mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING NICHOLAS JAMES STEINKAMP
Sam Graves (Republican, MO) \u2014 2020-1-8

. Madam , I proudly pause to recognize Nicholas James Steinkamp. Nicholas is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 288, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Nicholas has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Nicholas has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Nicholas has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Madam , I proudly ask you to join me in commending Nicholas James Steinkamp for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.
United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (Executive Session)
James Lankford (Republican, OK) \u2014 2020-1-9

if I go back 2\1/2\ years, there was a lot of turmoil and a lot of conversation about the President of the United States' stepping into the issue of trade, specifically in North America, for it was a settled issue between Canada and Mexico. Yet we asked the question: Should we revisit NAFTA? prgtoken At that time, a lot of people said that the trade agreement was complicated and hard and that we shouldn't touch the trade agreement, that we should just leave it alone. With all of its warts and all of its faults, it is what it is. Don't touch it. prgtoken Instead, the President chose to step into the North American Free Trade Agreement and say: No. We are going to renegotiate this deal. It is 25 years old, and it needs a revisit. Against the many people who were pushing against him, he pushed through that and said: Let's start all over again. prgtoken In the past 2\1/2\ years, the team has renegotiated the deal and brought it back to Congress, where it passed with overwhelming bipartisan support--finally--in the House. It sat on the House's desk for 14 months before those in the House took it up. Finally, after 14 months of their not taking it up, they passed it with overwhelming bipartisan support. It has now gone through the Committee on Finance here in the Senate with a vote of 25 to 3, and it is headed toward the floor of the Senate, to the President's desk, and finally to getting this issue resolved about North American free trade. prgtoken Now, with this issue between Canada and Mexico, I have had some folks ask me: Why is it such a big issue? It is a big issue because Canada and Mexico are our No. 1 and No. 2 trading partners in the world. Far and away, Canada and Mexico are our biggest trading partners. Our trade relationships are essential not just to every border State but to States like my State. In Oklahoma, Canada and Mexico are also our biggest trading partners. They are vital to our economic success and have been key to what has happened in NAFTA over the last 25 years. prgtoken Yet now, after all of the negotiations and all of the noise, we finally have a revised area in trade that has needed to be addressed with things like intellectual property, which is a new chapter in what is now called the USMCA or what people call NAFTA 2.0. This simple change is not so simple when trying to deal with intellectual property theft, whether it be a camcorder recording in a movie theater somewhere in Mexico, whether they sell pirated copies, which has been an issue, or whether it is just the ownership of patents and how things actually move from place to place. Can you confiscate property that is illegally produced at each border crossing, and how is that managed? That is addressed for the first time in this agreement--trying to protect American patent owners from not having their patents stolen once they leave and go to Canada or Mexico. prgtoken Twenty-five years ago, digital trade was n
IN REMEMBRANCE OF GREG KIRK
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2020-1-9

I rise today to remember the life of Ms. Clair Wofford Frazier, who passed away on December 23, 2019, at the age of 58, after a battle with cancer. prgtoken Ms. Wofford Frazier dedicated her life to serving her alma mater, Young College. A member of the Board of Trustees for over a decade, she served on a number of different committees that impacted daily campus life, including committees on academic affairs, development, and student affairs. prgtoken She also created the Wofford-Frazier scholarship to help a Young education be as accessible as possible for deserving students. A testament to her work, the executive board room at the college is named in her honor, and she won the Susan B. Award from the Alumni Association in 2008. prgtoken Similar to her generosity with the college, those who knew her remember that Ms. Wofford Frazier was always the first person to offer help to someone in need. prgtoken My thoughts and prayers will be with Ms. Wofford Frazier's family during this most difficult time.
PFAS ACTION ACT OF 2019
John Shimkus (Republican, IL) \u2014 2020-1-9

