mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
MOTION TO DISCHARGE--S.J. RES. 36
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-6-18

. The problem of torture among refugees is significant, with an estimated 44 percent of refugees in the United States having been victims of such horrors. Those from Bosnia, Cambodia, and many other places all receive free treatment at the Kovler Center to recover from their trauma. prgtoken During my visit I had the privilege of meeting refugees who had fled the mounting violence in Cameroon. Cameroon is a West African nation that is dealing with a complicated colonial legacy. Following World War I, the League of Nations appointed France and Great Britain as joint trustees to what was previously a German colony. Not surprisingly, the two colonial powers imposed their own cultures on the new Cameroon. prgtoken Tragically, following the country's independence in the 1960s, Cameroonian strongman President Paul Biya, one of the world's longest serving leaders--now almost 40 years in office--further favored the French-speaking population over its Anglophone regions. prgtoken The results were not surprising. The mounting resentment and calls for greater autonomy within the Anglophone population caused ensuing violent suppression from the Biya regime. The refugees I met with told harrowing stories of this crackdown and violence. prgtoken I was pleased to join Senator Van Hollen last year in a letter urging Secretary Pompeo to focus attention on the unrest in Cameroon, and I was equally pleased when the administration scaled back U.S. military assistance to Cameroon due to this government's violent repression. As a Member of the Appropriations Committee, I will be watching carefully the level of violence in Cameroon and, when the day comes, when we consider any foreign aid to this Nation. prgtoken The work of the Kovler Center is a reminder that if we are going to stand up for human rights we must be willing to be vigilant at all times, even for small countries as far away as Cameroon. prgtoken .
NOMINATION OF MATTHEW J. KACSMARYK
Mazie K. Hirono (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2019-6-18

this month, many of us are celebrating Pride Month and reaffirming the rights and freedoms of the LGBTQ community. We also celebrated the fight for equal rights for women with the 100th anniversary of the passage and ratification of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. prgtoken But instead of celebrating these rights and freedoms, here is what Senate s have in store for us. This week, they will confirm a Federal judge to a lifetime appointment who has devoted his career to advocating against the rights of LGBTQ people and women under the guise of religious liberty. prgtoken Through his actions as a lawyer and private citizen, Matthew Kacsmaryk, the nominee for the Northern District of Texas, has made his hostility towards LGBTQ individuals, marriage equality, and reproductive rights clear. prgtoken As deputy general counsel for the First Liberty Institute, Kacsmaryk urged the Supreme Court in Obergefell v. Hodges to rule that there is no nationwide right to same-sex marriage. After the Supreme Court disagreed with him, Kacsmaryk wrote an article criticizing not only Obergefell, but also the Court's decision in Roe v. Wade. He argued that the fight for marriage equality and reproductive rights were `` `radical' . . . demands'' of the ``Sexual Revolution.'' In his view, this Sexual Revolution ``sought public affirmation of the lie that the human person is an autonomous blob of Silly Putty unconstrained by nature or biology, and that marriage, sexuality, gender identity, and even the unborn child must yield to the erotic desires of liberated adults.'' prgtoken As a lawyer, Kacsmaryk advocated for employers who objected to providing contraceptive coverage as part of the healthcare required under the Affordable Care Act on religious grounds. Outside of the courtroom, he continued his advocacy against reproductive rights. In a 2016 interview, he complained about ``imposition of a secular judgment on an essentially sacred question'' in the contraceptive mandate cases. He pointed to the First Amendment concerns of religious actors while failing to mention that the use of contraception is constitutionally protected. prgtoken Kacsmaryk also urged the Supreme Court to allow a Virginia school board to require students to use the restroom corresponding to their ``biological gender'' and a State labor and industry board in Oregon to let a bakery refuse to make same-sex wedding cakes. It is no wonder that more than 200 groups oppose his nomination, including Lambda Legal and 74 other LGBT and allied groups, the National Women's Law Center, and AFL-CIO. prgtoken Earlier this year, I entered a letter into the record from about 300 parents of transgender children who opposed Kacsmaryk's nomination ``because of his demeaning attacks on transgender children and adults.'' In their letter, these parents pointed to Mr. Kacsmaryk's efforts to ``repeatedly promote [ ] fringe, junk scienc
TRIBUTE TO STANLEY P. LAWRUK, SR.
Christopher A. Coons (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2019-6-18

