mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Nomination of Stephen Moore (Executive Calendar)
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2019-4-29

over the past few weeks, we have learned more and more about the President's pick, Stephen Moore, for the Federal Reserve. prgtoken We now know he has made all kinds of offensive, disparaging comments about women, even about women who play sports. He has even questioned women who are in broadcast booths. We know he is against child labor laws. He thinks we should have 11-year-olds working. He has said that he wants people to start working at 11, at 12. He has said he is a radical in this. prgtoken Think about this. The President is about to nominate for the Federal Reserve a gentleman who says he is an economist but who really isn't. He didn't get his degree and didn't get a Ph.D. in economics, as Federal Reserve people often do. Yet put that aside. prgtoken He said: I am a radical in child labor. I mean, who thinks that way in the year 2019? prgtoken Other things we know, he was banned from the op-ed page of the Kansas City Star after publishing an editorial with all kinds of factual errors. See, the editor knew he was a conservative. The editor may have been a conservative. I don't know. That is not the point. The point is it was filled with factual errors, and the editor said: Those kinds of factual errors are just unacceptable. We are finished with him--not that the editor doesn't agree with certain viewpoints, but she just said: We are not running him anymore because he doesn't tell the truth. prgtoken We have him on videotape showing breathtaking contempt for people in the middle of the country, from places like Arkansas and Kentucky and Tennessee and my State of Ohio. Here is what Mr. Moore said, and it is on tape and many people have seen it: If you want to live in the Midwest, where else do you want to live besides Chicago? You don't want to live in Cincinnati-- prgtoken The home of Senator Portman-- or Cleveland. prgtoken My home. He said: You don't want to live in Cincinnati or Cleveland or these armpits of America. prgtoken That is what he said. prgtoken President is showing his disregard for Cincinnati and Cleveland and Kentucky and Arkansas and Tennessee and the middle of the country by nominating someone who is so out of touch and has such contempt for the middle of this country. ``The armpits of America'' is what he called two of my State's great cities. prgtoken Make no mistake, he wasn't just insulting Cleveland and Cincinnati; he was insulting Little Rock; he was insulting Nashville; he was insulting people who get up every day and work hard. He was dismissing millions of Americans. He was undermining the dignity of work by dismissing them, people who have been ignored by Washington and have been preyed upon by Wall Street. prgtoken Across the industrial heartland, tens of millions of Americans raise families; they serve in our military; they power our companies; they contribute to our country. prgtoken Mr. Moore, how dare you demean them
NOMINATIONS
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2019-4-30

shortly before Easter, the junior Senator from Vermont introduced a new version of his so-called Medicare for All plan. Given the staggering pricetag of his previous plan, it was reasonable to wonder if he would think about producing something that was at least a bit more modest and achievable. So what is the new plan like? Is it any more realistic? Did he figure out a way to actually pay for a government takeover of healthcare? Well, the answer is no. In fact, the new plan is even worse. It is more unrealistic, more costly, and even more likely to result in massive tax hikes on middle-class Americans. prgtoken Analysis of a previous version of the Vermont Senator's Medicare for All plan found that it would cost $32 trillion over 10 years. Now, to put that number in perspective, that is more money than the Federal Government has spent combined in the last 8 years on everything-- defense, law enforcement, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, education, the environment, agriculture, Foreign Affairs--everything. prgtoken Here is what the Washington Post had to say back in 2017 about the pricetag for government-run healthcare: But the government's price tag would be astonishing. When Sen. Bernie Sanders . . . proposed a ``Medicare for all'' health plan in his presidential campaign, the nonpartisan Urban Institute figured that it would raise government spending by $32 trillion over 10 years, requiring a tax increase so huge that even the democratic socialist Mr. Sanders did not propose anything close to it. prgtoken Fast-forward to today, and, once again, the Senator from Vermont has proposed a government-run health plan without even coming close to presenting a way to pay for it. The only difference this time is that the pricetag is likely to be even higher--much higher. Why? Because the Senator from Vermont's new plan also includes coverage for long-term care--an incredibly expensive part of the healthcare system. prgtoken The ' last attempt to have the government run a long-term care program fell apart before it was even implemented because the program was not financially viable. Thirty-two trillion dollars was a staggering enough figure, and now we are talking about having the Federal Government spend even more. Where do the think we are going to find the money? The list of proposed tax hikes that the Senator from Vermont released would not even come close to covering the estimated cost of his original plan, much less the cost of his new, expanded Medicare fantasy. This is not a plan that can be paid for by using the ' favorite solution of taxing the rich. If Medicare for All ever became law, it would be paid for on the backs of middle- class families. prgtoken It is impossible to have a discussion of Medicare for All--or maybe we should call it Medicare for None given the fact that it would end Medicare as we know it--without f
MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD
Mark E. Green (Republican, TN) \u2014 2019-4-30

