mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
REMEMBERING KAY HAGAN
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-10-31

I stand here today to mourn the loss of Kay Hagan. Kay was a warm, kind person with a wonderful sense of humor, and she was an inspiring public servant. I feel fortunate to have been her friend and colleague here in the U.S. Senate. I am deeply saddened to be among the many who will miss her profoundly. prgtoken Kay knew from a young age that her destiny was in politics, starting when she worked here as an intern. She often recalled operating the Senate elevators in the 1970s. She would watch the Nation's leaders and influencers pass by, including her maternal uncle, then-Senator Lawton Chiles from Florida. She would dream of riding those elevators herself as an elected official. prgtoken Kay worked incredibly hard to achieve that dream. She earned her BA degree from Florida State University and her JD from Wake Forest University School of Law. Before Kay began her political career, she worked in financial services and became a vice president of North Carolina National Bank, which is now part of Bank of America. prgtoken In 1998, she was elected to the North Carolina State Senate, where her talent in setting the State's budget and her devotion to her constituents earned her a spot among North Carolina's ``Ten Most Effective Senators'' 3 years in a row. Then, in 2008, she became a U.S. Senator in a historic election. Kay was North Carolina's second female Senator ever and its first ic female senator. prgtoken From the moment Kay arrived in the Senate, she concerned herself with how to use her platform to clear the way for other people, especially other women, to achieve their ambitions. The very first bill she cosponsored was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which created a fairer system for filing claims of pay discrimination. She also worked with Senator Schumer to open the Senate swimming pool to female Senators for the first time. prgtoken Where Kay saw injustice and where she saw indignity, she saw opportunities to make the world a better place. She was committed to fighting for anyone who needed her help. She was a fierce advocate for servicemembers, veterans, and military families. Both her father and brother served in the U.S. Navy. She also spent much of her Senate career campaigning to improve education, financial literacy, and job training for underserved communities. She rallied people to these causes--not with strong-arming or with steamrolling but with cleverness and compassion and coalition-building. prgtoken Kay was the type of legislator who dug into issues that made a real difference in people's lives, even if they weren't necessarily headline-grabbing. I had the honor of working alongside Kay in the Senate Small Business Committee for 4 years, and I watched her tirelessly create economic opportunity for North Carolinians and all Americans. The programs and policies we spearheaded there may not have made front page news, but Kay knew she was making a difference for ent
DIRECTING CERTAIN COMMITTEES TO CONTINUE ONGOING INVESTIGATIONS INTO WHETHER SUFFICIENT GROUNDS EXIST FOR THE IMPEACHMENT OF DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
Nancy Pelosi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-10-31

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken I want to begin my remarks with some of the most beautiful words in our country's history: ``We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution of the United States of America.'' prgtoken It goes on immediately to establish Article I, the legislative branch; Article II, the executive branch; Article III, the judiciary-- the genius of the Constitution, a separation of powers, three coequal branches of government to be a check and balance on each other. prgtoken It is to that that we take the oath of office. We gather here on that opening day with our families gathered around to proudly raise our hand to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. And that is exactly what we are doing today. prgtoken Sadly, this is not any cause for any glee or comfort. This is something that is very solemn, that is something prayerful, and that we had to gather so much information to take us to this next step. prgtoken Again, this is a solemn occasion. Nobody, I doubt anybody in this place or anybody that you know, who comes to Congress to take the oath of office prgtoken comes to Congress to impeach the President of the United States unless his actions are jeopardizing our honoring our oath of office. prgtoken I am grateful to our committee chairs for all the careful and thoughtful investigation they have been doing as this inquiry has proceeded. prgtoken Today, the House takes the next step forward, as we establish the procedures for open hearings conducted by the House Intelligence Committee so that the public can see the facts for themselves. prgtoken This resolution ensures transparency, advancing the public disclosure of deposition transcripts, and outlining the procedure for the transfer of evidence to the Judiciary Committee to use in its proceedings. prgtoken It enables effective public hearings, setting out procedures for the questioning of witnesses, and continuing the precedent of giving the minority the same rights in questioning witnesses as the majority, which has been true at every step of this inquiry, despite what you might hear fomenting there. prgtoken It provides the President and his counsel opportunities to participate, including presenting his case, submitting requests for testimony, attending hearings, raising objections to testimony given, cross-examining witnesses, and more. prgtoken Contrary to what you may have heard today, we give more opportunity to his case than was given to other Presidents before. prgtoken Madam , I thank Chairman Schiff for making that point so clearly. prgtoken These actions--this process, these open hearings, seeking the truth and making it available to the American people--will in
SPEAK OUT AGAINST GENOCIDE
Tulsi Gabbard (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2019-10-31

