mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONG KONG HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY ACT OF 2019
Rick Scott (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-11-19

I rise today to speak about the greatest threat the United States faces in the next century, the threat of Communist China. prgtoken I have been saying, for months, Communist China is not our friend. They are stealing our technology; refusing to open up their markets to foreign goods as required by the WTO; militarizing the South China Sea, even after promising President they wouldn't; holding over 1 million Uighurs in prison camps just for their religion; harvesting the organs of detainees against their will; and Communist China is intentionally pushing fentanyl into the United States, killing Americans every day. prgtoken Communist China continues to strip the people of Hong Kong of their basic rights. I was the first Senator to visit prgtoken Hong Kong since the protests started nearly 6 months ago. I had the opportunity to meet with the protestors--students, parents, and grandparents--who are fighting to regain the freedom they were once promised. I heard their stories, horrible and frightening stories of police brutality, threats against individuals and their families, and mysterious disappearances. prgtoken Six months in and no signs of Communist China loosening their grip-- their efforts to crack down on the protests in Hong Kong reflect their commitment to denying basic human rights and snuffing out any opposition to their totalitarian goals. We cannot stay silent. General Secretary of the Communist Party Xi is trying to be the dominant world power. It is Hong Kong now, then it will be Taiwan. prgtoken Communist China believes that, in order for them to be stronger, other freedom-loving countries must be weaker. As Communist China becomes more and more aggressive, we must ask ourselves: Is this the next Tiananmen Square? We all remember that famous image. Times have changed, but one thing stays the same: Wherever totalitarian regimes exist, there will be brave freedom fighters who will stand up against injustice and stand for human rights. That is what we are seeing in Hong Kong today. prgtoken Beijing soldiers have been appearing on the city streets, raising questions about the army's future role. Will Communist China once again use its military might to quash peaceful protests? Will they once again stand against those fighting for human rights and democracy? Will the United States stand by and allow this to happen? prgtoken We are seeing Americans like Michael Bloomberg putting profits above human rights and propping up the Chinese Government by continuing to host huge events in Communist China. It is time for the world to stand and present a unified front against Communist China's aggression, and that starts with supporting the brave people of Hong Kong. prgtoken We must do everything we can to communicate our commitment to democracy, freedom, and human rights. I am proud to stand in support of the Hong Kong Freedom and Democracy Act, which will give the United States more autho
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF SENATE AMENDMENT TO H.R. 3055, COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, MILITARY CONSTRUCTION...
Tom Cole (Republican, OK) \u2014 2019-11-19

I want to thank my good friend, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Chairman McGovern) for yielding me the customary 30 minutes, and such time as I may consume. prgtoken , we are here on a bill that represents one of the most fundamental roles of the United States Congress, and that is to fund the government, and to keep it open. prgtoken This continuing resolution ensures critical government funding will remain in place through December 20. While short-term measures are never ideal, this extension of funding is necessary to ensure that the House and the Senate can continue to negotiate and reach agreement on a full-year appropriation for fiscal year 2020. prgtoken As Members of Congress, we are obligated each year to pass legislation that funds the government and keeps it open so that it can continue to provide services that many of our constituents are counting on. With today's bill, we ensure that the government remains open until December 20, which will give Congress time to reach an agreement funding the entire government for the rest of the fiscal year. prgtoken This continuing resolution not only maintains government funding, but it also rightly extends authorizations for some key programs that otherwise would expire, programs like community health centers, a special diabetes program, and the special diabetes program for Native Americans. And we are also adding an adjustment to raise pay for our members of the armed services by 3.1 percent. prgtoken Even though it is good news that we are preventing a government shutdown with this continuing resolution--as my friend knows, I certainly plan to support it when it comes to the floor--today's measure sadly represents a missed opportunity for the House of Representatives. The fact that we are here today on our second continuing resolution of this fiscal year is a reminder that Congress is not getting its work done, at least when it comes to appropriations. prgtoken Last year, despite the fact that we were in the midst of an election cycle, Congress still managed to get appropriations bills covering 80 percent of full-year spending passed into law by the start of the fiscal year. Today, by contrast, we have passed exactly zero appropriations bills into law, despite being almost 2 months into the fiscal year. prgtoken This state of affairs is disappointing, and while I recognize that this is certainly not entirely the fault of the House of Representatives, we still have yet to pass all 12 bills out of our own House. The job won't get any closer to completion until we pass all 12 appropriations bills for this fiscal year. The American people deserve no less from us and our full attention on this pressing matter. prgtoken Again, I share my friend's frustration at this process, but I am actually somewhat optimistic that in the next 30 days we can get that job done and get out of this cycle of continuing resolutions and actually have a fully functio
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF SENATOR JOHNNY ISAKSON
Rick W. Allen (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-11-19

