mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3401, EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE AND SECURITY AT THE SOUTHERN BORDER ACT, 2019
Andy Biggs (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2019-6-25

I just want to say at the outset that the condescending tone towards our side by the previous speaker is really uncalled for, and, quite frankly, it is unparliamentary in and of itself. prgtoken When he talks about political points being unconscionable, that may be an understatement. prgtoken Let me just tell you something. When I was down at the border recently, the DEA informed me of a little girl who was forced to take care of two young children. She is the age of 11. She had been trafficked. She had been trafficked by cartels right into Charleston, South Carolina. prgtoken Right there, at that position, many people--40 or more people--had used that location in Charleston as a sponsor to be released under the catch-and-release problem that we have, because we are overcrowded at the border. We have no place to keep them. prgtoken This bill doesn't fix that. This bill doesn't fix that. If you wanted to take care of a humanitarian issue, you would give ICE some money for beds. prgtoken And that little girl, age 11, is taking care of two young boys--until what? Until that cartel affiliate in Charleston, South Carolina, could send those three children back to be used on the border for a faux family unit to come back in. prgtoken That is what is unconscionable, the fact that we are not funding ICE when ICE has a 10,000-bed shortage, when CBP has a 15,000-bed shortage. prgtoken You want to talk about lack of humanitarian care: This bill doesn't take care of that because the bill from my colleagues across the aisle does not address giving ICE and CBP what they need to hold on to people, so you can keep families together. prgtoken That is the reality of the situation.
MINIMUM WAGE
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2019-6-25

this month, we surpassed the record for the longest period in American history without an increase in the minimum wage. It has been nearly a decade since minimum wage workers last got a raise--literally a decade. Because of inflation, the salary of a minimum wage worker today is worth $3,000 less than it was in 2009. Think about that. It is not like minimum wage workers are making a lot of money. A minimum wage worker's salary today is equivalent to $3,000 less than it was a decade ago because of inflation. prgtoken President and s in Congress don't have a plan and don't even propose to have a plan. In fact, they block any plans the rest of us have. They don't have a plan to give millions of workers a raise. Why? Because the corporate lobbyists going in and out of the office of the Senate majority leader don't want them to. prgtoken We know it is not just minimum wage workers who are losing out on money in their pockets because the President and the Members of this body always stand on the side of corporate interests, always put their thumb on the scale supporting corporations over workers. Look at the priorities fight for every day in this body, and then look at what this administration does. It is pretty clear who is on the side of American workers. prgtoken have plans to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour. President is against it. He wants to do nothing to raise wages. prgtoken have a plan to strengthen collective bargaining rights to give workers more power in the workplace--the PRO Act. President nominates judge after judge who puts their thumb on the scale for Wall Street over consumers and workers. prgtoken have a plan to put more money back in the pockets of 114 million American workers--the Working Families Tax Relief Act. It means if you are making $25,000 or $30,000 and if you have children or if you don't have children, through the earned-income tax credit, you get more money in your pocket. Again, President and the special interest s in this town show their hostility to workers by opposing it. prgtoken President , though, did sign a tax cut for corporations that led to record stock buybacks. The tax cut that President pushed through this Senate, with the majority leader doing his groundwork for him--the bill he pushed, the tax cut he pushed through the Senate, over time, more than 75 percent of that tax cut will go to the richest 1 percent of the people. Think about that. There was $1\1/2\ trillion in tax cuts. Who benefits? Seventy-five percent of the benefits go to the richest 1 percent of the people in this country. prgtoken also have a plan to give American workers more control over their lives and their schedules--the Schedules that Work Act, which we will be introducing soon. prgtoken We have a plan to protect workers from companies that steal their hard-earned money by r
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020--Continued
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2019-6-25

