mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 6784, MANAGE OUR WOLVES ACT, AND PROVIDING FOR PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PERIOD FROM NOVEMBER 19, 2018, THROUGH NOVEMBER 26, 2018
Peter Welch (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2018-11-14

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken We know what is going on in Yemen, so none of us can escape the responsibility we have to either endorse or ignore the suffering that is occurring there. Thousands of victims in Yemen--hundreds of thousands--are dying of starvation. prgtoken It is happening, in some cases, quickly. People living in their homes under a bomb die instantly. In other cases, the suffering is prolonged--badly injured and no medical help to ease the suffering, let alone save the life. But in the case of most, it is prolonged through starvation. prgtoken Children do not have access to their mother's milk, do not have access to the aid that is in the port but is getting bombed and can't be delivered. That is happening every single day. prgtoken The U.N. report said that, of the 28 million people in Yemen, about 20 million are in danger of humanitarian disaster. That is happening. There is no dispute that it is happening. prgtoken Here is the question: Right now, that is being done with the authority of the executive branch of the United States Government. It means that that suffering that is avoidable and hardly inevitable is being done in your name and in mine. prgtoken Mr. Khanna has brought forth a resolution that allows us to have a debate on this floor as to whether we will condone the continuation of that policy of inflicting the loss of innocent life: women, children, and citizens of Yemen. This rule prohibits us from accepting responsibility as to whether we will condone or condemn or oppose that policy. prgtoken We have no justification for failing to do our job. Let us debate. prgtoken This policy of Saudi Arabia of inflicting massive civilian casualty and suffering is for what? What national interest of this country is at stake by allowing that to continue? prgtoken Some, including me, may say that this threatens our national interest because our national interest is to defend innocent life; it is not to kill innocent life. It is to stand with allies who are going to be honest and transparent with us as well as their own citizens. prgtoken This blank check that our administration has given to Saudi Arabia for massive killing that is occurring in Yemen or individual assassination that is occurring in Turkey is wrong.
Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act (Executive Calendar)
Christopher A. Coons (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2018-11-14

I will just conclude by saying that I could not agree more with the comments of the Senator from Arizona, my friend and colleague. prgtoken There come moments when we should step up and defend the prerogatives and prgtoken the role of this body. This is one of them. I understand it may annoy, it may displease the President for there to be a speed bump put in the way of interference with the special counsel. But this isn't just about the current special counsel; this is about taking Department of Justice regulations and making them statute. This is about providing a small modicum of protection for the groundless removal of a special counsel. prgtoken This is something that, as my colleague has said, deserves prompt attention on the floor. We have a few weeks between now and the end of this Congress, time when we could be taking up and confirming nominees, time when we could be taking up and moving other pieces of legislation, but you have heard a very clear position by my colleague that we won't be moving forward nominees in the Judiciary Committee, and if just one more colleague joins him, we might well begin to prevent nominations from moving on the floor as well. To what end? Simply to get a vote on the floor. Simply to get an opportunity to be heard and for there to be a vote taken on this important piece of bipartisan legislation. prgtoken I am grateful to my colleague for his work on this and for his stand today, and I look forward to continuing to work tirelessly with him on it. prgtoken . prgtoken .
TRIBUTE TO FRED D. GARRETT, SR.
James E. Clyburn (Democrat, SC) \u2014 2018-11-14

I rise today to honor a fellow South Carolinian and longtime friend, Fred D. Garrett, Sr. prgtoken Born in Salley, South Carolina to the late Rev. John E. Garrett and First Lady Mattie Baston Garrett, Fred Garrett grew up in his father's churches. He carried throughout his life the values of servant leadership and community engagement he learned through his childhood experiences in the church. prgtoken After graduating high school in 1943, Mr. Garrett enlisted in the United States Navy and served through the end of World War II in a segregated unit. Upon completing his military service, he returned home to South Carolina where he enrolled in South Carolina State College. He graduated in 1951 with a Bachelors in Agricultural Science with plans to modernize the state's agricultural industry. prgtoken Mr. Garrett began his career in public service working for Florence County, South Carolina as an agent for Clemson University's Agricultural Extension Program. Shortly after marrying his wife of 66 years, Mamie Williams Garrett, he moved to Greenville, South Carolina and became Clemson's Agricultural Extension Agent there. prgtoken In 1958 he was hired part-time as an employee of the then Watkins, Arnold and Sheppard Mortuary. He quickly became a part-owner/manager of the business, which changed its name to Watkins, Garrett & Woods Mortuary. Fred Garrett, Sr. became sole owner of the mortuary in 1993. prgtoken Mr. Garrett has served his community in numerous positions including his role as a lifetime member of the NAACP, membership with the Greenville County Planning Commission, a member of the Rainbow PUSH Steering Committee, board member with the Greenville Urban League/Urban League Upstate, and board member of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Garrett was also a member of the Mu Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He received many awards for his service and business leadership, most recently a Business and Community Service Award from the Minority Economic Development Institute. prgtoken , I ask you and my colleagues to join me in honoring the life, leadership, and legacy of service of this outstanding South Carolinian.
COAST GUARD REAUTHORIZATION BILL
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2018-11-14