I also want to highlight what we have done. I think some people have alluded to it, that nothing was done, but a lot was done in the National Defense Authorization Act. A little bit more was done in the end-of-year spending bill. This Safe Drinking Water Act provision could have been in, and we all know it. That could have been in law today. But it wasn't, as leverage for this bill that we are talking about today. prgtoken In the NDAA, we require EPA to mandate that drinking water systems monitor for unregulated PFAS. That is law. In the NDAA, it is now law that we provide grants to communities to address emerging contaminants in drinking water, including PFAS. prgtoken Currently, in law, we require new reporting for PFAS under the Toxics Release Inventory program. Currently, under law, it is required that manufacturers and processors of PFAS submit health and safety information. It is now law. prgtoken Current law restricts new uses of long-chain PFAS. Now, what do I mean by long chain? That is when there are 7,866 different per- and polyfluorinated compounds. You have long-chain ones, and you have short-chain ones. We are banning the long chain, and again, we need scientific research, but this bans them all, whether or not they are safe. prgtoken EPA law now is guidance for appropriate destruction. Now currently under law, it requires the Federal Government to work expeditiously with States to enter in a binding cooperative agreement concerning cleanup. prgtoken , that is in respect to your State of Michigan. Michigan established its standard. The Department of Defense was hiding behind the fact that it couldn't negotiate. You guys were successful. Former Chairman Upton was part of that fight. I applaud the State of Michigan for having that done, and now that is current law. prgtoken In the appropriations bill, which provided $2 billion for the Clean Water and Drinking State Revolving Fund, $20 million will go to State- level PFOS cleanup. prgtoken So as we hear this debate and as we go to the amendments, we are going to hear doom and gloom and that we are negligent, that EPA is not doing anything, and that we are terrible people. In fact, at the end of last year, great strides were made, in a bipartisan manner. I applaud the NDAA. I applaud the end-of-year spending bill. And this, too, shall end. prgtoken I do want to highlight the fact that to ban 7,866 forms of per- and polyfluorinated compounds without doing science, that has never been done in the history of this Chamber and this body. It is more political science versus science. prgtoken We get it. We will move through this process. We will have our votes, and then this will be a fight for the next Congress because the Senate has said it is not going to support this bill. It is not going to bring it up. The President has already issued a veto threat. prgtoken It is a good exercise. I get to practice speaking on the floor with my fr
Iran (Executive Session)
Rick Scott (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-1-9

President is working to defend the freedom of our country. He was right to take swift and decisive action to kill one of the world's worst monsters. Soleimani was responsible for the death and maiming of thousands of Americans and tens of thousands worldwide. He ordered the attack on the United States Embassy in Iraq. He had plans to kill more Americans. prgtoken There are some in this body who are trying to curtail the President's authority to defend Americans and defend American interests. This is not only foolish; it is fool hardy. Our President does and should have the authority to defend Americans, period, but it is an authority he doesn't take lightly. President is right to use restraint and avoid further escalation unless Iran continues their provocations. prgtoken The regime in Iran--a regime that chants ``Death to America'' and wants to wipe Israel off the face of the map--needs to know that the United States will not tolerate acts of aggression against America or our allies. The death of Soleimani was a strong warning, but they should also know they have the opportunity to become productive members of the world community and bring peace and prosperity to their people. The choice is theirs. We all want peace, and the greatest deterrent to war is our economic and military strength, but Iran must make the choice for peace. It is a choice that is theirs alone. prgtoken During this trying time, I want to pause and take a moment to remember the brave men and women of our Armed Forces. We often forget in Washington that the people carrying out the orders of our Commander in Chief are just that--people. They are not pieces on a chess board. They are fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters. prgtoken I remember my father talking about his experience in World War II--a conflict he certainly had no expectation to return from. He loved his service to our country but never forgot those we lost. I remember friends going to Vietnam and Korea. I have spent many hours sitting and talking with Gold Star parents. As Governor, I watched Florida National Guard units leave for wars in the Middle East. prgtoken The cost of war is great. As Ronald Reagan said, ``Freedom is not bought cheaply.'' We should never forget that. prgtoken I am praying for our brave men and women in uniform--some of them Floridians--headed overseas to protect Americans and prevent an escalating conflict, and I am praying for peace. prgtoken These heroes put their lives in danger to defend our Nation, and we cannot thank them enough for their sacrifice and their service. We must recognize the dangers and threats that our world faces today, and we must always stand together united to defend freedom and democracy. prgtoken .
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H. CON. RES. 83, IRAN WAR POWERS RESOLUTION
Austin Scott (Republican, GA) \u2014 2020-1-9