. Madam , I thank Mr. Scott for organizing this time to honor, as said here many times, a legend. Of course, I never thought I would be standing in front of two Georgia legends as I speak specifically about one. But I do rise today to honor my great mentor and friend, Senator Johnny Isakson, along with greetings to Dianne and your wonderful family. prgtoken I was there last Saturday to witness your beloved Bulldogs beat my beloved Auburn Tigers. Congratulations on this. I just hope and pray that they will go all the way for you. I think that would be a great tribute. prgtoken Johnny has been a champion for the State of Georgia for decades, a reflection of his many years of service, as has been mentioned about all of the accomplishments, a life of political service. And, also, a mention about his influence on education. prgtoken When I was first elected, I had not been in politics before and I didn't really know how to get things done up here. But I, in my service on the Education and Labor Committee, was attracted to a bill called the Every Student Succeeds Act and worked feverishly to get that bill passed in the House by a margin of a mere five votes, 218-213. prgtoken Well, it just so happened that sometime later, as we got together in Georgia for lunch, Johnny was asking me about that legislation. I told him, I said we are going to return control to the States; we are going to try to get the Federal Government out of the classroom so that our teachers can have more time to teach. He quickly became a champion in the Senate and helped garner bipartisan support. prgtoken Now, this is the way things should work. That bill, the Every Student Succeeds Act, then passed the Senate 81-17 and went to a conference committee, all because of the influence of this incredible man. When that version then came back to the House, I am standing right there looking at our ranking member, and that bill passed in this House 359- 64. prgtoken I had never seen anything like that, Johnny, and it is all owed to you, and the impact on education is going to be felt throughout this Nation. It is quite a difference, and it shows the depths of your influence in these Halls of Congress. prgtoken And, of course, throughout your service, you have demonstrated the true meaning of servant leadership by always putting the needs and priorities of Georgia first. In fact, the greatest servant leader in history said: There is no greater love than to give your life for a friend. You have given a big part your life to this country, and we are thankful for it. prgtoken As someone who came from the business world but had not served in public office before, I am thankful for your leadership. Georgia has been named the best State to do business in for the last 7 years, and it is no coincidence that you had a lot to do with it. prgtoken I know that I can always call on you for sound advice and guidance. Even though you are retiring this year, I hope you know t
MOVING IMPEACHMENT GOALPOSTS
Bradley Byrne (Republican, AL) \u2014 2019-11-19

unfortunately, I must rise again because, like so many times before, the goalposts for impeaching President have moved. At this rate, Nancy Pelosi must be any field goal kicker's worst nightmare. prgtoken Since literally day one, it has been abundantly clear that the far- left members of a so-called squad have been moving this ic majority closer to impeaching the President. They don't care why or how. They don't care what evidence, real or imagined, is used. They care only about the end result: impeaching President so that he will not win reelection. prgtoken As this radical faction gains dominance in the ic Party, Pelosi has tried every justification in the book to impeach this President. prgtoken We were told for years that we would get to impeachment from the Mueller report. They said just wait, wait till the report. It is going to show Russian collusion. prgtoken Well, 2 years and millions of dollars down the drain, Mueller showed no collusion. prgtoken The narrative quickly turned towards ``obstruction of justice,'' but that, too, fell flat. prgtoken But then, , the majority got a new gift, the whistleblower. Never mind he had no firsthand knowledge of what he blew the whistle on; never mind he is a partisan ; never mind he worked with Adam Schiff on his new allegations against President . prgtoken It was campaign finance violations. Well, that didn't work. So then it was quid pro quo. For weeks, that is all the majority talked about. prgtoken Not anymore. Apparently, , some highly paid political consultants warned Pelosi that quid pro quo did not resonate with the American people. So now it seems they have moved on to another version of impeachment that tested best in their focus groups, the nefarious-sounding ``bribery.'' It is bribery. That is what we will impeach President on. prgtoken Well, , I think my friends on the other side need to dust off their law books because, unfortunately for their latest impeachment fantasy, bribery isn't just some word. It is a real crime with a real definition, and it is one this majority cannot prove. prgtoken You see, bribery occurs when an individual ``corruptly'' links receiving something of value in exchange for an official government action. prgtoken I say to the majority, show me how asking Ukraine to look into the 2016 election and into the sketchy dealings of Hunter is acting corruptly. Because I will tell you what: I will show you evidence that Ukrainian officials were working to boost Secretary Clinton, and I will show you evidence that the administration itself was concerned about Hunter 's deals. prgtoken I think most Americans will say maybe the President of the United States should be looking into these things. I think they will say we want the President looking into possible corruption in our government and interference in our elections. prgtoken More importantly, I say to the ma
HONORING IRENE BLESSING
Larry Bucshon (Republican, IN) \u2014 2019-11-19