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the Month of the Military Child. I married the daughter of an Army retired combat veteran. She was born just after her father got to Vietnam. My children are, of course, military children. prgtoken Several years ago, I was on a friend's Facebook page. He had died fighting for our country in Afghanistan. The last post on his Facebook page read: ``I love you and miss you . . . Daddy.'' prgtoken Her dad had signed up to go to war, but she never did. prgtoken Who will teach her to dance? prgtoken Who will drop her off at college? prgtoken Who will walk that young girl down the aisle? prgtoken Our military children's sacrifices can never be properly measured and never compensated, but we must do all we can to honor them.
RECOGNIZING BBQGUYS
John Kennedy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2019-4-30

as a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, it is my privilege to recognize a veteran-owned Louisiana small business that has not only grown and succeeded but has also steadfastly remained dedicated to their customers, employees, and community. This week, it is my honor to name BBQGuys of Baton Rouge, LA as the Senate Small Business of the Week. prgtoken In 1998, Mike Hackley began what has been an American entrepreneurial success story. After serving over 10 years in the U.S. Air Force and working in the real estate and retail sectors, Mike followed his passion of outdoor living and started his own business, opening a retail location called The Grill Store & More. Recognizing the potential that e-commerce had early on, he founded bbqguys.com in 2001. He started out with single-digit employees. Today, BBQGuys has grown to become one of the largest outdoor living online retailers in the world, employing nearly 300. prgtoken With the success of the retail operations, Mike continued growing his business, founding Blaze Grill, and began to design and manufacture premium barbecue grills with manufacturing operations in the United States. In just a few years, Blaze is already one of the top grill manufacturers in the market. prgtoken Even with BBQGuys' growth and success, Mike continues to prioritize his prgtoken employees, making an effort to say good morning every day to team members and maintaining an open-door policy for all. Mike believes in treating his employees like family--a belief he extends to his customers. This culture of hospitality has ultimately resulted in high employee retention and a reputation for outstanding customer service. BBQGuys has been named as one of the Best Places to Work several times by the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report and achieved an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. BBQGuys has also been named one of the 5,000 Fastest Growing Businesses in the U.S. by Inc. Magazine for 11 consecutive years. BBQGuys is also involved in the Baton Rouge community, participating in several local community activities including Toys for Tots, the Youth Oasis Children's Center, LifeShare Blood Center, and Friends of the Animals of Baton Rouge. prgtoken BBQGuys is a true representation of the American dream--following a passion, committing to hard work, treating people--customers and employees--with the utmost respect, and growing a very small business of single-digit employees into a leading global business that is constantly innovating. It is my distinct pleasure to honor Mike and the entire team at BBQGuys as the U.S. Senate Small Business of the Week. I commend them for their service to the Baton Rouge community and look forward to watching their continued growth and success. BBQGuys, you make Louisiana proud.
NOMINATIONS
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-4-30

I ask unanimous consent that if cloture is invoked, the postcloture time on the R. Clarke Cooper nomination expire at 2:15 p.m. today. I further ask that if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action. Finally, I ask that following the cloture vote on the R. Clarke Cooper nomination, the Senate recess until 2:15 p.m. today.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF SENATOR RICHARD LUGAR
Susan W. Brooks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2019-4-30

. Madam , today, I rise to honor the life and legacy of a truly great Hoosier who dedicated his life to making the world a better and safer place for generations to come. Senator Richard Lugar passed away over the weekend, with his dear family by his side, at the age of 78. prgtoken The Richard G. Lugar Plaza in Indianapolis is just one tribute to the truly great statesman and public servant role model he was to so many people, including to myself. He served our Navy proudly. He was the mayor of Indianapolis and the longest tenured Member of Congress from Indiana. prgtoken He worked brilliantly and in a bipartisan fashion not only on security issues but also compassionately on those issues that impacted Americans every day, including food security both at home and around the globe, education for young people, energy independence, and free trade. He skillfully navigated foreign policy matters and earned a Medal of Freedom for successfully convincing the former Soviet Union to dismantle their weapons at the end of the Cold War. prgtoken No matter the topic at hand, he always made time for the next generation, to teach and inspire young Hoosiers to serve their country and to remind all of us that we have more in common as Americans than we do differences. prgtoken We will miss his wisdom and his gentle smile dearly, but his legacy will endure for generations to come.
CAPTAIN ROBERT L. MARTIN POST OFFICE
Bob Gibbs (Republican, OH) \u2014 2019-4-30

