mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TURKEY AND SYRIA
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2019-10-17

I rise this afternoon to discuss the situation in Syria. Let me commend my colleague Senator Romney for his very thoughtful and very timely and very important comments. prgtoken We all recognize that the situation in Syria is highly fluid. I think it is important to state the case with respect to the President's decision to acquiesce to President Erdogan's offensive against the Kurds. The President's decision is a disaster for our partners in the fight against ISIS and United States foreign policy more broadly. prgtoken While I welcome the temporary cease-fire announced a short time ago and hope that a permanent cease-fire can be achieved, it does not absolve President of his responsibility for his betrayal of our Kurdish partners and his role in unleashing violence and instability in northern Syria. It is not clear whether Turkey made any concessions as part of the deal struck with the U.S. delegation or whether Kurdish forces will comply. If not, I am concerned that additional violence is likely to follow and we will have little leverage to prevent it. In fact, there is a quote attributed to the Turkish Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, by the White House reporter for CNN. She quotes the Turkish Foreign Minister as saying: This is not a cease-fire. We will pause the operation for 120 hours in order for the terrorists to leave. We will only stop the operation if our conditions are met. prgtoken So, indeed, even this supposed cease-fire may not materialize as a cease-fire. prgtoken But the reality is that the blood of many Kurds is on President 's hands, and thousands of hardened ISIS prisoners could be let loose as a result of his hasty and uninformed decision. prgtoken President 's decision to abandon our close partners also strengthens the hand of Erdogan, Putin, Assad, and Khamenei. Those are not friends; they are, in many cases, adversaries and antagonists. prgtoken Members of the administration claim that the U.S. Government opposed the Turkish incursion, but the President's own actions and statements make clear that he gave Erdogan a green light. The President ordered our military to begin a phased withdrawal from Syria last December--a decision that prompted the resignation of former Secretary of Defense Mattis and that surely gave the Turks the impression that he would fold when pressed by Erdogan. Not surprisingly, he did. In that phone call, Erdogan was pushing against an open door. He knew it. The President knew it. That is why the Turks went across the border. prgtoken Stating that we should let the Kurds and Turks fight it out because of their longstanding grievances, as the President has said repeatedly, betrays both our national security interests in the Middle East and our own American ideals. prgtoken It is shameful that the White House's statement that was released after the President's call with Erdogan did not even criticize the planned Turk
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF LOUIS M. CHIBBARO, JR.
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2019-10-17

. Madam , during the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riot, it is my honor and pleasure to rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing my friend, Ward 6 neighbor and Washington institution Louis M. Chibbaro, Jr. Chibbaro is the Senior News Reporter for our nation's LGBTQ newspaper of record, The Washington Blade. prgtoken Washington, D.C. contains one of the largest LGBTQ communities in the United States. Among the thousands of LGBTQ Washingtonians, two names stand out: the late Dr. Franklin Kameny, who made the headlines, and Lou Chibbaro, Jr who wrote the bylines. prgtoken Chibbaro is a native New Yorker who came to D.C. in 1971 as a college student with the State University of New York at Brockport Washington Semester Program. Upon graduation, he returned to work for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. He continued his studies at American University before beginning his career as a reporter for several Washington-based independent newsletters, Environment Report, Energy Today and Science Trends. prgtoken Chibbaro became a public information representative for the American Public Power Association in 1975. Chibbaro volunteered as a freelance news writer and co-host for the then D.C. gay radio program ``Friends.'' He soon began freelancing for The Washington Blade. The Blade hired him in 1982 part-time and later promoted him to full-time staff in 1984. prgtoken Chibbaro pounds the LGBTQ beat. He has covered the panoply of national and local LGBTQ interests of social, religious, and governmental institutions: the White House, Congress, the U.S. Supreme Court, the military, law enforcement agencies and the Catholic Church. Chibbaro began reporting on D.C. local politics with the 1978 mayoral and council elections. He commenced his chronicles of the ic and conventions as a credentialed reporter in 1984. prgtoken Chibbaro has covered HIV and AIDS since the 1980s. He reported on the Matthew Shepherd trial from Laramie, Wyoming. Chibbaro filed radio news repo1ts on LGBTQ developments for the Sirius XM Radio Network's ``OutQ News'' program from 2013 to 2019. prgtoken Chibbaro has received accolades for his contributions to journalism. The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia presented him with the 1998 Justice for Victims of Crime Award. The Office cited his ``outstanding service to crime victims and their families'' through his news reporting. His colleagues at Society of Professional Journalists prgtoken D.C. Professional Chapter (SJP D.C. Pro) have awarded Chibbaro several Dateline Awards for Excellence in Local Journalism, most recently in 2016. Chibbaro became the first out-LGBTQ inductee to SJP D.C. Pro's Hall of Fame, where he joined such journalistic greats as Nina Totenberg and Bob Woodward. prgtoken This Friday, October 18th, The Washington Blade celebrates its 50th anniversary with a gala at Washington's Wharf. Madam , I a
HONORING THE LIFE OF TRISHA MARTINEZ
Norma J. Torres (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-10-17

