mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
GRANT REPORTING EFFICIENCY AND AGREEMENTS TRANSPARENCY ACT OF 2019
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-12-16

the balance of my time. prgtoken , our current post-award grant reporting process is a cumbersome, document-based process. It burdens administrators and grant recipients. It hinders agencies in their ability to manage grant programs and conduct performance evaluations. prgtoken These problems are exacerbated for those conducting governmentwide and congressional oversight work, but that comes to an end today if we pass this bill. As I said earlier, this week's vote on the GREAT Act is the legislation's final stop in Congress before it heads to the President's desk. prgtoken In addition to thanking Representative Gomez, I thank Senators Lankford and Peters and their staffs for their tireless work this Congress. Put simply, we could not have gotten this important legislation through Congress without their sponsorship of the Senate companion bill and their advocacy throughout this process. prgtoken Further, I thank my House bill's original cosponsors for their work on this bipartisan achievement: Congressman Gomez, Congressman Walker, Congressman Quigley, Congressman DesJarlais, Congresswoman Robin Kelly, Congressman Palmer, and Congressman Kilmer. prgtoken Again, , the fragmented, decentralized, and redundant grant reporting structure ends this week. prgtoken Instead, we usher in a new age, one that moves this government spending from Document Street to a data superhighway with the passage of this legislation. When we do, it will mark a great moment not just for our Nation's grant recipients and those working for the common good but, ultimately, the American taxpayer. prgtoken The transparency, accountability, and efficiencies that this legislation is bound to produce are ultimately intended for them. I proudly ask that my colleagues support this bipartisan legislation, and .
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTION
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2019-12-16

there is a great deal of activity going on as we seek to conclude the negotiations on so many important issues. However, I don't want us to lose sight of the expiration of the authorization of the Older Americans Act--a very important law that makes a big difference for many of our seniors all across our country-- so I rise today to introduce a reauthorization of that important law called the Modernization of the Older Americans prgtoken Act. I am pleased to sponsor this reauthorization with Senator Bob Casey, who serves as the ranking member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, of which I am the chair. prgtoken Since 1965, the Older Americans Act has ensured that seniors receive the support they need to grow older independently and with dignity. The OAA programs provide nutritious food, transportation, assistance to caregivers, and in-home services for older adults. Our investments foster a sense of community for older adults and save taxpayers money by reducing hospitalizations and the need for long-term residential care. prgtoken I know the Presiding Officer would agree that most seniors would prefer to remain in the comfort, security, and privacy of their own homes if they possibly can. It is the programs of the Older Americans Act that help to make that possible. prgtoken As our population grows older, the demand for Older American Act services has grown as well. For example, Meals on Wheels--perhaps the best known of all the OAA programs--provided seniors with 358 million meals last year. In many States, the need is soaring. In Maine, which is the oldest State by median age in the country, there is a waiting list of 400 to 1,500 seniors, depending on the time of the year and the location within our State. prgtoken This reauthorization helps to ensure that more seniors in need of nutritious food can be served. At $11 a day, a meal is far cheaper than a $2,400 average cost of a daily hospital stay. Let me give an example of what I mean by that. Using Older Americans Act dollars, the Southern Maine Agency on Aging conducted a pilot study that provided seniors discharged from hospitals with 4 weeks' worth of prepared meals. The results were astounding. Hospital readmissions were reduced by 38 percent--a 387-percent return on investment. If you scaled that nationwide, the savings would be an astronomical $51 billion annually-- just ensuring that a senior who is discharged from the hospital has 4 weeks' worth of prepared meals available to him or her. prgtoken We have also included several provisions in the reauthorization to combat social isolation, which can have devastating health effects. In fact, estimates are that prolonged isolation and loneliness have an impact on health that is comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Just think of that. prgtoken My State is already on the forefront of combating this epidemic of isolation. Using Older Americans Act funding, the Maine Eastern Area A
ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2019
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-12-16

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m Tuesday, December 17; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, morning business be closed, and the Senate resume consideration of the conference report to accompany S. 1790 under the previous order; finally, that the Senate recess from 12:30 until 2:15 to allow for the conference meetings.
IMPROVING CONFIDENCE IN VETERANS' CARE ACT
Michael Cloud (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-12-16

