mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2019-12-17

I rise to discuss the fiscal year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act. After several weeks of debate and negotiation, the House and Senate Armed Services Committees have completed the conference report, which addresses critical issues facing our military and our country's national security. prgtoken I would like to thank Senator Inhofe, Chairman Smith, and Ranking Member Thornberry for their thoughtfulness, hard work, and cooperation throughout the process. prgtoken This was not an easy conference. There were many difficult issues and differences of opinion that had to be worked through. I think it is safe to say that many have misgivings about one provision or another, but there are so many other positive provisions that many will consider a legislative successes, in my view. That is the art of compromise. Overall, it is a very good conference report that helps the military and the American people. Last week, this conference report passed by a vote of 379 to 48 in the House, and I hope it will have the same strong support in the Senate. prgtoken As we consider the conference report, I would like to highlight several areas that I am particularly pleased with and address several items that have been of concern to some Members. prgtoken In accordance with the budget agreement, the NDAA conference report authorizes $658.4 billion for the Department of Defense and national security programs of the Department of Energy, $71.5 billion for overseas contingency operations, and $5.3 billion in emergency funding to restore installations that were damaged by extreme weather and natural disasters. prgtoken The conference report includes a number of important provisions to support our servicemembers, their families, and the civilian employees of the Department of Defense who support them, including a 3.1-percent pay raise for troops and the authorization of a number of bonus, special, and incentive pays to encourage enlistment and reenlistment in the Armed Forces. prgtoken We continue our efforts to eliminate sexual harassment and assault in our military. Over the last 12 years, we have legislated nearly 200 changes in law to combat sexual assault. In this conference report, we direct the Comptroller General to assess the implementation and effectiveness of these requirements. prgtoken We also include a number of new provisions to continue our fight against this scourge, including increasing investigative resources to expedite investigations, increasing access to Victims' Legal Counsel and Victim Witness Program liaisons to support survivors of sexual assault, requiring additional training for commanders, and requiring more transparency with sexual assault survivors about the progress of court-martial and administrative processes. We also include new provisions to more effectively address domestic violence and child exploitation. We cannot rest. We must continue to insist that we do all we can to prevent
DHS CYBER INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAMS ACT OF 2019
Darren Soto (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2019-12-17

. Madam , I would like to acknowledge that Division A of H.R. 1158, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020's Joint Explanatory Statement to Division A, provided an increase to the Soldier Lethality Technology Program within the Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Army account. Specifically, a general program increase of $5,000,000. prgtoken I want to express my gratitude to Chairwoman Lowey, Chairman Visclosky, and the full Committee for the inclusion of this funding increase. These funds allow the Army Research Lab to conduct work on a number of important disruptive science and technology programs, including millimeter-wave imager sensor technology needed to improve situational awareness to our service men and women. prgtoken Ensuring access to low cost imager sensors to provide leap-ahead capability in urban combat and situational awareness will enable troops to move, communicate, protect, and sustain themselves better in any combat environment. Such sensors can be used in a reconnaissance role, with the ability to see inhabitants within building structures and provide significant situational insight within dense urban environments. prgtoken Again, I support the modernization of the U.S. Army and to support disruptive science and technology. s for their shared support.
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Denver Riggleman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2019-12-18

. Madam , I oppose this impeachment effort and will vote ``no'' on the Articles of Impeachment. prgtoken I represent the Fifth District of Virginia, which was home to so many Founding Fathers whose vision shaped the great country we are living in today. prgtoken Thomas Jefferson and James Madison are not around to see what their creation has become, but I don't think they would be pleased to see Congress subverting the will of democracy by holding an impeachment vote because the majority party simply cannot accept the 2016 election. prgtoken Instead of wasting the taxpayers' time and money on specious investigations, we could have passed legislation to address surprise medical billing, secure the border, address the opioid epidemic, reduce student debt, and solve a litany of other issues that Americans actually care about. prgtoken Tomorrow, we might have a vote on the USMCA, which we should have passed months ago had it not been for the obstruction and delays from , delays that have made farmers in my district and other districts suffer. prgtoken Votes like the one we will take today, the decisions that have led up to today's vote, the nature and entire process of this proceeding reeks of careerist bureaucrats and politicians that put politics over people. prgtoken I was not elected to take political votes that attempt to overturn the will of the American people. I ran for office to serve my constituents. Let's remember: that is why we are here. prgtoken Weaponizing emotion is not the way to serve the United States of America. prgtoken And, Madam , to my colleagues who do just that, I offer a quote Thomas Paine wrote in ``The Crisis'': ``To argue with a person who has renounced the use of reason is like administering medicine to the dead.''
CONDEMNING THE TERRORIST ATTACK AT NAVAL AIR STATION PENSACOLA ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2019, HONORING THE MEMBERS OF THE NAVY WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN THE ATTACK, AND EXPRESSING SUPPORT AND PRAYERS...
Rick Scott (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-12-18