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Trisha Martinez of the City of Montclair, and her tireless dedication to serving the Inland Empire community. prgtoken A resident of Montclair since 1992, Trisha was elected to the Montclair City Council in 2014 and re-elected in 2018. Throughout her tenure, Trisha was a fierce advocate for the City she dearly loved. As a Council member, she fought for Montclair's award-winning Montclair to College Program which provides free tuition and books to graduating Montclair High School students who attend Chaffey College for up to two years. prgtoken Trisha also remained committed to Montclair's seniors, working to ensure the elderly community continues to receive free or reduced-cost services, including micro-transit and discounted refuse services. Trisha also continued to volunteer with the Senior Nutrition Program at the Montclair Senior Center for over 10 years. prgtoken In April 2019, Trisha was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Despite spending most of these past months in hospitals, Trisha still dedicated herself to attending City Council meetings and other local and regional board meetings. This rare kind of commitment and devotion to the people of Montclair is worthy of admiration. prgtoken For her exemplary life of service, Madam , it is my honor to recognize Montclair City Council Member Trisha Martinez on the House floor. Her decades of commitment and contributions to the city she loved are exemplary, and her memory will live on through the countless lives she impacted. May she rest in peace.
RELATING TO A NATIONAL EMERGENCY DECLARED BY THE PRESIDENT ON FEBRUARY 15, 2019--VETO
Tammy Baldwin (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2019-10-17

my message to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle today is simple: If you will continue to object to my proposal to help shore up the PBGC and the proposals from me and other ic colleagues to put failing multiemployer pensions back on solid ground, then please bring up your own plans. Bring your ideas to the table, and let's work together to solve this pension crisis and protect the retirement security of Americans because just objecting to our plans is not an option for the 25,000 workers and retirees I am representing here today. Doing nothing is not an option. If we don't act, we will be breaking a promise made to 1.5 million workers and retirees nationwide. Pension promises must be kept. prgtoken Once again, I will say Washington needs to act, and we need to do it now. prgtoken .
SEC DISCLOSURE EFFECTIVENESS TESTING ACT
Nancy Pelosi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-10-17

it is a very disconcerting day for so many of us here. prgtoken I thank Mr. Hoyer for bringing us together to mourn the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Elijah Cummings. I thank my friend for his beautiful statement calling forth so many of the beautiful attributes of Elijah Cummings. prgtoken As the gentleman spoke, I was reminded of how he always was a calmer of the waters. No matter how rough and tumble things would be, he would always just calm the waters and reach out, whether it was across the aisle, across the issue, across the Capitol, or down Pennsylvania Avenue. prgtoken I know that the people of Baltimore, the U.S. Congress, and America have lost the voice of the unsurpassed moral clarity and truth of our beloved , Elijah Cummings. I am personally devastated by his passing, as I know many of us are. prgtoken We have flowers in his place where he sat, where we all sought counsel, learned more, or calmed down and were lifted up by the wisdom, the graciousness, and the goodness of Elijah Cummings. prgtoken In the House, Elijah was the North Star. He was a leader of towering character and integrity whose stirring voice and steadfast values pushed the Congress and the country to give rise to a higher purpose of why we are here. prgtoken His principled leadership as the chair of the Committee on Oversight and Reform was a perfect testament to his commitment to restoring honesty and honor to government, and he leaves a powerful legacy for years to come. prgtoken People think of him as that chairman but meaning so much to him was his role as a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He was always fighting for his district, for his State of Maryland, and for the country. He was a powerful voice for building the infrastructure of America and for creating good-paying jobs. He was a working-class guy in terms of whom he was here to serve. prgtoken I was very proud of him as a member of the U.S. Naval Academy Board of Visitors. He took great pride in the Naval Academy, his role on the board, and Maryland's role in our national security. I know we have some Naval Academy graduates here, and that was a source of great pride. He said that you have taken me to a new level of decisionmaking, in terms of national security. prgtoken Chairman Cummings' story was the story of America. He was a sharecropper's son who dedicated his life to advancing justice, respecting human dignity, and--as the gentleman from Maryland said-- ending discrimination. prgtoken He believed in the promise of America because he had lived it. He dedicated his life to advancing those values that safeguard our Republic: justice, equality, liberty, and fairness. prgtoken As our distinguished leader, Mr. Hoyer, said earlier, we were always listening to Elijah. These flowers remind me of it because of the growth and renewal that are there. He said, ``Our children are the living messages we send to a future we
COMMEMORATING THE 50 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF COMMUNITY HUMAN SERVICES
Jimmy Panetta (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-10-17