. Madam , the history of the United States has been intertwined with that of the Armenian people and the Armenian genocide. prgtoken It was American missionaries and diplomats who let the world know that the Ottoman Empire was attempting to cleanse itself of the Armenian and Christian populations. The U.S. became home to many survivors. prgtoken Their experience inspired Raphael Lemkin to create the term ``genocide,'' only to see his Jewish family suffer the same fate at the hands of Nazi Germany. prgtoken The denial of the Armenian genocide has had contemporary consequences. I have visited both Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. I saw that a Turkey which denies genocide has no fear of committing it again. In fact, Turkey has begun an ethnic cleansing of the Syrian Kurds in northern Syria. prgtoken I have long called for our government to officially recognize the Armenian genocide. I am an original cosponsor of H. Res. 296. prgtoken The House has spoken with a clear voice, breaking the silence, recognizing the Armenian genocide. We call on the Senate and President to do the same. prgtoken We cannot allow history to repeat itself.
CONGRATULATING WASHINGTON NATIONALS ON WINNING WORLD SERIES
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-10-31

. Madam , today is a serious day. Last night was an extraordinary night. prgtoken I rise for the millions of people who live in the Washington metropolitan area to congratulate and to exalt with all of our region on the extraordinary achievement of the Washington Nationals. prgtoken This morning in Washington, the heavens are crying tears of joy. In other words, it is raining. But there is no rain in any of our hearts or minds today. It may be raining, but the faces of Nationals fans are shining with pride and happiness. prgtoken For the first time in 95 years--we have waited a long time, Madam --the Major League Baseball team from our Nation's Capital is bringing home a World Series Championship. My colleague Ms. Norton is here, being urged to put on a sweater, over her pride. prgtoken With the might of their bats and the lightness of their feet, the Nats pushed through to a hard-won victory in game seven last night against the Houston Astros--arguably, the best team in either league this year--who won the most games. prgtoken While I congratulate the Houston Astros on an extraordinary season, they just didn't count on the Washington Nationals. prgtoken But, today, the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals are in absolute agreement. It is my understanding that they are sending a joint letter to Major League Baseball, saying: ``We want all of our games to be road games from now on.'' prgtoken In case you didn't get that, neither team won at home. They all won games on the road. The good news was, the Washington Nationals had four games in Houston, and the Astros had only three games in Washington. prgtoken So there is joy in Washington this day. It is sustained by a spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship. Our Nats grew strength from their dedicated fans across this region, including, of course, my district. prgtoken We have been waiting a very long time for this day, so I hope my colleagues will join me in congratulating the 2019 Nationals, led by their extraordinary manager Dave Martinez, who played earlier in his career for the team that moved from Montreal to become the Nats. How appropriate. How wonderful. prgtoken I hope my colleagues will also join me in congratulating this year's most valuable player. Very frankly, there were a lot to choose from on the Washington Nats, who started out with a 19-wins-and-31-losses season. prgtoken What an extraordinary achievement to come that far that quickly, to meet, arguably, as I said at the beginning, the best team in baseball, the Houston Astros. prgtoken I also want to mention, as I said, the most valuable player. There were a lot to choose from. Stephen Strasburg was recruited and signed by the Washington Nationals some years ago as a very young man. He pitched extraordinarily, then got his elbow and had to be operated on, a Tommy John operation, they call it, and he has come back to be one of the best pitchers in the major leagues. He won three games. What an ex
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ELIAS ``SKIP'' ASHOOH
Chris Pappas (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2019-10-31

I rise today on behalf of all Granite Staters to recognize the life and legacy of Elias ``Skip'' Ashooh who passed away this week. He embodied the spirit of the Queen City and left this world too soon. prgtoken As a lifelong Manchester resident and Saint Anselm College alum, Skip dedicated his career and life to bettering his community. He was a successful businessman, local leader, and philanthropist who never gave up on the potential of Manchester and all its residents. He was a community fixture who loved taking in the downtown area he helped revitalize. prgtoken As chair of the Manchester Development Corporation, Skip was instrumental in making the civic center project a reality, one of the city's most consequential economic development projects since the industrial revolution. His immense impact was known by all, which is why he was named Citizen of the Year in 2000. prgtoken I hope we can honor Skip Ashooh's legacy by continuing to work together to move Manchester and New Hampshire forward. prgtoken I offer condolences to his wife, Gail, the Ashooh family, friends, and all who knew him. prgtoken May Skip's memory be eternal.
DIRECTING CERTAIN COMMITTEES TO CONTINUE ONGOING INVESTIGATIONS INTO WHETHER SUFFICIENT GROUNDS EXIST FOR THE IMPEACHMENT OF DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
Mary Gay Scanlon (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2019-10-31