Judge Anuraag Singhal has honorably served the State of Florida for several years, and I proudly support his confirmation as a district judge for the Southern District of Florida today. He has built a distinguished legal career, serving as a criminal prosecutor for Florida's Seventeenth Judicial Circuit and later opening a private practice focused on criminal defense and appellate work. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a firm commitment to the rule of law, and as Governor of Florida, I had the distinct honor to appoint Judge Singhal to Florida's Seventeenth Judicial Circuit court in 2011. I am equally honored to support his confirmation to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida today and know he will continue to serve our State and Nation well.
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Kay Granger (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-12-18

. Madam , I rise today in strong opposition to the politically driven Articles of Impeachment that have been brought before the House of Representatives today. prgtoken For the past 3 years, have been unable to accept the voters' choice to elect President . They have used any and all undemocratic and unfair means necessary to try and remove him from office. prgtoken My vote today is not only against illegitimate impeachment of our President, which began not with facts but with a foregone conclusion; it is against House making a mockery of due process and the rule of law. prgtoken This will not go anywhere in the Senate, so all that have accomplished is postponing the important work the American people sent their elected officials to Washington to do. prgtoken This endless crusade of to remove the duly elected President of the United States has put partisan politics above the issues that Americans face today. It is time stop playing partisan games that hurt hardworking taxpayers. It is time for the American people to be Congress' priority again. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to join me in voting ``no.''
Government Funding (Executive Calendar)
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2019-12-18

I rise to discuss the spending bill, which we are about to vote on, which is going to increase our deficit by almost a fourth of a trillion dollars over 10 years and of which I think I might be the first speaker. We are going to vote on this. We got it yesterday--Monday, maybe--and we are going to vote on it tomorrow. prgtoken I smile because this is supposed to be the world's greatest deliberative body, and we have not deliberated one bit on far-ranging policies. Now, by the why, the mess is kind of bipartisan. We can spread the blame around. prgtoken Let me bring up the heart of it. When Care passed, President famously said it would not increase the deficit by one dime. That is gone. I think that replaces ``you can keep your doctor if you want to'' as the greatest lie. What we did today is to repeal about $400 billion in payments to pay for all the healthcare that is going out. It is kind of a joke on s. We are getting Care, but we are not paying for it. prgtoken On the other hand, as I will explain in a second, it may ultimately be a joke on . Now, this concerns me because we didn't have a committee hearing on it, and we haven't had a floor debate, but we just committed that for almost $400 billion that have been used to fund Medicaid expansion, people getting subsidies for their health insurance, and many other things, we just went poof, and it is gone. prgtoken Now, some of it, like the health insurance tax, was a tax that the insurance industry agreed to so that the administration would force Care upon the rest of us. But now that it has been agreed to and Care is stuck, they don't want to pay the tax. They would rather that go poof. prgtoken Now, people say: Wait a second. If we get rid of that tax, maybe insurance premiums go down. One, they don't guarantee it, but, secondly, what we could have done is we could have taken that money, created reinsurance pools across the Nation, and that is estimated to lower premiums by 10 to 20 percent. In that case, not only would the insurance industry be fulfilling their bargain--hey, you stick the Nation with Care, but we will help pay for it--you would actually be able to use the money to lower premiums. That would be something good. One, they would have kept their word, and, two, it would have been good for the American patient, if you will. prgtoken The other tax that has gone just poof--$300 billion just gone without debate, without deliberation, without a committee hearing, which is still there on Friday, and today we walk in on Monday, and it is poof, and we vote on it tomorrow, and I am the first person to speak on it-- is the so-called Cadillac tax. prgtoken Now, on the Cadillac tax, that is a provision under Care in which for high-cost policies, if they go too high, you get taxed on them. The whole idea is to encourage wiser purchasing of health insurance. Now, frankly, I didn't ca
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Ron Estes (Republican, KS) \u2014 2019-12-18