. Madam , I rise today to ask my colleagues in the House join me in congratulating Community Human Services on the occasion of their 50th Anniversary. Throughout the last half-century, Community Human Services has not only brought attention to, but also alleviated the hardships that middle and low income individuals and families in Monterey County face on a daily basis. Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Robin McCrae, the agency has grown from three programs, 55 employees, and a $1 million budget to a multi- million dollar organization with a workforce that has doubled and operates twelve programs throughout Monterey County. prgtoken Community Human Services' mission is to address the tribulations that can be associated with addiction, mental illness, emotional health, domestic violence, child abuse, homelessness, and any other issue individuals may have trouble solving on their own. The institution allows people of all ages access to the tools necessary to overcome these challenges, creating lasting and sustainable changes on the central coast of California. prgtoken A key aspect of Community Human Service's mission involves connecting with individuals in our community and ensuring them that help is available to them without insurance or monetary compensation. Information regarding programs and corresponding issues are widely distributed to schools, businesses, civic groups, churches, and service organizations. prgtoken Madam , I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing and congratulating the commitment that Community Human Services has provided the Central Coast. As the organization celebrates its 50th Anniversary, I am proud to recognize Community Human Services for its continued work to address the challenges of individuals and families on the Central Coast. We are fortunate to have an institution like Community Human Services call the 20th Congressional District of California home.
SEC DISCLOSURE EFFECTIVENESS TESTING ACT
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-10-17

I thank the gentleman for his remarks. prgtoken , in that spirit, I will ask for a moment of silence. But before I do that, let me mirror the remarks of the leader on the other side of the aisle. prgtoken A moment of silence will not be enough to respect the life of Elijah Cummings. What will be enough is we follow his example for a lifetime-- not for a moment, but for a lifetime--if we give one another the respect that he would give to us, if we give one another the consideration that the leader indicated that he gave to him. prgtoken So, , I ask that we stand for a moment of silence and a lifetime of following an example.
LOWERING DRUG COSTS
Matt Cartwright (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2019-10-17

I rise to say this: Americans are suffering from extortionate, skyrocketing drug prices, and this is unacceptable. prgtoken Between 2013 and 2016, 67 percent of Americans who had to file for bankruptcy did so because of enormous medical expenses. That is unacceptable. prgtoken Last year, in my home State of Pennsylvania alone, one in four individuals had to forgo medical care so they could pay their rent or put food on the table. That is not a choice we can, in good conscience, allow them to have to make. It is unacceptable. prgtoken I am, therefore, proud to announce my support of the Lower Drug Costs Now Act, H.R. 3, landmark legislation which takes bold strides to lower prescription drug prices for all Americans. prgtoken On behalf of the families who demand and deserve drug pricing reform, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure swift passage of this landmark, critical legislation.
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
Chris Pappas (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2019-10-17

I rise in support of individuals across New Hampshire and the country who are struggling to afford the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs. prgtoken Across my district, I hear from individuals each and every day about the significant burden and anxiety caused by the exorbitant costs of these prescriptions. That is why I introduced H.R. 4661, the Advancing Enrollment and Reducing Drug Costs Act, along with Representative Tonko. prgtoken This is an important addition to H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019, to expand seniors' access to prescription drugs under Medicare part D. This legislation will automatically enroll individuals in part D's subsidy program, known as Extra Help, when they have aged out of Medicaid Expansion. prgtoken We must continue to ensure that seniors receive access to this earned benefit without having to navigate what can be a complicated process. prgtoken When seniors arrive at the pharmacy counter, they shouldn't have to worry whether they can afford the medications they need to live with health and with dignity. This legislation is a step toward addressing this injustice, and I urge my colleagues to continue to support efforts to reduce the cost of prescription drugs in a bipartisan fashion and pass this legislation.
S.J. RES. 54
Mark R. Warner (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2019-10-17

