mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Iran (Executive Session)
Cory Gardner (Republican, CO) \u2014 2020-1-9

I come to the floor to speak about the policy of the United States toward the Islamic Republic of Iran. I commend the administration for taking decisive action last week in Baghdad against Tehran-backed terrorists planning an imminent attack on American targets. prgtoken The administration's action with Qasem Soleimani was not only decisive but necessary and legal under longstanding Presidential authority to protect American lives from imminent attack. It is our obligation, it is our duty to protect American lives, especially when our national security agencies and personnel know the imminent danger of attack. prgtoken The President made the right call at the right time to neutralize the threat prgtoken and to save American lives. Imagine having done nothing--having done nothing--and allowing the attacks to proceed. That is exactly what happened. At yesterday's classified briefing, General Milley and our national security personnel made it clear: The death of General Soleimani saved lives. prgtoken Our duty in Congress is to protect the United States, its people and interests, diplomats, and our men and women in uniform around the globe. The actions taken by our military in Iraq undoubtedly saved American lives and addressed a clear, compelling, and unambiguous threat. prgtoken The world should not mourn Qasem Soleimani--a man whose name is synonymous with murder in the Middle East as the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force, which is designated as a terrorist organization under U.S. law; a man who was personally designated as a terrorist battlefield commander by President . The Quds Force was the tip of the spear for the regime in its terrorist activities abroad and is responsible for thousands of deaths across the region. prgtoken Most importantly, according to the Pentagon, Soleimani was responsible for the deaths of over 600 American servicemembers in Iraq. GEN David Petraeus, who commanded our forces in Iraq, stated last week that in his opinion, taking out Soleimani was bigger than bin Laden, bigger than Baghdadi. prgtoken In other words, President rid the world of an extreme and lethal enemy of the American people--someone who was actively pursuing and had killed and taken American lives. I fail to understand how anyone can question this decision or its rationale. I know they certainly did not--and rightfully so--when President took out bin Laden. prgtoken We expected an Iranian response, and on Tuesday, Iran launched a ballistic missile attack against bases in Iraq hosting U.S. troops. I condemn these attacks in the strongest terms, and we are fortunate that they did not result in any casualties. prgtoken I do not want war with Iran, but the President did not take this action in a vacuum. Contrary to claims by some of my colleagues in this very Chamber, it is Iran that has escalated tensions, not the United States. Over the last several months and y
Remembering Jocelyn Birch Burdick (Executive Session)
John Hoeven (Republican, ND) \u2014 2020-1-9

today I rise, along with my colleague Senator Cramer, to honor former Senator from North Dakota Jocelyn Burdick. She was the first woman to represent the State of North Dakota in the U.S. Senate. My wife Mikey and I were saddened to hear of her recent passing, and we want to extend our sincere condolences to all of the Burdick family. prgtoken As I said, I, along with Senator Cramer, have introduced a resolution to honor Senator Jocelyn Burdick and her service to the people of North Dakota and the United States in this body. prgtoken Jocelyn was born in Fargo, ND. She attended Principia College and Northwestern University and began her career as a radio announcer in Moorhead, MN. prgtoken On September 12, 1992, Jocelyn Burdick became the first woman from the State of North Dakota to serve in the U.S. Senate. She was appointed by then-Governor George Sinner to fill the seat of her late husband, Quentin Burdick, whom she served alongside during his 32 years in this body, the U.S. Senate. The Burdick family has a long history of public service. prgtoken During her time in the Senate, she helped to establish the Quentin N. Burdick Indian Health Program at the University of North Dakota, supporting healthcare training programs for Native Americans, and helped to secure funding for the Federal courthouse in Fargo named after her late husband. prgtoken Jocelyn was a Sunday school teacher and devoted member of the Christian Science Church. She served as president of the local Parent Teacher Association, recorded public service announcements raising awareness of substance abuse and drunk driving, and was nationally recognized for her philanthropy on behalf of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority. prgtoken I knew Jocelyn Burdick, and she was a fine person. I join with the people of North Dakota in expressing our appreciation for her service on behalf of our State and our Nation. prgtoken With that, .
WAR POWERS RESOLUTION DOES NOT LIMIT THE PRESIDENT'S POWER TO ACT WITHOUT CONGRESS
Andy Barr (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-1-9