. Madam , I speak in opposition to the unprecedented and unauthorized impeachment of the President of the United States. prgtoken Since the day after the 2016 election, many of my colleagues have vowed to impeach President and have since spent more than two years searching for a reason to do it. prgtoken Today, they have brought forward two articles of impeachment based on unfounded accusations of abuse of power and obstruction. prgtoken Despite a lack of evidence, an unfair process and no bipartisan support, my colleagues across the aisle have barreled toward impeachment, ignoring or delaying key priorities like the US-Canada- Mexico Agreement along the way. prgtoken This is a sad day and the fact remains that this effort seeks to overturn the 2016 election not based on evidence, but on a disdain for President . prgtoken I will vote against the articles of impeachment before us because I think the American people deserve better from the House of Representatives. prgtoken So on behalf of hardworking Kansans in the Fourth District and Americans across our country, I call on my colleagues to vote against articles of impeachment and focus on priorities that matter like growing our economy, supporting our veterans and military, lowering prescription drug costs, and helping Americans prepare for jobs and retirement. prgtoken That's what the American people sent us here to do and it's time we got back to work and beyond this shameful impeachment.
TRIBUTE TO CARTER DYKSTRA
Mike Rounds (Republican, SD) \u2014 2019-12-18

today I rise to recognize Carter Dykstra, an intern in my Washington, DC, office, for all the hard work he has done on behalf of myself, my staff, and the State of South Dakota. prgtoken Carter is a graduate of Platte High School in Platte, SD, and South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD. He is currently pursuing his master of business administration degree through the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD. Carter is a dedicated and diligent worker who has been devoted to getting the most out of his internship experience and has been a true asset to the office. prgtoken I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Carter for all of the fine work he has done and wish him continued success in the years to come.
TRIBUTE TO CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT MARCUS T. OATS
Lisa Murkowski (Republican, AK) \u2014 2019-12-18

today I wish to recognize and honor CMSgt Marcus Oats for his recent promotion to Chief Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force and upon the completion of his Air Force fellowship with my office. prgtoken Selection for chief master sergeant is extremely competitive, as only 1 percent of the Air Force's entire enlisted population may hold the pay grade of E-9 at any time. Chief Oats clearly epitomizes the finest qualities of a military leader, as evidenced by his distinguished career and elevation to the highest enlisted level of leadership within the Air Force. Chief Master Sergeant Oats entered the U.S. Air Force on September 4, 1996, as a services specialist and was later selected for retraining into the field of acquisition. Chief Oats' honorable service has spanned numerous overseas and stateside assignments including Southwest Asia, four States, and the Nation's Capital. He has also completed several deployments in support of Operations Allied Force, Enduring Freedom, and Inherent Resolve. Chief Oats currently serves as the senior enlisted advisor in the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force's Legislative Liaison Directorate. Chief Master Sergeant Oats has chosen to repeatedly lead his airmen by example. prgtoken Despite years of challenging work schedules and countless military obligations, Chief Oats elected to make his education a priority. Since 2011, he has earned two associate's degrees, a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, and a graduate-level certificate. prgtoken Furthermore, Chief Oats' outstanding performance has garnered numerous accolades, including the 386th Expeditionary Wing Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award, two time 7th Bomb Wing Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Award, and the Air Force Central Command Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Award. As a true testament to Chief Master Sergeant Oats' exceptional career, he was selected to represent the U.S. Air Force on Capitol Hill as its enlisted legislative fellow in 2019. I was fortunate to have Chief Oats spend the year in my office as an integral part of Team Murkowski and was pleased with his professionalism, character, and devotion to duty. prgtoken Chief Oats joined my office in January of this year while serving as my defense fellow on behalf of the U.S. Air Force Legislative Fellowship Program. As the defense fellow, Chief Oats drafted legislation, prepared floor debate materials, planned and analyzed public policy, and served as a congressional liaison between Alaskans and industry or government representatives. Chief Oats is the first enlisted contracting airman selected for this position and is one of only two enlisted Active-Duty Air Force fellows currently serving in this capacity. Chief Oats is a Memphis resident and an alumnus of Overton High School. He holds a bachelor of science in computer information systems and management, as well as a master's in business administration. prgtoken Chi
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Jodey C. Arrington (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-12-18