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken I rise today to support H.R. 1449, sponsored by Representative Kelly. H.R. 1449 names a post office in Olympia Fields, Illinois, in honor of Captain Robert L. Martin. prgtoken During World War II, Martin joined the Army Air Force and trained at the airfield in Tuskegee, Alabama. prgtoken As a member of the famous Tuskegee Airmen, Captain Martin flew over 63 missions. He was attached to the 100th Fighter Squadron, providing air support for Allied bombing runs into Central Europe. prgtoken Captain Martin was decorated with a Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with oak leaf clusters, and the Purple Heart. In 2007, President awarded Captain Martin the Congressional Medal of Honor for his bravery in World War II. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and .
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-4-30

today I wish to honor Mr. William ``Bill'' Armstrong of Mount Ayr, IA. Bill is a lifelong Iowan and outgoing president of the Iowa Funeral Directors Association. prgtoken Bill Armstrong has served as one of the most effective advocates for both Iowa morticians and morticians across the country for almost 40 years. He graduated from Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science in 1984 and soon after moved to his current hometown of Mount Ayr, where he accepted a position as a funeral director at Wilson-Watson Funeral Home. His journey was only just beginning. prgtoken In remarkably short order, he achieved partnership at the funeral home and ultimately acquired the business from Jay and Donna Watson in 2009, officially making the funeral home, Armstrong Funeral Homes. prgtoken This prompted Bill to become an outspoken leader for current and future funeral professionals. He proudly represented morticians on both the local and national level by pioneering annual trips to both Des Moines and to Washington, DC, in order to raise awareness about the profession. prgtoken Bill was always forward looking, with a singular objective of training the next generation of funeral home leaders. He worked with the University of Northern Iowa to establish a 4-year degree program for mortuary studies. prgtoken These are all amazing accomplishments, and I want to thank Bill again for his service and for helping Iowans through their most difficult life moments. I wish him success in his new endeavors.
NOMINATIONS
Todd Young (Republican, IN) \u2014 2019-4-30

over the weekend, Indiana lost a giant in Richard G. Lugar. Senator Lugar spent 36 years as a Member of this body, and I rise today to celebrate his life, which made the world a better, safer place to live. prgtoken I had the pleasure in the early 2000s to work on Senator Lugar's staff, and I had a front row seat to history, watching a true statesman at work. He stood by me as I took my oath right here in this Chamber. I will never forget his support of me and of so many others throughout the years. prgtoken Senator Lugar's reserved and quiet demeanor sometimes might have led people to believe he was something less than competitive. In truth, he was one of the most competitive people I have ever encountered. Senator Lugar was a runner, and his office competed every year in the Capital Challenge, the competitive race between legislative staffs. Senator Lugar had a member of his staff actually track everyone's time and their improvement, or lack thereof, from year to year. I think that spreadsheet still exists somewhere today. When I was going through the hiring process to be a legislative assistant in the Senator's office, I went through the normal series of questions--my academic background, my professional experiences, my policy knowledge, my interest in working in the office. But at the very end of the interview, the Senator asked me a pointed question. He led into the question by indicating that he had seen listed some hobbies on my resume, and one of those hobbies was running. So he asked me pointedly: How fast can you run 3 miles? I quickly told him I thought I could break 18 minutes. A half hour later, I got a phone call saying I was hired. Looking back, I am not so sure it was because of my policy chops. prgtoken I learned a lot working for this man. I fondly remember his penchant for ice cream and the stacks and stacks of books in his office. I believe he read every one. prgtoken Senator Lugar would from time to time invite staff members or interns to run with him on the Mall. There was one rule: Never ever run in front of the Senator. He was, after all, a leader, a Rhodes Scholar, a Navy veteran, mayor of Indianapolis where he spurred economic growth, which is still spoken of today, by consolidating the city and county governments into Unigov. prgtoken As a U.S. Senator, he led on food security, energy independence, and free trade. At a time when nuclear proliferation was regarded as civilization's greatest threat, Senator Lugar helped save the world. The Nunn-Lugar Act, for which he is most well known, has led to the securing and destruction of thousands of weapons of mass destruction and delivery devices. prgtoken Dick Lugar was a very shrewd politician until his last days. His instincts were very good. I know this from personal experience. In fact, last year, he and I did a forum together at Indiana University. Present on the panel were a former World Food Prize winner, the leader
PARIS ACCORDS WERE FLAWED
Carol D. Miller (Republican, WV) \u2014 2019-4-30