I rise to express my opposition to S. 140, the Coast Guard reauthorization bill, because it prevents State regulation of the discharge of pollutants from vessels engaged in maritime commerce and because it exempts one certain vessel from current fire safety standards. prgtoken First, the bill includes a provision, known as the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act, which would dictate how ballast water from ships is regulated in the United States. While I appreciate the hard work of the Senate Committees on Commerce, Science and Transportation and Environment and Public Works and their commitment to bipartisan negotiation on this issue, I unfortunately cannot support a bill that includes the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act, even as currently modified. The problem is that this provision preempts Maryland's authority to set standards on the discharge of ballast water from ships that are more protective of the Chesapeake Bay than the standards set by the Federal Government. prgtoken Ballast water can contain invasive species like blue catfish and zebra mussels, among a host of others, that threaten the delicate balance of life in the bay. The Chesapeake Bay is the Nation's largest estuary. It generates $1 trillion in economic benefit to the watershed region. The shoreline of the Chesapeake and its tidal tributaries stretches for over 2,000 miles. More than 100,000 streams and rivers and thousands of acres of wetlands provide the freshwater that flows into the Chesapeake Bay. If we do not protect the health of this incredible network of waters, we cannot hope to restore the Chesapeake Bay to its former glory. prgtoken Fortunately, the health of the bay is improving. According to the latest report card from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, the bay earned a C grade, signifying the first time that score is meaningfully trending in the right direction and that restoration efforts are beginning to have an enduring impact. prgtoken Additionally, the effort to clean up and restore the bay creates new job and economic growth opportunities around the bay States. For example, the watermen that depend on healthy populations of blue crab, oysters, menhaden, and rockfish--for striped bass--depend on those species not being out-competed for food or eaten by invasive species. People throughout the watershed depend on the bay for their livelihoods and for recreation. prgtoken Though we in the Chesapeake Bay watershed are making great strides in improving the quality of the Chesapeake Bay, we still have a long way to go. The last thing the bay and the people who depend on it need now is the additional stress of invasive species. prgtoken Furthermore, this bill includes a provision that would exempt one vessel from current fire safety standards, another provision by which I cannot abide. prgtoken A series of fires aboard international passenger ships in the early 1960s prompted the U.S. to enact
Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act (Executive Calendar)
Cory A. Booker (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2018-11-14

first of all, I want to give gratitude to both of the Senators who spoke before me, my friend Senator Coons and my friend Senator Jeff Flake. I want to especially thank Jeff Flake for his willingness not just to lead with words but to make a commitment on the Senate floor that he will not be voting on judicial appointments until this is brought to a vote. prgtoken Senator Flake and Senator Coons have said pretty much all of what I was going to say. Perhaps just very succinctly and very candidly, I want to reiterate this moment we are in and the gravity of the moment we are in. This bill is not a partisan piece of legislation. It comes from a bipartisan effort. It started many months ago, when Senator Graham and I started talking and Senator Tillis and Senator Coons started talking many months ago, not just for this moment in history but also understanding that we have a flaw in our system that does not have an appropriate check and balance on a Presidential power that can put them in a position where they are not subject to the laws of our land. prgtoken This Special Counsel and Independence Integrity Act came from a bipartisan effort to try to make sure that we have appropriate checks and balances to prevent a constitutional crisis. It is actually a forward-thinking bill, understanding that we should not be reactive in the cause of our democracy but proactive in preventing and securing the great Nation and our laws and our rules that we all cherish. prgtoken We see a bipartisan bill worked on, crafted, compromised, brought to committee, be voted out of committee, and languish now without a vote, and I agree with Senator Coons that it would get more than 60 votes and would provide a reasonable check and balance. This is a bill that is important for history, but the urgency of this moment Senator Coons has already gone over. prgtoken We now have the firing of Jeff Sessions, and Jeff Sessions was said to be fired by a President who literally said: ``I would not have hired you if I thought you were going to recuse yourself.'' He was replaced with a person--and Senator Coons has read the quotes--who talked about this investigation and what he would like to do. He called it a witch hunt, and he compromised himself now in the position he is in. The idea that the integrity of this investigation and the idea that the urgency of this investigation will continue under his leadership are in question. That is why this bill is necessary. prgtoken More than that, we are a nation that has been, is, and will be under attack. All of our intelligence agencies have a consensus on the conclusion that our democracy is under attack. prgtoken We need to understand what happened, what is happening, how to prevent it from happening again, and hold those people accountable. prgtoken This investigation has led to numerous guilty pleas. This investigation has led to numerous indictments, and it should be able to run its cou
DEMOCRATS ARE COMMITTED TO WORK FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES ON DAY ONE
Daniel T. Kildee (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2018-11-14

