mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
STATE OF THE UNION MESSAGE
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-2-6

. Last night, the President shared a hopeful vision of a bright future for our country. In part, he reminded us that the future is bright because of the big steps we have taken together in the past 2 years to move the Nation forward--steps such as historic tax reform that has helped middle-class families across America keep more of what they earn; the regulatory reforms that have amped up our economy and fueled job creation; the landmark legislation we passed to combat the opioid epidemic; the long-needed investment in our Armed Forces that gives our servicemembers the tools and training they need to keep us safe. prgtoken As I mentioned yesterday, some of these accomplishments were delivered by s alone, but the lion's share of them were bicameral and bipartisan. They combined the ideas and priorities of both sides of the aisle and both Chambers of Congress. So even though I know our ic colleagues' first instinct these days is to reflexively criticize anything President says or does, I hope they took some pride in the strong state of our Union which the President described. prgtoken This great country belongs to all of us, and it is going to take all of us to keep moving forward. As the President put it, ``cooperation, compromise, and the common good.'' prgtoken Last night, the President highlighted, in particular, the national challenges he sees as most urgent and as top priorities for his administration this year. Tackling them will require that same bipartisan spirit in Congress. He restated the administration's commitment to addressing the humanitarian and security crisis at our Nation's southern border, to fighting on behalf of American workers and job creators, to rebuilding America's infrastructure, and to helping simplify families' budgets by lowering the cost of healthcare and prescription drugs. On these and other challenges, the American people deserve the full attention of a fully functioning Congress. They deserve a ic Party that puts the public interest ahead of political spite and comes to the table to negotiate necessary compromises. prgtoken Well, it will not be long before we will see if this institution can rise to the occasion. The next deadline for appropriations will arrive in a little over a week, and Members in both Chambers will need to prove we can move past making points and start actually making a difference. prgtoken Throughout the coming year, if we are serious about advancing meaningful policy, this basic requirement will remain the same--good- faith efforts between a ic-controlled House and a - controlled Senate and President 's administration. prgtoken Another challenge the President mentioned is the ongoing obstruction of his nominations to the executive branch and the Federal courts. He was absolutely right about that. To a historic degree, Senate have slow-walked well-qualified nominees, gumming up committee con
FAIRNESS FOR BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS ACT OF 2019
Paul Mitchell (Republican, MI) \u2014 2019-2-6

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , I join my colleague in support of H.R. 866, which provides that federally managed buildings or federally owned buildings open to the public nursing rooms that are available. prgtoken The bill would apply to buildings that are already open to the public and which have nursing rooms for employees yet somehow do not manage to provide those to the general public, and they should. The requirements would not apply if the existing space cannot feasibly be opened. prgtoken As the gentlewoman notes, it does not create additional cost. prgtoken The legislation passed the House last Congress by voice vote and, if enacted, will help visiting mothers to our facilities in both the capital here and throughout the Nation. prgtoken Madam , I urge support for this legislation, and I urge the Senate to finally take up this legislation. To move it forward, I join my colleague in saying that it is about time that we open up the nursing rooms in Federal facilities to the general public in support of the care of newborns and young children. prgtoken Madam , I have no remaining speakers, and .
Introductory Statement on S. 349
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2019-2-6

I rise today to discuss the Reviving America's Scenic Byways Act, a bill I have introduced with my colleague from Maryland, Senator Cardin. Our bill seeks to revive the long- dormant process within the U.S. Department of Transportation through which some of our Nation's most remarkable roadways can earn the prestigious designation of ``National Scenic Byway.'' prgtoken The National Scenic Byways Program began as a grassroots effort to help recognize, preserve, and enhance selected roads throughout the United States based on one or more cultural, historic, natural, recreational, and scenic qualities. Today, there are more than 150 distinct roads nationwide that have been recognized as National Scenic Byways--including several which have gained the honor of being named an ``All-American Road.'' prgtoken I am proud that my home State of Maine boasts not only three National Scenic Byways, but also the Acadia All-American Road. These roadways provide Mainers and tourists alike with spectacular views and memorable experiences, while at the same time spurring much-needed economic activity in the surrounding areas. The National Scenic Byways program represents a true win-win scenario by protecting precious corridors and providing tangible benefits for local communities. prgtoken Despite this program's proven value, its nomination process has been inactive since the passage of the 2012 surface transportation funding bill (also known as MAP-21). As a result, numerous roadways across the country have been prevented from pursuing National Scenic Byway designation. prgtoken In fact, a recent survey found that at least 44 State scenic byways across the country are prepared to seek national designation as soon as the program is reopened to nominations. It is critical that we provide these local byways the opportunity to seek the Federal designation and reap its demonstrated benefits. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this bill, which in turn supports the preservation of America's prgtoken most unique roadways and the facilitation of increased economic activity in the regions that they serve.
NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ACT--MOTION TO PROCEED--Resumed
David Perdue (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-2-6

