mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020, AND HEALTH EXTENDERS ACT OF 2019-- Resumed
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-9-26

we are a proud nation of immigrants and have benefited from the diversity of ideas and cultures that have come from around the world to experience the freedoms that we enjoy in the United States of America. prgtoken September 15 through October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month and a time to especially celebrate the traditions and contributions of the tens of millions of Hispanic and Latino Americans across our country. prgtoken Texas is home to more than 11 million Hispanic Americans. Some have lived here for generations, and others have contributed to the recent rapid growth of the Lone Star State. prgtoken Throughout our State's history, we have benefited from the leadership of people like Dr. Hector Garcia, a surgeon, a decorated World War II veteran, and a civil rights advocate. He founded the American GI Forum to ensure that veterans receive equal benefits and care regardless of their race or ethnicity. He was an ardent advocate for equal educational opportunities, and his motto was ``Education is our freedom, and freedom should be everybody's business.'' prgtoken Dr. Garcia became the first Mexican American to serve as the Ambassador to the United Nations, representing our country on the world stage. President Ronald Reagan later bestowed upon him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. His legacy is a reminder of what a single person can accomplish in the face of adversity, if only they have the courage to fight for what is right. prgtoken Today, Texas is proud to have incredible Hispanic-American leaders across our State, including Ruth Hughs, who last month was sworn in as our secretary of state, and people like Justice Eva Guzman, who is the first Hispanic woman to serve on the Texas Supreme Court. prgtoken There are incredible organizations, such as the Hispanic chambers of commerce, that advocate for Hispanic-owned small businesses that are vital to our economy. There is also the League of United Latin American Citizens--or, as we know it, LULAC--that fights to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans, particularly when it comes to education. prgtoken Hispanic leaders can be found in city halls, board rooms, and communities throughout our State and are improving our State in big ways and small ones as well. prgtoken I have the honor of representing 28 million Texans--and it is growing by about 1,000 people a day, but nearly 40 percent of them identify as Hispanic. prgtoken When Texans come to Washington, they have the opportunity to visit the museums that hold some of the most important stories and artifacts from our Nation's history. In recent years, we have made two very important additions to the Smithsonian Institution with the National Museum of the American Indian and the National Museum of African American History and prgtoken Culture. But it is time for another addition. prgtoken Earlier this year, I introduced the National Museum of the American Latino Act, which would authorize the S
HONORING COLONEL JOSEPH S. HICE
Jody B. Hice (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-9-26

. Madam , with solemn remembrance and a heavy heart, I rise today to honor the life of my uncle, Colonel Joseph S. Hice. prgtoken We knew him as Uncle Spurge. He was a great husband, a father, a friend to everyone who knew him, and an amazing American patriot. prgtoken Colonel Hice was born in 1928 in Cherry Log, Georgia. He attended the University of Georgia, where he graduated with a degree in aeronautical engineering. prgtoken His passion for flight led him to an amazing career in the United States Air Force, where he served with honor for 21 years. He was among the first jet pilots in our Nation's history who commanded the P-80, F- 84, F-86, F-100, F-104, KC-135, and B-52. prgtoken During his distinguished career, he earned the World War II Victory Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with oak leaf cluster, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Bronze Star service medal. prgtoken Colonel Hice served his Nation with great honor during both the Korean and Vietnam wars and led the first squadron of jet aircraft to circumnavigate the globe nonstop. prgtoken During the October 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, Colonel Hice served at Strategic Air Command headquarters at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, where he helped coordinate various branches involved in Operation Looking Glass, and he was responsible for briefing President John Kennedy in real time. prgtoken Following his career in the Air Force, Colonel Hice celebrated a 20- year career with Eastern Air Lines in Miami, Florida, as a chief flight instructor. Later, he worked in real estate in both south Florida and Atlanta, Georgia, after his retirement from the airline. prgtoken Colonel Hice was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Phil Blankley Hice. He is survived by his children, Joseph Hice, Jr Charles N. Hice, Leslie Jane Hice Coleman; his brother, my father, Thomas Hice; 10 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his many nieces and nephews; and his beloved pup, Louie. prgtoken Colonel Hice led an illustrious life of great honor and marked dignity in service and commitment to his family, his friends, and his Nation. He will receive full military honors during a ceremony at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia, on Friday, October 4, 2019--10/4/2019. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this amazing American hero, Colonel Joseph S. Hice: Fly low and slow, and keep the doors open. 10-4.
CONFIRMATION OF GENERAL JOHN E. HYTEN
Tom Cotton (Republican, AR) \u2014 2019-9-26

