mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
REMEMBERING LINDA SEUBOLD
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2019-6-13

today I wish to honor the life of long-time journalist and community leader, Linda Seubold, of Fort Smith, AR who passed away on June 5, 2019. prgtoken Linda was an award-winning journalist, magazine editor, and supporter of Fort Smith. Through constant coverage and commentary, she was a vocal advocate for the region's historical, educational and cultural assets such as music, art, and entertainment. Her support was crucial for the advancement of vital institutions and attractions including the U.S. Marshals Museum, the area's public libraries, the Elvis Presley Barbershop Museum, Chaffee Crossing, and the Bass Reeves Statue. prgtoken During her 15 years at the Southwest Times Record, Linda was a news reporter and columnist, a role model, and ``newsroom mom'' to countless young reporters. She developed an incredible level of trust with local officials. Everyone knew she would be fair and thorough. Everyone knew she cared about truth and the good of the community. prgtoken Linda was also a trusted professional among her peers. One of her most difficult assignments was covering an execution by lethal injection. She was one of two reporters elected to be eyewitnesses as ``pool'' reporters, who then had to give their notes to the rest of the media. It was her assignment, and she did it with professional excellence, according to colleagues present that day who had to rely on her notes. prgtoken Her popular column was a must-read and provided an outlet for her to share her love of the community and highlight the local music and entertainment scene. This passion eventually led to her partnership with Lynn Wasson to create ``Entertainment Fort Smith.'' When the popular magazine first launched, Linda would say that they started the publication because she got tired of hearing people say there was nothing to do. As co-owner and editor, she set out to prove people wrong by publishing a monthly magazine filled with every imaginable event. Entertainment Fort Smith grew quickly to become a local staple for information on the culture, people, and attractions in the region. It also provided an outlet for her and Lynn to share their passion for education that was evident in the magazine's commitment to Fort Smith Partners in Education and all local public schools. prgtoken The last 7 years tested Linda in new ways as she fought against cancer. Her legendary smile, deep faith, and the love of those around her carried her through and she volunteered for numerous medical trials that she hoped would benefit future patients. prgtoken Linda was born in Fort Smith on October 24, 1942, graduated from Fort Smith High School in 1960, and attended Fort Smith Junior College. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Frank. They were proud parents of five children, with 12 grandchildren and three great- children. prgtoken She will be missed as a cherished mother, grandmother, friend, community advocate, and professi
BORDER SECURITY
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-6-13

. We hope to see. And we will see one way or the other when we vote on this legislation next week. prgtoken I am happy to say that my ic colleague Henry Cuellar from Laredo, TX, which is more directly impacted probably than any place on the border, joined me in one proposal we call the HUMANE Act, which would deal with this underlying asylum issue. prgtoken We have been working with the chairman, Senator Graham, to come up with a consensus piece of legislation that will really plug the dike that has been breached now, which has caused this humanitarian crisis. prgtoken There are a number of ways we can deal with this.
DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020
Debbie Lesko (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2019-6-13

. Madam Chair, my amendment would strike the requirement that at least $750 million of Global Health Programs shall be made available for so-called family planning, a funding stream that can support domestically-based, nongovernment organizations that support the global abortion industry. prgtoken Regard for human life has never been higher. Polling statistics indicate that Americans are as likely to identify as pro-life as they are pro-choice. prgtoken A Marist Poll shows that 75 percent of Americans would limit abortion to the first 3 months of pregnancy. prgtoken Further, Americans oppose taxpayer funding for abortion in the U.S 54 percent to 39 percent. prgtoken Madam Chair, 75 percent of Americans oppose using tax dollars to fund abortions in foreign countries. That is 75 percent. prgtoken Our policies reflect these views through the Hyde amendment, which has protected Federal tax dollars from funding abortions in the United States for the last four decades, and the Helms amendment, passed in 1973, to protect tax dollars from being spent on abortions through U.S. foreign assistance. prgtoken Most recently, President has committed to Congress and to the American people that he will veto any legislation that encourages the destruction of innocent human life at any stage. prgtoken Our President has also courageously reinstated the Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance policy, which prohibits foreign nongovernment organizations from performing and promoting abortion as long as they are receiving U.S. tax dollars. prgtoken However, domestic nongovernment organizations are still using Federal tax dollars to perform and promote abortion abroad. prgtoken In the State and Foreign Operations appropriations language, we use the word ``family planning'' and ``reproductive health'' to disguise giving grant recipients license to permeate foreign countries with abortion. prgtoken Promoting abortion in poor, developing nations undermines our purposes in providing lifesaving assistance and, I believe, disrespects the cultures and, sometimes, the policies of those nations. prgtoken It encourages the idea that having fewer children reduces poverty and economic instability instead of promoting real solutions to those problems, like more human rights and liberties and helping women be self-employed. prgtoken Stopping domestic nongovernment organizations from using American tax dollars for abortions is consistent with our other policies, like the Hyde and Helms amendments, and the PLGHA that limits government funding for abortions, and is consistent with the views of 75 percent of Americans. prgtoken These policies save lives. In the case of my amendment, thousands of children all over the world can be saved. prgtoken To be clear, my amendment does not eliminate, nor does it reduce, funding. My amendment aims to ensure that, instead of investing funds in promoting and performing abortions abroad, the valuable dollars that fun
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
John Ratcliffe (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-6-13

