mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Iran (Executive Session)
Roy Blunt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2020-1-7

Qasem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force, was killed by U.S. forces last week. That has already been well discussed and well understood. The failing regime in Iran has done everything it could, between his death and right now, to make the most of it, to make him a martyr to the cause of terrorism. prgtoken I think we should all understand that the cause of terrorism was his cause. He is not a general in any traditional sense of what that would mean. He has been described a number of different ways. He has been referred to as Iran's top general. Don't think for a minute that means anything like almost any other country's top general. prgtoken One newspaper called him Iran's ``most revered military leader.'' That might be true, but remember Iran's purpose as a State is to encourage terrorism all over the world. prgtoken I heard one news broadcast where he was referred to as ``an irreplaceable figurehead,'' though they went on to explain that he was a significant person. There apparently are no editors anymore because the term ``figurehead'' doesn't mean what they were suggesting. If they meant he was an irreplaceable figure, I hope that he is. I think he is hard to replace, and I hope he is hard to replace. I would like to think that in many ways he will not be able to be replaced, but that doesn't mean he deserves our sympathy, respect, or our grief. prgtoken He was, in fact, a bad person. He spent his career largely outside the boundaries of what any civilized nation would consider a military context. He led Iran's terrorism agenda around the world. prgtoken Iran funded and provided weapons to the Shia militias in Iraq. They provided arms depots and military forces to the Assad regime in Syria. They supported Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon. They provided advanced weapons to the Houthi rebels in Yemen. Hundreds of U.S. military personnel in Iraq were either killed or injured by the IED attacks encouraged and funded by Iran in Iraq. That is what the Soleimani agenda was all about. prgtoken Over this past year, Iran has continued its campaign of aggression against the United States and our allies. In almost every report of these activities, Soleimani was one of the persons mentioned as, again, structuring, masterminding, encouraging, or taking credit for these things as they happened in some cases and denying responsibility in others for activities for which he and Iran were responsible. prgtoken Last June, Iran shot down a U.S. intelligence drone flying in international space. In July, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps captured a British-flagged commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran was behind the attack on Saudi oilfields last September using drones and cruise missiles. Iran was been behind an earlier attack on a Saudi airport used by civilians. The Quds Force also launched a crackdown on Iranian citizens who protested oil prices and are vigorously seeking out others who are
SUPPORT FOR GUN RIGHTS
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-1-7

I rise today to reaffirm my strong support for the Second Amendment and stand up for the constitutional right for all Americans to keep and bear arms. prgtoken At a time when efforts are underway across the country to restrict gun ownership, patriotic Americans are rising up in strong defense of the Second Amendment. This is especially true in my home State of Kentucky, where there is significant grassroots energy on the side of defending a right that our Founding Fathers considered to be of critical importance. prgtoken Whether it be red flag laws or other proposals aimed at limiting access to firearms or ammunition, politicians across the country are seeking to roll back the basic rights of law-abiding Americans. As a member of the Congressional Second Amendment Caucus, I pledge to strongly oppose these proposals as well as any effort to infringe on the fundamental freedom of gun ownership.
HONORING THE LIFE OF OFFICER JACKSON RYAN WINKELER
Tom Rice (Republican, SC) \u2014 2020-1-7

. Madam , I rise today to honor Officer Jackson Ryan Winkeler who was killed in the line of duty on January 5, 2020 in Florence, South Carolina. prgtoken Officer Winkeler was attempting to make a traffic stop when fired upon by the suspect. Jackson paid the ultimate price while protecting his community and serving our country. He not only served in law enforcement, but also volunteered with the Latta Fire Department. He is a true hero. prgtoken The entire community is deeply saddened by the loss of Officer Winkeler. We cannot imagine the heavy sorrow that his family feels at this time. We pray that his life, service, and sacrifice will never be forgotten. prgtoken Madam , I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the entire Winkeler family and friends for their loss. May God bless them and give them peace during this very difficult time. I ask that we all keep them in our thoughts and prayers.
CONGRATULATING COACH GERRY ECKENRODE
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-1-7

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Altoona native Gerry Eckenrode upon his induction into the Adams County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. prgtoken Throughout his coaching career at Delone Catholic in McSherrystown, Coach Eckenrode has established a strong record of excellence. During his 20 year tenure as head coach of the girls' basketball team, Coach Eckenrode has won 466 games, including leading the Squirettes to three straight PIAA Class 2A state championships from 2003 to 2005 and a Class 3A state championship in 2019. prgtoken Coach Eckenrode not only stands out for his winning record, but also his dedicated service and leadership as he teaches his team what it takes to succeed both on and off the court. It is my pleasure to congratulate fellow Bishop Guilfoyle High School graduate Gerry Eckenrode on this honor, and I wish the Eckenrode Family continued success.
DISTRICT 16 LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FOR NORTHFIELD, NEW JERSEY
Jefferson Van Drew (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2020-1-7