earlier today, this body confirmed Gen. John Hyten as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The vote was 75 to 22. It should have been 100 to 0. prgtoken General Hyten has weathered a storm of malicious attacks on his character--attacks that have been elevated by credulous pundits and politicians, even as they have been debunked again and again by independent investigations. prgtoken Today, General Hyten got his due, and Joint Chiefs gained a great leader--all because he refused to back down and because a majority of this body was willing to follow the facts where they lead. prgtoken General Hyten has devoted his life to public service. He attended Harvard University on an ROTC scholarship and spent the next three decades mastering warfare in a new domain: space. Today, he is an undisputed expert in space technology and operations, having served in senior positions at Strategic Command, Central Command, Air Force Space Command, and the 50th Space Wing at Schriever Air Force Base. prgtoken Gen. Hyten's expertise and leadership will only grow more valuable in the prgtoken years ahead, as the United States competes with China for dominance in space and cyberspace. prgtoken Unfortunately, we haven't spent the past few months discussing General Hyten's qualifications for the job or the strategic challenges we face as a nation. Instead, Gen. Hyten's nomination was marred by false accusations of misconduct by a subordinate. This accuser has a long and disturbing history of responding to professional setbacks with serious accusations against her superiors. These accusations--all of them, against General Hyten and others in her chain of command--have been dismissed by competent, independent military investigations. Multiple inspectors general have now looked into these claims. Countless manhours have been devoted to uncovering the truth. And the truth is that General Hyten is innocent. prgtoken Today the Senate said ``enough'' to the malicious claims against him. prgtoken Ensuring justice for General Hyten meant nothing more and nothing less than following the facts where they lead. When we follow the facts, it sends a clear message to our men and women in uniform that they will be treated fairly by the armed service, not railroaded by a media mob or hung out to dry by their chain of command. prgtoken For victims of sexual assault and harassment, following the facts will ensure that justice is done. It will mean the same for victims of false claims like General Hyten. prgtoken I know of few leaders who take sexual misconduct more seriously than my colleague, Senator Martha McSally--herself a victim of sexual assault. It speaks volumes about this case, as well as her own courage, that Senator McSally has stood up for a good man in the face of truly reprehensible attacks. I will close with her words. ``[T]he full truth was revealed in this process,'' she said. ``The truth is that General Hyten is innocent
TRIBUTE TO DR. JASPER LiCALZI
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2019-9-26

today I rise to recognize an Idaho educator who has committed himself with distinction to mentoring some of my State's brightest students. Since 1993, Dr. Jasper LiCalzi has been a member of the College of Idaho faculty, most recently as the chair of the Department of Political Economy. There he offers courses on national government institutions, State and local politics, and public policy issues such as healthcare, the environment, and macroeconomics. prgtoken Dr. LiCalzi's research at the College of Idaho has concentrated on interest groups in Idaho and the Idaho State Legislature. He recently completed a book, ``Idaho Politics and Government: Culture Clash and Conflicting Values in the Gem State''. The book examines governmental and political institutions in Idaho through the prism of political culture. prgtoken Dr. LiCalzi is also the political analyst for KIVI Channel Six in Boise, ID, and is frequently featured as an expert on political economy by radio and newspapers both locally and nationally. He is also a member of the advisory board for the Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy. prgtoken As Governor and U.S. Senator, I have had the pleasure of hiring many students of Dr. LiCalzi's as staff members, from interns to the highest leadership positions. His dedication and quality of education was apparent in each and every one of them. prgtoken After a generation of educating Idaho's brightest, he has announced his much deserved retirement. Beyond the classroom, Dr. LiCalzi has set the bar for what a college mentor should be. It is not unusual to find him outside the classroom most nights advising student groups, cheering for the ``Yotes'' and contributing to the community of Caldwell, ID. prgtoken Finally, , those of us in this business know you cannot do it without support and great advice, and the best advice comes from your wife. I would be remiss not to pay tribute today to Dr. LiCalzi's wife, Deborah. At every turn, she has been standing next to Dr. LiCalzi, many times cheering louder than he. Their decades of marriage and commitment to each other exceed even the high accomplishments Dr. LiCalzi has made at the College of Idaho. prgtoken The College of Idaho and the State of Idaho have been made a better place due to the career and commitment of Dr. and Mrs. LiCalzi.
EASTERN HANCOCK HIGH SCHOOL WINS COLTS LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE
Greg Pence (Republican, IN) \u2014 2019-9-26