. Madam , due to an illness that required medical attention, I was unable to vote during many of last night's roll call votes. prgtoken Had I been present, I would have voted: NAY on Roll Call No. 264; NAY on Roll Call No. 265; YEA on Roll Call No. 266; YEA on Roll Call No. 267; NAY on Roll Call No. 268; YEA on Roll Call No. 269; NAY on Roll Call No. 270; NAY on Roll Call No. 271; NAY on Roll Call No. 272; NAY on Roll Call No. 273; NAY on Roll Call No. 274; YEA on Roll Call No. 275; NAY on Roll Call No. 276; YEA on Roll Call No. 277; YEA on Roll Call No. 278; YEA on Roll Call No. 279. prgtoken NAY on Roll Call No. 280; YEA on Roll Call No. 281; NAY on Roll Call No. 282; NAY on Roll Call No. 283; YEA on Roll Call No. 284; YEA on Roll Call No. 285; YEA on Roll Call No. 286; NAY on Roll Call No. 287; NAY on Roll Call No. 288; YEA on Roll Call No. 289; NAY on Roll Call No. 290; YEA on Roll Call No. 291; NAY on Roll Call No. 292; YEA on Roll Call No. 293; and NAY on Roll Call No. 294.
IN HONOR OF U.S. ARMY COLONEL WILLIAM HENRY SHAW, III
Doug Lamborn (Republican, CO) \u2014 2019-6-13

. Madam , I rise today in remembrance of U.S. Army Colonel William Henry Shaw, III. Colonel Shaw was born on May 16, 1962, in Vidalia, Ga the eldest son of William Henry Shaw, Jr. and Nancy Peterson Shaw. Having received a Distinguished Military Award while attending North Georgia College, Colonel Shaw joined the Army in 1984 as a 2nd lieutenant in the infantry and reported to Fort Benning Georgia. As an Infantry Officer he served in both a Mechanized Infantry Battalion and as the Commander of an Airborne Pathfinder Detachment. After leaving Ft. Benning he transferred to Special Forces. Colonel Shaw retired after serving for 30 years with 25 years in the Special Forces. Some of his assignments included assistant to the commandant at his alma mater; professor of military science at Auburn University where he earned a master's degree; missions to establish refugee camps for our Kurdish allies in the Gulf War; commander of Charlie Co. Europe based in Stuttgart, Germany; commander of SF forces in Djibouti, Horn of Africa; Battalion Commander / Deputy Commander of Combined Forces Special Operations Command (Afghanistan); and the Commander of Afghanistan National Army Special Operations Advisor Group. His last assignment was in Stuttgart as liaison between U.S. special operations and our European embassies. During his distinguished military career, Colonel Shaw received the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars, six Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, two Joint Service Achievement Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, the Combat Infantry Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Military Freefall Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Air Assault Badge, Canadian, Israeli, British Airborne Badges, and Ranger and Special Forces tabs. Colonel Shaw was a Ranger, Pathfinder, and Green Beret who loved skydiving. Nothing was ever more important to Billy than his beloved family connections as well as his countless friendships. He had the unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life and to keep those friendships strong throughout the years. Billy was a Christian, a Rotarian, N.G.C. girls' basketball trainer, an avid hunter and sportsman, a trustee of the Ligon Foundation, and an avid supporter of many veterans' organizations. He will be remembered for making a difference in this world.
ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-6-13