I rise today to speak in opposition to H.R. 9, the Climate Action Now Act. prgtoken I represent West Virginia, an energy State. Our natural resources power the Nation, and our coal produces the steel that is the backbone of our country's infrastructure. The bill my colleagues across the aisle have introduced today is a direct threat to the economy of my State and to the security of our Nation. prgtoken When President entered into the Paris Agreement in 2016, he made a shortsighted, hasty decision which passed egregious costs on to American consumers and sent $1 billion in taxpayer funds to subsidize other nations' energy agendas without congressional authorization-- while never offering a clear plan for our country to meet the commitments made, aside from the overall goal of killing energy production in the U.S. prgtoken This is an attempt to further the war on coal which decimated my State, killing jobs, destroying businesses, and exacerbating the opioid epidemic. We face a bleakness which we are starting to recover from, yet, now, Washington liberals are restarting the charge. prgtoken We have seen unrealistic proposals like the Green New Deal put forward which would not only bankrupt our country, but also kill our energy industry once and for all. I will not stand here and let that happen. prgtoken When President withdrew from the agreement in 2017, he showed leadership. He showed the world that he was willing to resist diplomatic pressure in order to protect American interests and ensure energy competitiveness. prgtoken Those who support this legislation aren't telling the whole story on America's energy production. The Paris Agreement, since its creation, has not accounted for the United States' abundance of natural resources and the hundreds of thousands of Americans employed by the energy industry. prgtoken Additionally, the Paris Agreement ignores that America produces affordable, reliable energy, including coal, oil, and natural gas, and it also ignores the importance that energy has to the United States' economy and national security. prgtoken In the past 5 years, there has been a 110 percent increase in coal exports, and we still have 259 billion tons of coal reserves, the largest in the world. prgtoken Since 2008, the U.S. has increased crude oil production by 48 percent and natural gas production by 53 percent; and looking forward, the increased access to undeveloped energy production could create as many as 690,000 jobs by 2030. prgtoken Energy has been our past, and energy is our future. It is important the United States is already leading the world in reducing greenhouse emissions through innovation and technological development. If my colleagues across the aisle were interested in working with s to address climate change, then they would not ignore the fact that the United States has already had the largest absolute decline of carbon emissions among all the countries sinc
HONORING LIAM MAGATHAN
Steve Watkins (Republican, KS) \u2014 2019-4-30

. Madam , today, I rise in honor of Liam Magathan of Meriden, Kansas, whom I awarded last week the Silver Congressional Award Medal. prgtoken Liam is a student at the University of Kansas. Through years of hard work, dedication, and personal sacrifice, Liam has achieved this prestigious honor. prgtoken I want to let Liam know how much I look up to him and how the world would be a better place if more people were like him. prgtoken Keep up the good work, my friend. You are bringing pride upon yourself, Kansas, and the United States of America.
RECOGNIZING AND CONGRATULATING JOSEPH WAKELEY FOR HIS SERVICE AS CRAWFORD COUNTY TREASURER
Jack Bergman (Republican, MI) \u2014 2019-4-30

. Madam , it is my honor to recognize Joseph V. Wakeley for his retirement as Crawford County Treasurer. Through his exceptional leadership and steadfast devotion to his community, Joe has become an indispensable part of Michigan's First District. prgtoken Joe has dedicated more than 45 years to the people of Crawford County and the state of Michigan. Since first taking office in 1973, Joseph has shown a constant vigilance in his stewardship and responsibility for the tax dollars of the citizens that put him in office. From starting as the youngest county treasurer in the state of Michigan to eventually becoming the longest serving, Joseph has never failed to put the needs of his fellow Michiganders first during his service. The trust that the citizens of Crawford County have in Joe is clear--not once during his 45 years in office has he faced a challenger during elections. prgtoken Outside of his service as Crawford County Treasurer, Joe has provided valuable support and expertise in other areas, including Rotary, the Jolly Redskin Canoe Livery, the AuSable River Canoe Marathon committee, Michelson Memorial United Methodist Church, Grayling's Project Rising Tide committee, the Beaver Creek-Grayling Townships Utility Authority, and the Michigan Association of County Treasurers. His impact on the people of Northern Michigan cannot be overstated. prgtoken Madam , it is my honor to congratulate Joseph Wakeley for his decades of service to the people of Crawford County. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing the First District is home to such a dedicated public servant. On behalf of my constituents, I wish Joe all the best in his future endeavors.