mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020--MOTION TO PROCEED--Continued
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2019-6-19

I rise to join my colleague Senator Inhofe to discuss the fiscal year 2020 national defense authorization bill. I want to begin by thanking Senator Inhofe for his leadership and bipartisanship throughout the drafting of this bill. prgtoken Like you, Senator, I was living through the draft period, but when you join the Army at 17, you don't worry about the draft at 18, but we share that in common also. prgtoken The Armed Services Committee, as the chairman indicated, held a series of very thoughtful hearings that greatly informed the shaping of this bill. During last month's markup of the bill, we had a day of good discussion and debate, and the bill was voted out of the committee by a strong bipartisan vote of 25 to 2. I hope we can now have an equally productive consideration of this bill on the floor. I know Senator Inhofe and I are interested in having votes on amendments, including as many cleared amendments as possible. prgtoken I believe this bill contains many provisions that will benefit the Department and our servicemembers. There are a few areas I want to highlight, and then I look forward to turning to the consideration of amendments. prgtoken Several months ago--again, as the chairman indicated--this committee became acutely aware of a crisis in quality and safety of privatized military housing. After many weeks of visiting these houses, talking with the affected families, and holding two hearings, the committee included 32 separate provisions in this bill, addressing housing concerns. Several provisions address the need for increasing transparency, providing better controls on incentive payments to companies, requiring standardized leases and satisfaction surveys, and creating a discrete resolution process. prgtoken In some instances, the Department has already begun implementing some of the provisions, such as instituting a Tenant Bill of Rights. prgtoken Privatized housing is still a long way from where it needs to be in terms of providing quality homes for our military families, but this bill will begin to hold private companies accountable and ensure that the military services have new tools and capabilities to exercise oversight so we can all honor our commitment to our warfighters and to their families. prgtoken The bill includes a number of other provisions that support the quality of life for our military personnel, including a 3.1-percent pay raise, $40 million in supplemental impact aid for federally impacted local school districts, and $10 million in impact aid for severely disabled military children. prgtoken Unfortunately, the bill does not authorize additional funding to support pay raises for the Department's civilian workforce, as the administration proposed a pay freeze for the Federal Government civilian workforce for 2020. prgtoken I hope that as we move through this bill and the appropriations bill, we can rectify this error. The gap between the military pay raise an
VOTE EXPLANATION
Mazie K. Hirono (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2019-6-19

I was necessarily absent for votes on June 18, 2019. prgtoken Had I been present, I would have voted no on both cloture and confirmation of the nomination of Sean Cairncross to be Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation. prgtoken I would have also voted no on cloture on the nominations of Matthew J. Kacsmaryk to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Texas, Allen Cothrel Winsor to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Florida, James David Cain, Jr to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Louisiana, and Greg Gerard Guidry to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3055, COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020; RELATING TO CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 2740, DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN...
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2019-6-19

. Madam , let me just address the issue of the Endangered Species Act that the gentleman referred to. It is not a ``Washington knows best'' and is certainly not a ``politicians know best'' approach. It is based on science, on available science, not on a special interest that is trying to get a different outcome. prgtoken If you don't believe in the direction of the act, if you don't believe that it should be adhered to, then the remedy is to introduce an alternative law. I would certainly vote against it, but the gentleman has a right to do that. prgtoken The Endangered Species Act already ensures there is public notice and public participation. There is an opportunity to comment on listing and delisting decisions. prgtoken It is our view that Congress should not interfere in the process outlined by the Endangered Species Act because it then becomes about politics--not science, but politics--and it should be science that determines the survival of a species. prgtoken I know science is a tough subject for my friends on the other side to deal with, because so many of them don't even believe that we have a climate crisis. But, in any event, I just wanted to respond. prgtoken Madam , I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Connolly).
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020
Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2019-6-19