. Madam , I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 3530, the Improving Confidence in Veterans' Care Act. prgtoken This bill is presented in the spirit of those who have come before us, from George Washington, one of our Nation's first veterans advocates, to those who have worked through generations to ensure the men and women who serve in uniform are not forgotten. prgtoken A report released in February outlines several cases of doctors and healthcare workers who were treating veterans at VA facilities despite having had their medical licenses suspended or completely terminated. These cases ranged from those needing to complete educational courses to very serious instances of malpractice and patient neglect. prgtoken A similar problem was found with the Drug Enforcement Administration's registrations. Some doctors were prescribing drugs without being legally registered by the DEA to do so. prgtoken One of the reasons the VA seemingly overlooked this problem was because they did not know about the resources available to check the status of these licenses. Had the VA checked with State licensing boards or online records, they could have discovered that these doctors were unqualified, before allowing them to treat our veterans. prgtoken This legislation ensures that the VA hires only licensed doctors to provide care for our veterans and that the VA regularly checks licenses to make sure care providers do not fall out of compliance. Regular audits are common practice in medical facilities across this country, and our veterans deserve nothing less. prgtoken Finally, to ensure accountability, this legislation would require the VA to report their progress to Congress. prgtoken In the last few years, we turned a corner in improving care for our veterans, but there is still so much work to be done. prgtoken The liberty we enjoy in the United States is not without cost. Our Nation's servicemembers paid for it, many with their lives and many more with the scars brought back from war. Our Nation owes it to our veterans to deliver on the promises we have made to them. prgtoken I thank Chairman Takano, Ranking Member Roe, and their staffs for their work to strengthen this bill and ensure that veterans receive a high standard of care from qualified workers.
Cloture Motion (Executive Session)
Richard Burr (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-12-16

the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence has worked over the past 3 years to build a critical piece of legislation. The Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2018, 2019, and 2020 supports vital important programs and takes bold steps to defend this country. prgtoken Last year, the Senate Intelligence Committee unanimously passed our bill with a vote of 15 to 0. ``Unanimous'' is not a word you hear very much in Washington today, but it speaks to the importance of the issues and the comprehensiveness of this bill. This success is also thanks to the efforts of Vice Chairman Warner. prgtoken In June we partnered with our colleagues on the Armed Services to simultaneously push forward both bills. The NDAA and the IAA combination passed with a vote of 86 to 8. prgtoken Likewise, the House Intelligence Committee bill captured an overwhelming vote in the full House when it passed in July by a vote of 397 to 31. prgtoken After many months of work and negotiations, we have before us a bipartisan, comprehensive bill that improves our defenses today and will give the intelligence community the resources it needs to defend us in the years to come. prgtoken For example, it deters Russian and other foreign influence in our elections and facilitates information sharing between Federal, State, and local election officials. It protects the Nation's supply chain from counterintelligence threats from countries such as Russia and China. In order to accomplish these goals, the bill increases scrutiny of Russian activities in our country. We require Russian diplomats to notify the State Department of their travel inside the United States. We counter Russian propaganda, and we require threat assessments on Russian financial activities. prgtoken To accomplish these missions, we need highly talented counterintelligence officers. We must verify that they are worthy of these positions of extreme trust, and we must compensate them fairly for the sacrifices they make. So our bill improves the security clearance process--and large credit goes to the vice chairman--by reducing backlogs, improving clearance information sharing, and holding the executive branch responsible for the modernizing the clearance process. prgtoken Our bill supports the intelligence community personnel by enhancing pay scales for certain cyber security positions, increasing recruitment efforts, and creating a pathway to give new parents the time they need to support their growing families. We ask our Nation's defenders to miss soccer games and family dinners. We can give them space and security to support new moms, new dads, and new babies. prgtoken Lastly, the bill continues a long and vital history of accountability for our most sensitive intelligence programs. My colleagues and I on the committee have happily accepted the privilege and the weighty responsibility of monitoring the intelligence programs on behalf of all 85 of our colleagues
EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE HISTORIC LANDS REACQUISITION ACT
Charles J. "Chuck" Fleischmann (Republican, TN) \u2014 2019-12-16