on the 75th anniversary of D-Day, I wish to honor a member of our Greatest Generation, Stanley P. ``Lucky'' Lawruk, Sr of Wilmington, DE. Stanley P. Lawruk, a lifelong Delawarean, served in the U.S. Army Air Corps at the Battle of Normandy and throughout World War II. prgtoken On D-Day, June 6, 1944, 20-year-old Technical Sergeant Stanley Lawruk was on his fourth combat mission as prgtoken both the flight engineer and top turret gunner on a Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress. Sergeant Lawruk and his fellow crewmen were part of the 327th Bombardment Squadron, 92nd Bomb Group, known as Fame's Favored Few. prgtoken His squadron's mission on D-Day was to target and destroy the marshalling yards and industrial center at Thury-Harcourt in Normandy, France. As the dorsal turret gunner, Sergeant Lawruk manned twin 50- caliber machineguns located just above the cockpit of his bomber. ``I saw all the ships go across the channel,'' Stan said in a 2014 interview. ``They were so thick, you could almost walk across the channel [on them]. And you could see the troops.'' Sergeant Stan Lawruk survived D-Day and the many follow-on missions of the Normandy campaign. After more than 20 combat flights, Lucky Lawruk had earned his nickname. prgtoken On his 26th mission, Stan Lawruk's luck ran out. On August 25, 1944, Stan's B-17 was on a bombing mission to destroy a V-2 rocket experimental station located along the coast of Peenemunde, Germany. There, his Flying Fortress fell victim to anti-aircraft batteries below. ``A direct hit blew off the propeller on our number four engine. That in turn tore a large hole in our right wing,'' Stan said in a 1945 newspaper interview. ``Another hit put our number three engine on fire and set another windmilling. We lost altitude rapidly.'' prgtoken Stan and his fellow wingmen were instructed to bail out over Germany; however, they decided to stick with the plane if possible. ``Over the Baltic we started to toss out everything we could move or pry loose,'' Stan said in 1945, stating that he even tried to drop the ball turret. ``I didn't have a chance to finish the job before I jumped to my crash position. We came down in a slight crash near a fishing village. None of the crew was hurt.'' prgtoken A declassified document, Missing Air Crew Report 8275, recently found in the National Archives, verifies that all nine crew members survived the force of the crash landing near Sovde, Sweden. Weather conditions and visibility were described as ``cloudy smooth.'' The bomber, numbered 43-37596, was last sighted at ``1322 hours'' that day. prgtoken Stan and his crew were rescued by Swedish troops and Red Cross workers; however, the American airmen would remain in neutral Sweden for 6 months. The bomber crew were considered prisoners of war until repatriated back to England. Stan, who originally enlisted in January 1943, remained in the U.S. Army Air Corps until he was honorably discharged at N
Troop Deployment (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-6-18

last night, the Defense Department announced that 1,000 additional troops would be deployed to the Middle East. This is the second deployment of 1,000 or more troops in the past 30 days, ostensibly to deal with Iran's increased activity in the region. prgtoken Despite these two announcements, the President has yet to address the Nation about these developments. The President has yet to articulate a strategy about American involvement in the region. He has yet to send a single military commander to testify before the Armed Services Committee. And he has yet to explain what his policy of ``maximum pressure'' on Iran is supposed to achieve. All we have heard is the Secretary of State, our chief diplomat, rattling the sabers of war. prgtoken As U.S. troops again prepare to deploy to the Middle East, this administration has an obligation to explain to the American people exactly what is happening and why. If they have a case, they must make it public. Americans are rightly skeptical and tired of endless wars in the Middle East--a reticence that many on the side don't seem to share. Americans know that smaller actions have a tendency to escalate into larger actions even when there is no congressional authority and no check. prgtoken The administration has offered to send various officials to give classified briefings, but, frankly, that is not nearly good enough. We have learned a hard truth from our experience in Iraq--that the drums of war start beating behind closed doors. The President must make his pitch to the Nation instead of another closed-door meeting with Senators. As the Commander in Chief, he owes that to every American but especially to the American servicemembers, and their families, whom he is sending into the Middle East.
Nomination of Matthew J. Kacsmaryk (Executive Calendar)
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2019-6-18