. Madam , today, many of my ic colleagues will be making history, unfortunately, for supporting the first-ever completely partisan impeachment of a President of the United States. prgtoken Madam , I am deeply disturbed that history will indeed be made today in this hallowed Chamber, but for all the wrong reasons: not for love of country, but hatred for a political foe; not to pursue justice, but to punish a political adversary; not to seek truth, but to seize political power. prgtoken Madam , for the love of country, I urge my colleagues to oppose this disastrous political ruse.
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Gary J. Palmer (Republican, AL) \u2014 2019-12-18

. Madam , I rise in opposition to the impeachment of President . prgtoken Today is a day that diminishes the reputation and stature of the United States House of Representatives, a day I never dreamed I would see. prgtoken Today, my ic colleagues seek to overturn an election by forcing a vote that will forever be a stain on this Congress. They are not just voting to impeach President ; my colleagues are voting to impeach the judgment of every person who voted for him and the process by which we elect a President and by which we will govern our Nation. prgtoken My ic colleagues claim the Russians influenced the outcome of the 2016 election, but based on their corrupt impeachment proceedings, it appears my colleagues have been influenced by how Russia conducts political trials: no real evidence, no real crime, no due process, and no justice. prgtoken The have failed to show any legitimate justification for the impeachment of President . When they could not find real evidence, they made it up and called it a parity. prgtoken They conducted most of the hearings in secret. prgtoken They instructed witnesses not to answer Members' questions, and they denied s the right to call witnesses, making it absolutely clear their objective was, from the beginning, pathetically political. prgtoken We all understand that elections have consequences. prgtoken To all of my colleagues, and s alike, this day will surely have consequences, as well, as we descend into more disrespect, distrust, and even contempt that will eventually be destructive of this Chamber and, I fear, eventually, our Republic. prgtoken I urge all Members to vote ``no'' on impeachment.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR
James Lankford (Republican, OK) \u2014 2019-12-18

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of Calendar No. 551 and all nominations on the secretary's desk in the Air Force and Army; that the nominations be confirmed; the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate; that no further motions be in order; that any statements related to the nominations be printed in the Record; the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action; and the Senate then resume legislative session.
CONDEMNING THE TERRORIST ATTACK AT NAVAL AIR STATION PENSACOLA ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2019, HONORING THE MEMBERS OF THE NAVY WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN THE ATTACK, AND EXPRESSING SUPPORT AND PRAYERS...
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-12-18

I want to thank my colleague Senator Scott for offering this and all of our colleagues and, of course, all of the Senators who voted for it unanimously. prgtoken My colleague from Florida has already mentioned the three names of those in the service of our country who lost their lives in Pensacola. I will talk about them more in a moment. prgtoken I do want to say a couple of things. First, Pensacola really is one of the hidden gems of the State that Senator Scott and I represent. To understand Pensacola, you must understand that is it not just a city in which a naval facility is located. The Navy is very prgtoken much a part of the fiber of that community. I would almost equate it to a college town's relationship with a university; that is how much its identity is connected to this naval air station. This attack wasn't just an attack on this facility, but it was an attack on the heart and soul of Pensacola as a community. prgtoken As I had an opportunity to visit in the aftermath of the attack, I was not just deeply saddened by the loss of life but impacted, first, by the way the community responded and, second, by some of the stories, which I hope we will learn more about as the information comes out, of extraordinary bravery--not just the first responders but others who happened to be there at that time who exhibited extraordinary stories of heroism in the face of evil in this terror attack. People rushed into the building the gunshots were coming from instead of running away as most people would do. I want to point out some of those things. prgtoken ENS Joshua Kaleb Watson, who was mentioned earlier, happened to be the officer on deck at the time of the shooting, and he ran toward the shooter and was yelling for people to get out of the way. He actually proceeded to tackle the killer and fought him in an attempt to disarm him, all while being shot at least five separate times. He was wounded, but he, nevertheless, happened to make his way out to flag down first responders and be able to give an accurate description of the shooter, which ultimately allowed him to be neutralized. prgtoken Amn Mohammed Haitham's family moved to St. Petersburg from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. His school's assistant principal called him ``the Perfect One'' because he was a good student, a track star, and basketball player. This is a quote from the assistant principal: [He] would walk into any room and it would light up. He had this magnetic personality--big smile, always happy. And people would always gravitate toward him. prgtoken His commanding officer told his father that it was his son Mohammed who had also bravely attempted to take down the gunman and lost his life. prgtoken Then there was Cameron Walters of Georgia, described as ``an amazing guy, he always had something good to say to everybody, and was always smiling.'' prgtoken The morning of the shooting, Airman Walters was randoml