it is my honor to join my colleagues, including the Presiding Officer, in this brief colloquy about the current economic results that the President's agenda is achieving. I would like to put it in perspective though. prgtoken Just a little bit over 2 years ago, we had suffered through 8 years of probably the most onerous increase in big government regulatory reform that we had ever seen. These regulations were so onerous that they basically shut down free enterprise for a decade. Add to that a tax environment that was not competitive with the rest of the world, and the result was that we had the lowest economic growth in United States' history--1.6 to 1.9 percent, depending on whom you believe. Regardless of that detail, it was absolutely uncontested that it was the lowest economic growth in the United States' history. There was no secret behind that. prgtoken Actually, in 2009, when the last administration started, the economy was prgtoken at a low point because of the financial crisis. So they started from a very low point to start with. It is more draconian than the numbers indicate. prgtoken Two weeks after President was elected, I was included in a leadership meeting in the White House to talk about how we are going to achieve the President's No. 1 objective, and that is to grow the economy. He said during the election and, indeed, during that meeting, that job one was to grow the economy. We had to put people back to work, get enthusiasm back, and get confidence in the U.S. economy again and in each other. In that meeting, we outlined, basically, what was required to do that. President gave us his vision of what we had to do. prgtoken We wanted to work on regulations, energy, taxes, and, indeed, pull back on as much of the Dodd-Frank bill as we could. Those things in the first year were intended to get the economy jump-started. Then, in the second year, we were supposed to talk about immigration, infrastructure, and trade. prgtoken History will show that in the first year, more than 870 regulations were reversed. We unleashed our energy potential in two major projects: ANWR in Alaska and the Keystone Pipeline. Those benefits are even yet to come. prgtoken Thirdly, we passed a historic tax bill that made the United States more competitive with the rest of the world. We lowered the corporate tax rate. We changed the individual tax structure. We eliminated the repatriation tax. prgtoken The next thing was so important. We actually passed a bipartisan bill that pulled back on the most draconian parts of the Dodd-Frank bill. The Dodd-Frank bill was a knee-jerk reaction from the financial crisis in 2008 and 2009. It really did put regulations in place that pulled back on the banking industry in many ways. Some of those, we might argue, were required. Certainly, on the money banks in New York, some things were needed. I would argue that not the full breadth of what Dodd-Frank did, but
INVEST IN MEANINGFUL PHYSICAL BARRIERS AT OUR BORDER
Greg Gianforte (Republican, MT) \u2014 2019-2-6

. Madam , Border Patrol agents recently made the largest fentanyl bust in the agency's history. A suspect attempted to cross our southern border with nearly 400 pounds of meth and enough fentanyl to kill 57 million Americans. prgtoken Montana faces a meth epidemic that is tearing our families apart. We must secure the border to cut off the meth supply that cartels push through the ports of entry and across our porous borders. prgtoken Securing the border with a physical barrier enjoys bipartisan support. More than 60 in the House and the Senate have claimed a physical barrier should be part of the solution. prgtoken Both U.S. Senators from Montana have voted for physical barriers. Yet, despite bipartisan support for a physical barrier, the recently declared there is not going to be any money for a wall. prgtoken Madam , I urge Members of the border security conference committee to listen to lawmakers from both parties and invest in meaningful physical barriers at our southern border.
CONGRATULATING THE PRESIDENT ON THE STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2019-2-6

