mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Budget Proposal (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-2-10

today President unveiled his budget proposal for fiscal year 2021. For the third year in a row, the President's budget puts a magnifying glass on the endemic, pervasive hypocrisy of this administration. prgtoken He says one thing in the State of the Union and does the opposite in his budget. But the budget is what he does. The State of the Union is just what he says. So, 1 week removed from the State of the Union Address, President 's budget doublecrosses the American workers and middle-class families he promised to help in that speech. prgtoken Let's take healthcare. Candidate promised to protect the social safety net programs like Medicare and Medicaid, unlike other s. Once in office, President has proposed cutting-- cutting--Medicare and Medicaid every year he sent us a budget. Once again, the President proposed steep cuts to Medicaid, as well as onerous new qualification requirements, policies that would take coverage away from millions. prgtoken Medicaid affects poor people, but it affects a whole lot of middle class people whose parents are in nursing homes and healthcare facilities. Dramatic cuts to Medicaid hurt large, large numbers of Americans, both poor and middle class. prgtoken On top of that, the budget proposes cutting funding for the Department of Health and Human Services by 9 percent. That is the Department in charge of the coronavirus. He is cutting the budget. Then, when something bad happens, he will blame somebody else. That is his MO. prgtoken The President stood in front of the Nation and promised his administration would protect Americans with preexisting conditions. It was a lie when he said it, and his budget makes that very, very clear. If the President's budget became reality, hundreds of billions of dollars would be taken away from healthcare services, and tens of millions of Americans would see their coverage disappear, including millions with preexisting conditions. prgtoken There is one term that appears nowhere in the President's budget. It is called ``climate change.'' One of the greatest challenges of our time, the No. 1 threat facing our planet, climate change is not mentioned once among the hundreds of pages of the President's budget, except it does propose cutting the Environmental Protection Agency by 26 percent--more than a quarter. prgtoken The Earth is on fire. Antarctica had a 64-degree record temperature this week. What is the President's response? He douses the fire with the lighter fluid of weakened pollution regulations and then proposes cutting the fire department. prgtoken He cares about the oil companies. Lots of those Big Oil wildcatters send him tons of money. He doesn't care prgtoken about the future of this globe and that we are leaving something awful to our children and grandchildren. prgtoken Going further, in the President's budget, hundreds of billions would be slashed from Federal housing assistance, student
TRIBUTE TO JOHN FERRIOLA
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2020-2-10

I rise today to recognize the career and service of John Ferriola, who will retire at the end of this year after serving Nucor Steel for nearly three decades. Mr. Ferriola has served as CEO since 2013, and under his leadership, the company has grown and created thousands of good-paying manufacturing jobs here in the U.S. He worked to upgrade Nucor's facility in Marion, OH, with a new rolling mill that began operating this year. prgtoken John has been a passionate advocate for American manufacturing and for a fairer trade policy that works for American workers and businesses. We worked together to pass the Leveling the Playing Field Act in 2015, the first strengthening of our trade remedy laws in more than two decades. That law has helped us win key trade cases for Ohio steel companies over the past 4 years. prgtoken When John started at Nucor in 1991, it was a small steel company with just two mills. Last year, Nucor was the largest steel producer in the United States. John understands that workers in Ohio and around the U.S. are the engine behind that success. I look forward to continuing to our fight together for a fair trade policy that puts American workers first, and I wish John Ferriola all the best in his retirement.
CONGRATULATING BUTLER COMMUNITY COLLEGE ON THEIR RECENT ACHIEVEMENT
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-2-11

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate the Butler County Community College on their recent achievement. The college was recognized as the number one community college in Pennsylvania. prgtoken This is quite an achievement, but Butler County Community College is no stranger to success. For the fifth time since 2015, BCCC has been recognized as the best of the best in the Commonwealth. This annual accolade, presented by BestColleges.com, assesses academic quality, affordability, and online competency to determine who provides the best overall experience for students. prgtoken Butler County Community College is setting learners of all ages and backgrounds up for success by providing an affordable education that readies students for a 21st century workforce. Thanks to this model, BCCC students are graduating with more opportunities and less debt. prgtoken I am proud of the educational excellence that Butler County Community College has to offer for students in Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District and the surrounding area, and they are certainly well deserving of this recognition.
REMEMBERING BILLIE SUE HOGGARD
Tom Cotton (Republican, AR) \u2014 2020-2-11

