mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2019-9-24

today I wish to honor John Brown University's centennial anniversary. prgtoken On September 29, 1919, John E. Brown, Sr founded a school in Siloam Springs, AR, to educate young men and women of any means ready to dedicate themselves to a life of public service. Guided by one fundamental belief, ``Christ over all,'' education at JBU has never been merely academic. The school's founder was committed to the holistic development of students and sought to form an institution that would serve as a place to learn, as well as a place to worship and work with emphasis placed equally on the head, heart and hands. prgtoken In its early days, JBU offered an associate's degree program and consisted of three colleges: Siloam Springs School of the Bible, John E. Brown Vocational College, and John E. Brown College. Students were required to choose an academic major, attend classes half the day, and work the other half. prgtoken In 1934, JBU expanded into a 4-year university with degree programs in construction, engineering, agriculture, and education, along with a core of liberal arts and Bible classes. By 1962, it was nationally accredited. Since then, academic emphasis and growth have continued to flourish with the establishment of an honors program, a degree completion program, and a graduate school. JBU now has an enrollment of nearly 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students from 38 States and 53 foreign countries. prgtoken Although much has changed over the past 100 years, John Brown University remains committed to its spiritual identity and mission to educate students in the head, heart, and hand. I congratulate JBU for reaching this milestone and look forward to its next century of continued success.
Saudi Arabia (Executive Calendar)
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2019-9-24

Huawei presents a very real threat to the security of every American, both individually and collectively. I have long been concerned that the administration was going to let Huawei off the hook in order to get a politically useful trade deal. As the ranking on the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over trade matters, that concerns me greatly. In addition, I am concerned that the resolution being offered does not go far enough to protect America's national security and hold the administration accountable. prgtoken Tomorrow there will be another bipartisan measure offered that, in my view, will better address the concerns I have just mentioned, and therefore I must object this afternoon.
THE FAIR ACT MAKES FORCED ARBITRATION ILLEGAL
Kendra S. Horn (Democrat, OK) \u2014 2019-9-24

I rise today in support of the FAIR Act that makes forced arbitration clauses illegal. prgtoken As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I worked to protect servicemembers and their families from negligently managed base housing and the contracts they were forced to sign to keep them quiet. Our servicemembers should have the right to advocate for themselves. prgtoken We cannot hold bad actors accountable when they can hide in arbitration proceedings. No one should have to sign away their right to go to court after experiencing sexual assault or discrimination, but that is exactly what forced arbitration clauses do. prgtoken Arbitration can be an option to solve disagreements without going to court, but everyone involved should get to choose. If you downloaded an app, signed up for a credit card, or signed an employment contract, you may have signed away your right to hold someone accountable. I don't believe that you can sign away your constitutional rights. prgtoken , I voted for the FAIR Act to level the playing field for consumers, small businesses, and workers across America, and I strongly urge the Senate to take it up as soon as possible.
THE PEOPLE HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW
John Lewis (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2019-9-24

today I come with a heavy heart, deeply concerned about the future of our democracy, and I am not alone. prgtoken People approach me everywhere I go, whether I am traveling back and forth to Atlanta or around our country. They believe, they truly believe, that our Nation is descending into darkness. prgtoken They never dreamed that the United States, once seen as a beacon of hope and as an inspiration to people striving for equality and justice, would be falling into such disgrace. I share their concerns for the future of our country. prgtoken It keeps me up at night. We took an oath to protect this Nation against all domestic enemies and foreign enemies. prgtoken Sometimes I am afraid to go to sleep for fear that I will wake up and our democracy will be gone and never return. prgtoken At every turn, this administration demonstrates complete disdain and disregard for ethics, for the law, and for the Constitution. prgtoken They have lied under oath. They refuse to account for their actions and appear before legislative bodies who have the constitutional right to inquire about their activities. prgtoken The people have a right to inquire, they have a right to know. prgtoken The people have a right to know whether they can put their faith and trust in the outcome of our elections. prgtoken They have a right to know whether the cornerstone of our democracy was undermined by people sitting in the White House today. prgtoken They have a right to know whether a foreign power was asked to intervene in the 2020 election. prgtoken They have a right to know whether the President is using his office to line his pockets. prgtoken , the people of this Nation realize that if they had committed even half of these possible violations, the Federal Government would be swift to seek justice. prgtoken We cannot delay. We must not wait. Now is the time to act. prgtoken I have been patient while we tried every other path and used every other tool. prgtoken We will never find the truth unless we use the power given to the House of Representatives, and the House alone, to begin an official investigation as dictated by the Constitution. prgtoken The future of our democracy is at stake. There comes a time when you have to be moved by the spirit of history to take action to protect and preserve the integrity of our Nation. prgtoken I believe, I truly believe, the time to begin impeachment proceedings against this President has come. prgtoken To delay or to do otherwise would betray the foundation of our democracy.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
A. Donald McEachin (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2019-9-24