. Madam Chair, my amendment would direct $20 million from the top line of the Aeronautics account to the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate 3 into ultra-efficient flight, including electric flight. prgtoken The point of the amendment is to help us move our commercial fleet of planes currently dependent on fossil fuels to more climate friendly alternatives. prgtoken One key way to do that is to sufficiently invest into the work the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate is doing into ultra-efficient flight, including electric flight. prgtoken In the President's FY20 budget, it specifically said ``Electric Aircraft Propulsion is showing great potential and industry interest and is a focus of NASA. prgtoken The NASA Electric Aircraft Test Facility is enabling full scale ground test of high-power electric propulsion systems, and technical accomplishments will be building blocks demonstrating progress with integration and test. prgtoken In FY 2020, NASA will begin a multi-year effort to solve the technical challenges of a 1MW+ power electric propulsion system. prgtoken Further, NASA will initiate new ground and flight research activities to validate these new electric systems in flight.'' prgtoken From NASA's own website, ``NASA is investing in Electrified Aircraft Propulsion (EAP) research to improve the fuel efficiency, emissions, and noise levels in commercial transport aircraft.'' prgtoken I'm offering my amendment to ensure that we are actually investing in the pursuit of the electrification of commercial flight. prgtoken There is potential but in order to make that potential a reality we need to fund the work of the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate into ultra-efficient commercial vehicles, including electric fight. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.
Administration Policies (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-6-19

. Now, if there is one word to describe the State of the administration, it is ``chaos.'' The administration's policy at the border is in chaos; the administration's foreign policy is in chaos; and the administration itself is in chaos: the vacancies in so many agencies, people within the administration fighting with each other, and the President tweeting away, even if it is unconnected to the people who actually administer the policies. prgtoken So even though this has been a constant theme in the Presidency--the chaos within--it is getting worse and more alarming. prgtoken On the border, the President announces a new cockamamie policy almost every day: a national emergency to build a wall, tariffs with Mexico, shutting down the border entirely, mass arrests and deportations inside in our borders. Many of these ``policies'' were announced by tweet with little or no thought or force of action behind them. Not one of them has been implemented, even though the President could implement many on his own. Most were tossed aside as casually as they were announced, and it is easy to see why. The policies he has announced at the border are cruel, inhumane, ineffective, and most are impossible to carry out. prgtoken Meanwhile, the administration is cutting off security assistance to Central American countries--the one thing his administration was doing to stem migration and address the root causes in the first place. Even on the issue the President talks about most, the chaos of his administration is making the problem exponentially worse, not better. prgtoken It doesn't get any better when it comes to the administration's foreign policy. In response to increased activity from Iran, the President has now announced two deployments of 1,000 troops or more without even explaining to the American people what is happening and why. As Commander in Chief, he owes it to the American people, and especially our troops, to clarify what he hopes to achieve in the Middle East. What is the strategy? What is the goal? What is the limit of what we will do, and what are the things we will do? Any foreign policy expert will tell you outlining these things helps the strategy and helps build support for it. Does the President have clear goals? Does he have a strategy or, once again, when he wakes up in the morning and thinks--one day, he tweets about it, and the next day he thinks something else and tweets something different or even contradictory. prgtoken We have no earthly clue to the President's strategy or goals because, like everything else in his administration, his foreign policy is wracked by chaos. prgtoken The administration, in terms of its personnel and leadership, is in chaos as well. Yesterday the President's choice for Secretary of Defense withdrew. Where was the vetting? Why wasn't this known by the White House long before he got to this level? So now the most powerful military in the world has
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020
Nita M. Lowey (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-6-19

