mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING EXPERTISE COSMETOLOGY INSTITUTE
Jacky Rosen (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2019-9-11

each week the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship recognizes one small business that exemplifies the hard work and perseverance of the American Dream and the American entrepreneur. The great State of Nevada is home to more than 250,000 small businesses of all types, from mom-and-pop shop bakeries to world renowned cyber security firms. Nevada's small businesses are the driving force behind our State's rapidly growing economy and the engine that powers our communities. It is therefore my honor to recognize Nevada's Expertise Cosmetology Institute, a small business with a strong and deep-rooted commitment to improving lives and a desire to give back to the community, for recently having been named the U.S. Senate Small Business of the Week. prgtoken Small businesses, especially minority-owned small businesses, are breaking down barriers in every corner of Nevada. Expertise Cosmetology Institute is the first African-American-owned school of cosmetology in Nevada and helps many of their students receive degrees in cosmetology, hair design, nail technology, aesthetics, and barbering. Expertise Cosmetology Institute equips its students with the knowledge to thrive in the barbering and salon industry and ensures graduates have the skills necessary to succeed post-graduation. Students gain a comprehensive knowledge of State regulations, training on the latest trends, and most importantly, how to manage a small business of their own. Expertise Cosmetology offers financial aid to those students who qualify so no student with the desire to succeed in this industry is left behind. prgtoken I would also like to recognize Mrs. Gwen Braimoh who, in addition to managing Expertise Cosmetology, also runs the Expertise New Path program in Nevada. The Expertise New Path program helps women earn their cosmetology license while incarcerated at Florence McClure Women's Correctional Center in North Las Vegas, NV. Mrs. Braimoh's passion for helping the less fortunate and those who wish to build a better life for themselves is changing lives and improving our communities across the State of Nevada. prgtoken Small businesses truly are the driving force for development and growth not just in Nevada but across our entire Nation. Small businesses like Gwen's not only help our economy succeed, they also give back by uplifting our communities, inspiring others to prgtoken open businesses of their own and changing lives for the better. prgtoken Again, I would like to recognize Mrs. Gwen Braimoh and all the employees at Expertise Cosmetology Institute for their contribution to Nevada and our Nation and congratulate them for being named the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee's Small Business of the Week.
INTRODUCTION OF THE UNITED STATES COMMISSION ON AN OPEN SOCIETY WITH SECURITY ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2019-9-11

. Madam , today, I reintroduce the United States Commission on an Open Society with Security Act, expressing an idea I began working on when the first signs of the closing of parts of our open society appeared after the Oklahoma City bombing tragedy, well before 9/11. This bill has grown more urgent as increasing varieties of security throughout the country have proliferated without any thought about their effect on common freedoms and ordinary access. The bill I introduce today would begin a systematic investigation that takes full account of the importance of maintaining our democratic traditions while responding adequately to the real and substantial threats posed by terrorism. prgtoken To be useful in accomplishing its difficult mission, the commission would be composed not only of military and security experts, but for the first time, they would be at the same table with experts from such fields as business, architecture, technology, law, city planning, art, engineering, philosophy, history, sociology and psychology. To date, questions of security often have been left almost exclusively to security and military experts. They are indispensable participants, but these experts cannot alone resolve all the new and unprecedented issues raised by terrorism in an open society. In order to strike the balance required by our democratic traditions, a diverse group needs to be working together at the same table. prgtoken For years now, before our eyes, parts of our open society have gradually been closed down because of terrorism and fear of terrorism, even when there are no alerts, without regard to their effects on privacy or on an open society. Particularly following the unprecedented 9/11 terrorist attack on our country, Americans have a right to expect additional and increased security adequate to protect citizens against this new frightening threat. However, people expect government to be committed and smart enough to undertake this awesome new responsibility without depriving them of their personal liberty. These years in our history will long be remembered by the rise of terrorism in the world and in this country. As a result, American society faces new and unprecedented challenges. We must provide ever-higher levels of security for our people and public spaces while maintaining a free and open democratic society. As yet, our country has no systematic process or strategy for meeting these challenges. prgtoken When we have been faced with unprecedented and perplexing issues in the past, we have had the good sense to investigate them deeply and to move to resolve them. Examples include the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (also known as the 9-11 Commission), the Commission on the Intelligence Capabilities of the United States Regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction (also known as the Silberman Robb Commission) and the Kerner Commission following riots that swept American citie
Background Checks (Executive Calendar)
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2019-9-11