I come to the floor today to oppose Matthew Kacsmaryk's nomination to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Mr. Kacsmaryk is another example of an extreme choice by President to jam courts with individuals who have put their political views above the law and use their positions of power to chip away at people's rights. Not only are Mr. Kacsmaryk's views hateful and out of the mainstream, but his history of attacking vulnerable communities shows me he will not be a fair and impartial judge. He has fought tooth and nail against any protections for LGBTQIA individuals and has devoted his career to stripping this community of these fundamental rights. prgtoken Mr. Kacsmaryk does not believe title XII of the Civil Rights Act includes sexual orientation and gender identity. He opposed the Supreme Court's ruling in Obergefell, which affirmed that same-sex couples have the right to marry under our Constitution, and he opposes the Equality Act. He believes this bill will ``weaponize Obergefell.'' The Equality Act builds on existing civil rights laws to expand anti-discrimination protections, to ensure members of the LGBTQ community cannot be fired or evicted from their homes, providing them with the same protections afforded to those who are discriminated against based on their race, religion, age, disability, and more. prgtoken He believes healthcare providers should be able to discriminate-- discriminate--against patients based on gender identity or sex stereotyping, and he even supports discrimination against our children. Mr. Kacsmaryk not only opposes protections for transgender students, he has even argued that being transgender is ``delusional.'' He has questioned whether States can ban conversion therapy practices, which are dangerous. They are discredited by the medical community, and they have led to depression and suicidal behavior in young people subjected to these practices. prgtoken Mr. Kacsmaryk claims that his hateful views have to do with religious liberty, but his own words show his true colors. When s and in Utah agreed on employment and housing nondiscrimination protections based on gender identity and sexual orientation, Mr. Kacsmaryk opposed them, even as countless religious organizations supported that bill. prgtoken Was religious liberty his main point of opposition? No. Instead, he argued businesses should be able to discriminate based on a person's sexual orientation or gender identity because, in his view, this community does not deserve the same protections as other communities who are often discriminated against. prgtoken Mr. Kacsmaryk has said there is a ``clash of absolutes'' between LGBTQIA rights and those who want to discriminate in the name of religious liberty. This is not a view of someone who can be impartial and fair. Not only are his views on nondiscrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity concerni
Tribute to Alana Petersen (Executive Session)
Tina Smith (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2019-6-18

I rise today to pay tribute and express my gratitude to Alana Petersen, my deputy chief of staff and long time staff leader for the Minnesota congressional delegation. Alana is retiring from her official role after serving the Minnesota delegation since 1993. prgtoken During her public service, Alana worked for Congressman Dave Minge, from Minnesota's First Congressional District; Congressman John Oberstar, from Minnesota's Eighth Congressional District; Senator Al Franken; and now for me. In all of those roles, she has served the people of Minnesota first and especially those who most needed an ally and a voice in the halls of power here in Washington: farmers and rural families, new immigrants, Minnesota's Tribal communities, and Minnesota's diverse communities of color. prgtoken For those of you who don't know Alana, let me tell you a little bit about her. Alana was born in Minnesota and, like me, spent part of her childhood in New Mexico. In fact, she and I went to the same elementary school, although Alana is younger than me and had the benefit of a new building. prgtoken Alana headed Al Franken's Minnesota Senate office beginning when he was sworn in 2009. Before joining Franken's staff, she worked in the office of Congressman Jim Oberstar for 5 years as deputy district director, and she worked for Congressman Dave Minge for 6 years in several capacities. prgtoken Alana also served as executive director of Target Market, a statewide nonprofit organization that promoted an anti-tobacco message to teens, and she held a position at Grassroots Solutions, a political consulting firm where she worked with national labor unions, congressional candidates, and pro-choice organizations. prgtoken As if her official work weren't enough, Alana has long been a go-to volunteer for her community, where she has served as chair of the East Central Regional Arts Council and board chair for Women Winning, a bipartisan group dedicated to electing more women to public office. prgtoken Alana is married to Thom Petersen, who is the Minnesota commissioner of agriculture for Governor Tim Walz, and she is mom to Waylon and Dylan. Alana and her family live on a working farm in Pine County, MN, an hour north of the Twin Cities. The Petersens raise and show miniature horses at county fairs all across Minnesota and at the Minnesota State Fair, earning blue ribbons, not only because of the amazing minis but also thanks to the amazing costumes sewn by Alana. prgtoken To Thom, Waylon, and Dylan, thank you for sharing your mom and wife with us and with Minnesota all of these years. prgtoken So I can't tell you when I first met Alana, but we have been good friends and allies for decades. As in all great friendships born from working together, we are connected by a sense of shared purpose, a sense of humor, and a complete trust that, when in doubt, we can call the other one. Each of us, in turn, has been a shoulder to lean on, a
DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020
Raul Ruiz (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-6-18

. Madam Chair, I rise today to express my support for this block of amendments to H.R. 2740. prgtoken Included is my amendment to provide $2 million in critical funding for Bureau of Reclamation projects with a public health benefit, such as the Salton Sea in southern California. prgtoken The Salton Sea is a danger to Californian residents. Dust from the exposed lake bed contains harmful particulate matter that blows into communities and is inhaled by residents as far away as Los Angeles. prgtoken If we do not take decisive action now, the Salton Sea's decline will accelerate, exacerbating this public health crisis and leading more children and seniors to develop respiratory illnesses like asthma. prgtoken After Congress passed this amendment last year, the Bureau devoted $2.5 million to mitigation projects at the Salton Sea. My amendment would continue this essential funding to invest in the health of families who live near the Salton Sea and beyond. prgtoken Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote for my amendment to support the public health of children, seniors, and families across southern California, and I thank Chair Kaptur for her support and interest in helping us with the Salton Sea.
TRIBUTE FOR ELVIS DURAN AND ALEX CARR
Max Rose (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-6-18