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the Eastern Hancock High School football team for being one of four Indiana high schools to win the Colts Leadership Challenge. prgtoken The Colts Leadership Challenge is a competition that encourages high school football teams to host blood drives and encourages donations throughout the summer. prgtoken Hundreds of donations are needed each day to meet the needs of the Versiti Blood Center of Indiana. We are so proud of the Royals for helping to deliver these critical, lifesaving measures. prgtoken I want to thank the Eastern Hancock High School football team for their outstanding service to the community and to the State of Indiana. Well done. Recognizing Bec Wicker's Women In Agriculture Achievement Award
TRIBUTE TO ``MISS ROXIE'' GIBSON
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2019-9-26

today I wish to acknowledge the well-deserved retirement of Nashville, Tennessee's own Roxie Gibson. prgtoken Roxie, or, ``Miss Roxie,'' as we all know her, dedicated her professional life to the service and support of her church, community, and the children who fill the halls each weekday at Oak Hill School in Nashville. prgtoken In a time when acts of kindness are more often than not eclipsed by the prgtoken drama and bustle of everyday life, Miss Roxie taught generations of students--and their parents and neighbors, too--to value curiosity and a loving spirit and to never take friendship for granted. Her smiling face will be missed around the halls of Oak Hill School. prgtoken She is truly irreplaceable. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join with me in wishing Miss Roxie a happy and fulfilling retirement.
BUDGET ENFORCEMENT LEVELS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020
Michael B. Enzi (Republican, WY) \u2014 2019-9-26

section 3005 of H. Con. Res. 71, 115th Congress, the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2018, allows the chairman of the Senate Budget Committee to revise the allocations, aggregates and levels in the budget resolution for legislation related to the extension of certain healthcare policies. This adjustment authority, which was updated by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2019, is contingent on the legislation not increasing the deficit over either the period of fiscal years 2020-2024 or the period of fiscal years 2020-2029. prgtoken I find that H.R. 4378, the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2020, and Health Extenders Act of 2019, meets the conditions of deficit neutrality found in section 3005 of H. Con. Res 71. This determination has been made by looking at the deficit effects of the revenue and direct spending provisions of both Division A and Division B of H.R. 4378. Accordingly, I am revising the allocations to the Committee on Finance and the budgetary aggregates to account for the direct spending and revenue effects of the bill. Further, I am temporarily adjusting the Senate's PAYGO scorecard to reflect the $667 million deficit increase in Fiscal Year 2020 and deficit decreases of $477 million and $1 million over the 5- and 10-year periods, respectively. In recognition of the instruction to exclude the budgetary effects of division B from the PAYGO scorecard in title VII, the table accompanying this statement reflects only the prorated revenue effects of division A, which are not covered by the exception and whose adjustments will remain for PAYGO scorecard purposes. prgtoken Section 124 of division A provides for additional budgetary resources for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative and designates those resources as being for overseas contingency operations/global war on terrorism, OCO, pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, as amended. This designation makes this spending qualify for a discretionary cap adjustment under current statute. This provision has no effect on budget authority but would increase outlays by $128 million in Fiscal Year 2020. Therefore, I am revising the allocation to the Committee on Appropriations and further modifying the spending aggregate for Fiscal Year 2020 to accommodate these outlays. prgtoken I ask unanimous consent that the accompanying tables, which provide details about the adjustment, be printed in the Record.
STEM OPPORTUNITIES ACT OF 2019
Frank D. Lucas (Republican, OK) \u2014 2019-9-26

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in support of H.R. 2528, the STEM Opportunities Act of 2019. As a cosponsor of the legislation with Chairwoman Johnson, I am pleased the House is taking this up for consideration today. prgtoken H.R. 2528 continues the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology's long history of bipartisan support for STEM education. prgtoken The United States is in a race to remain the world's leader in science and technology. The only way we will win is by utilizing America's most valuable resources--our people. This means developing a diverse, STEM-capable workforce at every education level and from every background. prgtoken The administration has recognized this need, and the President's 5- year STEM strategic plan specifically calls for an increase of diversity, equality, and inclusion in STEM programs. prgtoken This legislation supports and builds upon that plan, authorizing activities at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the National Science Foundation. prgtoken The U.S. invests over $1 billion a year in Federal STEM education programs, but we have not made enough progress in growing a STEM- capable workforce. One of the key provisions of H.R. 2528 is a requirement for more comprehensive data collection and analysis on the students, researchers, and faculty receiving Federal science grants. prgtoken This data will help us identify and reduce the barriers that prevent underrepresented groups from entering and advancing in STEM. It will also help us measure the success of Federal STEM programs. prgtoken The bill also includes a provision directing NSF to support computer science education through the existing Tribal Colleges and Universities Program. prgtoken Access to computer science resources and the development of computing skills is critical in today's economy. STEM employment in the U.S. continues to grow faster than any other sector. Employers in all sectors, including agriculture, energy, healthcare, and defense, are desperate for workers with STEM skills. In order to meet this demand, the development of talent from all groups is essential. prgtoken H.R. 2528 takes important steps to ensure we are fully engaging America's entire talent pool and maintaining our global leadership in science and technology. prgtoken , I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, and .
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF S.J. RES. 54, TERMINATION OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY DECLARED BY THE PRESIDENT ON FEBRUARY 15, 2019
Rob Woodall (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-9-26