I call my colleagues' attention to an issue that has affected many families in Iowa and throughout the country. That issue is elder abuse and neglect of those same people. prgtoken Many older Americans reside in assisted care facilities, nursing homes, and all kinds of group living arrangements. It is critical that these care facilities and the staff at the facilities not only follow the law but provide the type of care they would want their own family members to receive. prgtoken The Des Moines Register last year published reports suggesting a troubling lack of compassionate care for elderly residents in some of the nursing homes in my State. We also had other reports surfacing in 2017 of nursing home workers in at least 18 different facilities taking humiliating and unauthorized photos of elderly residents and posting them on social media websites. prgtoken Earlier this year, I convened an oversight hearing in which we heard from the daughters of two elderly women who resided in a federally funded nursing home. One testified that her mother, an Iowan, died due to neglect in a facility that held the highest possible rating--a five- star rating--on a Federal Government website. The family discovered that the nursing home was the subject of multiple complaint investigations related to those complaints in recent years. Yet, after each complaint, government inspectors reported the facility had come back ``into substantial compliance with program requirements.'' prgtoken At this same hearing, another witness from another State testified about her mother's rape in a nursing home. prgtoken These and similar cases around the country point to the need for reform. By one estimate, 1 in 10 persons older than the age of 60 will fall victim to elder abuse each year. prgtoken According to the inspector general at the Department of Health and Human Services, one-third of nursing home residents may experience harm while under the care of these facilities. In more than half of these cases, the harm was preventable. That is why statutes like the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act, which I championed in the last Congress; also the Older Americans Act, which promotes seniors' independence; and the Elder Justice Act, which I have long supported, are all very important pieces of legislation. prgtoken On Monday, I introduced a resolution designating June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. I would like to thank my lead cosponsor, Senator Blumenthal of Connecticut, for joining me in introducing this legislation. The ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, as well as the leaders of Senate Aging Committee, Senators Collins and Casey, along with Senators Lankford and Hassan, also are original cosponsors. I thank all of them for doing that. prgtoken This bipartisan resolution recognizes those adult protective services and healthcare personnel, ombudsmen, criminal justice personnel, and advocates who help pr
NOMINATIONS
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-6-13

this week the Senate has been remarkably productive in confirming more of the President's well- qualified nominees. We have confirmed nine newly minted judges to fill vacancies on the Federal bench. prgtoken Today we will turn to the executive branch and confirm David Stilwell to serve as Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs and Edward Crawford to serve as Ambassador to Ireland. prgtoken Remember, earlier this spring, we put in place a modest reform to Senate rules so we could consider these uncontroversial, lower level nominations at a more reasonable pace. That had been the Senate's normal tradition until very recently, and so we restored it. prgtoken At the time, I recall my friends across the aisle insisting that the majority would use these more efficient procedures to push through all kinds of polarizing and controversial people. That is what they argued--if we made this modest rule change, we would be pushing through all these polarizing and controversial people. prgtoken Well, here are a few of the rollcall votes the Senate has taken on nominations this week: 91 to 5, 62 to 34, 77 to 19, 85 to 11. Yesterday afternoon, on a procedural vote for Mr. Stilwell, it was 93 to 4. A pretty controversial bunch. prgtoken So virtually all of us can remember a time when nominations of this sort would have passed the Senate on a voice vote. These days, are making us file cloture and spend floor time on each, but at least our new Senate rules are helping us get these thoroughly bipartisan nominees through at a more efficient pace.
DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020
Paul A. Gosar (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2019-6-13

once again, we hear the same lame excuse over and over again, that doing the same thing over and over, we are going to get a different result. Well, that doesn't work anymore. prgtoken Trust is a series of promises kept. Why don't we set by example? And that is exactly what we are proposing here. prgtoken The United States, by our technology, by our innovation, has shown the way in regards to combating climate change. That is exactly the way that we ought to handle it, not by some failed multinational bureaucracy that uses the United States as a slush fund. prgtoken , .
HONOR FLIGHT OF OREGON
Greg Walden (Republican, OR) \u2014 2019-6-13

. Madam , I rise to recognize one Vietnam veteran, nine World War II veterans and thirteen Korean War veterans from Oregon who are visiting their memorials on the National Mall on Friday, June 14, 2019, through Honor Flight of Oregon. Every time I have the chance to meet one of these heroes, I am reminded of the poignant words of General Dwight D. Eisenhower. In a message to Allied troops just before D-Day, he said, ``The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you.'' prgtoken He was right then, of course, Madam . But over seventy years later, liberty-loving people everywhere continue to owe these heroes for their extraordinary service and their incredible stories of sacrifice and bravery on behalf of our country. That's why it is my privilege to include in the Record their names today. prgtoken The veterans on this Honor Flight from Oregon are as follows: David Bagley, Marine Corps; Willis Bennett, Navy; Mount Blevins, Army; William Cadman, Marine Corps; William Collins, Navy; Marjorie Cook, Army; Lorin Culver, Army; Frederic DeGanna, Air Force; Walter Dye, Navy; Charles Elson, Army; Morris Fruitman, Navy; Ronald Gutekunst, Air Force; Harry Krogman, Air Force; Jack Lakey, Navy; Vernon Lesher, Navy; Harold Mehrten, Air Force and Navy; Charles Nagy Jr Navy; Henry Nussbaum, Navy; Walter Ridge, Navy; Bobby Ruth, Army; Jack Thompson, Army; Gerald Wellington, Air Force and Navy; and William Wilson, Army.
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Steve Scalise (Republican, LA) \u2014 2019-6-13