I am coming to the floor to speak on a different subject, but I do want to acknowledge that this is an issue I follow as well. I actually cosponsored Senator Lee's bill. I do hope what my friend from Illinois proposed, in terms of a process--that that process will take place and that we can get this legislation, or a variation thereof, passed through the Senate; that we deal with this issue is something I hear a lot from my constituents in Virginia-- specifically, Northern Virginia. prgtoken Again, although no piece of legislation is perfect, I think the direction Senator Lee has put forward is one I carefully considered before I cosponsored the legislation. Again, the only way we are going to get this resolved is if we go through this process. Nobody on the Senate works harder on immigration issues and with more passion and willingness to get to yes on an issue than the Senator from Illinois, so I thank him for his work as well. Tribute to Victoria Brahm prgtoken , I came down here today to address the question I came for, to actually continue the tradition of my friend Senator Ted Kaufman. I had the distinction of serving here as a staff member for a long time and filled in for a few years when Senator became the Vice President of the United States. prgtoken What Senator Ted Kaufman did was he came, during his tenure in the Senate, on a regular basis, came to this floor and highlighted the contributions of exceptional Federal employees. He highlighted the work they do every day to make our Nation and communities safer, healthier, and stronger. prgtoken I came to the floor earlier this year to congratulate three Virginians who were recognized by the Partnership for Public Service as finalists for the Service to America Medals. Within the world of Federal employees, this award may not be as well known as the Oscars, but the award, the Service to America Medals, are known as the ``Sammies.'' prgtoken During my time on the floor earlier, when I spoke about the Virginians who were nominated, I spoke about Ambassador Michael Kozak from Arlington, Kara De Castro from Haymarket, and John Wagner from Ashburn. Each of these public servants have made significant contributions to our national prgtoken security, as well as to global peace and human rights. We are indebted to them for their contributions, and I congratulate them again for their much deserved recognition as finalists. prgtoken Unfortunately, none of this year's winners hail from Virginia. Still, I want to congratulate the 2019 Federal Employee of the Year, Victoria Brahm from Wisconsin. Ms. Brahm is a career public servant who has spent more than 37 years working in the VA system. prgtoken Since 2015, she has served as the director of the Tomah VA Medical Center. When she arrived, the center was struggling with unsafe medical practices, high staff turnover, and other issues impacting the quality of c
COLLEGE AFFORDABILITY
Jahana Hayes (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2019-10-17

I rise today to commend the chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor for his steadfast leadership of the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, and introduction of the College Affordability Act. prgtoken But I cannot do that without further recognizing my colleague and my friend, Chairman Elijah Cummings, whose family was from South Carolina, Clarendon County, to be exact, which is the home of the Briggs v. Elliott case, one of the first cases challenging school segregation. He understood the power of a high-quality education, and I know that he would be so incredibly proud of this remarkable piece of legislation that is being introduced this week. prgtoken This is an achievement that reflects the priorities of the entire ic Caucus to expand opportunities and make college affordable and accessible for all students. prgtoken I am proud that this bill embraces and reflects my priorities in Congress, including the Pell Grant Restoration Act, the Teacher Debt Relief Act, the Teacher Diversity and Retention Act, and the Jumpstart on College Act. prgtoken These bills would respectively protect student aid of vulnerable students who have been defrauded; provide educators with much-needed student debt relief so that they can stay in the classroom; reinforce critical programs that help develop a diverse educator workforce; and provide a robust investment in dual-enrollment classes that will lower the cost of a degree for students who need it most. prgtoken This bill is a year's-long effort to level the playing field for every demographic of students across the country, from veteran students, to working parents; and from small family farmers, to public servants. It is for students hoping to become the first in their family to go to college and afford it. prgtoken This bill is for families who struggle to put enough in the bank for their children's education. This bill is for students who struggle to fill out the overly complicated FAFSA; who struggle to earn degrees and keep the lights on while working and raising children; who utilize the Pell grant and other Federal aid to make it through, and still find themselves in debt. prgtoken My own journey reflects the challenges of navigating a system that simply is not built for everyone, of jumping through untenable hurdles to complete a degree. So it is deeply gratifying today to be part of the change that I so desperately needed as a student, to give a new, more diverse generation of students the supports they need to succeed. prgtoken The College Affordability Act would immediately lower the cost of college prgtoken for students and families across the country by expanding Pell grants, incentivizing free community colleges, and driving States to substantially reinvest in their public institutions. prgtoken The bill invests in teachers by fixing a broken Public Service Loan Forgiveness program and TEACH Grant system, and permanently funding historicall