our Nation functions thanks to the extraordinary devotion and patriotism of the American people. Every city, every county, every State, and every party has a few patriots who go above and beyond, dedicating their whole lives to making sure that our system works and that our way of life is preserved so that we can pass on our Republic as a precious inheritance to our children and our grandchildren. prgtoken Billie Sue Hoggard was just such a patriot. She devoted her life to her neighbors and fellow citizens in Jonesboro in northeast Arkansas. Billie Sue went home to be with the Lord on Sunday at age 76. prgtoken Billie Sue loved America, she loved Arkansas, she loved the Party with all of her heart, and she devoted all of her energy to making them great. prgtoken As a young child, sadly, Billie Sue knew the meaning of sacrifice. Her adoptive father was killed in action during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. Although they had not met, he kept her baby photo in his wallet. No doubt, he was proud to know the baby girl he adopted grew up to carry on his legacy of service to others. I bet he told her that on Sunday when they were reunited. prgtoken Billie Sue worked as a teacher in northeast Arkansas for decades, helping young people grow up to become better citizens. Her career as an educator was just one part of her commitment to public service. She also served as a justice of the peace and the Party committee chair for Craighead County, where she brought energy and joy and a little bit of feistiness to every meeting and every local gathering. prgtoken Billie Sue was also a well ahead of the pack, back in the day when many counties didn't even have committees and some counties could probably meet in a telephone booth. Her energy and commitment were instrumental in helping our party win the trust and support of our candidates in Jonesboro, in Craighead County, in northeast Arkansas, and all around our State. It is thanks in no small part to her efforts that Rick Crawford now represents northeast Arkansas in the House of Representatives, the first to hold that seat since reconstruction. prgtoken I met Billie Sue shortly after my election to the House. She encouraged me to run for the Senate. She promised to deliver Craighead County if I did, and I can tell you, she kept that promise and then some, as she always did. prgtoken Of course, Billie Sue was most committed of all to her family. Her four children, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren were the loves of her life. In a fitting turn of fate, Billie Sue, the adopted daughter of a servicemember, served herself as guardian to two of her young granddaughters in her later years. She was in her seventies when she raised those two young girls. In an act of love, she stepped up for her family in its hour of need. prgtoken Billy Sue's health declined over the last year of her life. We all
PRESCRIPTION DRUG COSTS
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2020-2-11

our colleague Senator Martha McSally, of Arizona, announced her support yesterday for the bipartisan Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act. I like to refer to it as the Grassley-Wyden prescription drug bill, reducing prices. Senator McSally and I worked together on several parts of the bill. Her Arizonans should know that Senator McSally's leadership is making all the difference in moving this bill forward. I thank her for her cosponsorship. prgtoken President , Vice President , and nearly a dozen Senate s have, so far, endorsed this bill. Several other Senate s will soon announce their support as well. I expect to introduce an updated version in the coming weeks. prgtoken I am confident that, if this bill were to be brought up for a vote, it would pass overwhelmingly. Let's not miss an opportunity then to deliver real progress for Americans. This always shows up--in other words, drug pricing legislation--as one of the three, four, or five top issues of the upcoming election. prgtoken . prgtoken .
HONORING JAMES RING
Ross Spano (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-2-11

. Madam , I rise today to honor U.S. Army veteran James Ring. prgtoken After graduating high school, James enlisted in the Army and served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He later joined the Reserve Forces and, at the same time, began a 13-year career as a City of Lakeland police officer. prgtoken Now, in addition to serving as CEO for his own small business, James is active with the Lakeland Chamber, promoting issues important to the small business community. prgtoken Very soon, James will be returning to Active Duty and deploying again. Now, that is commitment. prgtoken People like James make me proud not only to be an American, but proud of my district. The spirit and the drive that propel him to serve our community as a small business owner and our Nation as a uniformed servicemember are unique and invaluable. prgtoken From the bottom of my heart, thank you, James. And thank you Ring family for your service and your sacrifice. I know I speak on behalf of the entire district when I say that we are so very proud of you.
SMITHSONIAN WOMEN'S HISTORY MUSEUM ACT
Rodney Davis (Republican, IL) \u2014 2020-2-11

