mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CLOTURE MOTION
Cory Gardner (Republican, CO) \u2014 2019-6-27

Congress has no greater responsibility than providing for a strong national defense and keeping American citizens safe. prgtoken The National Defense Authorization Act is one of the most important pieces of legislation to be considered by the U.S. Senate. It authorizes the weapons systems, programs, and resources that support the men and women who serve our country in the Armed Forces. For decades, it has been approved with strong, bipartisan support. prgtoken In my home State of Colorado, our military installations, including Fort Carson, the Air Force Academy, and Buckley, Peterson, and Schriever Air Force Bases, are on the cutting edge of readiness in protecting our national security. This legislation is foundational to their mission, their work, and our show of support for the military. prgtoken I thank Chairman Inhofe and Ranking Member Reed for their bipartisan leadership on the Senate Armed Services Committee and on the floor. The tremendous responsibility of providing for national defense cannot be overstated, and they have handled the process with respect and the seriousness that it deserves. The security of the United States should always be more important than any partisan politics, and I appreciate their commitment that they have placed on national defense above all else. prgtoken I also thank my colleagues for their bipartisan work on the National Defense Authorization Act. In working with them, I was able to achieve a number of great victories in amendments for Colorado and the Nation as well. prgtoken Senator Schatz and I have a bipartisan amendment that will improve the public alert system and allow military communities access to clean and safe drinking water, which was another prgtoken amendment that we were able to work on. prgtoken I was able to work with Senator Toomey and Senator Van Hollen-- Senators from both sides of the aisle--to impose sanctions on the murderous North Korean regime. prgtoken We will also vote today to support a bipartisan effort that I authored that will encourage the U.S. Congress to stand with the people of Hong Kong and their democratic values while we urge Hong Kong's authorities to permanently withdraw their flawed extradition bill and support human rights in Hong Kong. prgtoken When one family member serves our country in uniform, the entire family serves. This legislation supports military families in Colorado and all over the world. It provides the largest pay increase in a decade for troops, and it continues to support military spouses. The NDAA addresses the challenges that servicemembers and their families face when they live in privatized housing, and it expands resources to address the PFAS water contamination in many of our military communities. This is an issue of life and health, and it matters greatly to the people of Colorado. I was pleased to work with my colleagues to continue addressing PFAS contamination. prgtoken Of course, in Colorado
IN RECOGNITION OF THE TRADITION OF THE DOOR COUNTY DAIRY BREAKFAST
Mike Gallagher (Republican, WI) \u2014 2019-6-27

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the tradition of the Door County Dairy Breakfast, held in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. prgtoken The Dairy Breakfast is an iconic Door County tradition that provides the community an opportunity to learn about the significant role the dairy industry plays in Wisconsin's economy. Community members meet dairy farmers, learn about the dairy industry, and enjoy delicious Door County coffee and pancakes. prgtoken I am grateful to the Sevastopol Future Farmers of America Alumni Association for organizing the 38th Annual Dairy Breakfast in Door County. Their work to recruit sponsors and volunteers is integral to the success of this terrific event. Throughout the year, the Sevastopol FFA Alumni Association provides educational opportunities to the community to increase awareness of Wisconsin's dairy industry and the products produced by area dairy farmers. All proceeds from the Door County Dairy Breakfast go toward scholarships for current FFA high school seniors. prgtoken Madam , I urge all members of this body to join me in commending the efforts of the Door County Dairy Breakfast to educate the community through this time-honored tradition. Thank you to the Sevastopol FFA Alumni Association and the countless sponsors and volunteers for their continued support of Wisconsin's dairy industry.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Mac Thornberry (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-6-27

. Madam , on Tuesday, June 25, 2019, I was unable to be in Washington and missed roll call votes No. 403 ``Ordering the Previous Question on H. Res. 460--The combined rule providing for consideration of the bill H.R. 2722--Securing America's Federal Elections Act and of the bill H.R. 3351--Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2020,'' No. 404 ``Adoption of H. Res. 460--The combined rule providing for consideration of the bill H.R. 2722--Securing America's Federal Elections Act and of the bill H.R. 3351--Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2020,'' No. 405 ``Banks (R-IN)--Amendment No. 251--Reduces amounts made available in Division E, Other than amounts made available to the Department of Defense by 14 percent,'' and No. 406 ``Jayapal (D-WA)-- Amendment No. 268--Reallocates $1,000,000 prgtoken to fund transitional housing and homelessness services.'' Had I been present, I would have voted ``NO, NO, YES, NO'' on these bills, respectively .
TRIBUTE TO TROY WITT
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2019-6-27