. Madam , I was unavoidably detained on September 11, 2019 during roll call no. 520, On Agreeing to the Amendment, Gosar of Arizona Part B Amendment No. 3, as Modified, to H.R. 205, Protecting and Serving Florida's Coastline Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 521, On Passage of H.R. 205, Protecting and Securing Florida's Coastline Act of 2019. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 522, On Agreeing to the Amendment, Gosar of Arizona Part F Amendment No. 2 to H.R. 1941, Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 523, On Agreeing to the Amendment, Gosar of Arizona Part F Amendment No. 7 to H.R. 1941, Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act. Had I been present, I would have voted, ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 524, On Motion to Recommit with Instructions, H.R. 1941, Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 525, On Passage of H.R. 1941, Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act. Had I been present, I would have voted, ``yea.''
TRIBUTE TO ESTHER CODY SPLITT
Tammy Baldwin (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2019-9-24

today I wish to recognize and honor Esther Cody Splitt, on the occasion of her 100th birthday. prgtoken Her incredible life of ``firsts'' and extraordinary service to her community and country began with her birth in the historic year of 1919, the year women earned the right to vote. With encouragement from her smart and strong-willed Irish mother, Cody grew up in Wausau during the Great Depression, when money for entertainment was nonexistent. Instead of sending Cody to the movies, she told her to go to the county courthouse and watch the lawyers for free. ``Enchanted'' by what she saw, Cody returned home and told her mother she had decided to become a lawyer. Her mother supported prgtoken her dreams and told her there was ``no reason she could not be a wife, mother and a lawyer, just as a man is a husband, father and lawyer.'' That prescient inspiration became reality when Cody graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School, one of only five women in the class of 1949. prgtoken Before attending law school, Cody already had a successful career as one of the first women to serve in the U.S. Navy. She said the day she was admitted to the WAVES--Women Accepted for Volunteer Services--was the turning point of her life. Fascinated by politics, Cody was disappointed to learn she was assigned to Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. She said to the assigning officer, ``That's lovely, but I really would like to go to Washington, D.C. What do you suppose?'' She was granted assignment to a naval intelligence unit in Washington, DC, where she worked on cracking the Japanese code during World War II. She was quickly promoted to lead her fellow WAVES in Washington, a post where she oversaw the careers and well-being of 200 women. At the end of the war, Cody heard the GI bill would pay for her tuition to law school, a fact she confirmed by going to the Library of Congress and reading the entire bill. prgtoken Cody married her husband, Harley, also a UW law student, and moved to Appleton after graduation to open the second woman-owned law firm in Outagamie County. It was not easy for even a highly skilled female attorney to attract clients in the 1940s. In fact, her first client walked out of her office upon learning ``Cody Splitt'' was a woman. The scarcity of a client base forced her to close her practice after a year. Undaunted, Cody dedicated herself to her community, serving as a supervisor on the Outagamie County Board, president of the Outagamie County Bar Association, and a member of the American Association of University Women, the Fox Valley Human Rights Council, and the Alliance for the Mentally Ill. She also held various leadership roles in the Party. She built a thriving law practice from which she retired at the age of 75. prgtoken Cody has received many well-deserved accolades for her work, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Wisconsin Law Journal and a Wom
CONGRATULATING MR. PATRICK CERMAK FOR RECEIVING THE LEWIS UNIVERSITY SIGNUM FIDEI AWARD
Daniel Lipinski (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-9-24