it is a great honor and pleasure to join the senior Senator from Connecticut on the floor today. We were both U.S. attorneys. We were attorneys general together. We now serve in the Senate together, and I consider him a friend outside of my day job as well. It is terrific to be here with him. It is also a happy coincidence that a Senator from another great fishing State, Louisiana, should be presiding while we speak about our fisheries. This is my 247th of these speeches. prgtoken Rhode Island, of course, shares a border with Connecticut, as well as a proud fishing heritage and connection to the sea. Whether you are walking the docks of Stonington and New London or of Newport and Point Judith, the story from our fishermen is the same--that these are not the waters that our grandparents, parents, and great-grandparents fished. One fishermen told me: ``Sheldon, it's getting weird out there, and it's a big economic deal that it's getting weird out there.'' prgtoken In 2017, commercial fishery landings from Connecticut and Rhode Island totaled over $114 million, and that was just the landings. That was not the ancillary fishing economy around it. Carbon pollution and warming, acidifying oceans put that whole economy at risk. prgtoken Earlier this month, the National Academy of Sciences estimated that by 2100, around 17 percent of all ocean life, by biomass, will disappear. In February, the journal Science found that since 1930, we have already lost around 4 percent of our harvestable seafood due to ocean warming, and the fish that we are still able to harvest are getting smaller due to warming temperatures and depleted oxygen levels. A 2017 study warned ``the body size of fish decreases 20 to 30 percent for every 1-degree Celsius increase in water temperature,'' and the water is warming. prgtoken Oceans have absorbed more than 90 percent of the excess heat that has been trapped by our greenhouse gas emissions. Of all of the excess heat that has been trapped by greenhouse gas emissions since we began the Industrial Revolution and started burning all of these fossil fuels, 90 percent of it has gone into the oceans. prgtoken How much is that? prgtoken The Federal Government's 2017 Climate Science Special Report from NOAA, NASA, the Department of Energy, and others found that the oceans had absorbed more than 9 zettajoules of heat energy per year. prgtoken What is a zettajoule? prgtoken A zettajoule is 9 billion trillion joules. They are not jewels like your grandmother's earrings. They are joules as a measure of energy. prgtoken From 1998 to 2015, the oceans had absorbed more than 9 billion trillion joules. That is a rate of more than 12 times the total energy use of humans on the planet. If you want a more vigorous, a more kinetic description of what that heat load is like, visualize the power of a Hiroshima-style atomic bomb with its classic mushroom cloud erupting into the sky. Imagine all of that energy
IN RECOGNITION OF MARJORIE ``PEGGY'' MURPHY
Matt Cartwright (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2019-6-25

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the community contributions of Marjorie ``Peggy'' Murphy at time of her retirement. Peggy has been a prominent and passionate member of Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania's theater community for most of her life. Both on the stage and in the community, Peggy has dedicated her career to making a positive impact on those around her. prgtoken For over 50 years, Peggy has been actively involved in bringing live community theater to audiences in Wayne County. She has directed and performed in all kinds of productions, from dramas and comedies to musicals and mysteries. And her involvement extends far beyond the stage. Along with her late husband Richard Murphy, Peggy helped create the Ritz Company Players, a tight-knit group of community theater performers who forged an unbreakable bond through their love of the arts. Even after her retirement from the board, Peggy remains a board member emeritus for her continued dedication to the company and for the wisdom she entrusts to the next generation of leaders in the theater community. prgtoken Outside of the world of theater, Peggy has also served her community in several other capacities. For the past 43 years, for example, Peggy has been a board member of the Wayne County Redevelopment Authority, and for three decades she has served on the board of the Wayne County Housing Authority. In those roles, Peggy has been instrumental in bringing federal funds to the county for housing and community development projects. prgtoken Peggy has also been very active in public policy issues and politics, working on the local level in that regard in Hawley for 40 years. She was also the National Vice-Chair of Commissioners of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Authorities, and she co- authored the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials' Handbook for Commissioners. prgtoken Through her service both in and outside the theater, Peggy has been an illustrious and impactful resident of Wayne County. Her life of service is one to be recognized and celebrated. prgtoken It is an honor to recognize Peggy Murphy at the time of her retirement for her many community accomplishments. Her dedication to Wayne County is admirable and will help ensure a smooth succession to the next generation of leaders. May her journey continue to inspire our community, not just through artistic expression but also through Peggy's continuous, selfless service to others.
EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE AND SECURITY AT THE SOUTHERN BORDER ACT, 2019
Hakeem S. Jeffries (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-6-25

. Madam , there is a humanitarian crisis at the southern border that should shock the conscience of every single American. prgtoken These are migrant children being subjected to cruel and unusual punishment by our government. This is not Iran. This is not North Korea. This is not Venezuela. This is the United States of America. prgtoken Shame on us. prgtoken There are children who are without food. They are without medicine. They are without water. They are without soap. They are without diapers. They are without toothpaste. prgtoken Shame on us. prgtoken These are not alien children. They are God's children. This administration should stop using them as political pawns for some sick, xenophobic game. prgtoken Madam , vote ``yes,'' and let's begin the process of ending this humanitarian crisis now.
FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020
Bill Pascrell, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-6-25