this week I have the distinct honor of recognizing Troy Witt, of Garfield County, for his selfless actions in helping those in need. prgtoken Troy, a rancher and commercial trucker of Sand Springs, spearheaded an effort to send much needed donations to farmers and ranchers impacted by record flooding in Columbus, NE, in March of 2019. He was inspired by Montanans who came to his aid following the Lodgepole Complex fire, Montana's largest fire of the 2017 wildfire season. After losing 85 percent of his ranch, Witt was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and supplies he received from those he had never met. prgtoken When the opportunity presented itself, Witt decided to pay it forward. He planned to load up his 53-foot trailer with as much hay, fencing material, water and other supplies as he could and drive the 700 miles to the drop-off site in Columbus. After the Garfield County Disaster and Emergency Services echoed Witt's plans, farmers from around Montana offered to donate supplies. His efforts helped bring hope to a region where hundreds had lost homes and businesses. prgtoken Witt's act exemplifies the spirit of compassion and selflessness that Montanans embody. I and many others thank Mr. Witt for his good deed.
HONORING SPECIAL AGENT MICHAEL WILLIAMS ON HIS RETIREMENT
Gary J. Palmer (Republican, AL) \u2014 2019-6-27

. Madam , I rise to honor Special Agent Michael Williams for his 32 years of dedicated service to Alabama as a member of the United States Secret Service. He concludes his distinguished career as the Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Birmingham Field Office, where he has had executive oversight over operations in Alabama and Mississippi since 2016. prgtoken Special Agent Williams is a native of Birmingham and a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He joined the Secret Service in 1985 and over the span of his career has been recognized for investigative excellence, including receiving the Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award. prgtoken In 1996, he was assigned to the Presidential Protective Division in Washington, D.C. where he protected President William J. Clinton and President . He was promoted to a Supervisory Special Agent assigned to the Protective Intelligence Division in 2001. prgtoken Special Agent Williams was able to come home in 2003, when he was promoted to Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Birmingham Field Office. prgtoken He returned to Washington, D.C. in 2005 where he served as the Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Presidential Protective Division. In October 2008, he was promoted to the Special Agent in Charge of the Columbia, South Carolina Field Office. prgtoken In January 2013, he once again found his way to D.C. when he was promoted into the Senior Executive Service where he served as the Special Agent in Charge of the Protective Intelligence and Assessment Division. In this capacity, he had executive oversight for protective intelligence, threat assessments and the Secret Service behavioral analysis program. In 2015, he was promoted to the position of Deputy Assistant Director in the Secret Service Office of Protective Operations. He ensured that the President, the First Lady and all protected persons, places and events received the highest level of security based on threats and vulnerabilities. prgtoken Throughout his career, Special Agent Williams has also served the community volunteering for a number of organizations, including the Big Brother program, Boys/Girls Club and Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Phi fraternity and received UAB's Outstanding Alumni Award. He is married to Angela Bryant-Williams and they have a son, Bryant Michael Williams. prgtoken I am grateful to Special Agent Williams for his 32 years of service to this country and wish him well in retirement.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2019-6-27