I also rise to talk about gun violence. I express my appreciation for our colleagues. Those of us on this side of the aisle feel very strongly about this issue. I understand we have gone a little bit past the time. I will try to be quick. I feel very strongly about it too. prgtoken Let me just talk about two Virginia tragedies, and let me tell the story of a hero whose name we should all know. It has been interesting. I sat on the Senate floor and listened to a number of my colleagues' speeches. As they talked about gun violence and mass shooting in the United States, very few have mentioned that 12 people were killed in Virginia Beach in a mass shooting on May 31. They mentioned Odessa, they mentioned El Paso, and they mentioned Dayton. Why not Virginia Beach? Because there have been so many tragedies since May 31. prgtoken The Virginia Beach shooting of 11 governmental employees and a contractor who was just there to get some permits for a building permit he was seeking happened barely 3 months ago, but it has already receded into the memory of virtually anybody outside of Virginia because the gun tragedies since have been the ones that have crowded into our minds. prgtoken The fact that that has been allowed to happen--that we are so used to it now that the killing of 12 people in a mass shooting barely 3 months ago escaped people's memories--tells us we have become used to a situation we should never have been able to tolerate. prgtoken In the Virginia Beach shooting, one of the reasons 12 people were killed quickly was the shooter used high-capacity magazines that would contain dozens and dozens of munition, which made the rescue operation conducted by brave first responders extremely difficult. prgtoken We say we care about our first responders. When I talk to our first responders, they say: If you care about us, do something to restrict high-capacity magazines. Don't you want us to be able to stop a shooting in progress? Don't you want us to stop a murder and keep the homicides and carnage down? It is hard to do it when we are up against somebody with such a massive amount of firepower. If you care about first responders, if you want us to stop crimes in process, then enable us to put meaningful restrictions on high-capacity magazines. prgtoken I think that was a powerful lesson from the Virginia Beach shooting, that had the magazines been smaller, they could have stopped the carnage earlier. There may have been those injured or killed, but it would have been less of a toll. prgtoken I want to point this out before moving to the next issue. As a society, we tolerate high-capacity magazines. Many in this Chamber are hunters. Many in this Chamber are familiar with hunting laws. In Virginia, as in most States, there are rules that have been on the books for years. If you hunt a deer in Virginia, we limit the amount of rounds you can have in a rifle or shotgun. We put a limit, and th
RECOGNIZING D. M. BOWMAN'S 60 YEARS IN BUSINESS
David J. Trone (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-9-11

. Madam , I would like to take this opportunity to recognize D. M. Bowman, Inc a transportation and logistics company based in Williamsport, Maryland. This company has used innovation and work ethic to make its mark on the trucking world. In 1996, D. M. Bowman Founder and Chairman Don Bowman designated this week as Driver Appreciation Week, an annual event celebrating the hard work drivers do every day. This year, I am honored to highlight the achievements of his incredible company and recognize our nation's truck drivers, who provide all Americans a great service. This year, D. M. Bowman is celebrating 60 years in business. Throughout this time, the company has been an invaluable source of economic development and jobs for Maryland's Sixth District. Although the business began as a one-man operation, due to Don Bowman's determination and expertise, it quickly began to pick up speed. Now, D. M. Bowman has an exceptional fleet of 382 power units and 8 terminals on the east coast. As the company grew, so did its outreach efforts. Today, D. M. Bowman works with Hagerstown Community College Driving School to help individuals who obtain their commercial driver's licenses find new career opportunities. On behalf of the residents of Maryland's Sixth Congressional District, I thank D. M. Bowman and its dedicated team for all that they have done for our community and recognize the 112,900 people employed by the trucking industry in our great state.
IN HONOR OF CORPORAL JAMES COLQUITT AS VETERAN OF THE MONTH
Tim Burchett (Republican, TN) \u2014 2019-9-11

I rise today to honor a Knoxville, Tennessee, native, Corporal James Colquitt, an American hero and United States Marine. prgtoken Corporal Colquitt joined the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17. On March 15, 1944, he boarded a train and was sent to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego for recruit training. prgtoken Corporal Colquitt served as a rifleman with I Company, 23rd Marines, 4th Marine Division. From February 19 to March 2, 1945, he participated in combat action against the Japanese during the Battle of Iwo Jima, one of the bloodiest battles of the entire Pacific War. prgtoken Corporal Colquitt received a Purple Heart for wounds received during combat operations on March 2, 1945. He was promoted to the rank of corporal and was honorably discharged from Marine Barracks in Washington, D.C on April 26, 1946. prgtoken Corporal Colquitt is one of thousands of great men and women who honorably served our country during World War II. After defending our values and freedoms, these brave solders returned home, raised families, strengthened communities, and continued the growth of America. prgtoken It is my honor to recognize James Colquitt as the Tennessee Second Congressional District's September 2019 Veteran of the Month and to thank him for his service to our country.
Remembering September 11th (Executive Calendar)
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2019-9-11

today we mark the 18th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. We remember the nearly-3,000 people who lost their lives. We pray for all of the 9/11 victims and their families. We honor our 9/11 heroes. They were the brightest lights that day in the dark sky--our brave firefighters, police, service men and women. So many Americans gave their lives to save lives that day, and we pay tribute to them today. prgtoken Congress has passed new laws to care for 9/11 first responders. We recently prgtoken made the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund permanent. This ensures that all those who responded to the terror attacks and their families have peace of mind and first-rate healthcare.
Remembering September 11th (Executive Calendar)
Tom Cotton (Republican, AR) \u2014 2019-9-11