I rise today in strong opposition to a dangerous and partisan resolution offered by my colleagues designed to handcuff our President and limit his constitutional authorities as Commander in Chief to defend our Nation against Iranian aggression. prgtoken The resolution before us today needlessly politicizes our national security and shows that have once again put their partisan agenda ahead of the American people simply because they do not like President . prgtoken Let's be clear. President 's decisive and defensive action to eliminate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force commander, Qasem Soleimani, is not the reason for the recent escalation between the United States and Iran. The President ordered the strike because of Iran's own escalation and aggression, for which General Soleimani was largely and personally responsible. prgtoken For over 40 years, Iran and it proxies have been attacking U.S. interests and our allies, but since the flawed Iran nuclear deal, under which the regime received billions of dollars in sanctions relief, the Islamic republic has used that economic windfall to accelerate its support for terrorist proxies, restart its ballistic missile program-- in violation of U.N. resolutions--and cheat on its denuclearization aims. prgtoken My colleagues have heard the quote of the late Senator Arthur Vandenberg, prgtoken chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that: ``We must stop partisan politics at the water's edge.'' prgtoken Senator Vandenberg, a , who worked across the aisle with President Truman in the early days of the Cold War was right. prgtoken This resolution is not safeguarding our Constitution, but attacking our Constitution by attempting to divest a duly elected President of his Commander in Chief powers, and in the process, emboldening our enemies. prgtoken In fact, President has demonstrated enormous restraint in his targeted action against Soleimani making this vote entirely unnecessary. There was no invasion of Iran, but a strike against a terrorist in a country we had the legal authority to operate in under the 2002 Authorization for the Use of Military Force. prgtoken , you have heard many of my colleagues doubt the applicability of that AUMF, so for those colleagues who are unconvinced that that is a sufficient authority, consider the fact that even in the absence of explicit congressional authorization for the Soleimani strike, here is a helpful reminder: Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution provides that: The President shall be Commander in Chief. And it is true that the Constitution gives Congress the sole power to declare war and the sole power of the purse to either fund or defund military action, but dating back to the Prize cases in 1863, the Supreme Court has long held that the President may act without Congress to defend the Nation. prgtoken In recent years, the Justice Department's Offi
IRAN WAR POWERS RESOLUTION
Liz Cheney (Republican, WY) \u2014 2020-1-9

. Madam , the measure before us is an unconstitutional political stunt meant to undermine the President of the United States. It will not become law, but it will embolden Iran. prgtoken The and my colleagues who support this resolution ought to admit to the American people what they are doing, that is, undermining United States defense policy towards Iran. prgtoken Qasem Soleimani, the lead architect and overseer of Iran's web of terror is dead. This terrorist was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American servicemembers, the killing of an American citizen in Iraq just 2 weeks ago, and the recent assaults against our Embassy in Baghdad. He was engaged in planning for further deadly attacks. prgtoken But the in this body are so consumed by their hatred of President that they will not even stand with him in support of the killing of the world's deadliest terrorist. prgtoken Instead, they have suggested a moral equivalence between the United States and Iran. The of the House even blamed America, describing the killing of Soleimani as ``an unnecessary provocation.'' prgtoken Madam , what is a provocation is the introduction of this resolution, which shows doubt about American resolve. It makes war more, not less likely. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to stand united as Americans--to put partisan stunts aside--and to oppose this dangerous resolution.
Iran (Executive Session)
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2020-1-9

I have come to the floor today to talk for a while about the nomination of Paul Ray to serve as Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. I will do that, but first I want to take a few minutes to set the record straight on what we just heard. prgtoken Tom Friedman, who writes for the New York Times, is a famous author, lecturer, and a brilliant guy. Among the things he has mentioned in his writings over the last 3 years is something called the doctrine. The doctrine goes something like this: Barack built it. I, , broke it. You fix it. prgtoken There are any number of examples where that has happened: Paris accords on reducing emissions of carbon dioxide on our planet and the Trans-Pacific Partnership, where the United States would lead 11 other nations in a trade agreement around the world. Those 12 nations would be responsible for 40 percent of the world's trade. Under that agreement negotiated in the last administration, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, we would lead that 12-nation group in 40 percent of the world's trade. China was on the outside looking in. This administration walked away from that. prgtoken The greatest source of carbon emissions in our planet and the greatest threat to the future of the planet for prgtoken these young pages--whom I am looking at now--is way, way too much carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. It is getting worse, not getting better. The greatest source of carbon emissions on our planet are emissions from our cars, trucks, and vans. prgtoken The last administration negotiated a 50-State deal, which would have reduced emissions from mobile sources dramatically in the years to come. This administration broke away from it. They walked away from it. The last administration negotiated a rule regulation to dramatically reduce emissions from the second greatest source of carbon emissions in this country and from our utilities: coal-fired utilities, primarily. If you add together the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions going forward from our mobile sources negotiated by the last administration and negotiated in a regulation called the Clean Power Plan, they would provide almost half of the emission reductions by 2050 that we need-- almost half. This administration walked away from both. prgtoken The last administration argued that rather than always be threatening war with Iran and doing these proxy wars with Iran, maybe what we should focus on is the main thing. A friend used to advise me. He said: Tom, the main thing is keep the main thing the main thing. The reason why we negotiated the JCPOA deal with Iran was to deter Iran from developing and having nuclear weapons that could create a nuclear arms race in the Middle East and put them and, I think, the rest of our planet, literally, at risk. Under the agreement negotiated with Iran and six other nations--including the United States, the Brits, the French, the Germans, the
STOP TRUMP'S WAR WITH IRAN
Tulsi Gabbard (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2020-1-9