. Mr. Chair, such time as I may consume. prgtoken Mr. Chair, today we continue investing for the people with H.R. 3055, consisting of five fiscal year 2020 appropriations bills that offer a brighter future for American families and make American communities safer and stronger. prgtoken This legislation invests in America's infrastructure. It would provide billions for the roads, highways, and transit systems of tomorrow. It would strengthen and modernize public housing. It would expand programs that ensure every community has clean and safe drinking water, and it would help bring the promise of broadband to more rural communities. prgtoken This legislation would protect our environment and tackle the climate change crisis. It rejects misguided cuts to the EPA and would expand climate research. And it would prioritize resilience to the effects of climate change in key Federal programs. prgtoken Finally, among many priorities, this legislation would strengthen our democracy. Strong funding increases would enable a thorough and accurate 2020 Census, improve civil rights enforcement, and help protect voting rights. prgtoken This legislation is the product of hard work and input from Members on both sides of the aisle. I am very proud of our talented Appropriations subcommittee chairs and our outstanding staff, and I look forward to discussing more about what this package does for the people. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this legislation, and .
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020
José E. Serrano (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-6-19

the amendment, if adopted, would pose serious risks to our economic and national security. It would undermine our efforts to help create jobs, address the deadly opioid crisis, and increase critical scientific research and legal services for underserved communities. prgtoken A 14 percent decrease would, for the Department of Commerce, close over 30 foreign commercial service posts and 10 domestic field offices and lead to the dismissal of hundreds of Commerce personnel who support and create U.S. jobs by leveling the playing field for U.S. businesses in overseas markets; cut over $1 billion from the U.S. Census Bureau, which undermines the Census Bureau's ability to invest in critical information technology infrastructure to safeguard Census data as it moves to an online platform; and limit Census' flexibility to conduct important outreach and follow-up activities in hard-to-count communities, including rural parts of the country. prgtoken This amendment would also cause massive cuts in an array of agencies and programs critical to national security, anticrime efforts, and the constitutionally required 2020 Census. It would slash funding for efforts to create jobs, fix aging infrastructure, and respond to the reality of climate change. prgtoken I urge a ``no'' vote, and .
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. DONNA MARIA GRANT
Cedric L. Richmond (Democrat, LA) \u2014 2019-6-19

. Madam , I rise to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Donna Maria Grant, a trailblazer in the field of education, who passed away on June 10, 2019, at the age of 71. prgtoken Dr. Grant was born on February 4, 1948 in Tampa, Florida, to Mr. Smile Benton and Mrs. Daisy Johnson. In 1966, she graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Miami, Florida, earned a B.S. degree and M.Ed degree from Florida A&M University in Elementary Education, and completed all coursework towards a doctoral degree in educational leadership from the Union Institute and University in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1974, she married Mr. Robert ``Bob'' Grant. prgtoken Dr. Grant worked her entire professional career in education. She passionately worked with all ages of students from elementary through graduate school. After spending over 30 years in the Miami-Dade Public School System, Dr. Grant retired as an elementary school principal. However, due to her love for education, her retirement was short lived. prgtoken In 2006, Dr. Grant moved to New Orleans and began working as an Associate Professor in the College of Education and Human Development at Southern University at New Orleans. At the time of her death, Dr. Grant served as Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Services at Southern University at New Orleans. prgtoken Dr. Grant, always having a heart for the community, was a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW), Just Us (Miami chapter), and numerous other community empowerment organizations. Also, Dr. Grant was a faithful member of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans. prgtoken Dr. Grant lived an extraordinary life that cannot be overstated. She was committed to elevating minds, bringing students together, and improving access to higher education for all. She was an intellectual titan, trailblazer in the field of education, and her legacy as well as her spirit will remain a guiding force for all. prgtoken Dr. Grant is survived by two sons; Christopher Grant and Robert ``Bobby'' Grant, two daughters; Sherri Grant and Micheline Lyles, a brother; Rickey Perkins, grandchildren; Christopher, Jr Jeremiah, James, Ciera, Jamica, Kerry, Cameron, Eric, and Deshun, and a host of relatives and friends. prgtoken Madam , I celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Donna Maria Grant.
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020
Betty McCollum (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2019-6-19