. Madam , I rise today to honor Irene Blessing, who will be celebrating her 100th birthday on November 23, 2019. Irene is the oldest living female veteran in Vanderburgh County, having served as an Army nurse in World War II. prgtoken Born the daughter of a World War I Navy veteran, Irene felt the call to serve her country after the United States was drawn into World War II. After enlisting on May 26, 1943, she made her way to the 228th Army Hospital in Sherborne, England. Her most trying moments in the hospital came in the wake of D-Day. After being woken up by the deafening noise of airplane engines overhead, Irene and the rest of the hospital staff began receiving patients two days later. The incoming flow of patients was so steady that the hospital hardly had time to do the laundry. Despite the stressful circumstances, Irene served with distinction and honor, providing quality care for wounded Allied soldiers. She and her fellow nurses also graciously treated wounded German prisoners-of-war. When asked retrospectively about the hospital's treatment of German soldiers, she said, ``They were people, and we had to do it.'' After two years of service, Irene was honorably discharged. prgtoken Irene's dedicated service has inspired Hoosiers and fellow Midwesterners throughout her life, especially her own family. Her two sons, Arthur and Paul Midle, followed her footsteps into the armed forces, serving in the Marine Corps and the Air Force respectively. prgtoken Madam , it gives me great pleasure today to recognize Irene on her great milestone. On behalf of Indiana's 8th District, I wish her well and I thank her for her service to our country.
CONGRATULATING BARBARA GREEN ON RECEIPT OF THE CHAMBER CHAMPION AWARD
Daniel Meuser (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-11-19

. Madam , it is with great admiration that I rise today to recognize and congratulate Barbara Green of Lehighton, Carbon County for being named the recipient of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce's Chamber Champion Award. prgtoken The Chamber Champion Award is presented to a successful and esteemed business or individual that is well-known to operate with integrity and that has been a long-time member and premier supporter of the Chamber, its mission, and its goals. After graduating from Lehigh University, Ms. Green began her career with Ernst & Young where she supervised audits on manufacturing, construction, health care and insurance clients. After serving in key management roles at a variety of companies, Ms. Green began with Blue Mountain Resort in 1993 as she served as Controller for 5 years, implementing an innovate new ticketing system for the ski area. After the passing of her father and founder of Blue Mountain, Mr. Ray Tuthill, Ms. Green returned to Blue Mountain in 2007 to serve in her current role as President, where she oversees a full-year destination that attracts over 500,000 visitors each year. The fabric of our Pennsylvania communities is made stronger by the hard work and dedication that Ms. Green has shown to our community throughout her career. prgtoken On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives and the citizens of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Barbara Green on this great honor and thank her for her commitment to our community.
RECOGNIZING U.S. NAVY AIRCRAFT CARRIER MONTH
Vicky Hartzler (Republican, MO) \u2014 2019-11-19

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the month of November as National U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier Month. Throughout the month, there are dozens of events and activities all across our country that highlight the critical role of these mighty warships in the past, present, and future of our national defense. I am proud to join in the celebration of National U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier Month to honor the value, accomplishments, and contributions of U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, their air wings, and most importantly the men and women who serve aboard them. prgtoken The designation of November as the month of the year for National U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier month is certainly no accident. In fact, November is full of historic milestones in the technological development of the modern nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and the contributions these ships have made to our country. prgtoken For example, naval aviation was born when Eugene Ely launched from the deck of a U.S. Navy ship in a Curtiss Model D aircraft on November 14, 1910, some 109 years ago this month. There are other examples of key naval aviation events occurring during the month of November as well, such as the commissioning of the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier (the USS Enterprise--CVN 65) in November 1961, the christening of the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) in November 2013, and the first arrested landing of the 5th Generation F-35C Lightning II aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in November 2014. prgtoken While not in the month of November, I am nonetheless looking forward to the christening of CVN 79 John F. Kennedy next month in Virginia as the second ship of the Gerald R. Ford-class of aircraft carriers begins her march toward commissioning. prgtoken Madam , naval aviation and our fleet of aircraft carriers have a rich tradition of service to our nation. Like other components of our national defense enterprise, aircraft carriers are produced by a nationwide team of more than 2,000 small, mid-sized and large businesses from 46 states, and 279 congressional districts which contribute parts, services, and support to the construction and maintenance of U.S. Navy aircraft carriers. In fact, over the past five years, this supply chain has performed more than $4.1 billion worth of work for the aircraft carrier program. prgtoken Missouri is certainly a key component of this industrial base and I am proud to represent my constituents in Missouri who love our country and our Navy. prgtoken I am also proud that my state helps to produce the F/A-18 Super Hornet in St. Louis--an aircraft which our carrier air wings are flying more than any other carrier-based aircraft on the flight decks of our nation's 11 aircraft carriers. The Super Hornet is an absolutely integral component of today's carrier air wing, and the combination of the air wings and aircraft carriers in our fleet is a bedrock of our Navy's ability to defend freedom, project power, a
RECOGNIZING TATUM DAVID
John Shimkus (Republican, IL) \u2014 2019-11-19