. Mr. Chair, I rise on behalf of more than 68 million Americans who lack access to adequate banking services. They are often shut out of banks because of fees tied to minimum balances, overdrafts, direct deposit penalties, and, of course, ATM charges. Or, worse, many live in bank deserts because, incredibly, even in 2019, their community lacks a bank or credit union altogether. prgtoken This leaves underbanked Americans to turn to unregulated, predatory payday lenders and check cashers that level obscene annual percentage rates. These parasitic institutions keep families in poverty and further cement the economic inequality which tears our country apart. prgtoken It does not have to be this way. Our United States Postal Service is in a unique position to provide affordable, consumer-driven financial services these millions of Americans need. With branches in every ZIP Code, from Paterson, New Jersey, to Elko, Nevada, to Barrow, Alaska, the post office's unmatched reach offers a world of opportunity. prgtoken In 2014, the USPS inspector general determined that the Postal Service is well positioned to expand its financial services offerings, which currently includes money orders, check cashing, and prepaid debit card services. The IG's report found there is a significant demand for these services from populations underserved by private banks that the Postal Service could fill perfectly. prgtoken It is difficult to overstate what this small change would do, . Postal banking would benefit Americans from every walk of life. Ninety percent of ZIP Codes lacking a bank or credit union are in rural areas. Bank branches are also sparse in low-income urban areas. Approximately 46 percent of Latino and 49 percent of African American households are underbanked. prgtoken Think about that. and s alike could derive enormous benefits for their constituents. Talk about uniting America. It is a practical thing. prgtoken In a second study the USPS inspector general conducted in 2015, the IG concluded that expanding the Postal Service's current financial services offerings would not even cost much, is fully permissible under current statutory authority, and could generate $1.1 billion in additional revenue for the Postal Service, annually, after 5 years. prgtoken You know what has happened to the Postal Service and how in debt the Postal Service is because of a few foolish rules that are on the books. prgtoken This is not a novel concept. Postal services in 139 countries around the world offer some form of financial services, including every other developed country in the world. prgtoken Students of history can recall that the United States had a legendary Postal Savings System up to 1967--started in 1911--and managed over $3.4 billion in assets, or $35 billion in today's dollars, at the peak of its use. I want America to back those successes. prgtoken , I include in the Record an essay I wrote fo
HURRICANE SEASON
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-6-25

I rise today to discuss the importance of hurricane and disaster preparedness. prgtoken This month of June marks the start of hurricane season. Each year, there are around 12 named storms; 6 of them are hurricanes, 3 of those are major hurricanes. prgtoken Even as far as my district in New Jersey, hurricanes and other tropical weather events can be destructive. Superstorm Sandy hit New Jersey in 2012, and we are still feeling the effects. prgtoken With the hurricane season upon us, it is important to remind our constituents to be prepared. Every family should know whether they are in an area that has the potential to be affected by a hurricane. prgtoken Every family should have an evacuation plan as well as a plan for sheltering in place. Every family should keep a list of important phone numbers, and keep vital records and documents safe and with them. And most importantly, every family should listen closely to their local officials and follow their instructions. prgtoken , we can help educate constituents about hurricane preparedness, and in the process, save lives.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020--Resumed
Amy Klobuchar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2019-6-25

I appreciate the work my colleague has done with me and others on this issue, but I do want to point out a few things. prgtoken No. 1, I agree that this should not be a partisan issue, and, in fact, our bill was as bipartisan as it gets with the two of us leading the bill, with Senators Warner and Burr, the leaders of the Intelligence Committee, as cosponsors, and with Senator Graham and Senator from the Judiciary Committee. It was a strong bill, and I would be glad to call that up with an amendment if he would be willing to do that. prgtoken But one wonders, why wouldn't we be able to advance this bipartisan bill? It is because the White House made it decidedly partisan. They objected to its moving forward--our own bipartisan bill. Leader McConnell did not want that bill to move forward. He made it very clear. prgtoken So let's be very precise about why we are having this discussion today, and that is that we could have done this bill with the backup paper ballots attached to the funding 1 year ago, but it was blocked by the s. So now we are where we are. There is this idea that we just wait and every year say: It won't help the next election, and it won't help that next election. I believe in the importance and urgency of getting this done. prgtoken Secondly, I am not trying to federalize our elections. In fact, this model, while there is more money attached to it, is very similar to the model that we have discussed and that is included in our bill. It is this idea that if the States are willing to do what they are supposed to do, then they get Federal money. It does not federalize elections. prgtoken Third, the North Carolina example that I just brought up didn't just happen in 2016; it happened much more recently. So our concerns are based on the assessments that we have been given by the security advisers based on what 's FBI Director said just last month. He didn't say it last year; he said last month that this is happening now and that Congress must do more to help defend our elections. prgtoken I will repeat that election security is national security. We must remember this. Last week, 22 State attorneys general sent Congress a letter asking us to take action to protect the integrity of our election infrastructure. We have received similar letters from State election officials, and leading law enforcement officials in nearly half the country are begging us to take action. Think about that. prgtoken While I have no doubt that there has been some progress and there is better communication, I tend to believe the people on the ground, the chief law enforcement officers in nearly half the States in this country. I tend to believe the FBI Director for President himself, the National Intelligence Director for President himself. prgtoken The integrity of our election system is a cornerstone of our democracy. The freedom to choose our leaders and know with f
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020--Resumed
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2019-6-25

