildings and municipal water and wastewater systems. prgtoken Municipalities across the country use Dorsett Technologies' InfoScan software to control systems for energy, security, and water. The company has even supplied the U.S. Army, Air Force, and NASA with its cutting-edge technology. prgtoken Along the way, the company and the Dorsetts personally have been outstanding philanthropists for virtually every good cause and nonprofit in Yadkin County. Their support ranges from the Yadkin County Arts Council to the Yadkin County Rotary Club, the United Methodist Church, United Way, Chamber of Commerce, Yadkin Christian Ministries, and the Yadkin County Community Foundation. prgtoken Mr. Dorsett is a visionary. Understanding the need to develop young people for the jobs of the future, Mr. Dorsett has led the effort to promote robotics education in the school system, giving and raising money for the program, which has become one of the most popular in the area. The Dorsetts were also lead gift givers for the Yadkin Arts Council, which renovated an area of the downtown into a very successful arts center a few years ago. He is a renaissance man, but he and his family seek no recognition for the positive things that they do; although, recognition is much deserved. prgtoken , I thank the Dorsetts for being such positive role models and for their generous support of the Yadkinville community. We wish them well in their retirement.
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2019-3-12

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 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.