. Madam , I take no joy in contemplating the impeachment of a President because, in contemplating it, we must acknowledge a threat to our Constitution and the values that bind us not only as Members of Congress but as Americans. prgtoken We have tried to work within traditional means to get to the bottom of serious allegations of misconduct so that we can deliver the truth to the American people. Committees have called witnesses and requested evidence, only to be stonewalled. The President's defenders have tried to distract the American people by falsely claiming to have been excluded from the investigation while their stunts and smears have hindered the constitutional process. prgtoken This resolution outlines ground rules for the House as we move forward, granting the same or greater due process rights to the President and the minority as they themselves drafted when they were in the majority. We will have open hearings. They can question witnesses. They can propose subpoenas. They can present evidence. prgtoken I am proud to sponsor this resolution. Our Constitution requires it, and our democracy depends on it.
PASS LEGISLATION FOR THE PEOPLE
Matt Cartwright (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2019-10-31

. Madam , Congress exists to serve the American people by passing legislation that will protect their rights and promote their welfare. prgtoken Since January of this year, House have been vigorously legislating for the people and have passed more than 200 bills--200 bills--bills to secure a living wage for American workers, bills to protect pensions and fight discrimination in the workplace, bills to expand access to healthcare and lower the cost of prescription drugs. We have passed bills to safeguard our elections, the bedrock of our democracy, from both foreign and domestic interference. prgtoken In contrast, the -controlled Senate has offered little but obstruction and inaction. Their leader proudly calls himself the ``grim reaper'' for laying waste to our 200 bills. prgtoken So, I rise today to implore Senate lawmakers: Do your job. Take up these House-passed measures and start serving the American people.
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
Salud O. Carbajal (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-10-31

. Madam , I rise on behalf of the people of my district, California's central coast, who are worried about healthcare and the high cost of prescription drugs. prgtoken Earlier this month at home, I spoke with people at retirement communities, town halls, and at their doorsteps delivering food for Meals on Wheels. Throughout these conversations, one thing was made clear: We need to lower the cost of prescription drugs. prgtoken I am proud the House passed H.R. 987 to strengthen health protections and bring down drug costs. I am excited that we are looking ahead to do more to ensure people never have to choose between lifesaving medicine and putting food on the table. prgtoken That is why I cosponsored H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act. When we give the power to Medicare to negotiate prices directly with drug companies and make these lower prices available to everyone, we all win. prgtoken H.R. 3 gives power back to the patients. It is what people in my district are working for, and I am proud to support it.
DIRECTING CERTAIN COMMITTEES TO CONTINUE ONGOING INVESTIGATIONS INTO WHETHER SUFFICIENT GROUNDS EXIST FOR THE IMPEACHMENT OF DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
James E. Clyburn (Democrat, SC) \u2014 2019-10-31

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. prgtoken Over the last month, the impeachment inquiry has built a powerful body of evidence around President 's call with President Zelensky of Ukraine when he told a foreign leader, ``I'd like you to do us a favor, though.'' We have learned so much about that call and things that followed it because some dedicated public servants have demonstrated patriotism to this great country by coming forward and testifying and giving us the information as they know it. prgtoken These brave patriots, career diplomats, have been called ``radical unelected bureaucrats.'' They have been called that by a group of people who Thomas Paine would call summer soldiers and sunshine patriots. He warned us that these people will, in a ``crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.'' prgtoken We are here today because brave, dedicated public servants and patriots are standing up for their country.
DIRECTING CERTAIN COMMITTEES TO CONTINUE ONGOING INVESTIGATIONS INTO WHETHER SUFFICIENT GROUNDS EXIST FOR THE IMPEACHMENT OF DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
Hakeem S. Jeffries (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-10-31

. Madam , the House impeachment inquiry is about abuse of power. It is about betrayal. It is about corruption. It is about national security. It is about the undermining of our elections. It is about defending our democracy for the people. prgtoken The House is a separate and coequal branch of government. We don't work for this President or any President. We work for the American people. We have a constitutional responsibility to serve as a check and balance on an out-of-control executive branch. Our job is to ask difficult questions on behalf of the American people. prgtoken What we are doing right here is consistent with the words of James Madison who, in Federalist 51, said the House should be a rival to the executive branch. Why did Madison use the word ``rival''? The Founders didn't want a king. They didn't want a dictator. They didn't want a monarch. They wanted a democracy, and that is exactly what we are defending right now. No one is above the law.
BRANDON BORTLES AND NOAH HEANEY
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2019-10-31