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , I support this wonderful piece of legislation. It is talking about leadership. You can't get much better leadership than Chairwoman Maloney. This is an issue she has been tenacious on. prgtoken It is one I am proud to work with the majority party on. At a time when America doesn't think we are a bipartisan institution, I hope today is one of those instances where they can turn on C-SPAN, or maybe it will get reported in the 24-hour news cycle, but we are going to come together to do something that is great, not just for America but America's history. prgtoken Madam , since I have some time left, we are talking about women, strong women who have been a part of this institution. She doesn't know I am doing this because she is sitting right next to me, but we are going to see the retirement of an institution here in this House. Come April 1, my House Administration minority staff is going to lose our institution, our institutional knowledge, Ms. Mary Sue Englund. prgtoken Mary Sue has worked for government for 31 years, 27 years here in the House. Working with the likes of Bill Thomas makes me look easy, I think. I don't know all the rest of them before I got here, but the chairpersons of the committee before I got here, I know Mary Sue, when I met her, she was working for then-Chair Candace Miller, and she worked for Chairman Gregg Harper. For her to stay on and work with us in the minority, I am honored. prgtoken It is people like Mary Sue who make this institution great. It is people like Mary Sue who are going to be missed. And it is people like Mary Sue who I enjoy embarrassing today because I didn't tell her I was going to do this. prgtoken Madam , if the folks in the gallery would rise today to give Mary Sue the sendoff that she deserves. prgtoken Madam , may I inquire how much time I have remaining.
RECOGNIZING OAKES CUSTOM MEATS & CATERING
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-2-11

as chairman of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize a small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit, which drives our economy. This week, it is my pleasure to honor Oakes Custom Meats & Catering of Chumuckla, FL, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. prgtoken For more than 25 years, Oakes Custom Meats & Catering has served Chumuckla as a neighborhood butcher shop that cuts and processes livestock and wild game. Having lived and worked in Chumuckla for generations, the Oakes family is uniquely positioned to serve their community in this capacity, as they deeply appreciate their local farmers and understand their needs. The Oakes' knowledge of and friendships with the people in their community allows them to serve their community well, providing exceptional personalized service to every customer. prgtoken Oakes Custom Meats & Catering offers personalized services in a number of ways, including full-service catering for parties, celebrations, and corporate events. They also have a food truck that serves lunch several days a week at various locations inhabited by local small businesses around Chumuckla, helping to promote those businesses in the community. The food truck lunches have a large following on social media, are extremely popular, and often sell out within a few hours. Oakes Custom Meats & Catering's rave reviews reflect not only their delicious food, but their high-quality customer service as well. prgtoken Oakes Custom Meats & Catering is also present in their community in a charitable capacity. They sponsor a weekly event hosted by a local fitness company, provide meals for fundraising volunteers, and position their food truck at different charity events. They also bring joy to those in their community by giving away free lunches and meals. As one of the long-serving businesses in the small community of Chumuckla, FL, Oakes Custom Meats & Catering has cemented itself as a staple in the area for its high-quality meat processing service, delicious catered food, and dedication to serving its farming community. Congratulations to the entire Oakes Custom Meats & Catering team for being named Senate Small Business of the Week. I look forward to watching your continued growth and success.
REPEAL THE ABORTION MANDATE OR RISK LOSING IMPORTANT FEDERAL FUNDS
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2020-2-11

. Madam , last month, Health and Human Services issued a notice of violation to my home State of California that is in direct violation of the Weldon amendment, by requiring all health insurers to cover abortions in their plans. prgtoken Governor Newsom has 11 days left to comply with Federal law by repealing the abortion mandate or risk losing important Federal funds. prgtoken In the shadow of the 47th anniversary of Rowe v. Wade, it is important that we buck the status quo that increasingly takes human life for granted. While Governor Newsom continues to blatantly disregard people's personal and religious views, I will continue to stand here as part of the fight to make sure Americans are never forced to pay for other people's abortions. prgtoken Madam , I urge Governor Newsom to quickly repeal California's abortion mandate and get back in line with the rule of law.
Nomination of Andrew Lynn Brasher (Executive Session)
Richard C. Shelby (Republican, AL) \u2014 2020-2-11