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken I join my colleagues in expressing the will to have an honest debate of the War Powers Act, should the majority party choose to do so. prgtoken Before I move any further, I submit for the Record a report from the Director of National Intelligence on 's use of drones, an average of 67 drone strikes a year over his first 7 years in office, killing an average of six enemy combatants a week, wherein the majority said absolutely nothing about it at the time. Summary of Information Regarding U.S. Counterterrorism Strikes Outside Areas of Active Hostilities In accordance with the President's direction and consistent with the President's commitment to providing as much information as possible to the American people about U.S. counterterrorism activities, the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) is releasing today a summary of information provided to the DNI about both the number of strikes taken by the U.S. Government against terrorist targets outside areas of active hostilities and the assessed number of combatant and non-combatant deaths resulting from those strikes. ``Areas of active hostilities'' currently include Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Summary of U.S. Counterterrorism Strikes Outside Areas of Active Hostilities between January 20, 2009 and December 31, 2015 Total number of strikes against terrorist targets outside areas of active hostilities: 473. Combatant deaths: 2372-2581. Non-combatant deaths: 64-116. The assessed range of non-combatant deaths provided to the DNI reflects consideration of credible reports of non- combatant deaths drawn from all-source information, including reports from the media and non- governmental organizations. The assessed range of non- combatant deaths includes deaths for which there is an insufficient basis for assessing that the deceased is a combatant. U.S. Government Post-Strike Review Processes and Procedures The information that was provided to the DNI regarding combatant and non-combatant deaths is the result of processes that include careful reviews of all strikes after they are conducted to assess the effectiveness of operations. These review processes have evolved over time to ensure that they incorporate the best available all-source intelligence, media reporting, and other information and may result in reassessments of strikes if new information becomes available that alters the original judgment. The large volume of pre- and post-strike data available to the U.S. Government can enable analysts to distinguish combatants from non- combatants, conduct detailed battle damage assessments, and separate reliable reporting from terrorist propaganda or from media rep
Iran (Executive Session)
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-1-9

a President of the United States is summoned by his or her national security team and informed that he or she has a limited window of opportunity in which to potentially prevent an attack that could cost the lives of dozens, if not hundreds, of Americans or U.S. troops. They are advised this by their national security team--the entire team--in unanimity. What would you do? prgtoken That is the most fundamental and difficult question that should be asked of anyone who seeks the Office of the Presidency. It is one of the most important things we need to know about those who seek the office and those who occupy it. It is the proverbial ``3 a.m. call.'' prgtoken It also happens to describe the choice before President a few days ago. You wouldn't know that from listening to some of the rhetoric I see on television. The of the House just held a press conference in which the messaging implies that the strike on the terrorist, Soleimani, was the act of a reckless madman--a reckless and irresponsible escalation. The alternative argument is that, by the way, he should have consulted with us before doing it. prgtoken I reiterate: The entire national security team of the President, including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Milley, has been unequivocal, both privately and publicly, that he agreed with the assessment and he believed that this strike was necessary in order to protect the lives of Americans from a near-term attack. prgtoken I want to be frank. Anyone who left a briefing or goes around saying: Well, I don't think that that was true, frankly, is not questioning the President. They are questioning the 40 years of military service that General Milley has rendered this Nation and, frankly, questioning the judgment of the entire national security apparatus--all of the leadership of the national apparatus--of the United States of America. That question has been clearly answered by them. prgtoken It is interesting, too, that had the President not acted and, God forbid, American lives had been lost, we could very easily have been here this week talking about how the President should be removed. There would be a third article of impeachment for refusing to listen to the experts, for refusing to listen to his military advisers. prgtoken Ironically enough, just yesterday, before this entire Senate had the opportunity to be briefed by the national security team, I had a colleague of mine from across the aisle say: Everything is going to be fine if the President will just listen to General Milley and the military experts. But he did. Isn't that, ironically, at the crux of a lot of these arguments about Ukraine, that all of the experts--the career experts, the uniformed experts--disagreed with what the President was doing? Yet when he listens to what they say, somehow it is the act of a reckless madman. I think that speaks more to the hysteria that has overcome our politics and has now re
Remembering Jocelyn Birch Burdick (Executive Session)
Kevin Cramer (Republican, ND) \u2014 2020-1-9

on the day after Christmas, former Senator Jocelyn Burdick died in Fargo, ND, at the age of 97. prgtoken Jocelyn served only 30 days, roughly--or 3 months, maybe, at the most--in the United States Senate while she filled the vacancy that was created by the death of her husband, the longtime United States Senator, Quentin Burdick. During those 3 months, Jocelyn was able to cast votes as her husband would have cast them and to support his staff after his death and through the transition to fill the vacancy in a special election. Jocelyn will forever hold a place in North Dakota history as North Dakota's first woman United States Senator. prgtoken However, her service in North Dakota goes far beyond those 3 months she served in the Senate. All of us Senators know the importance and the incredible service of our spouses. Jocelyn stood by Quentin's side for 32 years while he served our State here in this important body. prgtoken Throughout her life, Jocelyn embraced her place in public life with tremendous grace, dignity, and class. She demonstrated by example how people can be principled in their beliefs, yet friendly, cordial, even affectionate while having different political views. I am honored to be standing here using her desk--Quentin's desk. To be a part of this heritage is a great honor for me. prgtoken The impact of her life well lived can be seen in countless ways, especially as a philanthropist, as a political and community volunteer, and certainly as a woman of deep faith. Jocelyn's memory will remain alive in the hearts of all of those who had the privilege to know her. prgtoken Kris and I join Senator Hoeven and Mikey, and many, many North Dakotans in sending our condolences and our best wishes to the Burdick family. We pray that fond memories and the deep affection so many people held for Jocelyn will comfort them in these days and the days ahead. I pray that God will bless Jocelyn Burdick's memory. prgtoken .
IRAN
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2020-1-9