Northfield, New Jersey's Little League baseball team, a little while back, won their second straight District 16 Little League baseball title. prgtoken Their pitcher, Finn Haines, who was selected to compete in the Little League Derby in Atlanta, pitched their final two innings to clinch the win. prgtoken Brady Arena, their leadoff hitter, scored their winning run, ensuring that Northfield beat Ocean City 3-2. prgtoken The District 16 baseball teams are made up of 11-and 12-year-olds in Atlantic and Cape May Counties in south Jersey, and winning this title means that Northfield advanced to the Section 4 tournament. prgtoken When they won, the Northfield team ran a victory lap around the field holding the District 16 championship banner in pride, along with the United States flag. prgtoken So to all players on the team: Congratulations on your win. You have exciting futures ahead of you. I am sure you have many, many more wins to come.
Impeachment (Executive Calendar)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-1-7

before Congress adjourned for the holidays, our colleagues in the House of Representatives carried out their sole priority for 2019, which was to impeach President . That was their No. 1 objective in 2019. While it is no secret that this is something they have been dreaming of since the day President was inaugurated on January 20, 2017, it certainly took our colleagues in the House on a roller coaster ride and the country as well. I liken it, really, not to a roller coaster ride, but to a three-ring circus. It did not reflect particularly well on their body or on the seriousness of the process. prgtoken From March of last year, here is an important quote to remember. Pelosi cast a lot of doubt that an impeachment vote would even happen. This is from March 2019. She said: Impeachment is so divisive to the country that unless there's something so compelling and overwhelming and bipartisan, I don't think we should go down that path, because it divides the country. And he's just not worth it. prgtoken That is what Pelosi said in March of 2019. prgtoken As we have seen, it was only a matter of time before the radical Members of her caucus forced Pelosi's hand and sent the House down a partisan impeachment rabbit hole. That is where they ended up. House dove head first into--as something our majority leader has said here in the Senate--the most rushed, least fair, and least thorough impeachment inquiry in American history. We have only been through this three times before in American history. This is an extraordinary undertaking under our Constitution, to seek to impeach and remove a President less than a year before the upcoming election over something that does not even allege any crime but rather a disagreement with the way the President has conducted foreign policy, which is his role under our Constitution. prgtoken For as long as have been dreaming about this moment, you would think they would be well prepared for a thorough investigation and a presentation of their case to the Senate. Well, as it turns out, that is not even close. They moved through closed door depositions, public hearings, and a vote at an alarming pace, all to ensure that they could wrap up the process by the end of the year. Before the clock struck midnight, they managed to get it done. prgtoken Despite Pelosi's insistence less than a year ago that impeachment should be a bipartisan process, the House passed Articles of Impeachment with votes from just one party, which is the definition of partisan, not bipartisan. prgtoken In spite of the partisanship that has ensnared this process in the House of Representatives, we in the Senate have vowed to follow the framework set by the only modern precedent for an impeachment trial in the Senate, and that is of President Bill Clinton. In 1999, all 100 Senators, including both the current majority and minority leaders, v
Foreign Policy (Executive Calendar)
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2020-1-7

I come to the floor today following the U.S. airstrike in Iraq, the airstrike that killed Iranian's terrorist mastermind. prgtoken I fully support President 's decision. As Commander in Chief, I believe he had an obligation to do what he did to act when American lives were at stake. With the death of Iran's General Soleimani, the American people and people around the world are much safer. prgtoken This general was an emboldened, blood-thirsty terrorist. He was a killer. He has the blood of countless people around the world on his hands. prgtoken In the last 2 months, we have seen 11 attacks--11 attacks--on U.S. forces and bases, including the killing of an American citizen. prgtoken He became bolder and more aggressive in both his actions and his ambitions, and he was stepping up his attacks on Americans. In fact, General Soleimani was at war with the United States his entire career, and it was a military career. He was the commander of Iran's terrorist network. prgtoken In recent months, we watched as he personally directed brazen attacks on our Embassy and our personnel in Iraq. We knew that more attacks were coming, so the United States took action. prgtoken Soleimani's death makes America safer in the long run. Taking out this war criminal will help us avoid war in the future. prgtoken Let me be clear: I don't want war with Iran. The United States does not want war with Iran, but we know that appeasement does not work. The administration's strategy of wishful thinking failed. prgtoken Soleimani's terrorist network was made more powerful by U.S. money. The administration gave billions and billions of U.S. dollars as part of that Iran nuclear deal. What did they do with the money? They used the money to support terrorists around the world. Without a doubt, appeasement brought only failure. It made Iran stronger, and it hurt the United States and our allies. prgtoken We know that the winning strategy is peace through strength. We knew it through Ronald Reagan, and we know it today. Already, U.S. sanctions on Iran have been crushing and crippling. We must continue President 's maximum-pressure campaign. Now Iran knows the United States means what it says. We are prepared for retaliations, should they come. prgtoken This past weekend, actually said that Iran is in the driver's seat. Iran is not in the driver's seat; Iran is in the center of the bull's-eye. prgtoken U.S. forces will respond. We will respond to any future attacks on Americans or Americans' safety, and we will do it swiftly and with a punishing response. prgtoken It will be a grave mistake for Iran to further escalate tensions. Instead, what Iran ought to do is dial down its aggressive nature and posture. prgtoken The facts are these: General Soleimani was a blood-thirty terrorist. He had the blood of innocent civilians on his hands, and he would have killed many more if given the chance. prgtoken This general
RECOGNIZING DELICATE PERIODONTICS AND IMPLANT DENTISTRY
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-1-7

as chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I highlight a small business that exemplifies the value of dignified work and the unique entrepreneurial spirit of our Nation. It is my privilege to recognize a Florida small business that is dedicated to its patients, as well as the surrounding community. Today, I am proud to honor Delicate Periodontics and Implant Dentistry of Wellington, FL, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. prgtoken Founded in 2017 by owner Dr. J'Nelle Delica, Delicate Periodontics and Implant Dentistry is a friendly, welcoming dental practice that provides quality dental care with a specialization in laser periodontics. A first-generation Jamaican-American and native Floridian, Dr. Delica dreamed of opening a dental practice since she was 13. Years later, Dr. Delica has achieved her dream and has dedicated her career to treating patients and educating individuals on dental health. In addition to services such as exams and cleanings, Delicate Periodontics provides surgical and laser periodontal therapy, soft tissue and bone grafts, dental implants, and sinus lifts. With the help of her staff, Dr. Delica ensures that each patient receives personalized attention. When faced with large and complicated cases, Dr. Delica ensures that the process remains collaborative so patients feel at ease. prgtoken Delicate Periodontics is also involved in giving back to the community through events like health fairs where Dr. Delica provides dental screenings for Palm Beach County residents. The dental practice has also been a dedicated sponsor for events in the Wellington community such as the Meet Me at the Race Sunset Stride Family 5K. Additionally, Dr. Delica has dedicated much of her time to educating local middle and high school students about careers in dentistry as part of an annual health symposium. prgtoken Dr. Delica's passion for educating others on dental hygiene has extended far beyond the walls of Delicate Periodontics. As a student, Dr. Delica partnered with the Jamaican Ministry of Health to educate families on dental health in early childhood. After earning her degree in dentistry, Dr. Delica maintained her relationship with Jamaica and currently serves as an adjunct faculty member at the University of West Indies Dental School. In recent years, Dr. Delica has brought her dental expertise to Saint Ann, Jamaica, where she and other health professionals volunteer their dentistry skills for patients in need. prgtoken Dr. Delica and her team's dedication to quality dental services and community service, both in the United States and abroad, makes Delicate Periodontics and Implant Dentistry an integral member of the South Florida economy. Congratulations to the entire team at Delicate Periodontics and Implant Dentistry. I look forward to watching your continued growth and success.
HONORING VETERAN OF THE MONTH OLIVER GREEN
Ross Spano (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-1-7

I rise to bring attention to a distinguished veteran from my district. prgtoken At the age of 17, Private Oliver Green enlisted in the Army just before the Korean war; and on his 18th birthday, Private Green landed at Wonsan, North Korea, in a tank landing ship. prgtoken As a machine gunner assigned to the Third Infantry Division, Seventh Regiment, First Battalion, D Company, Oliver Green was quickly put into the fight, experiencing a number of combat engagements with the enemy. After being seriously wounded, Private Green was awarded the Bronze Star, the Silver Star, and the Purple Heart for his combat heroism. prgtoken Oliver Green went on to attend the University of Alabama and Stetson School of Law. He later became a Polk County judge, rising to become chief judge of the tenth judicial circuit in 1979. prgtoken Oliver Green is a patriot. His commitment and service to our Nation and our community have been outstanding. prgtoken I am grateful for brave individuals like Oliver Green who go, and have gone, above and beyond the call of duty to serve their fellow man and to serve our Nation.
IN RECOGNITION OF BETTY CARR
Mike Rogers (Republican, AL) \u2014 2020-1-7