. Madam , I rise today to honor Mr. Patrick Cermak, President and Chief Operating Officer of Wight and Company, for receiving the Lewis University Signum Fidei Award. The Signum Fidei Award, meaning ``sign of faith,'' honors a distinguished member of the community that embodies the Lasallian mission of faith and service to the community. Throughout his career, Pat has taken on many roles to help others succeed. Since joining Wight and Company in 2001, he has led the company's daily operations and overseen its financial management. Under his leadership, Wight and Company has experienced steady growth and instituted numerous initiatives including the Wight Sustainability Forum. The broad base of support for Pat's leadership demonstrates his credentials as an effective leader and his ability to work collaboratively to build long-term partnerships. Pat Cermak has always strived to serve others unconditionally. He has been deeply involved with the Metropolitan Planning Council and Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. His tireless work has helped ensure that Chicagoland remains vibrant and sustainable. In another role, Pat serves as an Executive Board Member of the Design Futures Council. His work through this organization continues to shape the future of the architecture, engineering, and construction industry to benefit the people that it serves. But in talking about all that Pat Cermak has done and achieved, it is essential to mention that what is most important to him is his faith and his family, and all who know him know what a kind and caring man he is. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Patrick Cermak on this tremendous honor. He is a man who lives out the values of faith and service to the community in all that he does. I thank him for his service and wish him and his family the best.
SIMPLE FAFSA ACT
Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Democrat, MP) \u2014 2019-9-24

. Madam , today, I introduce the Simple FAFSA Act. prgtoken Because today FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is anything but simple. prgtoken In fact, the 108-question application can be so daunting that as many as 40 percent of students and parents simply cannot complete it. prgtoken And that means they cannot get the help they need to make college more affordable, even though we have money available for them. prgtoken In fact, $2.6 billion went unclaimed for the 2018-2019 academic year. prgtoken So, let us do something to help these students and their families. prgtoken The Simple FAFSA Act reduces the number of supporting documents and many of the questions on the current FAFSA. prgtoken Verifying income will be much easier as parents will be able to retrieve and use the previous year's income data when applying under the bill. prgtoken Low-income students and families--like many in the Marianas--just need to file the FAFSA once, as opposed to annually, to automatically qualify for a full Pell Grant and attend Northern Marianas College debt-free. prgtoken The process is even faster for families receiving a means-tested benefit, like Medicaid, who will be able to skip all financial questions on the form. prgtoken And the legislation opens FAFSA to DREAMers and students with prior drug offenses so our country can fully benefit from their potential. prgtoken By simplifying the FAFSA, we help more students and their families receive the aid they need to succeed in their education and future careers. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this legislation to make college more accessible and affordable for all Americans.
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RENO + SPARKS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Catherine Cortez Masto (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2019-9-24

I come forward today to recognize the 100th anniversary of the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce. In 1890, the Reno Commercial Club and Reno Business League were born out of a need to enhance the city of Reno as a commercial center. In 1919, the two merged to form the Reno Chamber of Commerce, and in 1970, the chamber expanded to include the city of Sparks. In 2018, the Latino Chamber of Commerce merged with the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce to provide wider representation for the community's diversity of businesses and people. prgtoken Today, the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce is the largest business organization in northern Nevada with over 1,800 registered businesses that employ over 85,000 individuals in Washoe County. The Chamber has 42 ambassadors, as well as volunteers from a wide variety of industries who meet monthly to celebrate success stories and aid in event planning. The chamber also delivers more than 4 million annual leads and referrals through its online directory and offers free educational programs, training events, and countless opportunities for member connectivity. Through the Reno + Sparks Leadership Program, now in its 34th year with 1,100 alumni, the chamber cultivates leaders by providing opportunities to volunteer and support the community while immersing participants in the issues and challenges of the region. It also hosts elected officials and issues its public policy platform each State legislative session to advocate on behalf of free enterprise and a robust economy. prgtoken Since 1919, the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce has advocated on behalf of all businesses, provided resources and support to its members, and connected its members with new customers and partners. The northern Nevada economic landscape is stronger and more diverse because of the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce's many efforts to support local leaders and small businesses throughout the region. prgtoken Through booms and busts, the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce has been a steadfast force in our community. From ribbon-cutting ceremonies to its long-running leadership program, the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce has been a reliable and valuable resource for northern Nevadans. Its dedication to economic prosperity and communal inclusivity for northern Nevada has stood for a century, and I am excited to see what they have in store for the next 100 years.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-9-24