I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 453, and I thank both my ic and colleagues for their great, strong words of encouragement and support on this long-overdue bill. prgtoken , the great State of Tennessee gets its name from the historic Overhill Cherokee village site called Tanasi in present-day Monroe County, Tennessee, one of my 11 counties that I proudly represent in this, the people's House. Tanasi served as the capital of the Cherokee Nation from as early as 1721 until 1730. prgtoken As a result of several misguided Federal policies, the Cherokee and other Tribes were forcibly removed from Tennessee and surrounding States, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, and Virginia. This tragic period in American history led to the infamous Trail of Tears. prgtoken My bill, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act, returns important historical land sites back to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. prgtoken I want the Members of this House to understand that this was a promise that was made by the people of Tennessee and the TVA to the Cherokee decades ago. This is not something new. The promise was made, and the promise was not kept. prgtoken Many of the Eastern Band remained in east Tennessee. In other words, when this forced removal came, they refused to go. They hid, and then they came back. prgtoken Fortunately, today, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is a proud Cherokee Nation in my district, and this 76.1 acres is their sacred homeland. This needs to be returned to them. prgtoken My district also includes several areas where Sequoyah was, and still is, honored by the Cherokee. As we go to vote, we see her likeness, her image, her bust here in this Capitol, but that is something that the Cherokees still want to honor on this land in Tennessee. prgtoken What is so important? This is so important that TVA, the United States of America, the great State of Tennessee, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have all come together to right a long-term wrong. We will honor and cherish Cherokee history and Cherokee traditions with this bill in Monroe County, Tennessee. prgtoken At a time when this House, perhaps even this Nation, is divided on a lot of issues, I have received overwhelming bipartisan support in this House for this bill, from s and and from up the hall in the United States Senate. Senator Marsha Blackburn, Senator Lamar Alexander, and Senator Thom Tillis, Representative Phil Roe, Representative Mark Meadows, and Representative Tom Cole have all helped us. prgtoken Without further ado, , I urge prompt consideration and support of my bill.
EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE HISTORIC LANDS REACQUISITION ACT
Bruce Westerman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2019-12-16

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is a relatively small Tribe located in the Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. The Tribe was opposed to the construction of the Tellico Dam and, after its completion in 1979, worked with the Tennessee Valley Authority regarding impacted areas that were of historic significance to the Tribe. The Tribe currently manages most of these properties under permanent easements granted in the mid-1980s as a result of an informal agreement with TVA. prgtoken This bill would permanently transfer these properties, totaling approximately 96 acres along the Little Tennessee River and the Tellico Reservoir, in trust status for the Tribe. prgtoken Gaming, pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, would be prohibited. Most of the parcels to be placed in trust under the bill will be used for memorializing and interpreting the history of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The remaining parcels will be used for recreational trails. prgtoken I commend the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Fleischmann) for his continued hard work on this legislation, which passed the House last Congress by an overwhelming vote of 383-2. I hope the Senate will take the opportunity to pass this worthy legislation this Congress. prgtoken , I urge adoption of the measure, and .
TRIBUTE TO WALTER GRAFF
Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2019-12-16

I rise today to salute Walter Graff for his many years of dedicated service and forward-looking leadership at the Appalachian Mountain Club, AMC. Walter will soon retire from his role as senior vice president, the capstone to a career at AMC that began 45 years ago as a program manager in the mountains of northern New Hampshire. He leaves a legacy worthy of our praise and our gratitude. prgtoken The Appalachian Mountain Club is a nearly century-and-a-half old organization with a mission of connecting people to the outdoors. Its staff and many supporters not only encourage people to explore the natural world through activities like hiking, paddling, cycling, and skiing. They are also at the forefront of conservation efforts that seek to protect our forests, mountains, rivers, and trails for future generations to enjoy and cherish. prgtoken When Walter Graff was hired by the AMC in July of 1974, he spent his first months on the job screening environmental films for guests at what was then called Pinkham Notch Camp. The AMC was a much smaller organization back then with a few professional positions in New Hampshire and administrative services in Boston. But Walter had big dreams and an ambitious vision for the organization. He approached the Pinkham hutmaster at the end of the summer with the hope of developing a workshop program. He got signoff, as well as an excuse to venture outdoors. What began as a couple classes on topics like equipment maintenance and snowshoeing has since blossomed into one of the largest outdoor education programs in New England. prgtoken Walter has held many titles within AMC since that summer 45 years ago. His colleagues note that his leadership has touched every facet of AMC's mission. As director of education, he was influential in launching the group's renowned outdoor skills and leadership training program. As head of the AMC's Maine Woods Initiative, he was responsible for developing a program that promotes outdoor recreation, protects natural resources, encourages responsible forestry and deepens community partnerships. To date, the program is responsible for purchasing and permanently conserving 70,000 acres of forestland and creating over 120 miles of recreational trails. prgtoken As he nears his retirement, Walter is fond of looking to the past to see how much AMC has grown and how accessible our mountains, rivers, and lakes are to people across the region. He drives through the White Mountains and sees once-empty parking lots now full of people exploring the richness of the natural world. Yet Walter is also looking to the future as he approaches his final day as an AMC employee. He knows he will remain connected to the outdoors and will continue caring for the planet. prgtoken On behalf of the people of New Hampshire, I ask my colleagues and all Americans to join me in thanking Walter Graff for his years of service and wishing him all the best in the years ah
HONORING REYMUNDO BARRON RUIZ
Zoe Lofgren (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-12-16