along with my colleagues Senator James Risch, Representative Mike Simpson, and Representative Russ Fulcher, I congratulate Trent Clark on his upcoming retirement from the Bayer Corporation after 26 years of service. We have greatly enjoyed working with Trent over the course of his career and thank him for the service he has provided to the people of Idaho in both his official and individual capacities. prgtoken On behalf of Bayer, Trent has provided steadfast dedication to his responsibilities inherent as public and government affairs director. In that role, he has provided invaluable assistance to Bayer's operations in Soda Springs, which are an integral part of the southeastern Idaho economy. Most notably, Trent has played a critical role in the effort to permit Bayer's next phosphate mine, Caldwell Canyon, which has 40 years of estimated reserves and will be one of the world's most environmentally sustainable mining operations, particularly in its approach to sage grouse habitat. Trent has also helped to further important company efforts to support our local communities, particularly their school systems, and to protect our environment. Additionally, for many years, Trent has worked in a collaborative manner with key stakeholders with a genuine humility and desire to achieve a positive outcome. prgtoken As an individual citizen, Trent has also provided excellent service to the people of Idaho in his capacity as chairman of the Idaho Workforce Development Council and as a member of the boards of the Idaho Humanities Council, Idaho Community Foundation, and the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry. Trent's prior public service includes 2 years as the State executive director of the Farm Services Administration, 3 years as chairman of the Idaho Party, a year as staff to the Joint Economic Committee of Congress, and 8 years as staff to former U.S. Senator Steve D. Symms. prgtoken Prior to joining Bayer, Trent graduated with honors from Brigham Young University, where he majored in political science and botany. He also earned an associate of arts degree from Ricks College in Rexburg, ID. After college, Trent worked as a botany instructor for the Yellowstone Institute, as well an executive vice president for the Fox Creek Pack Station. prgtoken In addition to Trent's strong record of leadership and service to the community, Trent has served his family and church well. Trent has been married to the former Rebecca Lee since May 23, 1986, and together, they have four children: Brittany (deceased), Kathleen, Christin, and Alexander. Trent and his family enjoy horseback riding and backcountry hiking and camping. It is our sincere wish that Trent be blessed with many years of retirement with his family.
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-6-27

on another point, the Supreme Court made a decision this week that I very much disagree with. I am an advocate for the Freedom of Information Act and for the public's business being public, and this Supreme Court decision inhibited that. prgtoken In a self-governed society, the people ought to know what their government is up to. Transparency laws, like the Freedom of Information Act, help to provide access to information in the face of an opaque and obstinate government. Unfortunately, a recent Supreme Court ruling and new regulations at the EPA and the Department of the Interior are undermining access to there being public information. prgtoken In other words, the public's business ought to be public. So I am working on legislation to address these developments and to promote access to government records. Americans deserve an accountable government, and transparency leads to accountability.
TRIBUTE TO GARY WOODLAND
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2019-6-27

while my remarks in front of me say ``I rise today,'' I sit today on this Senate floor to congratulate a Topeka, KS, native, a 2019 U.S. Open champion, Gary Woodland. prgtoken Gary Woodland grew up in Topeka and attended Shawnee Heights High School. After high school, Gary attended Washburn University on a full basketball scholarship before transferring to the University of Kansas to join the golf team. This U.S. Open was the first major championship victory of Gary Woodland's career, and Gary made history by becoming the first graduate of the University of Kansas to ever win a PGA major tournament. prgtoken Gary's performance at Pebble Beach was truly elite. He scored under par in all four rounds, including an impressive 6-under-par 65 in the second round. On Sunday's final round, Gary battled the elements and a late surge by last year's U.S. Open champion, Brooks Koepka. On hole 18, Gary sunk a long birdie putt to solidify his win at 13 strokes under par, 1 stroke better than Tiger Woods' historic 2000 U.S. Open victory at Pebble Beach. prgtoken I congratulate Gary on this historic win, but I also recognize his actions off the course. Gary is an advocate for Special Olympics and also partners with Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that grants scholarships to family members of U.S. servicemembers. Gary even wore patriotic golf gear to honor our troops and Folds of Honor at the U.S. Open. After the win, Gary thanked our troops for their service and stated: ``There's men and women who sacrifice and do so much for us so I can go out and play a game of golf and live my life under freedom.'' prgtoken The final round also coincides with Father's Day, and this undoubtedly made this championship even more significant as Gary's father watched him sink the final putt on 18. Gary said, after his win, that his dad worked nights so he could pursue his love of sports and spend time with him during the day. prgtoken I recognize Gary, but I also want to recognize the entire Woodland family-- prgtoken his parents, Dana and Linda; his wife, Gabby; his son, Jaxson; and the twin girls they are expecting. This is a tremendous achievement. prgtoken Kansans are extremely proud of you, Gary. We wish you and your family the best of luck moving forward, and we will continue to root for your success. prgtoken .
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020--Resumed
Tom Cotton (Republican, AR) \u2014 2019-6-27