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and applaud Brandon Bortles and Noah Heaney for receiving the Golden Mayor's Award for Excellence. Brandon Bortles & Noah Heaney both Golden residents, own competing restaurants: Brandon owns Abejas, and Noah co-owns Miners Saloon. Instead of focusing on competing for customers, Brandon and Noah decided to work together to bring more diverse dining options to downtown Golden. This collaboration has already brought us Sur Mesa Taqueria, which opened inside Tributary Food Hall in September, and will soon bring us Nosu Ramen across the street. Together, Brandon and Noah are making an enormous contribution to Golden's economy, our culinary options, our social gathering places, and our sense of community. I congratulate Brandon and Noah for receiving this well-deserved honor by Mayor Marjorie Sloan. I thank them for their contributions to our community.
HONORING THE LIFE OF JANE DUNDAS SMITH
Raul Ruiz (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-10-31

. Madam , I rise to recognize the life and legacy of my constituent, Jane Dundas Smith--a dedicated educator who uplifted and inspired her students. Jane was an extraordinary leader both inside and outside the classroom who sought to better the lives of students in our communities and across the country. prgtoken After graduating from the University of California Davis, Jane began her career as a ninth-grade English teacher at Vallejo Unified School District. From there, she launched a more than 30-year career in education--eventually supporting educational programs for the largest county in the nation in the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools office. prgtoken Jane's passion for improving the lives of others through education extended beyond the classroom. As a consultant and education specialist, she worked with school districts across the country, designing programs to support underserved schools and communities. prgtoken Even after her retirement, Jane continued to shape the lives of students in our communities, serving on the Board of Education in the Yucaipa-Calimesa School District and on the Nominating Committee for the California School Boards Education Association. prgtoken Jane's devotion to her students and education was unshakable. On behalf of California's 36th Congressional District, we join together with her loved ones to grieve her loss. Jane's valuable contributions will be felt for generations to come, and her memory will live on in the hearts of the countless lives she touched.
REMEMBERING KAY HAGAN
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-10-31

I would like to say a few words in memory of my good friend and former colleague Kay Hagan, who passed away this week. prgtoken One of the hardest aspects of this work in the Senate is the loss of a colleague. So my thoughts are with Senator Hagan's family and friends in this difficult time. prgtoken I recall well her 6 years here with both deep respect and friendship. prgtoken In the time we served in this body together, I was able to get to know Kay very well, and I can honestly say I am lucky to call her a friend. She was always kind and a positive face and worked hard for her constituents and the Nation. prgtoken Kay was a dedicated public servant who served North Carolinians for 16 years. She got her start in politics in the 1970s when she interned right here in the Senate. As an elevator operator during her internship, she brushed shoulders with some of the biggest names of the day. Kay later described the experience as ``infectious,'' and it inspired her own political ambitions. prgtoken In 1998, that political career took her to the North Carolina State Senate. It didn't take long for Kay's talents to be noticed. She rose through the ranks quickly and became cochair of the budget committee. prgtoken Her trademark pragmatism and focus on problem solving served her well in that position. Her hard work earned her a ranking as one of the top 10 most influential members in the State senate. prgtoken In 2008 Kay won a race that brought her here, to the U.S. Senate, where her passion and focus continued to distinguish her. Kay was a fierce advocate for her State, using her position on the Armed Service Committee to help North Carolina's military families. Whether it was asking the tough questions on water contamination at military bases or mustering support for veterans' caregivers, Kay was always there for our servicemembers. prgtoken Kay was also a breath of fresh air in the Senate. There were only 15 women serving in the Senate when she came to Washington in January 2009. When she first arrived, she soon learned that the Senate pool was only open to men. She thought that was wrong and got the rules changed. She was a firm believer in equality and making the changes you want to see in the world. prgtoken No matter how big or small the issue, Kay always tried to help the people of North Carolina. Just a few months ago, she made one of her last public appearances at a groundbreaking for a new air traffic control tower at Piedmont Triad International Airport. When she was first elected to the Senate, she toured the old air traffic control tower at Piedmont and learned that a project to replace it was stalled in Washington. Kay took on the project and fought for funding to finally get it moving forward. It is through her work and diligence that the tower is being built today. prgtoken From reproductive rights to veterans' healthcare to transportation infrastructure, you could always count on Kay to del