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , again, I enjoy working with the gentleman from New York. When I think about folks who are able to work across the aisle to get things done around here, the gentleman from New York is up at the top of that list. prgtoken If you have not tuned into the Rules Committee, , number one, shame on you. It is a vibrant discussion. It happens every Monday at 5 o'clock, at least once, if not twice, at least for an hour, if not for 5 or 6. It is rare that Mr. Morelle is questioning witnesses up there that I don't learn something new, that I don't gain from his perspective. prgtoken He is absolutely right when he talks about the resolution that the Rules Committee is trying to send to the floor being a bipartisan resolution. When it passed the United States Senate, there were 11 s who supported it along with all of the . prgtoken What Mrs. Wagner is proposing that we replace it with isn't something that was passed by just 11 bipartisan votes; it is something that was passed unanimously, . prgtoken It is true what my friend from New York says; we included this language in the VAWA bill that passed the House earlier. That was a partisan exercise, too. That bill hasn't moved through the United States Senate. prgtoken In contrast to decades of reauthorizations here, , where this DNA testing authorization passes as a standalone bill with broad, bipartisan support, this Congress, this year, for reasons unbeknownst to me, decided to play a political game with it. prgtoken What Mrs. Wagner is offering us the opportunity to do is to bring a bill that passed unanimously in the United States Senate to the House floor, where it can pass unanimously here, too. prgtoken Again, my friend from New York is right. What this Congress has done is provide funding for this bill all the way through the month of November--not the entire month of November, but 3 weeks in November. That is absolutely true that Congress has done this important work for at least a month and a half. prgtoken What Mrs. Wagner is offering us the opportunity to do is do this important work for another 5 years, which I know my friends on the other side want to do. prgtoken To speak on this issue, I told my friend from New York that I didn't have any speakers on the underlying bill. It is true. I expect that to be another partisan exercise. But on this language, , I do have another speaker. prgtoken , I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from North Dakota (Mr. Armstrong), one of our new Members, if he is willing.
CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020, AND HEALTH EXTENDERS ACT OF 2019-- Resumed
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-9-26

. My amendment to this spending bill will be to cut 2 percent across the board, so we can actually be responsible and try to balance our budget. prgtoken Most people I talk to at home or people who come up here, who are seeking assistance from the Federal Government, say: That doesn't sound too bad--1 or 2 percent. We could deal with that. prgtoken People come to me and say: Well, my group is doing this great research for this disease that affects all of these people. prgtoken I say: How much are you getting? prgtoken They say: $100 million. prgtoken I say: We have a trillion-dollar debt, and everybody ought to try to spend what comes in rather than spending money we don't have. Does it make sense even for a good cause to borrow money from China to spend money we don't have? prgtoken Most of them--even groups that live at the Federal trough, groups that need and want and all they come here for is Federal money--say: Well, that is not too unreasonable. We got $100 million last year. prgtoken Could you take $98 million for the good of the country? Instead of getting $100 million, could you take $98 million--2 percent less--in order to balance the budget and not destroy the country with all of this debt? prgtoken Interestingly, whether these groups are from the left, right, center, , , or Independent, most of them look at me and nod their heads. I think the groups that receive Federal money realize this massive debt we have is destroying the country. Even the groups receiving it are willing to cut 1 percent or 2 percent. But do you know who is not? The Senate--the Congress. They will not cut anything. prgtoken My amendment today to add a 2-percent cut to this spending will get 15 or 20 votes. Not one will vote for this bill. Do you know what the will say? They will say: The debt is because you cut taxes. This is something that is factually incorrect. We did cut taxes, but revenue is up. This is a fact. We cut the tax rates, but the economy is growing gangbusters, and revenue is up. prgtoken Why do we have a massive debt? Why are we breaking records? Why, in February, did we have more debt added than at any other time in our history? Why are we about to bust a trillion dollars in debts this year? It is spending; it isn't revenue. Revenue is up. prgtoken We did cut tax rates, and companies are growing like they haven't grown in decades. If you talk to businesses, the biggest problem in our country right now is they can't find enough people to work for them. There is a labor shortage in our country. It is a great time to be a worker in our country. prgtoken But this will not pass. My amendment will not pass because people are afraid that the public will not like them if they don't give them more money. I am afraid we will destroy the country if we keep running more debts. prgtoken The debt is growing at 8 percent a year. Spending is growing only at 4.5 percent, 5 percent a year. The debt is g