. Madam , I rise today to ask all of my colleagues to join me in honoring two outstanding individuals who share an unquestionable commitment to improving the lives of Staten Islanders and to supporting our borough's LGBTQ community--Z100's Elvis Duran, and his fiance, the Staten Island Zoo's own Alex Carr. If there's one thing Staten Islanders know all too well, it's sitting in traffic in the morning listening to the radio. The work that Elvis Duran does every day to make that commute just a little less grueling deserves recognition all by itself. But Elvis is so much more than a New York City radio legend. Whether he is contributing to the Robin Hood Foundation which fights poverty in New York City, supporting the LGBTQ community through his work with GLAAD and The Trevor Project, or generously supporting local Staten Island causes with his fiance, Alex, Mr. Duran has continually shown a commitment to helping those in need. Our borough is known for its sense of community and through it, the people who make it one of the best places to raise a family. It is that commitment to community and supporting our borough in ways, both big and small, that Alex has exemplified. When there is someone struggling--whether a close friend or stranger--there's a good chance Alex will be there to help in some capacity. It's who he is, and Staten Island has been made better because of his efforts. And so it should be no surprise that when Staten Island's own LGBTQ community needed help with a fundraiser, Elvis and his fiance Alex went above and beyond to help out. They offered to do a dollar for dollar match of donations to the Staten Island Pride Center, raised awareness of the Pride Center's work on social media, and helped raise over $25,000. Their philanthropic efforts have impacted many lives, but there is nothing more powerful than individuals with large platforms sharing their stories and helping others feel accepted. Elvis and Alex have opened their lives to Staten Island, the City, and the country whether it's through the Morning Show, the Staten Island Zoo, or just the extraordinary acts of kindness they have demonstrated time and time again. Staten Island is a place where we look out for each other and where we never hesitate to help those in need. Few people embody that more than Elvis Duran and Alex Carr. For that reason, the Pride Center of Staten Island will be honoring Alex and Elvis at its celebration commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots on June 21, 2019. Madam , today I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in recognizing Alex as everything a Staten Islander ought to be, Elvis Duran as an honorary Staten Islander and in thanking them for their many years of selfless and compassionate service to Staten Island, and to all of New York City.
DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020
Ann M. Kuster (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2019-6-18

. Madam Chair, such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam Chair, I thank Mr. Visclosky and his staff for their tireless dedication to putting together such a comprehensive Defense appropriations bill. The work the gentleman's committee does to ensure our Armed Forces has the funding it needs keeps America safe. I am grateful for his dedication to this important task. prgtoken I am pleased to offer my amendment that would increase funding for life support systems on Ohio-class submarines. This program is important for ensuring the Ohio class reaches its 42-year service life extension. prgtoken Submarines are a critical component of our Nation's nuclear triad, which ensures the United States has a constant deterrent against nuclear strikes from nations that would do us harm. To keep this triad strong, we must ensure that the Ohio-class submarines remain in operation until the Columbia class can take their place. prgtoken Putting modern, low-pressure life support systems on our submarines is an essential part of ensuring the longevity of this program. prgtoken I understand the chairman's concerns about the Navy's implementation of submarine life support systems. When Congress appropriates money, it must be spent efficiently and promptly. I believe this program should be funded at the historic level of $11,968,000. prgtoken Madam Chair, I will offer to withdraw my amendment and work with the chairman to ensure the Navy effectively manages this program and that Congress provides robust support for it in future years. prgtoken I am asking the chairman if we will work together on this important issue moving forward.
ANNUAL OBSERVANCE OF JUNETEENTH
Katie Hill (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-6-18

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the WOW Flower Project participating in the annual observance of Juneteenth. Whereas the staff and volunteers of WOW Flower Project have agreed to devote their time, resources and energy to this united effort to bring attention to this important day of celebration. Whereas Juneteenth is an annual observance on June 19th to remember when Union soldiers enforced the Emancipation Proclamation and freed all remaining enslaved people in Texas on June 19, 1865. This day is an opportunity for people to celebrate freedom and equal rights in the United States. Whereas WOW Flower Project will hold a public Juneteenth Celebration with the goals of bringing our neighbors together to remember the millions of African Americans who suffered the evils of slavery and celebrate the community's commitment to working toward a more fair and just society. Together, we honor the unbreakable spirit and countless contributions of generations of African Americans to the story of American greatness. Whereas WOW Flower Project leads us today and every day in recommitting ourselves to defending the self-evident truth, boldly declared by our Founding Fathers, that all people are created equal. On this day, we rise to declare June 19th, National Juneteenth Awareness Day. Dating back to 1865, Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. We are fortunate to have passionate, forward-thinking, dedicated organizations like the WOW Flower Project who work tirelessly to enact change and educate our community. Therefore, let it be proclaimed the Antelope Valley declares that every 19th of June is the official Remembrance of Juneteenth.