. Madam , I rise to recognize Reymundo Barron Ruiz, a Korean War combat veteran, who recently received his high school diploma and celebrated his 90th birthday. prgtoken Reymundo Barron Ruiz was born in Mexico but spent much of his youth in Del Rio, Texas with his mother, three brothers, and four sisters. During the Great Depression, he attended school, while working to help support his family. His older brothers were called to serve during World War II, and as the youngest, Reymundo, stayed at home to support his mother and sisters. When his older brothers returned from war in 1945, two of them were gravely injured and another relocated to Oregon, leaving Reymundo as the primary breadwinner of his family. prgtoken While he was 17 years old, Reymundo attended San Felipe High School and attended class as often as he could, while providing for his family. He would routinely travel with his mother to the Santa Clara Valley to work in the orchards and fields. This continued until 1950, when Reymundo was inducted into the U.S. Army, before he could receive his high school diploma. He then served in combat in the Korean War, until he was honorably discharged. Reymundo and his brothers were not citizens when they fought for our country and proudly became U.S. citizens for their combat and military service. prgtoken When Reymundo returned from the U.S. Army, he relocated with his mother to San Jose, California in pursuit of a better life. In 1954, he married Adelaida Macias and raised six children. As a young husband and father, Reymundo resumed and continued his education at night, while working day jobs as a laborer. In the evenings, he worked to improve his English while also studying chemistry and metallurgy in night school. prgtoken In the 1960s, Reymundo worked in the burgeoning electronics and semiconductor industry. Despite having no formal degree or diploma, he was recognized by the National Semiconductor Corporation as a co- inventor of processes and methods for electro-plating computer chips during the early stages of the Silicon Valley computer industry. prgtoken After his retirement in 1992, Reymundo has devoted his time to the betterment of his family and community. He has volunteered at the local public schools and also helped establish the McLaughlin Corridor Neighborhood Association, as one of their founders. prgtoken An extraordinary role model, he taught his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, the importance of education and selfless service to others. Now his family includes teachers, law enforcement officers, active and retired military, as well as other public servants. prgtoken Reymundo always had the regret that he had not received his high school diploma. However, this year on November 11, he was recognized as a 2019 graduate of Del Rio High School and received his diploma, 69 years after he joined the U.S. Army and a month before his 90th birthday. prgtoken I wish to congratulate Mr
REMEMBERING WT2c CARL ELLIS BARNES, PALAWAN MASSACRE
TJ Cox (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-12-16

. Madam , today, I ask my colleagues to pause in memory of 139 soldiers, airmen, Marines, and sailors who perished 75 years ago this month. On December 14, 1944, in the midst of World War II, on the Philippines island of Palawan they were massacred as prisoners of war (POWs). They had just completed building a Japanese airfield that is used today as the Antonio Bautista Air Base, an important anchor of the U.S.-Philippines alliance. prgtoken One of the men murdered, Water Tender 2C Carl Ellis Barnes, hailed from the Central Valley in California. He had arrived in the Philippines from China aboard the Yangtze River gunboat USS Ohau (PR-6) days before Japan attacked Pearl Harbor and the Philippines. During the next five months of combat, the warship operated in and around Manila Bay on inshore patrol. Barnes became a POW on May 6, 1942 when the island fortress of Corregidor was surrendered. prgtoken In August 1942, he was taken to Palawan Island on the Sulu Sea with over 300 POWs, most of whom had survived the infamous Bataan Death March. The POWs were tasked with building an airfield for the Imperial Japanese Army. They endured arduous manual labor while being starved, denied medical care, and routinely and capriciously beaten. By December 1944, only 150 POWs were still held on the island and American forces were beginning to liberate the Philippines. prgtoken At noon on December 14, 1944, the POWs were sent to their recently constructed air raid trenches. Quickly, the Japanese troops doused them with buckets of airplane fuel and set them afire with flaming torches, followed by hand grenades and machine gun fire. Miraculously, 11 men escaped to the sea and were rescued by Filipino guerrillas. prgtoken Thus, today we remember these brave souls who labored and perished so far from home. The airfield they built is one of the sites of our Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with the Philippines that helps bind our historic alliance with the Philippines. WT2c Barnes is buried in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, Missouri with most of his fellow POWs from the Palawan Massacre. Never Forgotten.