I rise today in the U.S. Senate in support of Andrew Brasher of Montgomery, AL, whom I recommended and was later nominated by President to sit on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, a very important post. prgtoken I believe Judge Brasher to be an esteemed choice for this high honor. Formerly Alabama's solicitor general and currently a U.S. district judge for the Middle District of Alabama, Judge Brasher is no stranger to the courtroom. I have the utmost regard for his vast legal ability and his commitment to the rule of law, and I believe he is well suited for this respected position. prgtoken Judge Brasher excelled academically from a young age. He earned his bachelor of arts with honors from Samford University in Birmingham, AL, where he graduated summa cum laude and met his wife Julia there. He currently serves on the school's board of overseers. prgtoken Judge Brasher went on from Samford University in Birmingham to graduate cum laude from Harvard Law School and was the first in his family to receive his juris doctorate. While in law school at Harvard, he was a member of the Harvard Law Review and received the Victor Brudney Prize. The Presiding Officer probably recalls this, but this is a high honor at Harvard granted annually at the law school to the best student paper on a subject associated with corporate governance. This is a very high honor. prgtoken Upon graduation, Judge Brasher served as a law clerk to Judge William H. Pryor, Jr of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, making him neither a stranger to the courtroom nor to the Eleventh Circuit. Following his clerkship with Judge Pryor, Andrew Brasher practiced law in Birmingham, AL, with the law firm Bradley Arant Boult Cummings. During his time with Bradley Arant, he worked in the firm's litigation and white-collar criminal defense practice groups. He eventually joined the Alabama attorney general's office, serving for several years as the deputy solicitor general and then went on to become the solicitor general for the State of Alabama. prgtoken Judge Brasher's experience speaks for itself. He has argued and won cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and the Supreme Court of Alabama. While serving as solicitor general of the State of Alabama, Judge Brasher won two Best Brief Award honors from the National Association of Attorneys General. This accomplishment, as the Presiding Officer knows, prgtoken is no easy feat. He proved to be an exceptionally skilled attorney, but his ambitions did not stop there. prgtoken In 2018, the Presiding Officer probably will remember, I recommended and President nominated Andrew Brasher to serve on the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama. Last year, he was confirmed by the full Senate to sit on the court as a Federal district judge. prgtoken Since his confirmation, Judge Brasher has served th
REPUBLICAN STUDY COMMITTEE'S GEAR TASK FORCE
Debbie Lesko (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2020-2-11

. Madam , I thank the gentleman, my friend, Mr. Gianforte, for giving me the opportunity to speak about this bill. prgtoken I am from Arizona, so border security has been for years and still is the number one issue that people in Arizona care about. They welcome legal immigrants, but they also want to make sure that Arizona and our Nation are secure and that illegal drug trafficking is mitigated. prgtoken We used to see mostly single male adults crossing our border, and they would evade the Border Patrol officers; but, recently, however, thousands and thousands of illegal migrants are coming from Central America, and they are being coached by the cartels, who charge them $5,000 to $8,000 a person. They are saying: Let's go up there and turn yourselves in to the Border Patrol officers, because there is a loophole, and just claim asylum. prgtoken And they know that, once they are in, they are in the United States and they can stay. prgtoken Instead of running away from Border Patrol, they turn themselves in, claiming asylum, so our immigration courts are overloaded and legitimate asylum claims languish amidst frivolous claims. prgtoken This backlog is severe. It is a nonpartisan challenge facing our immigration courts. A recent report stated that backlog cases in immigration courts exceeded 1 million claims. prgtoken This backlog has rapidly increased over the last decade, and as the backlog increases, so do wait times. Sometimes, it takes years for these cases to proceed through the courts. prgtoken We currently have approximately 400 immigration judges. That is about 2,500 cases per judge. This backlog strains housing facilities and prevents judges from granting asylum to legitimate asylum seekers and from swiftly removing those who have frivolous claims and are abusing the loopholes in our laws. prgtoken This is a big national security and humanitarian crisis. We need efficiency in the Federal Government, especially when it comes to immigration. prgtoken That is why I introduced H.R. 3859 to help reduce the immigration court backlog and help legitimate asylum seekers. prgtoken This bill provides an additional 100 immigration judges to reduce the asylum backlog. Adding more judges will allow these cases to be adjudicated faster and help reduce the backlog. prgtoken I thank the task force chairman, Greg Gianforte, and the Study Committee chairman, Mike Johnson, for their hard work to increase efficiency and accountability in our government, especially when it comes to immigration.