. Madam Chair, I rise today to speak about the fiscal year 2020 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. prgtoken First, I want to thank Chairwoman Lowey and Ranking Member Granger for their leadership. I also want to thank Ranking Member Joyce for his collaboration and partnership through this process and all the members on our committee for their contribution. prgtoken The Interior bill is a product of hard work and collaboration. The subcommittee held 16 hearings. We received 6,500 requests from Members of Congress, and we worked hard to create a bill that reflects the priorities of the entire House. As a result, we have a strong bill before us today that makes critical investments for the American people and the planet. prgtoken For fiscal year 2020, the subcommittee is recommending a total of $37.3 billion in discretionary funding. That is an increase of $1.7 billion over last year's enacted level. prgtoken There is also an additional $2.25 billion in fire cap adjusted funds for suppression operations. These critical funds allow the Forest Service to fight wildland fires without borrowing from non-fire programs. prgtoken Some of the biggest increases in this bill go to honoring our Federal trust and treaty responsibilities to provide for the health, safety, and education of our Native American brothers and sisters. prgtoken Madam Chair, I want to thank Representative Joyce for his working with me to carry on this subcommittee's nonpartisan approach to addressing the issues facing Indian Country. We can be proud that this bill continues to move us in the right direction. prgtoken In fact, the bill invests over $10 billion to support and strengthen Indian Tribal self-determination, including $1 billion, the highest funding ever recommended, for the operation of Native American education programs. prgtoken For many agencies in this bill, the administration proposed devastating cuts that we have rejected. prgtoken The President's budget proposed a 31 percent cut to the Environmental Protection Agency. That cut would have prevented the EPA from completing its mission to keep our communities safe and healthy. On President 's watch, Americans know that their air quality is declining for the first time in decades. prgtoken Today, this administration rolled out their dirty power plan, which will contribute to 1,400 premature deaths, annually. are fighting back in this bill with important investments to protect the air we breathe and the water we drink. prgtoken We boost support for the EPA's clean air programs by $25.6 million, and we increase congressional oversight of attempts to roll back public health protections. prgtoken And, finally, we fund the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund at the authorized level. We include funds for newly authorized grants to target drinking water and wastewater needs. We are working to reduce sewer overflows and ensure that all Americans have ac
ORDER FOR ADJOURNMENT
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-6-19

let me summarize. I don't know of any other colleagues at this point. I do know that some will probably speak right before the votes tomorrow morning. prgtoken I thank the distinguished Senator from Connecticut, who has been such a clarion voice from the earliest days on this question of the Yemeni conflict. He has been there every step of the way in his arguing and pricking of the conscience of the Senate as it relates to this. Senator Cardin is also well-known for his advocacy of human rights in his many years between the House and the Senate. prgtoken This vote tomorrow is a vote for the powers of this institution to be able to continue to have a say on one of the most critical elements of U.S. foreign policy and national security--arms sales--to not let that be undermined by some false emergency and to preserve that institutional right regardless of who sits in the White House. Do not give up that power on behalf of this Senate and future Senates to come. Think about what you will do if you cede that right. prgtoken Stand up for the Constitution. Article I of the Constitution became the very first article. It is about this body's--the Congress'--being a separate, coequal branch of government as the Founders of the Nation envisioned. Stand up for the Constitution. Stand up for the proposition that our bombs will not be the ones that create an incredible humanitarian disaster for which our moral conscience will be stained forever. prgtoken All Members will have that moment to decide where they want to stand in history and whether their votes are to give the Saudis and the UAE arms that ultimately drop on innocent civilians. Can you live with yourself? Is this your moral compass? prgtoken Lastly, stand up for the proposition that the greatest country in the world--the United States of America--will not stand by when a journalist--someone who practices the First Amendment rights that we so cherish, whether it be here at home or around the world--because of nothing else but his criticism of the Saudi King, could be dismembered by a saw in a consulate of the Saudi Government's in a foreign country. How can we be silent in the face of that? prgtoken These are all of the elements that are involved in this vote tomorrow, and I trust the Senate will live up to its collective history and stand up for a moment of principle, a moment of courage, if you will, and stand up for all of these values that make America unique, a shining light to the rest of the world. That is what is at stake in the three votes we will cast tomorrow morning. prgtoken .