September 11 is a solemn anniversary. Eighteen years later, we still remember the toll from that terrible day. Nearly 3,000 Americans lost their lives in the attacks on the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and United Flight 93, but every American experienced the pain of loss that day. prgtoken Just as we mourn the innocent lives lost, we also remember the heroism of our first responders who ran toward danger and death to help their fellow Americans. prgtoken Out of the ashes of that terrible tragedy arose a strength and unity that the whole world came to admire. September 11 altered the course of our Nation's history in a blaze of fire and smoke, and for so many Americans, it altered the course of our lives. prgtoken Our fighting men and women deployed overseas just weeks later and remain in the fight today. So many Americans joined them, enlisting to defend our Nation. Young kids who witnessed firefighters rushing into the burning towers grew up and themselves joined units with old- fashioned names like ``engine'' and ``ladder.'' A generation of intelligence officers dedicated themselves to preventing another 9/11, and they have and still do. prgtoken Our lives continue to be altered because the consequences of September 11 are still with us. The attacks of 18 years ago continue to claim new victims, as first responders and others succumb to injuries and illnesses that trace back to that morning. prgtoken The al-Qaida terrorists who attacked us are bloodied, yet undefeated, while the Taliban terrorists who gave safe haven threaten to regain control in Afghanistan. prgtoken Most tragic of all, our brave soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines continue to fall in the line of duty and defense of our country. prgtoken Just last week, Army SFC Elis A. Barreto Ortiz was killed on the battlefield in Afghanistan. September 11 is his story, too--the story of valor and sacrifice. prgtoken So the story of September 11 continues to unfold many years after the fact. May its memory strengthen our resolve to continue fighting the enemies of freedom, and may we never ever forget. prgtoken .
COASTAL AND MARINE ECONOMIES PROTECTION ACT
Jeff Duncan (Republican, SC) \u2014 2019-9-11

I stand in opposition to this legislation which undermines the United States' energy dominance and makes us strategically weaker as a nation. prgtoken I remember Admiral Mike Mullen saying there is no national security without energy security. We get that by exploring and developing the natural resources we are blessed with in this Nation. prgtoken Currently, 67 percent of the energy used in our Nation is generated from oil and gas; 94 percent of the Outer Continental Shelf is off limits to exploration. The Department of the Interior projects that an estimated 89.9 billion barrels and 327 trillion cubic feet of natural gas has yet to be discovered on the Outer Continental Shelf. prgtoken Opening up the entire Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf could support nearly 265,000 new, higher paying jobs, $22 billion a year in private investment, and generate almost $6 billion in new revenue for the government within 20 years of the initial lease. Mr. Cunningham's bill blocks $2.2 billion from going to schools, roads, and conservation efforts in South Carolina. prgtoken Through revenue sharing, oil and natural gas development are a critical source of funding for many valuable programs. Over the past 10 years, royalty payments from lease sales have generated $73 billion for the Federal Government. Much of this money goes into conservation programs, such as the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Many people on the other side of the aisle that will support this bill also supported the reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. prgtoken In 2018, the LWCF received $893 million in offshore revenues. South Carolina received $1.5 million in 2018 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Oil and gas royalties totaled about 90 percent of the LWCF's funding. Congress has already voted to permanently reauthorize in this Congress. prgtoken How do the supporters of this bill intend to make up nearly all of the funding for a program that they supported that they would be cutting with this bill? They would do it by taxing the hardworking American citizens, I guess. prgtoken Blocking offshore development would not only significantly harm our economy, but it would increase dependence on our adversaries for energy. prgtoken Just in 2018, there was a Russian LNG tanker that arrived in the Boston harbor. It traveled 4,500 miles from Russia to the U.S. when the United States has been the number one producer of natural gas since 2009. prgtoken New England relies on foreign countries for about 20 percent of its natural gas. Why? Because we don't have the pipeline capacity running from the Marcellus shale up to New England to provide American natural gas, so they are having to buy from Russia. prgtoken Development of our resources on the Outer Continental Shelf, opening up areas that were blocked by past administrations to energy development, exploration, and, ultimately, production, provides money for the Land and Water C
Remembering September 11th (Executive Calendar)
Roy Blunt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2019-9-11