first let me thank Senator Inhofe for his leadership and his cooperation, which has gotten us to this point in the consideration of the fiscal year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act. The chairman has been thoughtful. He has been very reasonable. prgtoken We had a record hearing in our committee in terms of the number of amendments we dealt with and how we did it in a very collegial fashion. As a result, we were able to once again, as he has indicated, include 93 additional amendments in the substitute package that has been submitted. That is testimony to the good work of the chairman and the outstanding work of our staff, who have been working very diligently, and I appreciate it. prgtoken This is a very good bill. It passed out of committee by a vote of 25 to 2--totally bipartisan vote. It contains many needed authorities, funding authorizations, and reforms that will help the men and women of our Armed Services. prgtoken As both of us have indicated, it also contains numerous amendments from many of my colleagues on other issues of great importance, such as, for example, the intelligence authorization. We have included in this legislation the work of the Intelligence Committee not just for this year but the past 3 years. So we will now have up-to-date authorities for the intelligence community. We will authorize the Maritime Administration. We have provisions that range far and wide. We have an amendment dealing with the fentanyl crisis. We have an amendment dealing with the PFOS/PFAS in our water around military bases. This is a significant crisis we are beginning to recognize more and more each day. prgtoken This legislation is extremely supportive of the men and women in uniform and, indeed, touches on many other important aspects that are necessary as we move forward. prgtoken As we both said in our opening statements last week, we would like to have a robust debate on this bill and vote on amendments. It was the process for many years. We need to get back to the process where we have amendments--some of them contentious, some of them not so contentious, but there would be an agreed-upon path, a reasonable time for debate, and then a vote. prgtoken In fact, the Chairman and I try to work together. When we have differences, we say: Well, that will be resolved by a vote. If you can't agree to a consensus compromise, then in this Chamber you ultimately hope you can get a vote, and that will be the deciding factor. prgtoken I understand there are differences about the proceedings, particularly with respect to the issue of potential military action against Iran. I do not think anyone will argue with the fact that it is a very pressing issue and the Senate has a role we are obligated to fulfill. Last week, the chairman and I were both at the White House, and the President very graciously listened to our thoughts and ideas about the response to the drone strike. prgtoken We are in a situati
SPLIT TOLLING ON THE VERRAZZANO-NARROWS BRIDGE
Max Rose (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-6-25

. Madam , I rise today to support the appropriations bill on the floor this week that would implement split tolling on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. prgtoken This legislation is common sense. It is nonpartisan, and it represents a massive win for all New Yorkers. It addresses the unintended consequences of an archaic 30-year-old piece of legislation that singled out Staten Island and South Brooklyn with the only bridge in the country whose technology is controlled by Congress. prgtoken Split tolling removes an obsolete mandate that cars on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge only be tolled as they arrive in Staten Island, meaning that eastbound drivers across the bridge move across toll-free. Thousands of cars each day take advantage of this free ride and cause unnecessary congestion on Staten Island, in Brooklyn, and in Manhattan. prgtoken Split tolling cuts the toll in half and collects it in both directions, closing the loophole, and at no cost to commuters in Brooklyn or on Staten Island. prgtoken Cutting down on out-of-State toll shopping will also generate revenues for New York to invest in mass transit projects on Staten Island and in South Brooklyn, two places that all levels of government have consistently ignored or ripped off for a generation now. prgtoken Finally, my constituents are starting to see a new day after a long commuting nightmare: fewer cars on our streets, better buses, more mass transit options, and credible alternatives to reach the other boroughs. prgtoken This is commonsense legislation, and we are going to get it done.
EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE AND SECURITY AT THE SOUTHERN BORDER ACT, 2019
Nita M. Lowey (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-6-25

. Just let me finish, and then I will be delighted to yield. prgtoken So I want to ask again: This bill is being held up by a Senator from the same State as the majority leader. prgtoken So, Madam , a ``no'' vote on this bill by any Member will ensure that children remain in absolute squalor. Stop hiding behind the Senate bill that has not passed. prgtoken from California.