tomorrow morning the Senate will vote on whether to disarm our troops as they face a growing campaign of Iranian aggression in the Middle East. Tomorrow morning the Senate will vote on whether to empower the Ayatollahs as they continue to rampage across the Middle East, attacking U.S. aircraft, attacking ships in the high seas, threatening our troops in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Qatar, and elsewhere. That is because we will be voting tomorrow morning on an amendment that says, very simply: ``No funds may be used to conduct hostilities against the Government of Iran, against the Armed Forces of Iran, or in the territory of Iran, except pursuant to an Act or a joint resolution of Congress specifically authorizing such hostilities.'' prgtoken That amendment is simple--I would say simple-minded--but it is simply an act of appeasement against the Ayatollahs who are currently conducting attacks against the United States and our interests on a regular and growing basis. prgtoken Let's just take a case in point. The earlier version of this amendment included no exception--no exception whatsoever--for our troops to defend themselves against an attack by Iran. You might say that is a careless omission. I would, however, say that even the fact that it was changed after I pointed out that omission just goes to show you that the root of this amendment is derangement syndrome. prgtoken It does have an exception now. Let's look at that: ``Nothing can be construed to restrict the use of the United States Armed Forces to defend''--to defend--``against an attack upon the United States, its territories or possessions, or its Armed Forces.'' prgtoken What does that mean? What does it mean to defend against an attack? I don't know. I am not sure. If an F-15 pilot is shot upon in international airspace, I guess he can deploy countermeasures--chaff-- to disrupt the missile. Can he shoot back? Can he shoot back at the Iranian missile battery that shot at him? prgtoken Let's say our troops who are garrisoned in places like Iraq and Syria have incoming mortar fire by an Iranian proxy militia. I guess they can duck and cover in a concrete bunker. I guess that is defense. Can they use counterbattery fire to shoot back at that mortar firing position? I don't know. I don't know. Can they? Beats me. prgtoken We have thousands of troops stationed at Al Udeid Air Base, the main airbase from which we conducted operations against the Islamic State. Let's say they have a missile coming in. I guess they can use a patriot missile defense system to shoot that missile down. Can they fire back at the missile battery that shot that missile, which has many more to fire? I don't know. Can they? It seems like offense to me. Maybe it is defense. prgtoken Let's take a page from history. In 1988, Ronald Reagan authorized one of the largest naval engagements since World War II in response to the exact kinds of attacks against c
CLOTURE MOTION
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2019-6-27

I am so grateful we had the opportunity to be on the floor this week and to have a discussion about our Nation's security and how we protect and preserve freedom. I have just a couple of thoughts that I wanted to bring forward as we begin to think about July 4th and Independence Day and how we commemorate that day and do honor to the heritage and the tradition of that day and of the freedoms that we enjoy. prgtoken I came across something this week that I think is just so pertinent to our discussions of this week as we focus on freedom. In 1826, a very feeble and old John Adams received a group of Quincy, MA, town leaders. They were seeking his help in planning an anniversary celebration of the Declaration of Independence. They wanted the former President to pen a toast that would be read at the event. Imagine their surprise when what they got from John Adams was two words. The toast that he penned for them was simply this: ``Independence forever.'' It is what we had fought for, what had been won, what people had desired, and their passion--independence. prgtoken Keeping that independence is indeed the task. I am certain they wanted something much more ambitious and eloquent, but they simply got the nugget of what centered him and what should center us. prgtoken In the Declaration, our Founding Fathers recognized that ``Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes,'' but that true liberty could not thrive in the grasp of tyranny. prgtoken Today, freedom reveals itself in the lives and actions of every American, and it is our responsibility to preserve it on the battlefield and through our actions each and every single day. prgtoken With every confirmation of a district or a circuit court judge, we preserve an essential right guaranteed by the First Amendment--the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances. prgtoken Earlier this month, I introduced a resolution supporting free speech on college campuses because it is beyond distressing to hear students and their professors argue that encouraging the open exchange of ideas amounts to an act of violence. Our Founding Fathers probably never dreamed they would hear of such a thing. This proud hostility toward diversity of thought should serve as a reminder that questions of freedom rarely remain settled. prgtoken Last week, famed economist Dr. Art Laffer, who is a beloved Tennessean, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The ``father of supply-side economics'' only became so because he was free to learn and apply the knowledge that he gained to his own groundbreaking work that led to the Laffer curve. prgtoken Looking beyond Washington, it is easy to see many more examples of freedom in action each and every day. prgtoken Every Tuesday, my friend and fellow Senator, Lamar Alexander, hosts ``Tennessee Tuesday.'' This gives us an opportunity to meet with Tennesseans who have come to Washington