. Madam , I rise today to recognize President 's effort last night and to congratulate him on his State of the Union Address. prgtoken The President's message was indeed clear. America has unlimited potential; we just have to unlock it. prgtoken Under the 2 years of this administration, the economy has consistently added jobs at record rates while simultaneously growing wages. prgtoken According to a CBS poll last night, 76 percent of Americans approved of what they heard the President say. Even more telling, 72 percent said they approve of the President's ideas on immigration and our border. It shouldn't be a surprise, either, that most Americans agree we need increased border security and we need it now. prgtoken Since a physical barrier was constructed in San Diego, California, 23 years ago, illegal immigration has plummeted in that region by 92 percent. That is just one of many examples. prgtoken We have a limited window of time with our current 3-week agreement, and what with more caravan hordes amassing below our southern border, we need to take action.
NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ACT--MOTION TO PROCEED--Resumed
Mike Braun (Republican, IN) \u2014 2019-2-6

I rise today in one of the hottest economic environments our Nation has ever seen. The last time American unemployment was this low, the Beatles were at the top of the charts and I was a starting forward on the JV basketball team back in Jasper, IN. The last time U.S. stocks had a January as good as this last month, the Hoosiers were on their way to a national championship under Coach Bobby Knight. prgtoken Last night, President outlined the incredible economic success and progress our country has made in the last 2 years, and it is times like these that drive home the point that we all already know: Business is the engine that drives the American economy, not government. Entrepreneurs--from titans of large industry to mostly Main Street entrepreneurs--are the force that generates prosperity, not politicians. America's true power is held in our local chambers of commerce, not in the Chambers of Congress. Our best wisdom comes from the factory floor, not the Senate floor. prgtoken Businesspeople understand what makes the economy tick, and with someone like President at the helm, the true potential of the American economy is being unleashed. GDP and job growth numbers have never been like this. prgtoken During the administration, these numbers were scoffed at as not being attainable. Now it is happening. We have to keep that in mind. President offered us 8 years of stagnation and cynicism. President has offered optimism, bold leadership, and the deep understanding of what makes a business boom that could only come from the experience of somebody from the real world, an entrepreneur. prgtoken Like the President, I built my life in business over many years. I started back in 1981 with just a few employees. Our original office was in a mobile home on a rock lot--a very hardscrabble existence. I think of all the time invested. For 17 years, we hovered as a small business. Patience and persistence underlie everything that really works in this economy and in this world. We lived within our means, and we reinvested in our own success in good times and bad. And this story is being played out across the country. prgtoken President 's Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is the most significant pro- growth legislation that has come out of Washington since I have been paying attention. As I said, that has been 37 years. For my company, the tax cuts were the biggest capital infusion we had ever seen. prgtoken Like the President, I have been blessed in that three of my four kids work in my business. When tax reform was signed into law, I believe back in December of 2017, one of my sons came to me and said: Dad, we need to take these savings--we are sending less to DC. Let's do something with them. prgtoken I said: What did you have in mind? prgtoken He said: I would like to share these benefits with our employees. prgtoken I said: Well, particularly, what did you have in mind? prgtoken He sa
REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF DAVID SOVCHEN
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-2-6

. Madam , I rise today to remember the life of Mr. David Sovchen, who passed away on January 25, his 72nd birthday. prgtoken Mr. Sovchen had an enormous impact in Savannah throughout his life. prgtoken In 1985, he joined the Wendy's senior management team, which led him to our community, where he owned nearly a dozen restaurants. prgtoken Outside of his exceptional management skills, he was dedicated to growing the arts in coastal Georgia. To that end, Mr. Sovchen worked with the Savannah Book Festival to provide office space and find critical funding opportunities. Now, the Savannah Book Festival is in its 10th year and has brought a total of over 400 authors to our area. prgtoken In addition to the book festival, Mr. Sovchen volunteered with the Boy Scouts, the Salvation Army, Savannah Technical College, and the Chamber of Commerce. prgtoken I am deeply thankful for all of this work, which has made Savannah a better place to live. Mr. Sovchen's family and friends will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time
NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ACT--MOTION TO PROCEED--Resumed
Lisa Murkowski (Republican, AK) \u2014 2019-2-6