. Madam , I rise to recognize Betty Carr. Betty has been an iconic fixture in Anniston for decades and an inspiration and advocate for local youth. prgtoken Betty grew up in Anniston in a family that placed an importance on their community and grew up in church at First United Methodist Church. Betty now attends Grace Episcopal Church. prgtoken She worked at the University of Alabama, ran Camp Grandview in Montgomery and was a Soda Jerk at the end of World War II. prgtoken Betty is best known for her work with many generations of area youth. She worked as the youth and program director at the YMCA from 1967 to 1985. This month, the Anniston City Council unanimously supported that the section of West 14th Street in front of the YMCA will be named ``Betty Carr Way.'' prgtoken After the YMCA, Betty also worked at the Chamber of Commerce. prgtoken Even today, Betty is still going strong spending her days greeting people at Classic on Noble. She has suffered from macular degeneration, but has not let losing her eyesight slow her down. prgtoken Betty will turn 95 on January 21. prgtoken Madam , please join me in recognizing Betty and her service to our youth. Please also join me in wishing her a very happy 95th birthday this month.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST--S. CON. RES. 32
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2020-1-7

first, from Arkansas for his wonderful remarks. We had a similar event in Rhode Island with veterans of the Battle of the Bulge who recounted their stories and who were celebrated by our State leaders, our adjutant general, and a crowd of admirers. It was a wonderful moment and a wonderful memory. So I thank him for calling it up on the Senate floor. Climate Change prgtoken , here we are in 2020, and I am still coming to the floor to try to wake this Chamber up to the perils of climate change-- pathetic. prgtoken Why do I have to be doing another one of these speeches? Why don't we heed the warnings of our foremost scientists, of our military, of top financial institutions--heck, of our own home State universities? What does it take to get our attention around here? prgtoken Why is the fossil fuel industry's unlimited dark money still flooding our politics? Why are the biggest lobbying forces in Washington, like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, rated as America's worst climate obstructors? Where are those trade group members who claim to support climate action when their own groups are leading the obstruction? What is going on? prgtoken Who around here is so cynical as to still take fossil fuel money and block climate action? In 2020, how is that a legitimate deal? prgtoken Who hasn't noticed the world spinning toward climate catastrophe--the forests burning, the seas rising, the ocean water acidifying, the glaciers melting? How can you miss that? prgtoken To the liars, the deniers, the connivers, and the stooges, I predict 2020 is going to be a bad year for you. The sand beneath your castle of lies is eroding fast. Now, 2019 was a tough year for you, and 2020 will be worse. We are going to bring down your castle of lies. prgtoken The fossil fuel industry campaign of obstruction hides behind an armada of phony front groups. In 2020, we will out you and your fossil fuel funding, too. prgtoken To big oil companies that pretend to want progress, while still using that climate denial and obstruction apparatus to attack the very progress you claim to want, we will out that truth. We will expose your two-facedness. prgtoken The fossil fuel industry spoons up the biggest subsidy in the history of the planet. The International Monetary Fund estimates their global subsidy in the trillions of dollars every year--globally. In the United States alone, the fossil fuel industry was subsidized to the tune of $650 billion in 2015--the last year the IMF has calculated. We will out that massive subsidy and their dark money schemes to protect it. prgtoken The fossil fuel industry's biggest schemers against climate action in Congress are the big corporate trade associations. The worst two are the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers. The watchdog InfluenceMap outed NAM and the chamber in a virtual tie as the two most obstructi
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST--S. CON. RES. 32
Edward J. Markey (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2020-1-7

just in response to the Senator from Oklahoma, it is deeply disheartening when, on the floor of the U.S. Senate, we cannot agree to a simple commitment that the United States of America should never engage in military actions that are war crimes by attacking cultural sites in Iran. prgtoken When ISIS attacks cultural sites in the Middle East, we condemn that because we know what the impact on the cultures of those countries will be. When al-Qaida attacked us on September 11, 2001, which targets did they select? They selected the World Trade Center, the symbol of capitalism in the United States. They selected the Pentagon, the symbol of our defense. And but for those brave passengers on that plane in Pennsylvania, when they said ``Let's roll,'' that target could have been the Capitol Building of the United States of America where we are standing right now, the symbol of Democracy. They knew what they were doing--they were striking at capitalism, at our Defense Department, and at our democracy--and they knew what the impact would have been on our country. prgtoken So we have a choice to make right now out here on the floor of the Senate, and that is to make a statement before we do that to the Iranians because we ourselves experienced it, and we know what our reaction was. They will rise up in a way that will make it impossible to reconcile. We will be in eternal war in the Middle East. prgtoken My request to the Members is to have this resolution come back out here on the floor. I understand the gentleman's objection, but the President could be ordering additional retaliatory strikes against the Iranians within a week if the Iranians are good for their word that they are going to hit us. We have to be sure that if the President does that, he does so in a way that does not commit a war crime and that does not destroy these culturally significant parts of the Iranian culture that go back thousands of years. It would be something that ultimately would be catastrophic. prgtoken We are better than this. We are the United States of America. President has already made one mistake in assassinating General Soleimani. We should not allow him to compound that mistake.