. Madam , President has committed an illegal and unconstitutional act of war, pushing our Nation headlong into a war with Iran without any authorization from Congress, a war that would be so costly and devastating, it would make our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan look like a picnic. prgtoken In doing so, he has undermined our national security in two critical ways: number one, Iran is no longer complying with the Iran nuclear agreement and is quickly speeding forward in developing their nuclear weapons capability, putting us and the world at greater risk. prgtoken Number two, our troops in Iraq are no longer focusing on preventing a resurgence of ISIS and al-Qaida. Instead, all of their efforts are now focused on Iranian forces and Iranian-backed Shia militias. prgtoken Congress must act today to stop further escalation of this war. Vote ``yes'' on H. Con. Res. 83 to uphold the Constitution which we all took an oath to support. Vote ``yes'' to stop 's war with Iran.
IRAN WAR POWERS RESOLUTION
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-1-9

. Madam , I thank the chairman for yielding and also for his tremendous leadership. prgtoken Madam , I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 83. This critical resolution helps put a check on this administration's reckless and irrational unauthorized military actions against Iran. prgtoken The American people do not want, and we cannot allow, another unnecessary war of choice in the Middle East. This resolution is an important step in our efforts to prevent that from happening. This will restore our constitutional duty over military action. prgtoken Also, we must take up my bill, H.R. 2456, to repeal the 2002 AUMF and Congressman Khanna's bill to prohibit any funds for a war with Iran, absent an explicit authorization. My 2002 AUMF amendment was included with bipartisan support in the House and passed in the 2020 NDAA bill, but it was stripped by s from the final bill. Now, I know why. prgtoken Madam , this administration has falsely claimed that the 2002 AUMF could be used as a congressional authorization to attack Iran, which is completely outrageous.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H. CON. RES. 83, IRAN WAR POWERS RESOLUTION
Joseph D. Morelle (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-1-9

. Madam , I thank the distinguished chair and my colleague from the Rules Committee, Mr. McGovern, for yielding me this minute. prgtoken We begin the new year in turbulent and uncertain times, particularly with regard to Iran and the Middle East. Protecting our national interests and securing the safety and security of the American people must be the highest priorities of our government. I am gravely concerned the recent actions of the administration have destabilized the region and undermined those priorities. prgtoken Article I of the United States Constitution vests in the House and Senate the responsibility to declare war, to appropriate money for the national defense, and, in doing so, to ensure no President employs military action without careful consultation of and authorization by Congress. prgtoken That is why it is so important that we take action to reaffirm these responsibilities by passing the resolution before us, which I am proud to cosponsor. prgtoken The use of United States Armed Forces to engage in hostilities against Iran must come only after thoughtful deliberation and approval by Congress. As we move forward, we must all seek to achieve a peaceful resolution that protects American interests at home and abroad. prgtoken I join with all Americans in praying for the safety of our courageous servicemembers and urge my colleagues to support this rule and the underlying resolution.
CONGRATULATING WHITEHAVEN HIGH SCHOOL MATH TEACHER NATHAN KIRSCH
Steve Cohen (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2020-1-9

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Whitehaven High School math teacher Nathan Kirsch for winning the Milken Educator Award and its $25,000 honorarium. prgtoken Mr. Kirsch was surprised with the award at a school assembly Wednesday morning where the entire student body applauded him for being the only teacher in Tennessee to receive the national distinction which some have called ``the Oscar Award for teaching.'' In accepting the award, Mr. Kirsch called it one ``for all of my students,'' past, current and future. The Whitehaven High School community is rightly proud of this accomplishment. prgtoken It is very encouraging that a program known as a powerhouse in athletics is also being recognized for its excellence in academics. Mr. Kirsch embodies both traditions as the coach of the school's cross- country and track teams and for being credited for raising the school's AP Calculus scores. prgtoken I also commend Whitehaven High School Principal Vincent Hunter for recognizing the importance of providing excellent educational opportunities across the board. The Milken Award is given to 40 early- and mid-career teachers across the country, often jump-starting careers while inspiring educators and their communities. prgtoken I congratulate Mr. Kirsch and all the Whitehaven Tigers on this exceptional achievement.
TRIBUTE TO BRIDGETT FREY
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2020-1-9