. Madam , I rise to recognize Tatum David, a freshman student from Olney High School, who won the Illinois Class 2A state cross country race on November 9. Tatum covered the three-mile course in 16 minutes and four seconds. Her blazingly fast first mile of 5:03 subdued the field as she established a sizeable lead. She ran the next two miles in 5:26 and 5:35, respectively, winning the crown in convincing fashion. prgtoken The fast first mile reflected the way Tatum has run all season--go out fast, take a big lead, exhaust the field, and win. It makes for a very fast pace overall, and Tatum' s time set a Class 2A record. prgtoken What might be even more remarkable is how new Tatum is to the sport. A freshman with still untapped potential, she also placed fourth at the Nike Midwest Regional race on November 16, running against 298 other athletes. Her next event will be on November 29 at the Foot Locker Cross Country Midwest Regional. prgtoken Madam , it is with great pleasure I stand to recognize Tatum David for her success, and I would like to extend my best wishes to her for a bright future.
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2019-11-19

the Rotary Club of Lafayette will turn 100 years old in 2020. I would like to share with you some of the accomplishments of the club since its founding in 1920. Early in their history, they underwrote the election to fund the first public library, they helped to establish One Acadiana and started the first Lafayette Boy Scout troop. In addition to establishing Rotary Park in the 1980s, they currently fund annual scholarships for local students, coordinate food drives for FoodNet, and support Rotary's mission to eradicate polio worldwide, in addition to supporting other local charities. prgtoken Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Lafayette on this historic achievement. I wish you all the best of luck in years to come.
TRIBUTE TO JAY HILDEBRANDT
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2019-11-19

I congratulate Jay Hildebrandt, who is retiring after more than four decades in news reporting. prgtoken Jay has worked for KIFI's Local News 8 in Idaho Falls for the past 35 years. As an anchor for the weeknight news, Jay is known for his calm, gentle demeanor and steady role delivering the news. Originally, from Milwaukee, WI, Jay earned a degree in communications from Brigham Young University. Before anchoring for our local news, he anchored in Twin Falls and Fort Wayne, IN. Thankfully, he then returned to Idaho, where we have been blessed with Jay's reliable, professional and compassionate reporting all these years. prgtoken His positive influence can be felt throughout our community. Jay has made a difference in many lives through his involvement in impactful projects and community and statewide efforts. In addition to anchoring the weeknight news, Jay produced the weekly ``Wednesday's Child'' reports for 28 years. Through this project, he has helped elevate the stories of area children in need of adoptive homes. He also highlighted the hard work of remarkable high school seniors in his ``Distinguished Student'' series. Additionally, Jay has served as an adjunct instructor at Brigham Young University Idaho and helped lead important efforts, including his service on the Governor's Children's Trust Fund Board, the Region VII Health and Welfare Advisory Board, and the Safe Place Advisory Board. prgtoken While most of us enjoyed Jay over the years on the television, there are those who have been able to work with him personally. And without exception, he is admired, emulated and respected by his coworkers. One of those fortunate individuals is my current chief of staff in DC, Susan Hawkes Wheeler. She got her start just out of college prgtoken working for Jay at KIFI in the mid-1980s, when Jay was already becoming the institution that he remains in Idaho broadcasting. His gentle leadership and kind demeanor did much to stabilize a work place that can be very chaotic as news develops, even in small town news stations. He was a patient teacher, an insightful editor, and a delightful storyteller, clearly evidenced by his enjoyment of some of the special projects he undertook like the aforementioned ``Wednesday's Child.'' My office benefits every day from lessons Susan learned through Jay's leadership, and I am grateful for those. prgtoken In an article about his retirement, his co-anchor of 30 years, Karole Honas, used the words ``solid,'' ``steady,'' ``kind,'' and ``positive'' to describe Jay. Professionalism, hard work, compassion, and optimism are his hallmarks. Thank you, Jay, for your outstanding reporting all these years and for working to highlight the needs and the great achievements in our community. While your reassuring and thoughtful presence on our local news will no doubt be deeply missed, the caring standard you have set will be ever-present. Congratulations on your exemplary car