as my friend from Indiana and others have pointed out today, this is a day that Americans remember as a day of unique tragedy. Earlier today, on the Senate floor, we had a moment of silence in the middle of a series of votes. The Senate floor was full of Members who paused to think about what had happened on that day. prgtoken I think almost every American alive knows where he was that morning. Just like this morning, it was beautiful and clear. If you were too young to remember where you were that morning--and there is a real likelihood that your parents told you where you were--it was a seminal moment. It changed how we look at so many things in our country. We reflect today where we were and the changes that occurred after that. prgtoken I was working on the other side of the building as a Member of the House 18 years ago, and I shared with the Capitol Police today my appreciation for what they do every day. On this day every year, I remember being one of the last people to leave this building. The Capitol Police were working hard to get people out as there was a sense that a plane was coming here and was going to either hit the White House or the Capitol. I remember walking out the door--I really was among the last to leave the building that day--and I remember looking into the eyes of a Capitol Police Officer who was still at the door and thinking and realizing that I was going to be out. If the building were a target, I was quickly going to be somewhere else, and she was still going to be here until those who work to protect us every day were sure that everybody who could possibly be found and gotten out of the building was already gone. prgtoken We clearly understand the world is a dangerous place. We just had a foreign policy discussion this week about the country that had served as really the haven for al-Qaida and what would happen if we were to totally leave that prgtoken country and it were to go back to the Taliban. Would it become a haven again? Almost certainly, I think it would. prgtoken We really need to think about a number of things. One is that so many people do so much to protect us all the time. We have thousands of Americans who are in uniform and in the intelligence community who spend their time every day being sure that we are as safe as we can be and that our freedoms are secure. They are deployed overseas. They are fighting terrorist groups like ISIS or the remnants of al-Qaida. They are working here to spot homegrown terrorists. They are doing what they can to find what somebody may be talking about or what somebody may be bringing across the border that would be of danger. prgtoken Senator Capito and I were just at the border last week. Some of the things we talked about were not only the drugs coming over the border but the other things coming over the border that are designed to harm us--who we are and how we live. prgtoken In St. Louis, MO, and Arnold, MO, we have
REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER THE 11TH IN THE GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2019-9-11

on the 18th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, Patriot Day, we remember Islamic extremist terrorists hijacked passenger jets to murder nearly 3,000 innocent Americans in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania. It is sickening to think of the men and women and children who were slaughtered. Our remembrance promotes the legacy of the people who were mercilessly murdered. prgtoken I am humbled and inspired by the strength and resilience, just as my colleague, Sheila Jackson Lee, of our country when we stand together to remember this mutual tragedy. Today, I remain inspired by Todd Beamer's heroic immediate response, ``Let's roll.'' prgtoken This summer, I visited the sites of Islamic extremist attacks in Buenos Aires, Argentina, of 1994 and in Mumbai, India, of 2008. The brave people of America, Argentina, and India are prepared to stand together to resist further mass murder. prgtoken On this day, we honor the lives of those affected by the attack. It is also a day to salute our military who served to protect our freedom and to deny Islamic extremists a safe haven in Afghanistan. prgtoken In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.
COASTAL AND MARINE ECONOMIES PROTECTION ACT
Ben Cline (Republican, VA) \u2014 2019-9-11

I thank the ranking member for yielding. prgtoken , I come from the Commonwealth of Virginia, a Commonwealth which is rich in natural resources. We have an abundant supply of energy sources, but this legislation would destroy the untapped potential for research and investment in oil and gas resources off our coast. prgtoken This bill would stifle innovation, prevent job creation, and severely limit the ability of our Nation to realize its full potential of achieving long-term energy independence. prgtoken Studies have shown that exploring offshore oil and natural gas resources would bring thousands of jobs to Virginia and significantly boost its economy. prgtoken Earlier this spring I traveled with Congressman Scalise and a delegation of Members to his district in Louisiana, and helicoptered off into the Gulf of Mexico where I was able to see firsthand the great strides that have been made in energy exploration, technology, and innovation, and the great benefits that have accrued to Louisiana: Louisiana schools, Louisiana roads, and port projects as a result. prgtoken The amazing developments in ensuring that energy resources can be explored and extracted safely and with minimal impact to our environment, demonstrated to me that similar efforts can be achieved back home in the waters off the coast of Virginia, and that our environmentally sensitive areas would be protected for future generations to enjoy, while we can lower energy costs for residents and businesses across our great Commonwealth. prgtoken H.R. 1941 would block millions of dollars from going to Virginia and other coastal States. If South Carolina doesn't want the money, fine, but the Federal Government should not be in the business of halting Virginia and, in turn, America's economic growth. Failing to give States like mine the ability to explore the resources off our coast would be a grave disservice to my constituents, our Commonwealth, and our Nation. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to oppose this misguided legislation.