earlier this month, Michiganders went to the polls and elected a new ic majority. prgtoken Because of this, I have the privilege of welcoming four new Michigan ic Members of Congress, folks who are committed to passing meaningful policies that will help everyday Americans. This means reducing the cost of healthcare. Prescription drug prices are too high. No one should have to choose between filling a prescription and feeding their family. prgtoken These new Members are ready to work to protect Social Security and Medicare from cuts that s have been proposing. We are pleased that we are going to be able to have these new allies in this fight. prgtoken My own hometown of Flint knows firsthand the price of failing to invest in infrastructure. It is important that this ic majority advance a broad and meaningful infrastructure bill to fix our broken roads and bridges, and to repair our damaged water systems. prgtoken It is past time that we took on these issues. I am anxious to welcome these new Members of Congress who are committed to moving this bold agenda forward.
HONORING FAMILY CAREGIVER RESOURCE CENTER
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-11-14

I rise today to honor the services and contributions the Family Caregiver Resource Center (FCRC) offers to the Family Caregivers in Orange County. prgtoken The FCRC is a non-profit organization, established in 1988 to assist family caregivers who care for adults over sixty who are frail or adults age 18 and older with brain impairing conditions. prgtoken The FCRC aids through various multicultural services which include family consultation, assessment and care planning, counseling, support groups, respite assistance, and education. In fact, in 1997, the FCRC started the first Vietnamese service program in the United Sates to ensure that the Vietnamese community in Orange County receive the services they need in their language. prgtoken The continuous devotion to serve the Family Caregivers and their families have earned the FCRC many awards such as Community Partner of the year from National Multiple Sclerosis Society Pacific South Coast Chapter in 2016, the Innovations in Alzheimer's Disease Caregiving Legacy Award in 2014 at the National Center on Aging, and the Diverse/ Multicultural Communities Award and Legacy Award from CSUF Institute Gerontology in 2008. prgtoken While I join you all to recognize family caregivers across the country on the National Caregiver Month, it is with great pleasure that I recognize the Family Caregiver Resource Center for its contributions, dedication, and efforts to help vulnerable caregiver families in Orange County.
YEMEN RULE
Tulsi Gabbard (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2018-11-14

last night, House s on the Rules Committee voted to undermine our democracy by blocking the American people and Members of Congress from having a debate and the ability to vote on a bill that would end U.S. support for Saudi Arabia's genocidal war in Yemen: a war that has created the world's worst humanitarian disaster in generations, leaving 22 million people in dire need of humanitarian aid, tens of thousands of civilians killed, and many more vulnerable to mass starvation, famine, and cholera outbreaks. prgtoken Don't be fooled. If Congress and this administration truly were concerned about the plight of the Yemeni people and peace, all U.S. support for Saudi Arabia's atrocities would end now. prgtoken Instead, last night, on the Rules Committee, s voted to shut down debate to prevent a vote that would end U.S. support for Saudi Arabia in Yemen. prgtoken Later today, Congress has the opportunity to do the right thing. We are faced with a choice. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to vote no on House Resolution 1142 so that Congress can fulfill our constitutional role, debate, and vote on this critical issue. It is long overdue that we end U.S. complicity in Saudi Arabia's atrocities. We must end all U.S. support for Saudi Arabia's genocidal war in Yemen now.
TRIBUTE TO HANNAH GUILLEMETTE
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2018-11-14