we are at a point we have been hoping to get to for some time, which is debate on S. 47, the Natural Resources Management Act. prgtoken This is a compilation, if you will, of various lands bills, water bills, and sportsmen's bills. This is a lands package that Senator Cantwell, Senator Manchin, and I recently introduced, but it is the result of years--multiple years, actually--of regular order process in the committees of jurisdiction--most notably, the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. It is the result of months of intense, bicameral back-and-forth negotiations with now-Chairman Raul Grijalva and now- Ranking Member Rob Bishop of the House Natural Resources Committee. In that back-and-forth, we said: We are going to be very specific to our jurisdiction here, and we are going to stick to a four-corners agreement that we reached late last year and had actually confirmed here on the Senate floor in late December. prgtoken This package contains more than 100 public lands, natural resources, and water measures that have good, strong support in both Chambers. We are at that point where we can not only do the back-and-forth, but we can work through the back-and-forth that comes when we are able to advance a package like this to the floor. prgtoken I would like to thank Majority Leader McConnell and Minority Leader Schumer for agreeing to add our lands package directly to the Senate calendar. This was an agreement that was made back in December. We were teed up and ready to go, but in fairness, you run out of time at the end of the year. There was an agreement that was reached here on the Senate floor between the two leaders and other colleagues to make sure that we would take up this package quickly and that we would work to address it early in this new Congress. prgtoken A lot of thanks go out to our leadership, and special thanks to my former ranking member, Senator Cantwell, for working with me to get us to this point and to my new ranking member, Senator Manchin, for really stepping up and helping to manage this package just weeks into his new role as the ranking member. prgtoken Before I get into my full remarks, I also want to recognize the efforts of several of the other members of the Energy Committee who have really gone the extra mile to help us get to this point. On our side of the aisle, Senator Gardner and Senator Daines have been just dogged in making sure that--as issues arose and as we tried to cobble together different proposals, they were in the thick of it and have been helpful every step of the way. On the other side of the aisle, Senator Heinrich and Senator Wyden have been equally aggressive and helpful in all they have done to help advance and build support for this package. prgtoken It is probably true, if you were to look through this package, you are not going to see something that stands out with bright lights and flags that says these are sweeping changes in Federal p
AMERICAN HEART MONTH
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-2-6

. Madam , for more than 50 years, we have observed February as American Heart Month. prgtoken Heart disease is the Nation's number-one killer, and during this month we reaffirm our commitment to combating heart disease and educating all people about the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle. prgtoken Madam , before I came to Congress, I worked for nearly 30 years as a rehabilitation therapist and a licensed nursing home administrator. I understand the unique challenges facing individuals who have suffered a prgtoken stroke or other life-changing injuries. Often, it is a long road to recovery. prgtoken An active lifestyle can help lower blood pressure, boost levels of good cholesterol, improve blood flow, and more. Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, remain the leading cause of death globally; but, by making healthy choices, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, individuals can lower their risk for cardiovascular disease by as much as 80 percent. prgtoken I hope that Heart Month 2019 inspires more Americans to take control of their cardiovascular health and to begin a healthy lifestyle journey.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS RULES OF PROCEDURE
Ron Johnson (Republican, WI) \u2014 2019-2-6

rule XXVI, paragraph 2, of the Standing Rules of the Senate requires each committee to adopt rules to govern the procedure of the committee and to publish those rules in the Congressional Record not later than March 1 of the first year of each Congress. Today, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs adopted committee rules of procedure. prgtoken Consistent with Standing Rule XXVI, I ask unanimous consent to have a copy of the rules of procedure of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs printed in the Congressional Record.
BORN ALIVE ABORTION SURVIVORS PROTECTION
Ann Wagner (Republican, MO) \u2014 2019-2-6

. Madam , I rise today to speak on behalf of babies who survive abortions and are born alive. prgtoken The Constitution clearly states that all persons born in this country are entitled to life, liberty, and equal protection under the law. prgtoken Our Founding Fathers did not put age limits on who is entitled to life, but over the past month, I have been astounded and horrified to watch radical legislators upend the Constitution and argue that babies who survive abortions should not be given the same level of medical care that all other newborn babies receive. prgtoken New York legislators repealed a law mandating medical care for any baby born alive during an abortion. A law proposed in Virginia would allow abortions up to the very moment of full delivery. prgtoken Congress must act to protect those who cannot protect themselves. This week, I introduced the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, H.R. 962, which merely ensures that babies who survive abortions receive immediate lifesaving care, which is very simple. We choose life or we choose death.