I oppose the nomination of David Black to be Deputy Commissioner of Social Security. I have longstanding concerns about how management at the Social Security Administration has treated the unions representing their workforce, and I am concerned about the role that Mr. Black may have played in these anti-union practices. prgtoken SSA was especially hostile towards its workers when it implemented the anti-union Executive orders that President issued on May 25, 2018. SSA was one of the few agencies to evict unions from office space pursuant to the Executive orders, in the brief time before a Federal district court issued an injunction blocking key parts of the Executive orders. SSA also abrogated its unexpired contract with administrative law judges who are represented by the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, which even the Executive orders themselves expressly prohibited. prgtoken After the Executive orders were blocked in court, SSA went to the Federal Service Impasses Panel to impose a contract on workers represented by the American Federation of Government Employees, and the terms of this contract were highly similar to provisions of the Executive orders. SSA is now using similar tactics against workers represented by National Treasury Employees Union. prgtoken We need to stop a bad situation from getting worse. The Senate should demand stronger commitments to improve labor relations from President 's nominees for leadership positions at SSA. prgtoken When SSA took these anti-union actions, Mr. Black was the White House senior adviser at the Social Security Administration. Despite Mr. Black's responsibility for SSA, he claimed in a letter to me that, ``I was not involved in SSA's implementation of the EOs.'' prgtoken It is my understanding, however, that there is a pending Freedom of Information Act request that may shed new light on Mr. Black's involvement with the Executive orders. SSA has stated that an email records search generated thousands of emails that need to be reviewed for pertinence and disclosure in response to the request, and that review is still ongoing. I certainly hope that SSA's response will confirm Mr. Black's statement that he was not involved with the Executive orders, but the Senate should wait until all the facts are in before moving forward with his confirmation. prgtoken For those reasons, I will oppose Mr. Black's nomination at this time.
IN RECOGNITION OF EDDIE AGUERO
Doris O. Matsui (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-9-24

. Madam , today I rise to honor the service Eddie Aguero has provided to the residents of the State of California and to our nation. Today, Mr. Aguero is being recognized for his twenty-five years of service to California Volunteers. I ask my colleagues to stand with me in celebration of his commitment to our community. prgtoken Made at Sacramento State and a U.S. Air Force veteran, Mr. Aguero has dedicated his life to service. Prior to his last twenty-five years with California Volunteers, he worked at the Sacramento Job Corps as Recreation Supervisor and Counselor to the young people attending for academic and technical training. He later served as the CalSERVE Program Manager for the California Conservation Corps. In this capacity, he implemented and managed grants. He also served in other capacities where he oversaw projects from start to finish for 150 corps members. prgtoken In 1994, Mr. Aguero began his career at California Volunteers, which was known as the California Commission at the time. During his time with the organization, he served as an Assistant Director of Programs, Training and Technical Assistance Director, Disability Coordinator, and Manager of Program Operations. Mr. Aguero has also been at the forefront of disaster release efforts. In response to Hurricane Katrina, he oversaw the deployment of AmeriCorps members and most recently for the Camp Fire in Paradise. Over the years, he has partnered closely with AmeriCorps programs, providing them with essential training and technical assistance, focused on developing the capacity of program associates to oversee programs, and much more. Mr. Aguero's efforts have not gone unnoticed. The legacy of his work garnered him the honor as one of twenty AmeriCorps Trailblazers in 2014. prgtoken Madam , I am proud to honor Eddie Aguero for his successful career and his tireless advocacy for service programming and engaging Californians in service. Mr. Aguero is a true California treasure and a leader in our community. I ask all my colleagues to join me in wishing him congratulations for the past three decades of service and best wishes for his continued service.