over the past year, the Iranian regime has been increasingly aggressive, attacking oil tankers in the Persian Gulf, shooting down a U.S. drone, seizing a British tanker, attacking a Saudi oil facility, attacking U.S. military bases in Iraq, and storming the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. prgtoken The U.S. response to Iran's increasing provocations had been too measured, to the point that we risked Iran's leaders mistaking restraint on the part of America for weakness and encouraging further escalation. prgtoken Another attack that risked many American lives was in the works when President ordered U.S. forces to take out the terrorist mastermind of the Iranian regime. prgtoken Now, think about it. Sometimes you have to stand up to a bully to get him to back off or else we might be inviting further aggression. prgtoken .
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF FORMER CONGRESSMAN MICHAEL FITZPATRICK
Daniel Meuser (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-1-9

I as well rise today to pay tribute to our friend, the Honorable Michael G. Fitzpatrick, a longtime who served as a Bucks County, Pennsylvania, commissioner and served as a Member of the United States House of Representatives, who, sadly, passed away Monday, January 6. prgtoken Mike was the oldest son of eight children, born on June 28, 1963, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He grew up and resided in Bucks County. Mike was an Eagle Scout, an Eagles fan, and a graduate of Dickinson Law School. prgtoken Those who knew Mike said the same thing: He worked hard every day to make his constituents' lives better. prgtoken First elected to Congress in 2004, he served four terms and then stepped down, honoring his self-imposed pledge to term limits. Mike's brother, Brian Fitzpatrick, succeeded his older brother and continues to serve their home district honorably. Brian is a great Member and a friend to us all. prgtoken Mike was described by a friend as a classic Bucks County Irishman and a man whose family always came first. prgtoken Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick and the entire Fitzpatrick family appreciate our prayers. Mike is survived by, in addition to his brother Brian, his six other brothers and sisters; his parents, James and Mary; a grandson; a granddaughter; his wife of 31 years, Kathleen; and their six children. prgtoken I thank you for your work to make Pennsylvania and our country a better place, Congressman Fitzpatrick.
Impeachment (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-1-9

it has now been more than 3 weeks since the House passed two Articles of Impeachment against the President of the United States. It was a big day for them at the time and one they have been dreaming of and speaking of since the President was inaugurated nearly 3 years ago. prgtoken For as long as the House have been wanting to impeach the President, they spent only a short time on the impeachment inquiry itself. As a matter of fact, they rushed headlong into the impeachment process, and now they are trying to make up for the mistakes that Chairman Schiff and Pelosi made when proceeding in the first place. prgtoken For example, now they want to relitigate things like executive privilege and whether the testimony of other witnesses should be included in the Senate impeachment trial. In other words, the House wants to tell the Senate how to conduct the trial. prgtoken Well, the House had its job to do--and, frankly, I think mishandled it--but now they have no say in the way the Senate conducts the impeachment trial, when and if Pelosi decides to send the articles over here. Twelve weeks was all it took for House to come up with what they believed was enough evidence to warrant a vote on Articles of Impeachment. I think they are experiencing some buyers' remorse. During that 12 weeks, we repeatedly heard House say how urgent the matter was, seemingly using urgency as an excuse for the slapdash investigation that they did and that they now regret. When the House concluded their rushed investigation and passed two Articles of Impeachment, we expected those articles to be sent to the Senate promptly. prgtoken This will be only the third time in American history where the Senate has actually convened a trial on Articles of Impeachment, so this is kind of a new, novel process for most of us here in the Senate. I think there are only 15 Senators who were here during the last impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton. Most of us are trying to get up to speed and figure out how to discharge our duty under the Constitution as a jury that will decide whether to convict or acquit and, if convicted, whether the President should be removed. This is serious. prgtoken Here we are, about 11 months before the next general election. It strikes me as a serious matter to ask 535 Members of the U.S. Congress to remove a President who was voted into office with about 63 million votes. This is very serious. prgtoken Well, despite the House leadership and Members stating time and again before the Christmas holidays how pressing the matter of impeachment was, there hasn't been an inch of movement in the House since those Articles of Impeachment were voted on. Here we are, more than 3 weeks later, and Pelosi is still playing her cat-and-mouse game with these Articles of Impeachment. prgtoken Last night, the appeared to have dug in her heels even deeper when she sent a letter to our Dem