I know we have been starting and going through the appropriations process. I would like to ask the majority leader about the conversation we have been having for weeks and weeks, going back to May 1, when the President submitted a supplemental emergency spending bill to address this serious humanitarian crisis at our southern border. prgtoken We have had this conversation multiple times in the colloquy. I continued to ask the majority leader when we are going to see a bill on this House floor to address this serious crisis. Each week, we have not been given an actual timeline. In fact, as the majority leader just went over the schedule, there is still no mention of a supplemental bill to deal with this crisis. prgtoken I know we have been seeing multiple attempts by Members from our party. I would hope that there are some from the gentleman's party that have recognized that we have to deal with this. We can't keep putting it off. prgtoken If the gentleman would look at The New York Times just this week, the headline is: ``When Will Congress Get Serious About the Suffering at the Border?'' prgtoken I want to read a couple of statements from it because it contains some things that we have been saying that are just not getting enough coverage across the country. More and more now, we are seeing how serious this is. This is about to come to a head, not in months, not in years, but in days. prgtoken We are talking about young children who are right now in the custody of the Department of Homeland Security, many of whom are coming over with health diseases, serious diseases, who they are able to turn over right now to Health and Human Services to care for their needs. prgtoken They are about to completely run out of money. This isn't a new development. They have been saying this over and over for weeks. prgtoken The Presidential supplemental request came out on May 1. On May 3, at our colloquy, I inquired of the majority leader: When will this happen? We never got a timeline. On May 10 in our colloquy, I asked the majority leader: When will Congress address this? Still no timeline. Just last week, I brought it up again. prgtoken I want to read what The New York Times said in their description of how serious this is, they said: ``It's time to cut the squabbling and pass an emergency relief package.'' prgtoken Here is a comment from John Sanders, who is the Acting Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, ``We are in a full-blown emergency, and I cannot say this stronger: The system is broken.'' prgtoken Just in this fiscal year, HHS has taken charge of nearly 41,000 unaccompanied children. On average, every single day, over 200 young children are referred to HHS for medical needs. prgtoken HHS is about to run out of money in a matter of days, and Congress has still not taken action. prgtoken There is a letter that I will be happy to enter in the Record. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and U.S.
RECOGNIZING THE 2019 BLACK AND GOLD SCHOLARSHIP BALL AWARD RECIPIENTS
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-6-13

. Madam , I rise today to honor the contributions of G. Roland Vela, Ph.D. to the City of Denton and the academic community. Dr. Vela is a retired professor at the University of North Texas, where he served as one of the first Latino faculty members. At UNT, he authored 75 scientific papers and books regarding Texas History. This history-maker also blazed trails as the first Hispanic member of the Denton City Council and one of the country's first Mexican-American Microbiologists. In honor of Dr. Vela's distinguished achievements, the City of Denton dedicated the G. Roland Vela Athletic Complex on May 26, 2019. Dr. Vela was raised in San Antonio, Texas. During World War II, he joined the Texas State Guard at age fifteen and convinced his parents to sign release papers that would allow him to enlist in the U.S. Navy at just seventeen. Though the war concluded before he was assigned to a ship, the young Texan dedicated the following year of his life to the Navy in peacetime. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Dr. Vela attended San Antonio Junior College. After transferring to the University of Texas at Austin, he took multiple jobs to support himself before graduating with a degree in bacteriology. In 1951, he received a scholarship for his master's degree in bacteriology, which he completed in just one year, followed by a doctorate in microbiology and biochemistry in 1963. Dr. Vela later began a 35-year tenure as a professor at the University of North Texas in Denton, where he taught undergraduate and graduate courses in microbiology. He was chosen to be part of the American Academy of Microbiology and was named the Associate Dean of Science and Technology in the College of Art and Sciences. During his tenure at UNT, Dr. Vela oversaw the research of numerous students and mentored 20 doctoral students before retiring in 2000. In addition to his many professional accomplishments, Dr. Vela is a public servant. He was the first Hispanic member elected to the Denton City Council, and has served on the Texas Municipal Power Agency Board of Directors as well as numerous boards and commissions. The G. Roland Vela Athletic Complex is a fitting tribute to this remarkable North Texan. I join Dr. Vela's family, friends, colleagues, and students in celebrating this well-deserved honor.
DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020
Rick W. Allen (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-6-13

. Mr. Chair, I can't stress enough just how important it is to the future of this country that we take desperately needed steps to rein in our national debt and restore some fiscal sanity to this Chamber. H.R. 2740 is an unserious proposal that will not be signed into law by President . prgtoken I would ask all my colleagues to think about, again, their grandkids, their kids, and their great-grandkids before casting their vote. If we can't cut just 1 percent of one spending division on a bipartisan basis, then how will Congress ever get spending under control? prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge a ``yes'' vote on my amendment today, and .