for the October Granite Stater of the Month, I would like to recognize an extremely thoughtful and motivated young woman who has made it her mission to address bullying in our school communities, Hannah Guillemette. Hannah, a high school freshman from Bedford, NH, started her anti-bullying and kindness campaign ``I've Got Your Back,'' also known as IGYB, when she was in middle school just over a year ago. She began by distributing 600 IGYB wristbands with a mission tag prompting her peers to include, be kind, and respect each other in her community, and the effort quickly grew and has touched almost 30,000 people across New Hampshire and 14 other States. prgtoken Hannah was inspired to act after witnessing bullying in her own school and prgtoken being bullied herself for standing up for friends. She recalled one of her middle school friends, who was bullied so badly that he would ride his broken bicycle to school in the depths of the New Hampshire winter rather than take the bus. Hannah helped get him a new bicycle, but she was also inspired to do something more to stop the bullying that impacted him and others in her school. prgtoken The summer before her 8th grade year, Hannah came up with the IGYB program that includes a wristband, a parent hand-out, and video that explains IGYB and how participating students are pledging to stand up against bullying and spread kindness in their schools. Now, Hannah travels across New Hampshire giving talks to school assemblies and recruiting ``ambassadors,'' both student and adults, in school communities to help spread the message of IGYB. She is currently working with New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu and other New Hampshire officials to implement her program in all New Hampshire schools. prgtoken Hannah says that she wants to be a voice both for those who need one now and for those who needed one but are no longer here. She hopes that her IGYB movement will let students know that people support them and have their backs. For her dedication to making her community a better place and the work she has done to prevent bullying and spread kindness in New Hampshire schools, I am proud to recognize Hannah as our October Granite Stater of the Month.
RECOGNIZING THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION
Ann M. Kuster (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2018-11-14

I rise today to recognize the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) in celebration of their 80th anniversary. prgtoken Created in 1938, the NTEU's mission has always been to make sure federal employees are treated with respect and dignity. For 80 years the NTEU's continued advocacy has strengthened employee rights and direct support to more than 150,000 employees. prgtoken The backbone of our federal government and its agencies is our workforce, and we must take care of these dedicated employees if we want our nation to thrive. We must fight for quality healthcare plans, retirement benefits, and livable wages for employees. I am grateful for all the NTEU has done in support of our federal workforce, our state and our country. prgtoken On behalf of my constituents across New Hampshire's Second Congressional District, I want to thank the National Treasury Employees Union for all they have done, and will continue to do, for our federal workforce.
Coast Guard Reauthorization Bill (Executive Calendar)
Maria Cantwell (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2018-11-14

I come to the floor this afternoon to speak about the Coast Guard reauthorization legislation that just passed the Senate today. s for all of their hard work on this important measure that literally has taken years to piece together. I thank Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson for working on this legislation and for incorporating many of the things that the people of Washington were interested in seeing as part of this comprehensive bill. I certainly want to thank Senator Carper and the EPW staff for working on major provisions of this bill relating to ballast water and the solutions they put forward. This bill includes many provisions important to our Coast Guard, our environment, and to our shipbuilding community. It represents a true bipartisan effort to find solutions and to put those solutions into action. prgtoken Our State of Washington is rich in its maritime heritage. The Coast Guard is a large part of that. With so much coastline, and so many rivers and streams, the Coast Guard is so important. Our State is home to fishermen, shipbuilders, Tribes, trade operators, and a thriving tourism economy. So for places from Cape Disappointment and prgtoken Grays Harbor to Neah Bay and all the way up the Columbia River, our Washington State Coast Guard works tirelessly to protect the Northwest and our environment. prgtoken In our State, there are more than 2,000 Active-Duty coasties, 440 reservists, 192 civilian employees, and an impressive 869 volunteer auxiliary members in the Coast Guard. prgtoken The Coast Guard plays an important role in the safety and oversight of our fisheries. Thousands of Pacific Northwest fishermen call Washington State home, and over 35,000 Washington State jobs are supported by the Alaska fisheries. prgtoken While we usually talk about big assets here on the floor, like icebreakers and national security cutters, Washington State is also home to heavy surf stations that serve in some of the most extreme conditions that people have to operate under. prgtoken This bipartisan Coast Guard legislation has many provisions that I would like to talk about this afternoon. I want to again thank my colleagues for their great bipartisan work on this legislation. prgtoken This legislation has many different solutions for many of the challenges our agencies face. I want to again thank Senator Thune for working across the aisle on the various Coast Guard provisions that are included in this bill, and I want to thank Senator Sullivan for helping to cosponsor the authorization of the recapitalization of the Coast Guard heavy polar icebreaker, the Polar Star. The Polar Star is home- ported in Seattle and is our only operational heavy icebreaker, crucial for Arctic operations. prgtoken The language that we just passed improves the oversight of ships that pose an oil spill risk in Puget Sound. This is so important for us moving forward to have these types of assets in