I rise to recognize an outstanding member of my staff who is moving on to pursue other opportunities, my long-time communications director, Bridgett Frey. prgtoken Bridgett joined my office at the start of 2009, when President was first inaugurated and I was serving in the House of Representatives. Things were so busy then that her interview took place in a hallway in the Capitol. She may have recognized that as a sign of things to come, but I am grateful she took the job anyway. prgtoken Through the decade that has followed, Bridgett has been a dedicated staffer and trusted adviser. Regardless of the issue of the day--from local issues like Federal grant funding and helping struggling auto dealers, to national issues like healthcare reform and economic policy, to international issues like Russian election interference and North Korean sanctions--she helped ensure that my office communicates clearly and effectively about our work in Congress. She has worked tirelessly to inform the public about the policy changes we have achieved and those we still hope to accomplish. prgtoken Whenever I took on a new challenge, Bridgett was there to help. She led communications in my personal office, as well as working with prgtoken Pelosi's team to help freshman communications directors learn the ropes of Capitol Hill when I was assistant to the . She then took on a new challenge and dual role when I became ranking member of the House Budget Committee. From budget battles to the not-so-Super Committee, she was always up to the task. She took a leave of absence to help in my 2016 campaign for the Senate and then moved across the Capitol to run the communications operation in my Senate office. She has approached all of it with intelligence, sharp instincts, sound judgment, and a sense of humor. prgtoken Bridgett has built a reputation for being hard-charging and forthright, and reporters respect her responsiveness and honesty. She has coordinated closely with all aspects of my team, helping to drive both policy work and State outreach efforts, as well as with countless offices in both the House and the Senate. She has always provided me with honest and thoughtful advice and counsel. She has an uncanny instinct for getting to the heart of any issue. prgtoken As Bridgett seeks new challenges outside our office, I know she will continue to grow in her professional career. It stems from a love of politics that she got from her father and an ethos of hard work from her mother. I deeply appreciate her many years of dedicated service to the people of Maryland and the Congress. Our entire team will miss her, but we all extend our warmest wishes as she takes on new adventures.
PFAS ACTION ACT OF 2019
Paul Tonko (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-1-9

. Madam Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken Under the Clean Water Act, many industries discharge directly to municipal sewage treatment plants rather than discharge directly to surface waters. To address this practice, the Clean Water Act established a pretreatment program, which allows sewage treatment plants to work with industrial discharge connections to ensure that any industrial chemicals are properly treated or that these chemicals do not disrupt the normal functioning of the sewage treatment plants. prgtoken However, a pretreatment program is only effective if the sewage treatment plant knows which chemicals are being introduced into their sewage treatment systems. Yet, there is no current Clean Water Act requirement that requires industrial discharges to tell the municipality that it plans to release PFAS-related chemicals into the sewage system. prgtoken This amendment offered by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Delgado) would address this current loophole. I support this amendment, and I appreciate the good work that the gentleman from New York has done not prgtoken only for the residents of his congressional district but for the residents of this country. This is an important amendment. I appreciate the hard work he has done and the sensitivity he has shown.
SALUTING JACK YATES HIGH SCHOOL
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2020-1-9

. Madam , I rise this morning to congratulate a very significant and historic high school, Jack Yates High School. Jack Yates High School was founded by the founding father, if you will, of the African American community in Houston, Freedmen's Town. prgtoken He is the founder of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. He is respected at Texas Southern University, and today they announced in a public school that they will implement an international baccalaureate. prgtoken In the midst of the tumultuous times that we have, how important it is that high school students will be engaged in discussions of peace, diplomacy, understanding world engagement, understanding the value of languages and being diverse, recognizing the wonderful experiment of the United States founded by those who fled persecution and indicated in the Constitution we have organized to create a more perfect union. prgtoken The more young people, more minorities that we can get in programs like an international baccalaureate where they will come out with that document and be ready to perch on the leadership role is outstanding. prgtoken To Jack Yates High School, I salute you. You are mighty. You are important, and God bless you.